Due to some Ryanair flight cancellations this summer, I had to change my plans of visiting Belgium. So, somewhat unexpectedly, I went to Copenhagen instead. The Danish capital really impressed me, and I have a lot to say about it. However, for now, I’m just scratching the surface of the top things to do in Copenhagen. Today, I’m taking you on a tour of Christiansborg Palace, one of the three Royal residences in Copenhagen.
Click on the link for the ultimate 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary.
About Christiansborg Palace
Christiansborg Palace is in the center of Copenhagen, on an islet isolated by canals from the rest of the city. The palace is used daily as the seat of Parliament, as well as the Queen’s and the prime minister’s offices.
There are also areas you can visit in the palace. Let’s take a glimpse into Royal’s life while learning about the Danish Royalty history.
History
Today’s Christiansborg Palace is the fifth castle standing in this place, and the third one bearing the name Christiansborg. Bishop Absalom built the first of them in 1167, and you can still see some of its ruins under the current castle. The current palace was finished in 1928 after the previous Christiansborg Palace burned down at the end of the 19th century.
What to see in Christiansborg Palace
When the royal family is not using Christiansborg Palace for state events, it is possible to visit the palace on a guided tour or on your own. The palace has five attractions to visit: The Royal Reception Rooms, The Royal Stables, The Royal Kitchen, The Ruins under the palace, and also the Christiansborg Palace Chapel.
The Royal Reception Rooms
The Queen of Denmark still uses these magnificent rooms for the New Year’s Banquet as well as other receptions. You can visit the Great Hall, the Throne Room, and admire the tapestries in the Queen’s collection. There is also a quieter area of the palace you can visit, where you will find an exquisite library.
Christiansborg’s Royal Kitchen
The copper kitchenware at the Royal Kitchen seems ready for another banquet. Everything here will take you back to the preparations of a Royal banquet in 1937.
Absalom’s Castle Ruins under Christiansborg Palace
The ruins under Christiansborg Palace belong to the first stronghold here, Absalom’s Castle. You can see part of the curtain wall and part of the Blue Tower, dating from the second castle built here.
The Royal Stables
The Stables host the Royal carriages collection. For special events, white horses are hitched to the State Coach in front of Christiansborg Palace.
The Palace Chapel
The Chapel at Christiansborg Palace was used for centuries for the ceremonies of the Danish Royal family.
How to get to Christiansborg Palace
Christiansborg Palace is easily accessible by metro. You need to get to Gammel Strand station on the red or blue metro line. It’s in the city center, so you can also visit some other Copenhagen attractions, after visiting the palace.
Tickets and Hours
The attractions at Christianborg Palace are open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On the other hand, the Royal Stables have shorter hours from September to June.
Anyway, it’s always a good idea to check the hours for the day you’re interested in here.
Each area you can visit at Christiansborg has a different access ticket you can buy at the entrance. The most convenient option is to buy a combo ticket that costs 160 DKK (about 21.5 €). With it, you can enter the Reception Rooms, the Royal Kitchen, the Ruins of Absalom’s Castle, and also the Royal Stables. In addition, the Palace Chapel is free to visit.
Another great option (and the one that I used) is the Copenhagen Card which gives you access to a lot of Copenhagen’s top attractions as well as public transport.
You can also choose a guided tour of the palace and find out more about the local legends.
Where to stay in Copenhagen
If you want to stay close to Christiansborg Palace, NH Collection Copenhagen is a fabulous option. It’s a 5-star modern luxury oasis, a few hundred meters away from the palace.
Looking for something somewhat different in Copenhagen? Check out my post about Christiania Freetown.
Disclosure
Some of the above may be affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. However, I only recommend companies, activities, or products that I use myself. Thank you for your support in keeping my blog live!
Even a relatively modern palace such as this is still a real beauty. It’s an interesting fact that it’s the fifth palace on the site, that is unusual. I’ll be earmarking this fit when I get to Copenhagen
It’s been quite a few years since I’ve been to Copenhagen, but I still remember some of the opulent rooms in that palace
Fantastic post! We haven’t been in Copenhagen yet but now you gave us another good reason to run there!
Of course we will bring your great guide to the palace with us.
Thanks for sharing
Thank you! Copenhagen is gorgeous, I’ll write more about the city soon.
Lots of good information here.