Christiansborg Palace stands on the islet of Slotsholmen in the heart of old Copenhagen, a Neo-baroque palace whose current building (the third on the site) was completed between 1907 and 1928, after fires destroyed its predecessors going back to Bishop Absalon's castle of 1167. It is the only building in the world that houses all three branches of a nation's government under one roof — the Danish Parliament (Folketinget), the Prime Minister's Office and the Supreme Court — alongside the Royal Reception Rooms where the monarch receives heads of state. This is where King Frederik X was proclaimed in January 2024 after Queen Margrethe II's abdication, and as of 2026 it remains a working seat of power. A visit combines opulent state rooms, 800-year-old ruins beneath your feet, and a free tower with the best view in the city.
The Royal Reception Rooms and the 40-metre Great Hall, with lavish ceilings and chandeliers, used for state banquets
The Queen's Tapestries — 17 works by Bjørn Nørgaard tracing 1,000 years of Danish history, a gift to Queen Margrethe II
The ruins beneath the palace — the 800-plus-year-old foundations of Absalon's Castle (1167) and the old Copenhagen Castle, seen via underground walkways
The 106-metre tower, Copenhagen's tallest, with a free public viewing platform overlooking the city and its canals
The Royal Stables (about 20 ceremonial horses) and the neoclassical Palace Chapel by C.F. Hansen
Good to know
RulesThe Reception Rooms, ruins and stables can close at short notice for royal audiences and official state functions. Always check the day's opening status on the official website the morning of your visit.
RulesYou must wear shoe covers over your footwear in the Royal Reception Rooms and stow large bags. A ticket to the Reception Rooms includes a free guided tour, so note the tour times.
SeasonDenmark sits at a high latitude: summer (June–July) brings near-white nights with daylight until around 10 pm, while winter days are short and cold. Rain and wind are common year-round, so pack a waterproof and layers (aurora is essentially not visible at this latitude).
SafetyCopenhagen is generally safe, but pickpocketing occurs around tourist sites, the metro and the Strøget pedestrian street. Keep your bag in front and watch wallets and phones in back pockets.
MannersParliament and the Supreme Court actually work here, so keep quiet indoors and stay out of restricted areas and no-photo zones. Copenhagen is a cycling city — don't walk in the bike lanes.
CautionSkip marked-up third-party resellers and buy from the official site (denkongeligesamling.dk) or the on-site box office. Denmark is largely cashless, so demands for cash tips or 'cash only' payment are a red flag.
Practical info
The palace is on Slotsholmen, a few minutes' walk across the canal from Gammel Strand metro station (lines M3 and M4). The Reception Rooms, ruins and Royal Kitchen are typically open 10:00–17:00 (daily late March–early November; Tue–Sun in winter), and the free tower runs Tue–Sun 11:00–21:00 (until 17:30 on Sundays, closed Mondays). Prices, hours and closures change often, so confirm the latest on the official website before you go.
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