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Amalienborg

Amalienborg is the Royal Family's residence in Copenhagen. The Amalienborg complex consists of four palaces, built around an octagonal courtyard.

Amalienborg is HM The King's winter residence. The Amalienborg complex consists of four palaces, built around an octagonal courtyard, in the centre of which stands the French sculptor J.F.J. Saly’s equestrian statue of Frederik V, the founder of Amalienborg and Frederiksstaden.

The complex was constructed by Frederik V on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the coronation of Christian I, the first King of the House of Oldenborg. The site for the four palaces was given to four prominent noblemen, A.G. Moltke, Christian Frederik Levetzau, Joachim Brockdorf and Severin Løvenskiold, who committed themselves to building identical palaces, designed by the court architect Nicolai Eigtved.

Amalienborg became the royal residence after Christiansborg Palace burned down in the night between 26 and 27 February 1794. In the course of a few days, the king acquired both the Moltke and Schack Palaces.

Frederik VIII's Palace

Frederik VIII’s Palace was built during 1750-60 for Baron Joachim Brockdorff. Today the palace is The Royal Family’s private residence.

Frederik VIII’s Palace, or Brockdorff’s Palace, was built during 1750-60 for Baron Joachim Brockdorff. Brockdoff died in 1763, and Lord High Steward A.G. Moltke subsequently acquired the palace. Two years later, he sold the palace to Frederik V. From 1767, the palace served as the Army Cadet Academy.

The cadets had to vacate the palace when Frederik VI wanted his daughter, Princess Vilhelmine, and the heir to the throne, Prince Frederik (VII), to reside there after their wedding. From that marriage’s dissolution in 1837 until Crown Prince Frederik (VII) moved in 1869, the palace housed various members of the Royal Family. The Crown Prince became king in 1906 as Frederik VIII, and the palace bears his name.

In 1934, the palace was restored in order to be used by Crown Prince Frederik (IX) and Crown Princess Ingrid. Queen Ingrid lived in the palace until her death in November 2000.

In 2010, The Royal Couple took over the palace from the State after a thorough interior and exterior restoration, which had begun in 2004. Today, the palace is The Royal Couple’s private residence with administrative and ceremonial functions.

Christian VII's Palace

Christian VII’s Palace has previously belonged to the Lord High Steward AG Moltke. Today the palace is The Queen's representative palace.

Christian VII’s Palace, or Moltke’s Palace, was erected in the years 1750-54 for the Lord High Steward A. G. Moltke. When the Royal Family became homeless after the fire of Christiansborg in 1794, Christian VII bought the palace.

After Christian VII’s death in 1808, Frederik VI used the palace for his Royal Household. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs used parts of the palace in the years 1852-85. From 1885, the palace was used exclusively to accommodate guests  and for ceremonial purposes.

However, for short periods of time, the palace housed Crown Prince Frederik (IX) and Crown Princess Ingrid as well as Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik during the restoration of their respective palaces.

From 1971-75, the palace also housed a small kindergarten for HM The King and HRH Prince Joachim, and a classroom was set up there for them later on. 

In 1982, Agency for Palaces and Cultural Properties started an exterior restoration of the palace. From 1993-96, the agency carried out a general restoration of the interior with the support of a number of private sponsors.

Christian VIII's Palace

The palace was built for Levetzau. Today the palace is residence for HRH Prince Joachim, HRH Princess Marie and HRH Princess Benedikte.

Christian VIII’s Palace, or Levetzau’s Palace, was built in the period 1750-60 for Privy Councillor Christian Frederik Levetzau. Prince Frederik, the Heir Presumptive, bought the palace in 1794 and gave the painter and architect Nicolai Abildgaard responsibility for a modernisation. When the Heir Presumptive died in 1805, his son Prince Christian took over both the palace and the architect. However, Abildgaard died in 1809, and the modernisation came to a halt. In 1839, Prince Christian became King under the name of Christian VIII, and the palace was subsequently called Christian VIII’s Palace.

The King died in 1848 and the Queen Dowager, Caroline Amalie, in 1881. From 1885, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs used parts of the palace but had to move when the it was made the residence of Crown Prince Christian (X) and Princess Alexandrine in 1898.

Ater the death of Christian X in 1947, the palace was placed at the disposal of the Heir Presumptive, Prince Knud.

In the 1980s, the Agency for Palaces and Cultural Properties initiated a much-needed general restoration of the palace. It was fitted up to house, among other things, the residence and reception rooms of the heir to the throne, stores for HM The King’s Reference Library and a museum for the Royal House of Glücksborg, "The Royal Danish Collections, Amalienborg".

Christian IX's Palace

Queen Margrethe uses Christian IX's Palace as winter residence.

The construction of Christian IX’s Palace, or Schack’s Palace, was commenced in 1750. However, in 1754 Privy Councillor Severin Løvenskjold, who commissioned the building, had to give up in the face of the financial commitments. Countess Anne Sophie Schack took over the palace and passed it on to her step-grandson, Hans Schack.

In 1757, Hans Schack became the son-in-law of Lord High Steward A.G. Moltke, which was highly beneficial to construction work, as Moltke lent his best artists and craftsmen for the completion of the interiors.

After the Christiansborg fire, Schack’s Palace was acquired for Crown Prince Frederik (VI). The palace was connected to Moltke’s Palace by the "Colonnade", a secret passage at the first-floor level supported by eight Ionic columns, allowing the traffic to continue along Amaliegade.

The Crown Prince, who had governed the country for his sick father since 1784, became King under the name of Frederik VI in 1808. After his death in 1839, the palace was, among other things, used by the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In 1863, the palace was placed at the disposal of Christian IX, after whom the palace is named. "Europe’s father-in-law" lived there until his death in 1906. The home remained untouched until a registration of the estate took place in 1948.

In 1967, the palace was restored for the successor to the throne, Princess Margrethe and Prince Henrik. Queen Margrethe still use the palace as her winter residence.

HM Queen Margrethe's New Year Address

Queen Margrethe has delivered the New Year Address every year on 31 December at 6 pm.

Further information

Amalienborg Palace: All about Danish Royal Blue Palace

The Danish Royal Palace or Amalienborg Palace is actually a collection of four grand places and is the official home of the Royal Family . The palaces have been given the names of various Danish Kings – Christian VII, Frederick VIII, Christian IX and Christian VII.

Dating to the 18th century, Denmark Amalienborg palace became the official residence of the kings after the previous Christiansborg Palace burned down in 1794. Prior to that, four of the cities most prominent noble families resided here.

The history of Amalienborg Palace

The four palaces were originally built for four noble families, but after the fire the royal family took possession. They renamed it the Amalienborg Palace , after the summer palace that one stood on the same spot. Funnily enough, it also burned down in 1689…

The palaces were built in the newly designed area of Frederiksstaden Quarter and are built in Rocco style. The four buildings, plus all of the others in the new area, were designed or signed off by architect Nicolai Eigtved .

How many buildings are there?

There were previously 4 upper class families residing in 4 individual palaces on the complex.

Christian VII's Palace

Originally known as Moltke's Palace and located on the south west end of the complex, this had been home to a Danish courtier and diplomat Lord High Steward Moltke. He had a crazy large family – 2 wives and over 22 children, so the palace had to offer enough space for the brood. Completed in 1754 it was said to be the most elaborate internally. Nowadays, it is used as an official entertainment building for functions.

Christian VIII's Palace

Levetzau's Palace was the original name for Christian VIII’s Palace. Located on the north west end, it was completed in 1760. Until recently, it was home to the Danish Crown Prince Frederik until recently. It now houses a museum and some royal apartments.

Frederick VIII’s Palace

This palace was completed in 1760 and originally known as Brockdorff’s Palace. Unfortunately, Brockdorff didn’t get long to enjoy his new home. He died in 1763 and Moltke took it over. He sold it and it became an academy for the army. Since the Royals acquired the complex it has been used as the official residence of various members.

Christian IX’s Palace

Known as the Schack Palace originally, Crown Prince Frederik VI eventually took up residence here, and then Christian IX, which gave the palace its name. It is now used as a winter residence for Crown Princess Margrethe and Prince Henrik.

Beautiful inside look – Amalienborg palace interior

The Danish Royal Palace has a stunning interior. From opulent chandeliers to stunning detail on the ceilings, it is every bit the palace environment. Luckily for you, there are tours and visits available. You can see some of the grand entertainment spaces as well as some preserved private rooms. In the museum in particular you can get a real feel for the interior design styles of the royal family that are preserved in time.

Amalienborg palace museum

Located in Christian VIII’s Palace, the museum offers a glimpse into the history of this Denmark Amalienborg Palace. The former home of Christian IX and Queen Louise, the museum offers a glimpse into their lives. The intact personal suites give a fascinating look into the decor of this royal couple. There is even a Faberge Chamber displaying the finest Russian jewelry and artefacts from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Danish Royal Palace Changing of the Guard

The Danish Royal Guard is constantly protecting the complex. If you are visiting the complex make sure to be available at 11.30 to watch the daily procession. The Changing of the Guard leaves the nearby Rosenborg Castle at 11.30 am and arrives at the Amalienborg at 12pm. There are different processions and music used depending on who is resident at the time. Since the family uses the palace largely as a winter residence, you will see the most spectacular parades between September and April.

Amalienborg Palace Copenhagen Entrance Fee

Entry for adults is DKK 95 (€13) , and is free for children under 18. Check this website to buy ticket. Students get discounted tickets for DKK 65 (€8.72) You can also get combination tickets for other palaces in the city.

Amalienborg Palace Opening Hours

Usually, the Palace is open from 10am to 4pm and closed on Mondays. We say usually, because sometimes they like to mix it up a bit. Check the website beforehand for any surprises.

How to get to Amalienborg Palace

Take subway line M3 or M4 to Marmorkirken St. From there, it is about a 5 minute walk to the palace. Alternatively, bus line 26 runs from Tivoli to Sankt Annæ Plads, from where you can walk.

Frequently asked questions about the Danish Royal Palace

Here we have gathered together some of the most asked questions we receive about the Amalienborg Palace.

Where is Amalienborg palace located?

The home to the Danish Royal family is located between the city centre and the harbour in Copenhagen, Denmark.

When was Amalienborg palace built?

The four palaces of Amalienborg were completed in the 18th century and were originally home to local nobility and courtiers, before being taken over by the Royal Family of Denmark in 1794.

How far of a walk from Amalienborg palace to Rosenborg Castle?

It is about a 15 minute walk between the two residences.

How far of a walk from Marmokirken to Amalienborg palace?

It is only a 2 minute walk!

Where does Danish royal family live?

The Danish Royal Family lives – during the winter – in the Amalienborg Palace. During the summer Marselisborg is the current Queen’s residence of choice.

Not only is the Amalienborg Palace an important collection of buildings for the Danish People, it is also a great place to visit during your trip. So make sure to take the time to visit when in Copenhagen. From the stunning square outside, and potentially a glimpse of the changing of the guard, to the internal features, the palace is well worth the visit. Get your tickets here and go!

Could you please explain if the ticket to Amalienborg palace includes entrance to Christian Vlll palace or do we need to a separate ticket?

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Amalienborg Palace is the residence of the Danish Royal Family

The Royal Danish Guard is a popular tourist attraction

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Tourists comes every day to see the guard at 12 pm

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Amalienborg Palace

The home residence of the Royal family is a must-see in Copenhagen.

Denmark is one of the oldest monarchies in the world and Amalienborg Palace is the residence of the Royal Family in Denmark.

Amalienborg Palace is one of the biggest attractions in Copenhagen and one of the Royal highlights of the country.

Four identical palaces from the 1750s surrounded Amalienborg Palace Square and were originally built as residences for four aristocrats. In 1794 the Christianborg Palace, where the Royal Family had their residence burnt down, and after that time, the Monarchs took residence at Amalienborg Palace, situated between the city and the harbour.

The four palaces are named Christian VII's Palace (also known as Moltke's Palace), Christian VIII's Palace (also known as Levetzau's Palace), Frederick VIII's Palace (also known as Brockdorff's Palace), and Christian IX's Palace (also known as Schack's Palace). Each palace has its distinctive design and character.

The palace complex is near the waterfront and offers a stunning view of Copenhagen's harbour. It is a popular tourist attraction and an important cultural and historical site in Denmark. 

In the centre of the courtyard, there is an equestrian statue of King Frederik V, and it is considered one of the most impressive equestrian statues in the world. In Christian IX’s Palace, you will find the winter residence of the Queen and Prince Consort. Frederik VIII’s Palace is the home of the Crown Prince Family. Prince Joachim and Princess Benedikte used Christian VIII’s Palace as a guest Palace. Christian VII’s Palace was used for guest residence. 

The Palace is not open to the public. See more about the  Nordic Royal families

See the Royal Guard every day

The changing of the Royal Guard, known as the Den Kongelige Livgarde, takes place at Amalienborg Palace. Visitors can witness the impressive ceremony that occurs every day at noon.

 The Danish Royal Guard marched from Rosenborg Castle at noon daily through the streets of Copenhagen  and executed the changing of the guard in front of Amalienborg Palace at noon. 

Amalienborg is famous for its Royal Guard, called Den Kongelige Livgarde. Every day you can experience the changing of the guards as they march from their barracks in 100 Gothersgade by Rosenborg Castle through the streets of Copenhagen and end up at Amalienborg, where the changing of the guard takes place at noon.

Visit the Amalienborg Museum

In addition to being the royal residence, Amalienborg Palace also houses several museum collections, including the Amalienborg Museum, which provides insights into the lives of the royal family and displays royal artefacts and memorabilia.

The Amalienborg Museum is situated in Christian VIII's palace. It is partially organised as a museum for the Glücksburg Royal family and shows private interiors of the most recent queens and kings. You can also see an exhibition of the monarchy today.

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Getting there.

Find routes to this destination.

Coordinates

• Lattitude: 55.684059
• Longitude: 12.593020

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Amalienborg Palace and Amalie Garden

Amalienborg Palace

The winter residence of the royal family..

Situated between the city and the harbour, Amalienborg is a major work of Danish architecture designed by the architect Nicolai Eigtved in the 1750s. Four palaces surround Amalienborg Palace Square, with its equestrian statue of King Frederik V. The palaces were originally built as residences for four high-ranking aristocrats, but when the old Christiansborg Palace burnt down in 1794 the royal family took up residence at Amalienborg. Since then Denmark’s reigning monarchs have lived in Amalienborg’s palaces. 

Christian VII’s Palace is Queen Margrethe II’s palace for guests and official receptions. The palace, which was built in 1750–54 for Count Adam Gottlob Moltke, forms the setting for official events such as the annual New Year Banquet.

The palace is not open to the public.

The Royal Guard changes every two hours, with a complete change of the guard every day at 12 p.m.

Christian VIII’s Palace houses the museum Amalienborg where you can take a royal journey through the past 150 years of the monarchy, and visit the private chambers of previous kings and queens, maintained exactly as they lived in them. The museum also introduces visitors to the daily lives of today’s royal family.

In June, July and August there is daily entry to the Royal Representation Rooms, the Gala Hall and other state rooms which are still used by the royal family. During the rest of the year the rooms are only open on Saturdays.

Frederik VIII’s Palace is the official residence of Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary. The palace is not open to the public.

Christian IX’s Palace is the official residence of Queen Margrethe II and the Prince Consort. A raised flag at the palace shows when the queen is in residence. The palace is not open to the public.

Christian VIII's Palace  1257 Copenhagen K

 Amalienborg Palace:

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Amalienborg

Page updated 2022-10-26

Amalienborg is the winter residence of the Danish royal family. Well, actually the royal palace is not one, but four different palaces flanking a square. The four palaces where built by four noble families in the middle of the 18th century on direct orders by the king Frederik V.

The King needed a new royal palace but he didn't want to pay so the four families were given tax immunity for 40 years as token for their services to the crown. In 1794 the royal family moved into the four palaces around the square which is considered to be one of the great masterpieces of Rococo architecture in Europe, and definitively the best one in Denmark. The statue in the middle of the square was sculptured by the French artist Saly.

Every day at noon, you can watch the change of guards in the court yard. When HM the Queen is in residence, the ceremony is called The King's Watch (Kongevagt) and the guards are accomopanied by the Royal Guards music band. The route, that starts at 11:31 at the barracks, goes: Rosenborggade, Købmagergade, Østergade, Kongens Nytorv, Bredgade, Sct. Annæ Plads, Amaliegade, and Amalienborg.

If one of the Royal Princes is residing at the palace in the capacity of regents, the parade is called The Lieutenant Watch, and drums and flutes will be heard.

In other cases (when the palace is not inhabited or the princes are at home but not in the capacity of regent) the Guards march through Copenhagen without music accompaniment, and the route is shorter. This watch is called The Manor Watch.

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Amalienborg Slot

Amalienborg er et must for alle med interesse i vores royale historie og de kongeliges liv, som i dag stadig leves i paladset.

På museet kan du snuse til kongehusets historie, og fra den smukke slotsplads kan du hver dag se Livgardens vagtskifte hver dag kl. 12.00.

Den Kongelige Livgardes vagtskifte

Amalienborg er bl.a. kendt for Den Kongelige Livgarde. Hver dag kan du opleve gardernes vagtskifte . Livgarden marcherer fra Livgardens Kasserne i Gothersgade 100 ved Rosenborg Slot gennem Københavns gader for at ende ved Amalienborg, hvor vagtskiftet finder sted kl. 12:00.

Amalienborg, som omgiver den smukke plads med rytterstatuen af Frederik V fra 1771, består af fire identiske palæer. Christian VII’s palæ (også kaldes Moltkes Palæ, gæstepalæ), Christian VIII's Palæ (også kaldet Levetzaus Palæ, gæstebolig for Prins Joachim og Prinsesse Benedikte), Christian IX's Palæ (Dronning Margrethe II's bolig) og Frederik VIII's Palæ (også kaldet Brockdorffs Palæ, Kongeparrets bolig) – det er her, du finder Amalienborg Museum.

Fuldend besøget på Amalienborg slotsplads – træd indenfor i palæet og oplev det kongelige liv i fortid og nutid.

Amalienborgmuseet rækker 150 år tilbage i tid til Christian 9. og Dronning Louise, der blev kendt som "Europas svigerforældre", fordi fire af deres børn besteg Europas troner som henholdsvis kejserinde af Rusland, dronning af England, konge af Grækenland og konge af Danmark.

Som i en tidsrejse står Christian 9. og Dronning Louise samt deres efterkommeres værelser intakte. Hvert rum vidner om tidens trends og beboeres personlige smag – det være sig i klunketidsstil, militærstil eller ridderligt inspireret.

I Havesalen kan du få et indblik i kongeligt liv og monarkiet i det 21. århundrede. Med en kongelig titel følger mange opgaver og traditioner, hvilket udstillingen giver rig mulighed for at udforske, så den besøgende får en fin forståelse af, hvad det vil sige at være kongelig i dag.

De fleste dage er der adgang til Beletagen med Gallsalen og de øvrige pragtrum, der stadig bliver brugt som repræsentationslokaler af den kongelige familie. Tjek åbningstider på amalienborg.dk.

Museets maskot, elefanten Hannibal, møder børnene i øjenhøjde på skilte henvendt specielt til dem med engagerende spørgsmål om den kongelige historie. 

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Top Things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark

Best things to do in copenhagen.

T his charming coastal city, the capital of Denmark, has it all – historical attractions and a wealth of museums, a beautiful harbour, food halls, and of course, if visiting in Winter, hygge! Keep reading about all the things to do in Copenhagen and you’ll soon be booking plane tickets whether for a couples weekend getaway or a longer family vacation!

The Best Time to Visit Copenhagen

Spring in copenhagen.

Watch the city’s parks come to life after the drab and dreary days of January and February with Spring flowers bursting out of the ground full of colour and fragrance – Look out for the cherry blossom!

Temperatures can still be on the chilly side so you’ll need to dress in layers but Spring showers aren’t much of a problem.

Summer in Copenhagen

Copenhagen doesn’t get uncomfortably hot allowing you to make the most of the long, warm Summer days that last until 10pm.

The city is alive with festivals and events at this time of year including Friday Rock in Tivoli Gardens, Roskilde Festival, the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Copenhagen Pride and the Copenhagen Cooking and Food Festival – and that’s just for starters!

Life is lived outside during Summer so be sure to visit the harbour baths and Amagar Beach Park in-between your cultural museum days.

Fall in Copenhagen

The temperature drops from mid September with fall the wettest season in Copenhagen but with the colour-changing leaves putting on as much of a show as Tivoli’s Halloween display it’s still a great time to sightsee the city.

Winter in Copenhagen

Wrap up warm if visiting Copenhagen in winter – You can expect lots of rain as well as snow but the festivities of December will give you a warm inner glow as you peruse the Christmas Markets and delight in Christmas at Tivoli.

After Christmas, once the festive lights come down, and New Year celebrations are over the city loses its appeal somewhat unless you practise the Danish art of hygge!

Copenhagen can be enjoyed all through the year with each season offering visitors something different. There really isn’t a best time to visit Copenhagen , as they all have their unique charm.

Top Things to Do in Copenhagen

Nyhavn harbour.

The iconic waterfront with its colourful 17th and 18th century buildings and historical ships that you see in images mentioning Copenhagen is called Nyhavn Harbour.

This is the bustling yet charming canal and entertainment district full of bars, cafes, and restaurants, as you walk past these former townhouses, look out for numbers 20, 67, and 18 as fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen lived at each of these properties.

Canal Tour of Copenhagen

What better way to explore the city than from the water? Board your sightseeing canal boat and take a one-hour guided tour around the idyllic harbours and along the canals past some of Copenhagen’s most iconic sights including The Opera House, Amalienborg Palace, The Little Mermaid Statue, Christiansborg Palace, the Black Diamond Library, and more.

Note – If you have a Copenhagen Card your canal tour will depart from the harbour at Ved Stranden, just across the street from Christiansborg Palace.

Tivoli Gardens

Fun can be had all year long at Tivoli Gardens, the second oldest amusement park in the world and the place that inspired Walt Disney to start Disney World.

In the Summer, along with trying out both the nostalgic and modern thrill-seeker rides, you can enjoy a boat ride on the lake and admire the blooming flowers but it’s at Christmas time that Tivoli really blooms with the pleasure gardens taking on a magical atmosphere with hot cocoa, ice-skating, and carousel rides.

Tivoli Gardens generally has something for everyone – If you’re not into rides it doesn’t matter, go and admire the architecture, the gardens, and check out the live music events that take place daily. And Tivoli Garden is also included in your Copenhagen City Card .

National Museum of Denmark

Step inside Denmark’s largest museum of cultural history as you explore the Danish culture as well as foreign cultures whether you join one of the guided tours or make your own way around the museum exploring the Stone Age, Viking Age, and on through the Renaissance age to the modern-day.

If you have kids, be sure to visit the Children’s Museum which is housed within the National Museum, here youngsters can learn Danish history through hands-on exhibitions.

Torvehallerne Market

Get your taste-buds in a frenzy as you peruse the edible items on offer at the gourmet urban covered market .

More than 80 shops/stalls can be found across two buildings selling fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, cheese, meat, and other Danish specialities including desserts and beverages with a selection of outdoor vendors too.

Rosenborg Castle and the King’s Garden

Step inside the royal chambers of the Renaissance Rosenborg castle built by King Christian IV of Denmark in the 17 th century and see Denmark’s crown jewels and other royal art treasures as you move around the Royal chambers. If you’re visiting Copenhagen in Spring-Summer, be sure to visit the King’s Garden too to admire the flowers in full bloom.

Amalienborg Palace & the Changing Of The Guards

Learn about Denmark’s monarchs, past and present as you move through the opulent Rococo interiors of Amalienborg Palace, the Winter residence of the current royal family.

Don’t miss the changing of the guards ceremony which takes place daily. Dressed similarly to London’s Buckingham Palace guards but wearing blue instead of red, the Danish Royal guards march from Rosenborg Castle at 11.30am to Amalienborg Palace for the 12.00 ceremony.

Christiansborg Palace /Danish Parliament

Located on the islet of Slotsholmen, Christiansborg Palace is the seat of the Danish Parliament today, but used to be the home of the Danish Royal Family before they relocated to Amalienborg Palace after several fires.

Visitors can see 800 years of history as they move through the Royal Reception Rooms including The Great Hall and The Tapestries to The Royal Stables, The Royal Kitchen, the Chapel, plus the palace ruins and Christiansborg Tower.

Church of Our Saviour

One of the most famous churches in the whole of Denmark due to its iconic serpentine spire aka helix spire, visitors can climb the 400 steps of the external winding staircase on this beautiful baroque church in the Christianshavn neighbourhood to take in the panoramic views over the city.

The Round Tower

Europe’s oldest astronomical observatory, the still-functioning ‘Round Tower’ was built in the 17 th century by Christian IV of Denmark. If you love panoramic views but are not able-bodied enough to manage the 400 steps of the Church of Our Saviour, visit here instead as there’s an  internal spiral ramp that leads to the tower’s viewing platform.

Day trips from Copenhagen

If you’re in Copenhagen for long enough, be sure to take a day trip to one of the beautiful castles whether you join an organised trip or make your own way there using public transport.

Frederiksborg Castle

Located 40km Northwest of Copenhagen, this famous fairytale-like castle sits on 3 islets and dates back to the 17 th century when it was built for King Christian IV.

Visitors can explore inside and outside the stunning renaissance castle with baroque gardens and even take a boat trip on the Castle Lake.

Kronborg Castle

Located on the Northeast coast in Helsingør, 46.6km North of Copenhagen, Kronborg Castle is another fairytale-like renaissance castle.

Shakespeare’s Hamlet was based at this same castle and every June-August Hamlet Live takes place – A must see if you’re a Shakespeare fan.

Where to eat in Copenhagen

The Mad & Kaffe chain is perfect for breakfast or brunch – Mix and match exactly what you want to eat from a wide choice of items (fruit, yogurt, cheeses, meats, breads, pastries, oatmeal etc) and pay based on the number of items.

For lunch, head to Aamanns 1921 and enjoy traditional smørrebrød (an open-faced sandwich) with a twist, this restaurant experimenting with unique flavour combinations.

At the end of the day, have dinner in the charming basement of Restaurant Cofoco, a popular  restaurant close to Tivoli Gardens that serves up small places (meze style) of Nordic cuisine.

Where to stay in Copenhagen

For travellers who are planning to spend their time sightseeing, the city centre (Nyhavn district) is an ideal place to stay in Copenhagen with Tivoli Park and the Little Mermaid statue all within walking distance.

We recommend a stay at the upscale boutique Hotel Skt. Annæ which is just 1 street back from the iconic quayside, located in a historic 17 th century building, with all the top attractions within a short walking distance, it ensures a comfortable stay.

Things to do in Copenhagen was written by Chrysoula Manika for EuropeUpClose.com.

BIO: Chrysoula’s blog Travel Passionate is in English and French and is focused on luxury travel, cultural and culinary experiences around the world. She enjoys exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations and she is interested in presenting the best locations, attractions and accommodation in each area she visits. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram .

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Queen Mary of Denmark Takes Official Portrait Celebrating Daughter Princess Isabella’s 17th Birthday

The Danish princess turned 17 on Sunday, April 21

H.M. Dronningen 

Queen Mary of Denmark is celebrating the 17th birthday of her daughter Princess Isabella in a very personal way

An official portrait of the princess taken by her mom was published on Sunday, April 21 to mark the royal's big day.

The photo, which was shared on the official website of the Royal House , shows Isabella beaming while sitting beside her pet dog Cocoa and a large colorful painting at Brockdorff's Palace in Copenhagen.

“On the occasion of HRH Princess Isabella's birthday on 21 April 2024, new photos of the Princess will be published,” the Royal House wrote of the portrait. “The pictures of Her Royal Highness were taken by HM The Queen in Frederik VIII's Palace at Amalienborg. The pictures show Princess Isabella with the Royal Family's only dog, Coco.”

A second black-and-white photo of Isabella was also shared, showing her smiling once again in the same position alongside the royal family's pooch.

Queen Mary, 52, and King Frederik , 55, share four children : Crown Prince Christian , 18, Princess Isabella and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine , 13.

The new Queen of Denmark’s photo comes after a new official photo of Vincent and Josephine was released in January to mark their 13th birthdays. 

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The image, shot by photographer Dennis Stenild, appeared to have been taken when the family made a balcony appearance as they celebrated Prince Christian 's 18th birthday at Amalienborg Palace in September 2023. The photo showed the twins perfectly coordinated in matching blazers and similar colored tops. 

The release of Queen Mary’s photo of Princess Isabella comes after the controversy surrounding the photo posted by Kate Middleton on U.K. Mother's Day on March 10. The photo was shared on Instagram amid her absence from royal duties following abdominal surgery in January.

The photo featured the Princess of Wales, 42, smiling at the camera while surrounded by her three children — Prince George , Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis — and was claimed by the palace at the time to have been taken by Prince William at the family's home in Windsor.

The image quickly sparked concerns of manipulation . News agencies worldwide — including the Associated Press, Getty Images, Reuters and AFP — removed the photos from their press libraries, citing these issues, along with a “kill notification” issued by AP.

Kate later apologized for editing the photo on her Instagram Stories, writing that she was sorry “for any confusion.” Days later on March 22, the princess revealed her cancer diagnosis .

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Besøg Amalienborgmuseet

Du finder Amalienborgmuseet i Christian VIII’s Palæ, der er et af de fire palæer, som siden 1794 har været den danske kongefamilies hjemsted i København. Her kan du se de kongelige arbejdsværelser fra Christian 9. til Frederik. 9. (Hendes Majestæt Dronning Margrethes far).

Frem til 8. september kan du opleve særudstillingen “Frederik 10. – Konge af i morgen” på Beletagen.

Du finder vores åbningstider her: Åbningstider på Amalienborgmuseet.

Amalienborgmuseet er en del af Kongernes Samling, der også har besøgssteder på  Rosenborg  og  Koldinghus .