Rosenborg Castle Copenhagen: Complete Visitor’s Guide & History

After spending a peaceful morning in the Botanical Garden, we waddled straight into what felt like a fairytale: Rosenborg Castle. Built in the early 17th century by one of Denmark’s most famous kings, Christian IV, this Renaissance gem holds over 400 years of royal treasures, including the dazzling Crown Jewels. Waddling through the castle rooms, we were pretty in awe. From lavish portraits and intricate tapestries to ornate furniture and glittering royal details, every corner sparked our imagination about how the royals once lived here. The grand throne room was a clear favorite, followed by the magical moment of seeing the Crown Jewels up close. The details on the walls and tapestries, many of which depicted battles between Denmark and Sweden, were fascinating to take in. It was one of those visits where we loved every second. Read on to learn how to prepare for your visit.

How to Get to Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle is right in the center of Copenhagen, inside the beautiful King’s Gardens and just about 200 meters from Nørreport Station. The main entrance is at Øster Voldgade 4A.

Getting there is easy:

• By train/metro: Nørreport Station by S-trains, Metro, and Regional trains.
• By bus: Several lines stop nearby, including 14, 184, 185, 5C, 6A, 15E, 150S, and 350S.

The castle is simple to find, and waddling through the King’s Gardens on your way in already feels like part of the experience. We combined our castle visit with a peaceful waddle through the Botanical Gardens, located just across the street.

Visiting the Copenhagen Botanical Garden

Tickets & Opening Hours for Rosenborg Castle

You can buy tickets online in advance or directly on-site. Entry is included in the Copenhagen Card, which covers both Rosenborg Castle and the Amalienborg Museum.

Without the Copenhagen Card, the entry prices are as follows:

• • Adults: 125 DKK
  • Students (with valid ID): 80 DKK
  • Children (0–17 years): Free entry
  • Guided tour: 900 DKK
  • Plushies: free entry
  • Copenhagen Card holders: Admission included

Important: Even if you have the Copenhagen Card, you still need to book a time slot before visiting. This helps regulate the number of guests inside and prevents the castle from becoming overcrowded.

When we visited, we booked the 10:00 am slot (the first available of the day). By the time we arrived, there was already a queue of people waiting for the doors to open, so we recommend arriving early if you want a calmer experience.

Check the official Rosenborg Castle website to confirm current prices, opening hours, and to book your time slot.

Opening Hours

• April 30 – June 24: Open daily from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• June 25 – October 2: Open daily from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• October 3 – October 14: Open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays) from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
• October 15 – October 23: Open daily from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• October 24 – December 30: Open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays) from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

⚠️ Closed on: December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.

Since hours may vary during holidays or special events, always check the official Rosenborg Castle website before your visit.

Good to Know Before Visiting Rosenborg Castle

• No backpacks allowed. You cannot enter the castle with a backpack. Luckily, lockers are available in various sizes. They require a 20 DKK coin, which is refunded upon return of the key. (If you don’t have a coin, you can usually borrow one there.)
• Small bags only. You may bring small bags into the castle (maximum size 15 x 23 x 15 cm).
• Photography. Photos are allowed, but flash and tripods are not.
• Accessibility. The castle is historic, so there are narrow staircases and uneven floors. Unfortunately, it is not fully wheelchair accessible.
• Facilities. Restrooms and a small shop are available near the entrance.
• Food & drinks. Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the castle. You can enjoy a picnic in the King’s Gardens, just outside.
• Timing. Arrive a little before your booked time slot, the castle allows only a limited number of people per entry, and queues often form right before opening.

At Rosenborg Castle, it really makes sense to lock your backpack. Some rooms are filled with fragile treasures, from delicate porcelain to centuries-old statues, and the last thing you’d want is to bump into something priceless while waddling through the halls accidentally.

It’s also worth noting that strollers and prams are not permitted inside. And because of its historic design, the castle isn’t fully wheelchair accessible. However, visitors can still access the ground floor and basement, so you can experience part of the castle even if the upper floors aren’t reachable.

A Local Legend of Rosenborg Castle

Legend has it that the spirit of King Christian IV himself secretly guards the Crown Jewels. Locals say that on quiet nights, his ghost still wanders the halls of Rosenborg, keeping a watchful eye over the treasures he adored. While we didn’t bump into any royal ghosts during our waddle, it’s a fun story that adds a touch of mystery to the castle’s long history.

King’s Garden (Kongens Have): A Royal Park by Rosenborg Castle

Before you even step inside Rosenborg Castle, you have the chance to waddle through the King’s Garden, and it’s an experience not to miss. This is Denmark’s oldest royal garden, created by King Christian IV, and it still carries the charm of its Renaissance-style design. Today, it’s one of the most popular green spaces in Copenhagen, where locals come to relax, picnic, or enjoy the surroundings. Best of all, entry is free, so you can take your time strolling the paths and soaking in the royal atmosphere before (or after) your castle visit.

If you’re looking for a cozy spot to take a break, enjoy a great cup of coffee, and maybe a buttery croissant, we highly recommend stopping by the Herkules Pavillonen. It’s a charming little café right in the King’s Garden, perfect for relaxing after a stroll.

As with most places in Copenhagen, English is no problem when ordering, and card payment is preferred. The cappuccino was incredibly smooth, the croissant fresh and flaky; honestly, it was the perfect treat to recharge before continuing your waddle around the gardens.

Our Waddle Through Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen

The waddle through Rosenborg Castle begins on the ground floor, where you first step into the Winter Room. We learned that this was once used as the king’s everyday living space, cozy and richly decorated, with walls that give you a sense of 17th-century comfort. 

In the castle, you will waddle through the private room of the king as well as his bathroom, see the king’s private writing cabinet, and much more.

From there, you pass through the Marble Room and the Audience Chamber, each more elaborate than the last; the Audience Chamber, in particular, is fascinating. This is where the king would meet essential guests, and you can almost picture the tense conversations and negotiations that happened here centuries ago.

Climbing upstairs, you’ll find a series of hallways and smaller chambers, all showcasing portraits, furniture, and intricate details. Each room tells a story of its own, but the real highlight upstairs is the Long Hall, also known as the Knight’s Hall. This vast space is filled with grandeur: the magnificent throne chairs made of narwhal tusk, guarded by silver lions, and the stunning tapestries on the walls, which commemorate battles between Denmark and Sweden. It’s impossible not to stop and stare.

Many times, we forget just how dark and atmospheric these old castles can be. Rosenborg is no exception. Still, it’s such a thrill to waddle through, because in every direction there’s something precious to catch your eye. You’re never quite sure where to look first: a glittering display case in one corner, an ornate tapestry on the wall, or a richly painted ceiling above.

Among the highlights are the castle’s tower chambers, which hold some of its most unique treasures. Here you’ll find the famous Flora Danica porcelain, a hand-painted botanical masterpiece, as well as one of the world’s finest collections of Venetian glass. Together, these displays add another layer of wonder to the castle.

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The Great Hall (Knight’s Hall / Throne Room)

Although it’s officially called the Great Hall or Knight’s Hall, to us it felt more like the ultimate Throne Room. The space is absolutely breathtaking in its size and grandeur, designed to impress anyone who steps inside. At the far end stand the coronation thrones, crafted with incredible detail, while three imposing, life-size silver lions guard them. Their presence alone makes the hall feel like a place of power and ceremony.

What really caught our eye were the tapestries covering the walls. They’re not just decorative, but they tell the story of Denmark’s historic battles against Sweden, filled with intricate details of soldiers, ships, and victories. Standing there, surrounded by so much history woven into every thread, it was easy to imagine the weight of the events that shaped the kingdom.

It was Christian V who is most remembered for having had 12 tapestries of his victories in the Scanian War woven for the Great Hall.

For us, this hall was one of the absolute highlights of Rosenborg Castle, it felt like stepping straight into the heart of royal history.

The Crown Jewels at the Rosenborg Castle

Who doesn’t dream of seeing a real crown up close? Rosenborg Castle is the perfect place for it, as it houses the Danish Crown Jewels along with countless other royal treasures. To be honest, we don’t think we’ve ever seen so much gold and sparkle gathered in one place before.

The waddle eventually takes you down into the basement, where the Treasury is. Here you’ll find the dazzling crowns and regalia that are still used by the Danish royal family on special state occasions. Standing just a few feet away from these historic symbols of power felt surreal, the detail, the gems, the sheer craftsmanship. For us, it was the perfect grand finale to the castle visit and one of those “wow” travel moments we’ll never forget.

The Story Behind the Crown Jewels

The history of Denmark’s Crown Jewels begins with Queen Sophie Magdalene, wife of King Christian VI. When she was widowed in 1746, she was so stricken with grief that she believed her own death was near. In her will, she made a clever decision: instead of passing her jewelry to a specific person, she declared it should always remain “with the crown.” This way, every future queen of Denmark would have magnificent jewelry available for state occasions. Smart thinking, if you ask me.

Today, you can still see those dazzling jewels up close in the Treasury of Rosenborg Castle. Everything looked very secure, thick vault doors and a guard watching the room, but you’re still free to waddle around, take photos, and get a closer look.

I very much enjoyed seeing the crowns on display. The shine of the gold, the glitter of the gems, and the sheer history behind them were breathtaking. For me, it was one of the absolute highlights of Rosenborg Castle, a grand finale to the visit.

FAQ About Rosenborg Castle

• How long do you need at Rosenborg Castle? Plan for about 1.5–2 hours to explore the castle rooms, the Treasury, and gardens at a comfortable pace.
• Are the Crown Jewels real? Yes! The Crown Jewels at Rosenborg Castle are 100% real and are still used by the Danish royal family on official state occasions.
• Can you take photos inside Rosenborg Castle? Yes, photography is allowed, but no flash or tripods are permitted to protect the delicate interiors.
• Why is Rosenborg Castle famous? Rosenborg Castle is famous for its Dutch Renaissance architecture, its beautifully preserved royal interiors, and for housing Denmark’s Crown Jewels and royal regalia.
• Is Rosenborg Castle free? No, Rosenborg Castle is not free. Tickets start at 125 DKK for adults, but entry is free with the Copenhagen Card, and children under 18 go free.
• Who lives at Rosenborg Castle? No one lives at Rosenborg Castle today. It’s a museum open to the public, showcasing the royal collections. The Danish royal family lives at Amalienborg Palace.
• Is It Worth Going Inside Rosenborg Castle? Yes, Rosenborg Castle is absolutely worth going inside. The preserved interiors, the majestic Great Hall, and the dazzling Crown Jewels make it one of Copenhagen’s most unforgettable experiences.

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