Christiansborg Palace
Denmark's 800-year seat of power where Parliament, courts, and royalty converge in a palace reborn from fire.
Christiansborg Palace stands as Denmark's seat of power for over 800 years, housing the Parliament, Supreme Court, and Ministry of State on the historic Slotsholmen islet in central Copenhagen. Visitors explore opulent Royal Reception Rooms adorned with modern tapestries depicting 1,000 years of Danish history, the ceremonial Throne Room where monarchs are proclaimed, and medieval ruins dating to 1167. The palace represents three architectural eras following two devastating fires, blending Baroque, Neoclassical, and Historicist styles.
A brief summary to Christiansborg Palace
- Prins Jørgens Gård 1, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1218, DK
- +4533926492
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Book tickets online in advance to avoid queues, especially during peak season. Children under 18 enter free but require a ticket. Last entry is at 16:30.
- The Christiansborg Tower offers panoramic views of Copenhagen's inner city and is free to access, though expect long waiting lines during busy hours. Tower hours differ from palace hours (Tuesday–Saturday 11:00–21:00, Sunday 11:00–17:30, closed Mondays).
- The palace may close without notice for state visits, royal events, or parliamentary sessions. Check opening hours on the official website before your visit.
- Combine your visit with the Royal Kitchen tour and medieval ruins exploration—all included in the full-access ticket. The guided tour of the Royal Reception Rooms is complimentary with admission.
- Visit the Palace Chapel, a stunning Neoclassical space with a distinctive dome, and the Royal Stables to experience the full scope of the complex. The small 1740s palace theatre, completely preserved with original atmosphere, offers a glimpse into royal entertainment history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro
From Copenhagen Central Station, take the red or blue metro line toward Vanløse or Vestamager and exit at Gammel Strand station. Journey time is approximately 5–8 minutes. Christiansborg Palace is a 2–3 minute walk from the station. Single journey ticket costs approximately 24 DKK (3.20 EUR).
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Walking
From Nyhavn or the city center, Christiansborg Palace is within 15–20 minutes on foot across the historic bridges and streets of central Copenhagen. The route is flat, well-marked, and passes through pedestrian-friendly areas. No parking required; the palace is car-free accessible.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the area around Slotsholmen. Routes 1A, 2A, 6A, and 15 stop near the palace. Journey time from the city center is 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Single ticket costs approximately 24 DKK (3.20 EUR). Service runs frequently throughout the day.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen's extensive cycle network makes cycling a practical option. Bike rental is widely available throughout the city at approximately 80 DKK (10.70 EUR) per day. The palace is accessible via flat, dedicated cycle lanes. Journey time from central areas is 10–15 minutes. Secure bike parking is available on-site.
Christiansborg Palace location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Christiansborg Palace
Eight Centuries of Power and Resilience
ChristiansborgPalace occupies ground that has served as Denmark's center of power since approximately 1167, when Bishop Absalon, founder of Copenhagen, constructed a fortified castle on Slotsholmen. This medieval fortress stood for over two centuries until its destruction by the Hanseatic League in 1369. The site then hosted Copenhagen Castle, which became the principal residence of Danish kings from the 15th century onward. In 1731, King Christian VI demolished the aging castle to make way for a grand new vision. The first Christiansborg Palace, commissioned by Christian VI and designed by architect Elias David Häusser, rose between 1733 and 1745 in lavish Baroque style. At completion, it was the largest palace in Northern Europe. Tragedy struck in 1794 when fire consumed much of the structure, forcing the royal family to relocate permanently to Amalienborg Palace. A second palace, built in French Empire style by architect Christian Frederik Hansen between 1803 and 1828, also fell victim to flames in 1884. Only King Frederik VII lived in this iteration, between 1852 and 1863.The Modern Palace: Architecture for Democratic Governance
The current Christiansborg Palace, constructed between 1907 and 1928, represents a fundamental shift in purpose. Designed by architect Thorvald Jørgensen in Historicist style blending Baroque and Neoclassical elements, this palace was built to house Denmark's executive, legislative, and judicial branches—making it the only building in the world containing all three governmental powers. The Danish Parliament (Folketinget), Supreme Court, and Ministry of State occupy its halls alongside the Royal Reception Rooms reserved for official royal functions. The palace's architecture deliberately references its predecessors through stylistic echoes, creating a visual narrative of continuity despite the ruptures of fire and reconstruction. The Great Hall, a 40-meter-long gallery, dominates the interior with its overwhelming scale and grandeur. The chapel, reconstructed in 1826 in strict Neoclassical style with a distinctive dome, was consecrated to mark the 1,000th anniversary of Christianity's introduction to Denmark.Royal Rooms and Ceremonial Splendor
The Royal Reception Rooms, located on the first floor's bel étage (beautiful floor), showcase the palace's most spectacular interiors. Visitors ascend the King's Staircase to reach the Tower Room, which displays a series of tapestries with motifs from Danish folk ballads designed by Joakim Skovgaard. The oval Throne Room features twin thrones and serves as the ceremonial heart where foreign ambassadors are received and where the proclamation of Danish monarchs takes place—most recently when HM Frederik X's accession was announced from the balcony in 2024. The Royal Banquet Hall displays three retracted mural paintings depicting Christian VI, Frederik VI, and Christian VIII. The Abildgaard Room preserves three large paintings salvaged from the first palace: portraits of Christian I, Christian III, and Frederik II. The Alexander Room is decorated with Bertel Thorvaldsen's marble frieze, "The Entry of Alexander the Great into Babylon," originally created for the second Christiansborg.The Great Hall's Modern Tapestries: A Thousand Years Woven
The most striking contemporary feature is the Great Hall's seventeen monumental tapestries, designed by Danish artist Bjørn Nørgaard between 1990 and 2000. These colorful, modern works depict over 1,000 years of Danish and world history, replacing traditional historical tapestries with a contemporary artistic vision. The tapestries' bold aesthetics and historical scope create a powerful visual statement about Denmark's place in the broader sweep of human civilization.Layers of History: Medieval Ruins and Royal Stables
Beneath the palace lie 800-year-old ruins accessible to visitors, including medieval walls dating to Bishop Absalon's original 1167 fortress and remnants of subsequent structures. These archaeological layers provide tangible connection to Copenhagen's founding era. The Royal Stables, preserved from earlier palace iterations, showcase the equestrian heritage of Danish royalty. The Palace Chapel, with its Rococo interior designed by Nicolai Eigtved and later Neoclassical reconstruction, remains an active sacred space where royal ceremonies and services continue to take place.A Living Palace: Governance and Ceremony in Balance
ChristiansborgPalace functions as an active governmental and ceremonial center, not a museum frozen in time. The Danish Parliament conducts legislative business within its walls, the Supreme Court administers justice, and the Royal Family uses the reception rooms for state visits, audiences, and official dinners. This dual purpose—simultaneously a working seat of power and a heritage site open to public exploration—distinguishes Christiansborg from purely historical palaces. Visitors walk the same corridors where contemporary political decisions are made and where the monarchy continues to perform its constitutional role.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Frederik VII
0.1 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
The Danish Parliament
0.1 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.1 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Holmens Bro
0.1 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Højbro
0.2 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.4 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
The Stable Boy's House
0.4 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.4 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
National Museum of Denmark
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's rich history and cultural heritage at the National Museum in Copenhagen, home to Viking treasures, Bronze Age relics, and captivating exhibits for all ages.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.5 km
Explore Danish and international architecture, urban development, and design at Copenhagen's premier cultural center, the Danish Architecture Centre, located in the iconic BLOX building.
Nytorv
0.5 km
Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Gråbrødretorv
0.5 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Knippelsbro
0.5 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
Jorcks Passage
0.5 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Circle Bridge
0.5 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Unmissable attractions to see
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.1 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.1 km
Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.1 km
A submerged family of bronze beneath Højbro Bridge brings an old Danish ballad of love, faith and abandonment to life in the heart of historic Copenhagen.
Ved Stranden
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Slotsholmen
0.2 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Bishop Absalon
0.2 km
Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Gammel Strand
0.2 km
A historic Copenhagen harbourfront where Viking-age roots, colourful 18th‑century facades and a contemporary art centre meet beside the city’s central canal.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.2 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.2 km
A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
Church of Holmen
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Højbro Plads
0.2 km
A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
0.2 km
Strikingly modern, immersive, and acoustically exceptional, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for music and architecture lovers.
Højbro Pl.
0.2 km
Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
The War Museum
0.2 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Læderstræde
0.2 km
A cosy Old Town side street where rebuilt 18th‑century townhouses, Danish design boutiques and laid‑back cafés create a calm, human‑scaled alternative to busy Strøget.
Essential places to dine
Marv & Ben
0.2 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Maven
0.3 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Restaurant 1733
0.3 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Kanal-Caféen
0.3 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Restaurant Tight
0.3 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
King Hans Cellar
0.4 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Restaurant Puk
0.4 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.4 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Llama
0.4 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.5 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Restaurant Karla
0.5 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
No. 2
0.5 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Wining and Dining
0.5 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
à terre
0.5 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.2 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.3 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Hygge Original
0.3 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Audrey Vintage
0.3 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.3 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Akimbo
0.3 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
& Other Stories
0.3 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Magnolias
0.3 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
ILLUM
0.4 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Urban Outfitters
0.4 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Magasin du Nord
0.4 km
Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.4 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Duck Haven
0.5 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.5 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.5 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
0.2 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Ruby
0.2 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Godt Øl
0.3 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
The Dubliner
0.3 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Zefside
0.3 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Balderdash
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s candlelit cocktail laboratory in a 1732 townhouse, where hygge, art and daring seasonal drinks turn a quiet side street into an unforgettable night out.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.5 km
Intimate basement cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pairing creative drinks with warm lighting, easygoing music and a sociable late-night city-centre vibe.
Luke's Bar
0.5 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
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.
1105
0.5 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Balthazar
0.5 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.
The Jane
0.5 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Chateau Motel
0.4 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.5 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Club Mambo
0.5 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Lusso
0.5 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.
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.
Mirror
0.6 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.6 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Miami Bar
0.6 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
0.6 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Mini Bar
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
La Terraza
0.7 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
0.8 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.8 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Arch
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.8 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Baroque Aesthetics
- Neoclassical Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
