Rosenborg Castle (Rosenborg Slot)

Rosenborg Castle is impressive in and of itself. But even more remarkable are its collection’s highlights, including the Danish Crown Jewels—particularly Christian’s IV’s dazzling crown and Christian III’s jewel-encrusted sword; the Royal Regalia; coronation furnishings; and family portraits. The royal heirlooms displayed in the castle’s upper rooms are chronologically arranged by monarch. To beat the lines, which can get quite long in summer, purchase advance tickets. You can also visit the palace as part of a half-day or full-day city tour of Copenhagen, or stop by while doing a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour.

• History and architecture buffs will thrill to tour the castle, and kids will enjoy gawking at the treasures and armor, then running around in the gardens.

• Admission to the palace is free with the purchase of the Copenhagen Card.

• Strollers are not allowed in the palace, and the interior is not wheelchair accessible.

• You can bring only small bags into the palace; there are lockers to store larger bags.

Rosenborg Castle is only 650 feet (200 meters) from Norreport Station. There is an entrance at Oster Voldgade 4a and via the bridge over the moat from King’s Garden. It can be reached by S-trains, metro and regional trains, and several bus lines.

Rosenborg Castle’s opening hours vary throughout the year. It is most popular with tourists between April and September, and can get quite crowded. To beat the crowds, try to arrive first thing in the morning.

Rosenborg Castle is surrounded by Copenhagen’s oldest public park, the King’s Gardens, which is free to visit. Also nearby is the Botanical Garden—with about 13,000 plant species and its extensive complex of historical glass greenhouses—and the Botanical Museum. Another worthwhile experience is the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace: the Royal Guard marches from their barracks near Rosenborg Palace through the streets of Copenhagen to Amalienborg in time for the ceremony at noon.