Exploring Denmark’s Royal Past at Rosenborg Castle Copenhagen

Are you looking for the best castle to visit in Copenhagen? Or are you wondering if Rosenborg Castle Copenhagen is worth visiting? Then read on and join us as we explore Denmark’s Royal Past at Rosenborg Castle Copenhagen…

Royal Castle or Royal Palace? Rosenborg Castle could pass as either!

It was built in 1606 by King Christian IV, one of Denmark’s most famous kings in history. You can visit to see the Danish Crown Jewels, and the Knights’ Hall complete with the coronation thrones and decorated with narwhal tusks and three life-size silver lions! Plus loads of other royal treasures and artwork.

The King's Garden Copenhagen

We walk to the castle from Nyhavn, which takes around 15-minutes and is quite pleasant as it takes us through the King’s Garden in front of the Castle.

There are a few statues to see in the park, and it gives a great view of the imposing Castle in the distance.

Exploring Rosenborg Castle Copenhagen

Once inside, the Castle is great to explore. We’re given a map and guide along with our entrance ticket which is really useful as it gives some info about each room as we walk around.

The tour does get off to a slightly underwhelming start, with the first room we visit currently going through a restoration. 

But from then on it’s non-stop marble floors, carved wooden furniture, and stunning sculptures and artwork (even if Sneha does question the ability of some of the artists whose portraits are hanging around the castle!)

Our favourites are The Great Hall, a huge hall up on the 2nd floor with three silver lions from 1670 guarding the King and Queen’s thrones made from narwhal tusk and silver. 

And despite the origins of most of the ornaments on display, the Ivory and Amber Room is stunning. There’s a large warship made completely from ivory, Sneha loves a dragon bowl being held up by a gold tree, monkey and elephant’s head (see the photo below!), and Paul likes a beer tankard made from amber.

Some other cool things we see are a planetarium from 1678 and a model army and some hunting weapons in the armoury.

Amongst the grandeur there are some slightly weirder things to see too. The king’s bloodied clothes in his bedchamber, from when he lost the sight in one eye following a battle with Sweden in 1644. A flying fish trophy awarded to Christian V by his mother in 1675, without an explanation of what or why?? And even the king’s toilet!

Danish Crown Jewels

Our visit ends at the Treasury seeing the Crown Jewels. As we enter through the vault’s thick steel door, Christian III’s state sword from 1551 is the first display we see. And all around the room are ceremonial items, from baptismal ornaments still in use today for royal children, to the sceptre, orb and ampulla used in coronations.

But the stars of the show are Christian IV’s crown from 1596, the Crown of the Absolute Monarchs used between 1671 and 1731, and the Queen’s crown, from 1648. Beautiful!!

Rosenborg Castle Copenhagen Tickets

Tickets can be pre-booked online, and guided tours of the castle are also available… Rosenborg Castle Tickets

Read our blog about our visit to Copenhagen to see other things to do in the city... 1 Weekend in Copenhagen… the Top Places to Visit in Denmark’s Capital