Rosenborg Castle is a Renaissance castle set in the King's Garden in the heart of Copenhagen. Christian IV — the most prolific builder among Danish kings — began it in 1606 as a country summerhouse just outside the city, and had it expanded several times over the following years until it reached its present form in 1624. It was built in the Dutch Renaissance style typical of Danish royal architecture of the period, and its structural planning is associated with the architects Bertel Lange and Hans van Steenwinckel the Younger.
Today the castle is a museum spanning four centuries of royal history. Its most famous treasures lie in the basement: the Danish Crown Jewels and the royal regalia, kept in the castle's treasury. The floors above preserve the royal interiors and display an impressive collection of royal art treasures gathered across four hundred years.
Rosenborg sits within Kongens Have, the King's Garden, which is free and open year-round — many visitors pair the castle with a picnic on its lawns. To get there, take the Metro to Nørreport and walk about ten minutes through the garden. Come in the morning to enjoy the interiors with fewer visitors, or in spring when the garden's flowers are in bloom. Adult admission is 130 DKK, and children under 18 enter free.
A local's tip
Combine with a picnic in King's Garden. The garden is free and open year-round.
Getting there
Metro to Nørreport, then 10 minutes walk through King's Garden.
Best time to visit
Morning for fewer visitors. Spring for the garden flowers.
Accessibility
Limited accessibility due to historic building. Elevator to some floors.
