The King's Garden (Kongens Have)
Denmark's oldest royal garden where four centuries of heritage meet everyday Copenhagen life.
Denmark's oldest and most visited public park, established in 1606 by King Christian IV, The King's Garden spans 12 hectares of manicured lawns, Renaissance-style flowerbeds, and tree-lined avenues in the heart of Copenhagen. Home to the magnificent Rosenborg Castle—which houses the Danish Crown Jewels—the garden seamlessly blends four centuries of royal heritage with modern urban life, welcoming approximately 2.5 million visitors annually for picnics, strolls, cultural events, and leisurely afternoons beneath ancient trees.
A brief summary to The King's Garden
- Øster Voldgade 4A, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1307, DK
- +4533954200
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 7 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-5 pm
- Thursday 7 am-5 pm
- Friday 7 am-5 pm
- Saturday 7 am-5 pm
- Sunday 7 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to experience the garden in peaceful solitude before or after peak tourist hours. The soft light at these times enhances photography and creates a contemplative atmosphere.
- Bring a picnic from a nearby supermarket rather than relying on limited café options. The expansive lawns provide perfect picnic spots, and this allows flexibility to spend hours exploring at your own pace.
- Plan at least 2–3 hours if visiting Rosenborg Castle, as the interiors and Crown Jewels vault require dedicated time. Arrive when the castle opens to minimize queuing and secure an earlier timed entry slot.
- Walk the Knight's Path and Lady's Path for the most historically significant and photogenic routes through the garden. These diagonal avenues showcase the garden's Baroque design and offer framed views of the castle.
- Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed. The garden's open spaces make it a pleasant destination for dog owners, though always respect other visitors and park regulations.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro + Walking
Take the Copenhagen Metro (Lines M1 or M2) to Nørreport Station, approximately 5–8 minutes from central Copenhagen. Exit and follow signs toward the castle; the garden entrance is a 3–5 minute walk from the station. This is the fastest and most convenient option, with trains running every 3–6 minutes during peak hours. Cost: approximately DKK 24 (€3.20) for a single ticket within central zones.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen is highly bike-friendly; rent a bicycle from numerous rental shops throughout the city (typically DKK 60–100 per day, €8–13). The garden is accessible via flat, well-marked cycle paths from most central areas. Journey time varies from 10–20 minutes depending on starting point. Bike parking is available near the garden entrance.
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Walking from City Center
The garden is within walking distance of central Copenhagen landmarks including Nyhavn, the Roundtower, and Frederiks Church. From Nyhavn, allow approximately 15–20 minutes on foot via Kongens Nytorv and Klareboderne. The route is flat and passes through pleasant neighborhoods, making it an enjoyable approach.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the area around Rosenborg Castle, including routes 5A, 14, and 42. Journey time from central Copenhagen is typically 10–15 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. Cost: approximately DKK 24 (€3.20) for a single ticket. Buses run frequently but are less reliable than metro during peak tourist season.
The King's Garden location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The King's Garden
A Royal Vision Realized in Renaissance Splendor
The King's Garden emerged from the ambitious vision of King Christian IV in 1606, when Denmark's great Renaissance monarch commissioned a pleasure garden to surround his new summer residence, Rosenborg Castle. Originally designed in the formal French Renaissance style with symmetrical layouts and ornamental flowerbeds, the garden was compared to the celebrated Tuileries in Paris. This was a private royal domain, reserved exclusively for the king, his court, and the elite of 17th-century Copenhagen. The garden served not merely as a place of aesthetic beauty but as a working landscape, supplying fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers for the royal household.Transformation Through Baroque Elegance and Public Opening
As fashions evolved, so did the garden's design. By the 1660s, the landscape underwent a dramatic redesign in the Baroque style, introducing an intricate garden maze, long tree-lined avenues, and an octagonal pavilion at its center. The iconic Knight's Path (Kavalergangen) and Lady's Path (Damegangen) were established as diagonal avenues that remain defining features today. However, by the early 18th century, the Danish royal family shifted their residence to other palaces, and the garden's fate changed forever. Around 1770, the gates opened to the public, transforming a private royal retreat into a cherished civic space that has welcomed Copenhageners and visitors for nearly 250 years.Horticultural Masterpiece and Living Heritage
Today, the King's Garden encompasses 12 hectares of meticulously maintained landscapes that balance intimate formal gardens with expansive greenswards. The garden is renowned for Northern Europe's longest herbaceous border—a spectacular 240-meter mixed border inspired by English flower gardens, which displays stunning blooms from early spring through autumn. The Hercules Pavilion, a 17th-century structure refurbished as a café and cultural venue, anchors the garden's social life and has served countless roles throughout its history, from hermitage to concert venue. In 2001, the Krumspringet—a contemporary Renaissance-style garden featuring roses, espaliers, and a pavilion—was completed as a modern interpretation of the historical maze, honoring the garden's layered past while celebrating its present.Rosenborg Castle: Jewel Within the Garden
At the heart of the King's Garden stands Rosenborg Castle, a fairy-tale Renaissance palace that has evolved from royal residence to national treasure. The castle now functions as a museum housing 400 years of Danish royal splendor, including the nation's Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia displayed in a vault beneath the building. The castle's interiors showcase royal art treasures and artifacts spanning centuries of Danish monarchy. Visitors can explore the castle's rooms while enjoying views across the garden's formal parterre gardens and expansive lawns, creating an immersive experience that connects architecture, history, and landscape.A Living Chapter of Copenhagen's Modern Life
The King's Garden has become far more than a historical monument—it is a vibrant public space where approximately 2.5 to 3 million people annually experience Copenhagen like locals. On any given day, families picnic on the lawns, students study beneath ancient trees, artists sketch the pavilions, and couples stroll the tree-lined avenues. Children play in shaded playgrounds while art lovers admire sculptures scattered throughout the grounds. The garden hosts cultural events, outdoor festivals, and celebrations that animate the space with contemporary life. This seamless integration of royal heritage and everyday urban activity makes the King's Garden uniquely reflective of Copenhagen's character—a city that honors its past while embracing the present.Seasonal Beauty and Timeless Design
The garden's design retains much of its original structure despite centuries of evolution, with restoration efforts since the 1960s carefully reintroducing lost Renaissance elements. The Long Canal (Den Lange Kanal) runs through the garden, providing a sense of calm reflection that contrasts with the formal parterre gardens near the castle. Spring brings a spectacular display of crocuses across the greensward, while summer transforms the space into a lush oasis of green lawns and blooming flowerbeds. The tree-lined avenues provide natural corridors of shade and beauty throughout the year, making the garden an inviting destination in every season.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.5 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Varehuset Messen
0.5 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
St. Paul's Church
0.5 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Fiolstræde 42
0.6 km
Historic observatory blending astronomy, science education, and star-gazing experiences in a tranquil woodland setting just outside Aarhus' vibrant city center.
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
0.6 km
Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.7 km
Copenhagen's ornate Russian Orthodox gem with gilded domes and royal heritage near Amalienborg Palace.
Memorial Anchor
0.7 km
A historic anchor monument honoring Danish WWII sailors, set at the heart of scenic Nyhavn, blending maritime history with Copenhagen’s lively canal atmosphere.
Stork Fountain
0.7 km
A trio of bronze storks, royal history and everyday city life meet at this elegant fountain in Copenhagen’s Amagertorv square on the Strøget pedestrian street.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.7 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Amagertorv
0.7 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
Strøget
0.8 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Højbro Pl.
0.8 km
Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Højbro Plads
0.8 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Jorcks Passage
0.8 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.8 km
Immerse yourself in the splendor and stories of Denmark’s monarchy at Amalienborg Palace Museum, where royal tradition and personal history come alive.
Unmissable attractions to see
Rosenborg Castle
0.2 km
Discover Rosenborg Castle—Copenhagen’s Renaissance jewel—home to Denmark’s royal regalia, opulent halls, and centuries of captivating royal history in scenic gardens.
The David Collection
0.2 km
Scandinavia's premier Islamic art museum, housed in a historic townhouse with free admission year-round.
Museum of Natural History
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s national museum for nature, where meteorites, minerals and living gardens connect deep time with the city’s green heart beside the Botanical Garden.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
0.4 km
Denmark’s national gallery, uniting seven centuries of art, a world-class Matisse collection and a luminous modern wing beside Østre Anlæg park in central Copenhagen.
Botanical Garden
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's royal heritage at Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels and set amidst the historic King's Garden in Copenhagen.
Pub Crawl Copenhagen
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Sankt Hans Torv, Nørrebro's lively public square.
Kultorvet
0.5 km
Historic coal market turned buzzing pedestrian square, where colourful façades, cafés and a modern fountain stage capture everyday Copenhagen life.
The Danish Natural History Museum
0.5 km
University-based museum of geology, zoology, and botany set beside Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden, linking scientific collections with the living world outside.
Skaal
0.5 km
A visionary concert hall in Copenhagen, DR Koncerthuset fuses world-class acoustics, avant-garde architecture, and a rich tapestry of live music experiences.
The Round Tower
0.5 km
Experience the living history and regal elegance of Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen’s iconic royal residence at the heart of Danish tradition and culture.
Nyboder
0.5 km
Historic naval home preserving four centuries of Danish maritime family life in a single yellow row house.
Indre By
0.6 km
A storied sanctuary in Nørrebro, Assistens Cemetery blends tranquil nature, remarkable history, and the celebrated graves of Danish luminaries.
Workers Museum
0.6 km
Step into Copenhagen’s historic Workers’ Assembly Hall and trace 150 years of working-class life, from cramped attic flats and factory floors to activism, cafés and children’s play.
Balderdash
0.6 km
Strikingly designed by Jean Nouvel, Copenhagen’s DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and a dynamic program of classical, jazz, and international concerts.
Guinness World Records Museum
0.6 km
Explore the extraordinary limits of human achievement in Scandinavia's premier world records museum.
Essential places to dine
Alouette
0.3 km
One‑Michelin‑star Green Star dining in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, where hyper‑seasonal Nordic tasting menus meet quietly striking design by the King’s Garden.
Restaurant Schønnemann
0.4 km
Experience authentic Danish smørrebrød and century-old culinary tradition at Restaurant Schønnemann, a historic Copenhagen institution renowned for its iconic lunch culture.
Kokkeriet
0.4 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.4 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.5 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Restaurant Vita
0.5 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Restaurant Rebel
0.5 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Den Lille Fede
0.5 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Frank
0.5 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
l’Alsace
0.5 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Bistro Royal
0.5 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Goldfinch
0.6 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Aoc
0.6 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Marchal
0.6 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Selma
0.6 km
Modern Nordic smørrebrød and craft beers in a cozy Copenhagen corner, where a Swedish chef turns the classic open sandwich into refined, Bib Gourmand–worthy plates.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.3 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.4 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Storm - design art fashion
0.4 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Norse Projects
0.5 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Souvenir Gifts shop
0.5 km
Classic Copenhagen souvenirs in a compact, central shop on historic Købmagergade, perfect for last‑minute gifts and easy-to-pack mementos from the Danish capital.
Fjällräven
0.5 km
A compact Fjällräven brand shop on historic Kultorvet, pairing Scandinavian outdoor design with expert gear advice in the heart of Copenhagen’s old town.
Norse Store
0.5 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
The Wilde Shop
0.5 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Time's Up Vintage
0.6 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Another nué
0.6 km
A calm, curated Copenhagen fashion boutique where Scandinavian minimalism meets historic Krystalgade in a protected Neoclassical townhouse.
Studio Arhoj
0.6 km
A working Copenhagen design studio where shelves of colorful ceramics and glass meet the sights, sounds and warmth of craft being made in real time.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.6 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.6 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Viking Souvenirs
0.6 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
ILLUM
0.6 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Trykbar
0.3 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
Gejser Bar
0.4 km
Intimate Indre By cocktail bar where Danish-inspired drinks, Mediterranean small plates and warm, living-room style design create a refined yet relaxed evening stop.
The Moose
0.5 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.5 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Black Swan
0.5 km
Cosy Indre By craft beer bar with rotating taps, quality ciders and spirits, and a relaxed neighbourhood vibe under the banner of “no crap on tap.”
Charlie's Bar
0.5 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bar Deco
0.5 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, serving imaginative signature drinks in a low-lit, refined yet relaxed Copenhagen setting.
Bar'Vin
0.5 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
1105
0.6 km
Intimate, low-lit cocktail hideaway in central Copenhagen, where Nordic-inspired creations and a sleek black bar set the stage for sophisticated evening drinks.
Balthazar
0.6 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
Strøm
0.6 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
The Jane
0.6 km
Mad Men–style speakeasy meets late-night dance floor in a warren of hidden rooms, leather sofas and cocktail-fuelled energy beneath central Copenhagen.
Bootleggers
0.6 km
Cosy two‑floor craft beer cellar and speakeasy‑style cocktail bar by Torvehallerne, pouring rotating taps, classic drinks, burgers and bottomless popcorn.
The Globe Irish Pub
0.7 km
Atmospheric Irish pub in central Copenhagen, pouring serious beer and whiskey alongside hearty comfort food, sports screenings and cozy, hygge-tinged corners.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
0.3 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
0.5 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Lusso
0.6 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
Mirage
0.7 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Hive
0.9 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Chateau Motel
0.9 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Rumors
0.9 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
0.9 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
La Terraza
0.9 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Miami Bar
0.9 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Cosy Bar
1.0 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Dorsia
1.0 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Zefside
1.1 km
Intimate cocktail den turned late-night dance spot, Zefside blends crafted drinks, DJ beats and canal-side charm in the heart of central Copenhagen.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
