Rosenborg Castle

In the middle of Copenhagen’s lush King’s Garden (Kongens Have) stands a red-brick castle that looks like it came straight out of a storybook. This is Rosenborg Castle, a perfectly preserved piece of Danish royal history filled with gilded rooms, tapestries, and the crown jewels of Denmark.

Built in the 1600s by King Christian IV, Rosenborg is a must-see for anyone visiting Copenhagen — whether you're into history, architecture, or just want to walk through rooms where kings once lived.

Rosenborg Castle was originally built as a summer residence in 1606 by King Christian IV, one of Denmark’s most ambitious and influential rulers. It started as a simple country house, but over the years, it grew into a full Renaissance castle with towers, gardens, and an impressive royal collection.

Christian IV loved grandeur, and Rosenborg reflects that. But it wasn’t just about showing off — the king also used the castle as a place of retreat, reflection, and eventually, as his final residence.

🏛️ He died in 1648 in a bedroom inside the castle — a room you can still visit today.

🎟️ What to See Inside Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg is not large, but it’s packed with treasures. The castle is a time capsule of royal life in the 17th and 18th centuries.

🛏️ The Royal Rooms

• King’s Bedroom – See the exact bed where Christian IV died

• Marble Hall – Former banquet hall with a stunning painted ceiling

• Winter Room – Decorated with Dutch tiles and cozy wooden details

• Knight’s Hall – With thrones, coronation chairs, and giant tapestries

👑 The Crown Jewels

• Housed in the basement treasury, these are among the most valuable royal artifacts in Europe

• Includes crowns, swords, and regalia still used during Danish coronations and royal events

• Don’t miss Queen Caroline Amalie’s emerald set — breathtaking

🖼️ Art and Artifacts

• Royal portraits and collections of glassware, weapons, and coins

• Look for Christian IV’s famous blood-stained clothes worn during battle

📸 Photography is allowed (without flash), so bring your camera to capture the beauty.

🌳 King’s Garden – A Park Fit for a Castle

Surrounding Rosenborg is the Kongens Have, or King’s Garden — the oldest royal garden in Denmark and one of the most loved public parks in Copenhagen.

Highlights:

• Manicured lawns, rose gardens, and tree-lined paths

• Perfect for a picnic or rest after your castle visit

• Statue of Hans Christian Andersen at the edge of the garden

• Open year-round and free to enter

🌸 In spring and summer, the garden is full of flowers and locals enjoying the sun.

🗺️ How to Visit Rosenborg Castle

• Location: Øster Voldgade 4A, 1350 Copenhagen

• Nearest metro: Nørreport Station (5-minute walk)

• Opening hours: Usually 10 AM – 4 PM, closed on Mondays (check official site for seasonal changes)

• Entry price: Around 130 DKK (~€17); free for Copenhagen Card holders

🛒 Buy tickets online to avoid waiting, especially during summer and holidays.

🧳 Visitor Tips

• 🕰️ Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially for the crown jewels

• 🎧 Get the audio guide or join a tour for in-depth stories

• 📷 Don’t rush – take time to explore the art, details, and hidden corners

• ☕ Cafe on-site for coffee, sandwiches, and pastries with garden views

• 🎟️ Combo ticket option available with nearby Amalienborg Palace

📚 Fun Historical Facts

• The crown jewels are still worn by the Queen on official occasions, though stored at Rosenborg

• The castle was used as a royal residence until the 1700s, after which it became a museum

• It survived wars and bombings, thanks in part to Denmark's neutrality in many conflicts

• King Christian IV is one of the most beloved figures in Danish history, often called the “architect king”