Koldinghus: Denmark's Last Royal Castle
Explore Koldinghus, Denmark's last royal castle, where centuries of history and modern restoration converge in a captivating museum experience.
Koldinghus, Denmark's last royal castle, stands as a testament to over 750 years of history. From its origins as a 13th-century fortress to its transformation into a Renaissance palace and its rebirth after a devastating fire in 1808, the castle now serves as a museum showcasing Danish heritage, art, and architecture.
A brief summary to Koldinghus
- Koldinghus 1, Kolding, 6000, DK
- +4533186099
- Visit website
Local tips
- Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid waiting times.
- Utilize the lockers near the ticket desk for storing larger bags, as only small bags are permitted inside.
- Visit the Madkælderen restaurant in the castle's cellar for a traditional Danish lunch experience.
- Climb the Great Tower for panoramic views of Kolding and its surroundings.
- Check the museum's calendar for special exhibitions and events during your visit.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From the central bus station in Kolding, it's a brief walk to Koldinghus. The castle is prominently situated atop a hill, making it easily visible as you approach. Public buses frequently stop near the base of the hill, and from there, it's a short uphill walk to the entrance.
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Driving
If you're driving, parking is available in the Stable Yard near the castle. Be aware that parking fees apply, and payment is facilitated through mobile apps. The castle is well-signposted from major roads leading into Kolding, guiding you directly to the parking area.
Discover more about Koldinghus
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Saint Nicolas Church
0.2 km
Kolding’s oldest church, where medieval roots, Renaissance artistry, and daily parish life meet under a red-brick neo‑Gothic tower.
Borchs Gård
0.2 km
A vividly painted Renaissance townhouse from 1595, Borchs Gård brings Kolding’s mercantile past to life on the edge of lively Akseltorv square.
Milling Hotel Saxildhus
0.4 km
Neo-Gothic English church set by Copenhagen’s Churchill Park and Kastellet, famed for its stained-glass windows, flint architecture, and tranquil atmosphere.
Kolding St.
0.5 km
The compact rail and bus hub that delivers you straight into Kolding’s mix of castle-topped history, cobbled streets and fjord-side modern design.
Villa Gertrud - Bed & Breakfast
0.6 km
St Alban’s Church is Copenhagen’s only Anglican church—an elegant Neo-Gothic landmark in Churchill Park, celebrated for its English architectural charm and tranquil location.
Saint Michaels Church
0.8 km
A modest 19th-century Catholic red-brick church in central Kolding, offering quiet reflection, intimate architecture and a glimpse of Denmark’s Catholic life.
Fredericia Vold
19.7 km
Northern Europe's best-preserved fortress ramparts, where 370 years of Danish military history meets urban parkland.
Troldborg Ring
22.4 km
Iron Age refuge fortress on a wooded hilltop, where grassy ramparts, “Devil’s Valley” slopes and wide views over Vejle Ådal bring deep Danish history to life.
Vejle Vindmølle
23.4 km
Historic windmill turned art gallery with panoramic city views and rotating contemporary exhibitions.
VisitVejle
24.2 km
Explore Andelstrappen and Fortællegyngestolen in Odense: A fusion of nature's beauty and rich literary heritage.
The Midgård Well
24.5 km
A coiled Norse serpent, a quiet city fountain and a whole mythic world wrapped into one small corner of central Vejle.
Sønderjylland Archaeology Museum
26.4 km
Discover ancient artefacts and hidden history at Sønderjylland Archaeology Museum in Haderslev—a fascinating window into Denmark's past from the Stone Age to Vikings.
Tirsbæk Gods
26.7 km
Experience Tirsbæk Gods, an enchanting Renaissance estate on Vejle Fjord offering historic architecture, idyllic gardens, and immersive events in Denmark’s scenic countryside.
Træskohage fyr
27.1 km
An awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral at the heart of Odense, steeped in royal history as Denmark’s only sainted king’s final resting place.
Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
29.7 km
Experience contemporary art in Vejle's historic 1950s vending machine gallery.
Unmissable attractions to see
Castle Garden
0.1 km
A tranquil belt of lawns, trees and lake reflections wrapped around Koldinghus, where everyday life and 750 years of castle history share the same green hillside.
Galleri Pagter
0.1 km
Intimate gallery in the heart of Kolding showcasing distinctive Danish ceramics and graphic art in a calm, carefully curated setting.
The Spanish stairs
0.2 km
A broad, tile-clad staircase with Lin Utzon’s art, the Spanish Stairs link Kolding’s old streets to its castle hill in a gently Mediterranean-feeling urban pause.
Slotssøen
0.2 km
A small castle lake with big atmosphere, Slotssøen pairs medieval walls, swans and leafy paths to create Kolding’s most quietly evocative waterside walk.
Anne Marie Carl Nielsen
0.2 km
Intimate bronze tribute to Denmark’s trailblazing female sculptor, quietly anchoring Kolding’s central square amid markets, daily life and shifting Jutland light.
Stable Yard
0.2 km
Historic whitewashed stables turned city museum, where royal horses, design heritage and Denmark’s only preserved Gestapo cell share one atmospheric courtyard.
The Passage
0.3 km
Encounter the legacy of pioneering sculptor Anne Marie Carl Nielsen through this evocative public artwork in the vibrant central square of Kolding.
Helligkorsgade 18
0.3 km
A beloved, free-entry family park in central Kolding featuring creative playgrounds, lakeside pedal boats, mini-golf, picnic spots, and open-air relaxation for all ages.
Springvandet ved slotssøbadet
0.3 km
Et moderne springvand på Slotsøens overflade, hvor vandsøjler, borgsilhuet og byliv mødes i et kort, gratis åndehul midt i Koldings historiske hjerte.
Søpromenaden
0.3 km
A modest lakeside ribbon where central Kolding slows down, Søpromenaden offers a quiet urban waterside walk, everyday greenery, and simple benches by the shore.
Borgerhaven
0.3 km
A small 1930s garden tucked behind historic walls, where flowers, old brickwork and a cannonball in the gable tell Kolding’s story in a single quiet courtyard.
St George's Garden
0.4 km
A modest neighbourhood park in Kolding, St George’s Garden offers simple lawns, trees and local life – a quiet pause between the town’s grander green spaces.
Dansende Blomster og Mindetavlerne
0.5 km
Walk through Kolding's industrial heritage on an open-air art route celebrating the city's forgotten craftspeople and visionaries.
Vifdam park
0.5 km
A compact lakeside neighbourhood park in Kolding, where an artificial lake, play areas and quiet paths turn a dense residential quarter into an easy everyday escape.
Little Kolding Å Park
0.5 km
A small, quiet green pocket along Kolding Å where river, trees and town meet, perfect for a brief pause, a dog walk or a gentle riverside stroll.
Essential places to dine
Madkælderen Koldinghus
0.0 km
Seasonal Danish cuisine and candlelit cellar ambience beneath the vaulted stone of Koldinghus, where modern gourmet dining meets centuries of royal castle history.
Restaurant Valdemar
0.1 km
Family-run brasserie in Kolding’s historic centre, serving hearty Danish smørrebrød by day and modern European dishes by night beside the town square.
Atami Sushi Restaurant
0.1 km
All‑you‑can‑eat sushi with tablet ordering and robot service in the heart of Kolding’s Akseltorv, blending modern Japanese flavours with a casual Danish city vibe.
Skagen Fiskerestaurant Kolding
0.1 km
Fresh fish and shellfish with a Skagen harbour feel, served in a bright, maritime restaurant on Kolding’s historic Akseltorv market square.
Cliff food bike
0.1 km
Compact soul-food kitchen born from a roaming food bike, serving bold, comforting flavours in Kolding’s historic centre just steps from Koldinghus castle.
Madkassen
0.2 km
Hearty pizzas, grill favorites and ice cream in the heart of Kolding, a casual local spot that fuels busy days and late nights in the city center.
Kolding food
0.2 km
Central Kolding shawarma spot serving generous grill plates, durum rolls and box meals, ideal for a quick, filling bite between shops or after a night out.
Hr & Fru Paps Vin & Tapas
0.2 km
Intimate Kolding wine bar and tapas hideaway serving Iberian-inspired small plates, candlelit atmosphere and conversational evenings in historic Låsbygade.
Flip The Burger
0.2 km
Small, central Kolding burger joint turning out big-flavor smashed patties, hand-cut fries and easygoing dinners just steps from the main square.
Restaurant Johansens
0.2 km
Refined Danish smørrebrød and modern Nordic plates in an intimate, candlelit dining room at the heart of Kolding’s historic center.
Le Restaurant Kolding
0.2 km
Casual Asian fusion dining in central Kolding, open daily with sushi, burgers, and meat specialties.
Xin Chào Vietnamese Restaurant
0.2 km
Compact, central and casually modern, Xin Chào brings steaming pho, crisp dumplings and fresh Vietnamese flavours to Kolding’s historic Slotsgade every evening.
Kål&co
0.2 km
Bright, veggie-forward café on Kolding’s Slotsgade, turning seasonal greens into hearty salad bowls, pitas and panini in a relaxed, modern setting.
Rafaels Restaurant
0.2 km
Cosy Italian restaurant on Kolding’s historic Slotsgade, serving generous pizzas, pastas and classic dishes in a warm, lively setting ideal for dinners and celebrations.
Vinbaren Kolding
0.2 km
Discover the perfect blend of fine wines and tantalizing tapas at Vinbaren Kolding - your cozy retreat in Denmark.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Michella´s Frugt og Grønt v/Mahmoud Aldherej
0.1 km
Compact, colourful greengrocer in central Kolding, perfect for fresh fruit, vegetables and picnic supplies between explorations of the city’s historic streets.
Store No 1b ApS
0.2 km
Boutique fashion in the heart of Kolding's charming pedestrian shopping district.
Gundtoft KOLDING CITY
0.2 km
Elegant women's fashion in Kolding's design-forward city centre, featuring curated Danish and international brands.
Femina Tønder ApS
0.2 km
A central Kolding women’s clothing shop offering practical, Scandinavian-inspired everyday fashion in a compact, easy-to-browse high-street space.
Bog & idé Kolding City
0.2 km
Central Kolding’s one-stop book and gift shop, combining Danish reads, games, stationery, hobby items and handy photo services in a bright, well-organised space.
Janne K Kolding
0.2 km
Contemporary fashion boutique offering seasonal clothing and accessories in central Kolding.
byHANSEN
0.2 km
A refined neighborhood florist in central Kolding, specializing in crafted bouquets, seasonal arrangements and thoughtful floral design for life’s big and small moments.
Lykke's Guld & Sølv
0.2 km
Longstanding Kolding jeweler on Jernbanegade, blending classic Danish craftsmanship, in-house repairs and a wide range of jewelry and watches for everyday and special occasions.
Rituals
0.2 km
A softly lit Rituals boutique on Østergade in Kolding, where serene design, layered scents and thoughtful gift sets turn everyday routines into small indulgent rituals.
Kul og Koks
0.3 km
Intimate Kolding menswear boutique pairing Scandinavian simplicity with curated, ready-to-wear outfits for everyday life and special occasions.
HARRESØ
0.3 km
An intimate Kolding concept store where Scandinavian minimalism meets international menswear, blending gallery-like interiors with a sharply curated selection of designer brands.
Filurfifi
0.3 km
A cosy Kolding design boutique filled with playful ceramics, Nordic home décor and character-inspired gifts for women, children and the home.
Red Barnet genbrugsbutik
0.3 km
Compact, community-driven second-hand shop in central Kolding where bargain hunting, sustainability and support for Save the Children come together under one roof.
Kop & Kande Kolding C
0.3 km
Central Kolding’s cosy homeware and gift shop, where practical Danish kitchen design, glassware and tableware meet easy browsing on lively Helligkorsgade.
Only
0.3 km
Compact, trend-focused ONLY store in central Kolding, offering accessible Scandinavian women’s fashion, strong on denim and everyday outfits for quick wardrobe updates.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Rabalder Bar Kolding
0.2 km
Small, loud and laid-back, Rabalder Bar Kolding delivers sing-along hits, cheeky drink deals and late-night energy in a compact, central Kolding setting.
The Old Irish pub
0.2 km
Kolding's premier Irish pub with live music, 300-person capacity, and weekend dancing until dawn.
The Cavern
0.2 km
A cozy, low-lit lounge tucked inside Den Engelske Pub, offering intimate drinks, warm conversation and a calm escape from Kolding’s lively weekend nightlife.
Den Engelske Pub - You'll Never Walk Alone
0.3 km
British pub tradition meets Danish warmth in Kolding's heart—craft beer, whisky, and football culture.
8eren
0.3 km
Kolding's premier cocktail bar and pool hall—where drinks, games, and good company meet.
Jernbanecaféen
0.3 km
Straightforward, central Kolding bar by the station, serving inexpensive drinks in a relaxed, lived‑in setting from midday until the early hours.
Vegas Bet & Beer
0.3 km
Straightforward beers, sports on screen and easygoing local banter in a compact bar at the heart of Kolding’s historic centre.
Knuds Garage
0.3 km
Garage‑themed neighborhood bar in central Kolding with affordable drinks, board games, foosball and a cozy courtyard that turns evenings into easygoing social nights.
Domhuset Sportsbar
0.4 km
Straightforward Kolding sports bar with darts, big screens and cold beers in a relaxed pub setting on central Låsbygade.
Kontoret Øl og Vinstue
0.5 km
Atmospheric Kolding bar in a historic townhouse, pouring beer and wine in warmly lit, wood‑paneled rooms that feel like the city’s convivial living room.
Jazz 6000
0.6 km
Intimate jazz stronghold in Kolding, presenting adventurous live concerts and collaborations that bring Danish jazz up close in a relaxed club atmosphere.
Papegøjen
0.7 km
A no-frills corner bodega in central Kolding where cold beer, card games and easy conversation keep the classic Danish pub culture very much alive.
Drop-inn ( 75 50 34 92 )
0.7 km
Unpretentious Kolding bodega in a former girls’ school, serving cold beer, nostalgic “mormor” music and everyday hygge in a cosy red-brick corner bar.
Snapstinget
1.4 km
One of Kolding’s oldest pubs, Snapstinget pairs ice-cold beer with billiards, darts and a warmly local atmosphere on a quiet street off the city’s sports grounds.
Daddys's Pub
1.4 km
Cosy neighborhood pub on Tvedvej in Kolding, serving cold beers, bar‑side conversation and a generous dose of everyday Danish hygge from late morning into the evening.
