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Royal palaces in Copenhagen

Explore Copenhagen’s royal palaces, from Amalienborg and Christiansborg to Rosenborg and Frederiksberg. Each has its own history and visitor arrangements.

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Amalienborg

Amalienborg is the winter residence of the Danish royal family. Well, actually the royal palace is not one, but four different palaces flanking a square. The four palaces where built by four noble families in the middle of the 18th century on direct orders by the king Frederik V.

The King needed a new royal palace but he didn't want to pay so the four families were given tax immunity for 40 years as token for their services to the crown. In 1794 the royal family moved into the four palaces around the square which is considered to be one of the great masterpieces of Rococo architecture in Europe, and definitively the best one in Denmark. The statue in the middle of the square was sculptured by the French artist Saly.

The Royal Life Guard’s changing of the guard at Amalienborg is normally at noon. The ceremony and musical accompaniment depend on the royal residence and current arrangements. Check the Royal House’s current guard information for the visit you plan.

Christiansborg

Christiansborg Palace is the most important building in Denmark today. It is the centre of Danish democracy as the seat of the Folketinget (the Danish Parliament), the Supreme Court, the Prime Minister's office, and the Royal Reception Rooms.

Christiansborg is situated in the small Slotsholmen, the Palace Island, and for almost a thousand years this has been the site for parliament and sovereigns ever since the times of Arch Bishop Absalon, in the 12th century. He erected the first palace in Slottsholmen, which stood over 200 years, unitl it was demolished by the Hanseatic cities.

During the centuries to come, kings have been crowned an married in the royal palaces on this site where palaces has been erected, burnt down and erected again. The last fire was in 1884.

The palace of today dates back to the beginning of the 20th century and is built on the ruins of the former royal palaces. Parts of the palace is opened to public.

Fredriksberg

The royal palace of Frederiksberg dates back to 1699 when the crown prince Frederik built himself a smaller summer palace. But when he inherited the throne a few years later, he wanted a grander building.

Said and done: in 1703 the grander palace stood ready. At the same time the road leading up to the palace was laid out as a private road for the royal family and it wasn't until 1862 that the road opened to public.

The king just loved his palace so much that he hardly ever visited Copenhagen, although it was just a few kilometres away.

Frederiksberg Palace stands beside Frederiksberg Gardens. Visitor access to the palace is limited and may require a guided group visit; check the current visitor arrangements before travelling. The gardens offer a separate opportunity for a walk.

Rosenborg

The Rosenborg Park is called the Kongens Have (The King's Garden), a very popular oasis to Copenhageners and visitors.

Rosenborg was built as Christian IV’s Renaissance summer residence in 1606–1634. Today it houses royal collections and the crown jewels. Check the Royal Collection for tickets, exhibitions and visitor access.

Today Rosenborg is right in the centre of the city and opened to public. The main attraction is the crown jewels and the crown regalia which are part of the De Danske Kongers Kronologiske Samlinger (Royal Danish Chronological Collections) including everything from paintings, chinaware to silver.

Frederik X became King of Denmark on 14 January 2024. Queen Margrethe II retains a residence at Amalienborg; her residence should not be confused with the reigning monarch’s title.

Last updated6 October 2026SourceCopenhagen.com