Rosenborg Castle

TLDR: If you're heading to Copenhagen, Rosenborg Castle offers a fascinating, hands-on look into Danish royal history, from magnificent jewels to quirky details, set in the lovely King's Garden.

What is the story behind Rosenborg Castle?

Imagine a Dutch fairytale castle, distinct with its red brick and gables, starting life not as a grand palace, but as King Christian IV's summer escape. Built between 1606 and 1634, Rosenborg quickly became his favorite place; he even chose to spend his last days within its walls. You can almost hear the echoes of lavish banquets and court life in these halls. While royalty moved out as a permanent residence around 1720, it remained a significant safe haven during emergencies. Today, it’s a living museum, open since 1838, showcasing 400 years of Danish history. Down in the vaults, you'll find the Danish Crown Jewels, still worn by the Queen. Don’t miss the Knights’ Hall, guarded by three silver lions, or the unexpectedly personal touch of Frederik III’s preserved placenta.

Is Rosenborg Castle free?

No, you'll need a ticket to step inside Rosenborg Castle and explore its grand rooms and underground vaults. Adult admission typically costs around 105 DKK, or roughly $20-38 USD, though prices can change. If you're traveling with youngsters, children under 18 years old often get in for free, which helps the family budget. However, while the castle itself requires an entry fee, the beautiful King's Garden that surrounds it is completely free to wander through. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll there without spending a crown, soaking in the atmosphere before deciding if the interior visit is for you.

What is a famous fact about Rosenborg Castle?

Rosenborg Castle is most renowned for securely housing the Danish Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia within its basement vaults (read more below).

What few people know is that Rosenborg Castle hides one of the most charming surprises in Copenhagen: a 17th-century “invisible music” system. Deep under the elegant Winter Room, court musicians once played inside a small cellar chamber. Their sound travelled through a series of purpose-built acoustic ducts, allowing the music to drift into the room above without anyone seeing the performers.

For guests, it felt almost magical — as if the music simply appeared in the air around them. This early sound-system wasn’t just a clever technical trick; it also reflected the royal theatre of the time, where atmosphere and spectacle mattered just as much as comfort. King Christian IV loved innovation, and Rosenborg became a place where engineering and art blended seamlessly.

Is it worth going inside Rosenborg Castle?

From my visit, I’d say yes, it’s certainly worth your time to go inside. Stepping through the doors feels like entering a time capsule of Danish royal history. The interiors are beautifully preserved, giving you a real sense of how things once were. 

You can walk through the opulent Knights’ Hall, seeing intricate tapestries that tell stories of past battles. The Treasury in the basement is a definite highlight, presenting the Danish Crown Jewels—which, as I mentioned, are still used by the Queen. 

Don't overlook King Christian IV’s private chambers, including his writing room and even his original tiled toilet, offering a surprisingly personal glimpse into royal daily life. Allow yourself about 1-2 hours to truly absorb everything.

Where are the Danish crown jewels?

The Danish Crown Jewels are securely tucked away in the basement vaults of Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen. This specific location adds to the excitement of finding them. What sets these jewels apart is their dual role: they function as historical museum exhibits and are still actively worn by Queen Margrethe II for grand occasions like the New Year's levee. The collection primarily features four magnificent sets – diamonds, rubies, pearls, and emeralds, with the emeralds being particularly striking. Their existence is thanks to Queen Sophie Magdalene’s 1746 will, which dictated they always be available to the sitting queen. While other royal regalia are also there for display, they haven't been worn since the end of absolute monarchy in 1848.

Is it worth visiting Rosenborg Castle?

Rosenborg Castle provides a fascinating window into Danish royal history, and for many, it's a compelling stop. Its main draw is undoubtedly the Danish Crown Jewels and the Royal Regalia, beautifully displayed in the treasury. The castle itself, in its charming Dutch Renaissance style, allows you to explore well-preserved royal rooms, offering a genuine peek into the lives of past monarchs. Plus, the surrounding King's Garden is lovely for a quiet walk.

However, it might not be for everyone. If you’re not particularly keen on royal history, old furniture, or static historical artifacts, you might find it less engaging. During peak seasons, the castle, especially around the Crown Jewels, can get quite crowded, which can detract from the experience. To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for early mornings or later afternoons, especially outside the busy summer months. History buffs and admirers of royal opulence will likely enjoy it most. It's a focused, intimate experience, rather than a sprawling palace.

What else can I do in København?

After immersing yourself in the regal world of Rosenborg Castle, there’s plenty more to explore nearby in København. Just outside the castle, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll or even a picnic in the King's Garden (Kongens Have), which offers a different perspective of the castle’s grounds. A short distance away, about 2 kilometers, is Amalienborg Palace, the current home of the Danish Royal Family. Here, you might catch the Changing of the Guard. Right next door to Rosenborg, the Statens Museum for Kunst (National Gallery of Denmark) provides a rich collection of art spanning centuries. For unique city views, I recommend climbing the spiral ramp of the Round Tower (Rundetaarn), also within easy walking distance.

If you're looking to explore royal castles outside of Copenhagen, these incredible castles can be found within an hour's journey from the capital:

• Fredensborg Palace: Known as the Royal Family's spring and autumn residence. The palace's Baroque garden is a masterpiece of symmetry and precision, perfect for a peaceful walk.
• Kronborg Castle: Famous worldwide as the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers impressive Renaissance architecture and dramatic stories from Denmark's past.
• Frederiksborg Castle: This castle is a picturesque representation of Danish Renaissance architecture and houses The Museum of National History, which tells the story of Denmark through a rich collection of art.
• The Hermitage Palace: Located in Dyrehaven, a large park with wild deer, the palace was used for royal hunting parties. It is known for its unique architecture and beautiful views of the surroundings.

Each of these castles offers a unique insight into Denmark's royal history and culture, each with its own charm and beauty.