Rosenborg Palace
Rosenborg Palace is one of the best-preserved Renaissance castles in the world. Some of the rooms in the castle are almost completely as they were when the castle was built in the early 1600s. It contains many treasures and the impressive crown jewels of Denmark are on display in the basement.
The castle was built by King Christian IV between 1606 and 1624. It was used as a summerhouse outside the city by the Danish royal family until around 1710. In 1838 the castle was opened to the public.
The Dutch Renaissance-style castle has beautiful original 17th-century rooms. The Knights’ Hall has great tapestries celebrating Denmark beating Sweden in a war in the 1670s (The Scanian War), a spectacular ivory throne and three large silver lions that are the protectors of the Majesty. You will also see expensive clocks, a music cabinet and the pen that signed the first democratic constitution of Denmark. Not to mention an impressive collection of paintings, weapons and ivory sculptures.
The Crown Jewels
The crown jewels of Denmark are among the finest in the world. They are well protected behind thick walls and bars in the basement of Rosenborg Palace but open to the public. The collection includes large crowns, orbs, ceremonial swords covered in rubies and some of the biggest diamonds and amethysts you will see anywhere in the world.
The Rosenborg Palace wine
Our favourite item in the castle is, however, what we believe must be some of the oldest wine in the world. (Let us know if you know of any older.) In the basement of Rosenborg Palace there are hundreds of bottles of German wine that the Danish King Christian IV bought in the 1580s. Every year for her New Year’s reception, the current Queen, Margrethe I, serves this wine to the government and other high-ranking people of Denmark. Supposedly, it tastes horrible. But the tradition is honored and everyone drinks it.
Outside the castle moat to the East is an area called the King’s garden. It was originally the king’s private garden. Today, it is a popular public park. The castle is guarded by two royal guards from the Royal Life Guard regiment. This regiment has its barracks right next to the castle.
Opening hours and tickets
Opening hours: Daily 10:00–17:00 through 1 November 2026. From 2 November–23 December: Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–16:00; Monday closed. Closed 24–25 December. Open 26–30 December 10:00–16:00 and 31 December 10:00–14:00.
Standard adult admission: DKK 150.
Entry is timed; reserve a time slot and check the official calendar before visiting. A visit inside Rosenborg is separate from our walking tour.
Checked 29 October 2026. Prices are standard adult rates without discounts. Hours and prices may change.
How to get to and visit Rosenborg Palace
Rosenborg Palace is a short walk from Nørreport Station. You can combine a visit to the palace with our Copenhagen two-hour walk for beginners. Explore Copenhagen with a local guide, then visit Rosenborg separately. Palace admission and hotel pickup are not included in the walking tour.
Photos from Rosenborg Palace
