Visiting Copenhagen? The heart of the Danish capital has a lovely surprise in store for you: Rosenborg Castle!
Are you a history buff visiting Denmark’s capital? A visit to Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen will allow you to retrace the history of Danish sovereigns. In addition to a sumptuous setting, nicknamed the Rose because of its color, you’ll discover a collection of precious crown objects. Thrones of Danish kings and queens, Crown Jewels, the State Sword of Christian III… The castle museum houses treasures well worth a visit.
From history to opening hours and prices, we’re off to Copenhagen! Here’s everything you need to know about Rosenborg Castle!
History of Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen
The story of Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen begins in 1606. The King of Norway and Denmark, Christian IV of Denmark, purchased land in the Danish capital. His aim? To create a pleasure garden and build a summer house. Work began as early as 1613. In 1616, a wing was added to the north of the house, followed by a third floor and three towers. In the years that followed, Hans van Steenwinckel, the King’s architect, built a new tower. Installed on the castle’s eastern facade, it completed the work. In 1634, the pavilion became Rosenborg Castle.
Some time later, until 1710, Rosenborg Castle served as the Danish royal residence. It was succeeded by the more spacious Fredensborg Castle. It wasn’t until 1833 that Rosenborg was transformed into a residence for the Crown collections by King Frederick VI of Denmark. Today, Rosenberg Castle is state property and has been open to the public since 1838.
What to see and do at Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen?
The royal collections
The château comprises a basement, first floor and two upper floors.
– The basement houses many treasures of the royal family! Collections of handicrafts rub shoulders with portraits. Weapons and wine barrels enrich the castle’s heritage. There are even more precious items, such as Christian III’s State Sword and the Crown Jewels.
– The first floor is essentially dedicated to King Christian IV. It houses the winter bedroom, the writing room, the bedroom and the toilet. There is also the dark room, the garden room, the marble room, Christian V’s room, the stone corridor and the stair turret.
– On the second floor, you’ll discover the study of Frederik IV, as well as the princess’s bedroom and the superb room known as La Rose. The tour continues with the rooms of Christian VII, Frederik VI and the Bronze Room, among others.
– The second floor is the most eye-catching. Make your way to the Long Hall or Knights’ Hall. Originally intended as a ballroom, it houses the thrones of absolutist kings and queens. This is also where the three lion statues stand guard! Finally, this floor is also home to the majestic glass cabinet, the porcelain cabinet and the Regalia room.
Castle architecture
Even before you enter Rosenborg Castle, you’ll be amazed by the architecture on the outside! In fact, the palace’s red brickwork and tall, imposing towers will take you by surprise from the moment you arrive. The castle was designed in the Flemish-Dutch Renaissance style typical of Danish buildings of the period. It was designed by the two architects Bertel Lange and Hans van Steenwinckel. Inside, some rooms are decorated with magnificent tapestries and impressive ceiling moldings. Another special feature of the château is its luminosity, since most of it, with the exception of a few rooms, is lit by natural light.
The exterior and the king’s garden
Finish your visit in the king’s vast garden, Kongens Have Park, where you can relax and admire the castle from the outside.
Fancy a gourmet break? Then head to the other side of the château! The garden café awaits you, with its tasty dishes and snacks! You can also bring your own meal and enjoy lunch at one of the outdoor tables close to the café.
And don’t miss the lovely rose garden right in front of the château!
How do I get to Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen?
Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen is located in the King’s Gardens, 200 meters from Nørreport station. Situated in the heart of the Danish capital, it’s easily accessible by public transport:
- By train: S-Trains, metro or regional trains to Nørreport station
- By bus: 14, 42 ,43, 184, 185, 5A, 6A, 173E, 150S or 350S to Nørreport stop
Please note: if you plan to rent a car on site, you can reach the castle museum at the following address: Øster Voldgade 4A, 1350 København, Denmark. Please note, however, that parking in this area can be complicated and relatively expensive!
Rosenborg Castle opening hours & prices
SCHEDULES
Before setting off to discover this castle steeped in history, make sure it’s open at the time of your visit!
Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen is open :
- Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm: January 2 to February 7, February 24 to April 3, November 1 to December 22 and December 31.
- Winter vacations (February): daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Daily from 10am to 4pm: April 4 to May 31, September 1 to October 31 and December 26 to 30.
- Summer (June 1 to August 31): daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Please note: Rosenborg is closed at Christmas (December 23, 24 and 25) and on January 1. To find out when the castle is occasionally closed, visit the castle website!
RATES
Different prices are available to visit Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen:
- Adults: 115 kr. (approx. €15.5)
- Groups (minimum 12 people): 95 kr. or approx. €13 per person
- Students: 75 kr. (approx. €10)
- Free for children aged 0 to 17
Please note: To save time during your visit and choose your entry time, consider buying your tickets online! Please note that it is no longer possible to buy tickets, either on site or online, 20 minutes before the château closes.
GOOD TO KNOW
– A combined ticket for Amalienborg and Rosenborg Castle is available for 160 kr. (approx. €21.50), valid for 36 hours.
– For security reasons, only small handbags are allowed inside the castle. Lockers are available for larger bags (excluding suitcases).
– Strollers and baby carriages are not permitted.
– The basement and first floor are accessible to people with reduced mobility, but access to both floors is by staircase only.
– Pets are not allowed in the château (except guide dogs).
– Photography is permitted, except with a tripod or selfie stick.