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The castles in Denmark are endless, and endlessly beautiful!
Denmark hosts some of Europe’s most magnificent castles and palaces, each one with its own history and beautiful architecture. From fairy-tale castles far out in the countryside to stunning city palaces housing the crown jewels, the castles in Denmark are one of our favorite recommendations for anyone planning a trip to the country. That’s why we also featured them in our last guide to Copenhagen.
Whether you’re specifically planning a Denmark castle tour or just looking for a day trip from Copenhagen, here are our five top picks. Several of them are located in Copenhagen itself, and all but one are near the capital city, so that you can easily weave a castle visit into your Denmark trip. Although, of course, there are many other Danish royal castles to choose from all over the country that give you great insight into the country’s history.
What’s the difference between a castle and a palace?
You may be wondering: what’s the difference between a castle and a palace? Well, that’s a good question! In short, medieval castles in Denmark were primarily built for defense, featuring thick walls, moats, and strategic locations to protect against enemies.
Danish palaces, on the other hand, evolved later as symbols of wealth, power, and refined living, and were often built during times of peace and prosperity. Many of Denmark’s historic castles began as defensive fortresses but later became palaces as the need for military protection decreased.
Frederiksborg Castle (Hillerød)
Probably the most beautiful of all castles in Denmark, Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød stands as a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Built by Kong Christian IV in the early 17th century, this incredible Danish Renaissance castle now houses the Museum of National History, showcasing 500 years of Danish history through portraits, paintings, and artifacts. There, you can explore the Great Hall, the church where Danish monarchs were crowned for nearly 200 years, and the beautifully designed gardens.
Frederiksborg Castle is particularly magical during spring when the castle gardens burst into bloom, but it isn’t too shabby in the winter, either, when the castle’s red brick towers and copper spires stand out against the frozen landscape. The castle’s location, less than an hour’s travel north of Copenhagen, makes it perfect for a day trip.
Egeskov Castle (Fyn)
You may not know this, but Egeskov Castle is one of Europe’s best-preserved Renaissance water castles. Built in 1554, they constructed this medieval Danish castle on oak piles driven into the lake, hence the name Egeskov, or “oak forest”.
The castle’s defensive features remain intact, including the original drawbridge mechanism and murder holes, making it an excellent example of Danish fortress architecture.
What makes Egeskov special among Denmark’s historic castles is its incredible preservation and the diverse attractions surrounding it. Beyond the castle’s ornate rooms, you can explore vintage car museums, a treetop walk, and even a Segway course.
The surrounding Egeskov Castle gardens have other attractions, featuring everything from a maze to a herb garden. We still remember stumbling around lost in the maze here when we were kids – so much fun! This is a very family-friendly castle to visit because it combines history with fun for the whole family, no matter how young or old.
Rosenborg Castle (Copenhagen)
In the heart of Copenhagen, Rosenborg Castle offers visitors a glimpse into 400 years of Danish royal history. Built as a summer residence by the prolific builder-king Christian IV, this Copenhagen castle has remained virtually unchanged since the 1600s.
The castle houses the Danish Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia in its basement treasury, including the stunning Crown of Christian IV and the Crown of the Absolute Monarchs. The upper floors showcase royal apartments with original furniture, tapestries, and personal belongings of Danish monarchs, giving you a taste of Danish royal history.
Rosenborg Castle gardens (Kongens Have) are Copenhagen’s oldest royal garden and remain a beloved gathering place for locals and tourists alike. During summer, the gardens provide the perfect setting for picnics and sunbathing on the (occasional) sunny summer day.
Christiansborg Palace (Copenhagen)
Christiansborg Palace holds the unique distinction of being the only building in the world that houses all three branches of government – the Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court – while also serving as a royal residence for official functions. This makes it not just one of the most important Danish government buildings, but also a working royal palace in Denmark.
The current palace, the fourth to stand on this site, showcases magnificent neoclassical architecture and houses the Royal Reception Rooms, which the Royal Family and government use for state banquets and official ceremonies.
The palace’s tower offers one of Copenhagen’s best panoramic views, providing visitors with spectacular vistas across the Danish capital and its many spires. And best of all, it’s free!
Amalienborg Palace (Copenhagen)
Amalienborg Palace serves as one of the residences of the Danish Royal Family, where they still sometimes entertain and welcome guests.
This Danish royal residence consists of four identical palaces arranged around a courtyard. Two of the four palaces are open to the public: the Amalienborg Museum showcases royal apartments and the history of the Danish monarchy from 1863 to the present, while Christian VII’s Palace displays reconstructed 18th-century royal chambers.
Tourists especially love the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony at noon, especially when the Queen is in residence (indicated by the flying of the royal flag above the palace). The colorful ceremony features the Royal Life Guards in their distinctive bearskin hats, having marched all the way from their barracks in Rosenborg Castle.
From Amalienborg’s courtyard, you can walk directly down to the water and see the beautiful Opera House, as well as continue up or down along the water to see other attractions (Nyhavn and the Little Mermaid, for example).
Are there any other castles in Denmark that we forgot? Let us know in the comments!
There are, of course, many other historic Danish castles and palaces scattered across the country, including Kronborg Castle in Helsingør (Shakespeare’s Elsinore) and Fredensborg Palace, the royal family’s spring and autumn residence.
Have we forgotten one of your favorites? Let us know down below! There are many more castles for us to explore, but hopefully these five give you a small taste of what’s out there. Thanks for reading!
To learn more about visiting these castles, check out the Royal Danish Collection website: https://denkongeligesamling.dk/en/ – you can book tickets and view opening hours there.
