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The King's Garden: Copenhagen’s Regal Green Sanctuary

Step into Copenhagen’s historic heart at The King’s Garden, Denmark’s oldest park, home to Renaissance history, rose gardens, sculptures, and vibrant city life.

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The King's Garden (Kongens Have) is Denmark's oldest and most beloved public garden, surrounding the Renaissance-era Rosenborg Castle in central Copenhagen. Established in the early 1600s by King Christian IV, this lush urban park blends meticulously sculpted baroque landscapes, rose gardens, tree-lined avenues, and whimsical sculptures, making it a haven for locals and travelers alike. Free to enter year-round, the garden offers a blend of royal history, seasonal blooms, and vibrant city life.

A brief summary to The King's Garden

Local tips

  • Arrive early in spring or summer to experience the gardens at their most colorful and avoid midday crowds.
  • Pack a picnic or grab takeaway from local cafés—open lawns invite lingering with friends or family.
  • Families will find an excellent, modern playground tucked in the southeastern part of the garden.
  • Visit during festival seasons for free concerts, puppet shows, or art installations that bring extra energy to the historic space.
  • Combine your stroll with a tour of Rosenborg Castle to view Denmark’s crown jewels (ticket required for castle interiors).
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Copenhagen’s main rail station or City Hall Square, reach The King’s Garden in roughly 15–20 minutes on foot. The route passes through vibrant shopping streets, with the iconic spires of Rosenborg Castle and lush tree canopies providing an unmistakable landmark as you approach. The garden’s several entrances are all well-signposted. Wheelchair and stroller access is available.

  • Public Transport

    City buses and the Metro serve stops near the garden, with the Nørreport transport hub just to the northwest. Expect a 2–5-minute walk through busy urban squares. Single tickets in the central zone cost around 24–36 DKK (approx. €3.20–4.80). All major lines are accessible and frequently scheduled.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from central Copenhagen’s hotels or attractions typically reaches The King’s Garden in 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic, with fares averaging 75–120 DKK (approx. €10–16). Drop-off and pickup are possible along the park’s perimeter.

  • Driving

    Parking in the vicinity is limited and metered, with municipal rates set at around 39 DKK (approx. €5) per hour. It’s recommended to arrive early for the best chance at a space, especially on weekends or sunny days. No special access fees apply.

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Discover more about The King's Garden

Expansive lawns, blossoming flowerbeds, and a palpable sense of history intertwine in The King’s Garden, locally known as Kongens Have. Tucked in the heart of Copenhagen—but easily accessed from anywhere on Zealand—this regal retreat was fashioned in the early 17th century as part of King Christian IV’s vision for a grand residence steeped in Renaissance flair. Today, it is both a public park and an enduring emblem of the city’s royal heritage. The garden’s emerald expanse unfurls around the stately Rosenborg Castle, whose fairytale turrets rise above the treetops. Paths meander past fragrant roses, intricately designed parterres, and clusters of ancient trees, while the air often carries laughter from picnicking families and the echo of footsteps along gravel walkways. Statues and small fountains are tucked among the greenery, while in the summer months, the lawns transform into a tapestry of sunbathers, festival-goers, and chess players. For architecture enthusiasts, a stroll reveals baroque symmetry and the charmingly preserved Renaissance layout, as well as the whimsical Hercules Pavilion. The garden is especially enchanting in spring and summer, when the flowerbeds burst into color, but the leafy avenues and the castle’s dramatic silhouette offer splendid photo opportunities throughout the year. Children delight in the vibrant playground, while art lovers discover temporary installations and the mythical Lion’s Den sculpture. The King’s Garden also serves as a cultural venue, frequently hosting open-air concerts, theater performances, and Copenhagen’s annual puppet festival. Open from early morning until late evening, the garden is free to access, placing centuries of royal tradition within reach of every curious visitor. Rosenborg Castle itself—home to Denmark’s crown jewels—can be visited for a fee, but the garden’s tranquil ambiance, local buzz, and sweeping history can be savored entirely without charge. With its central location, The King’s Garden provides a quintessential Copenhagen experience: an inviting blend of majesty, local life, and natural beauty.

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