Best Castles Tours of Copenhagen
The castles are part of the medieval past of the Danish monarchy. So, if you want to dive into the history of the country, you can not miss them. Here are the essential ones
Copenhagen is a fairytale city largely because of its architecture, full of palaces, picturesque colorful houses and castles, some of them very popular and associated with the historical past of Denmark and the monarchy.
So, if you want to know the Scandinavian culture in depth, you can not miss an express tour to Rosenborg Castle, travel to Helsingør to see Kronborg Castle, marvel at Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød or visit Fredensborg Palace.
Kronborg Castle Tour
This castle, located in the city of Helsingør, is one of the most important monuments in Denmark, so although it is about a 30-minute drive from Copenhagen, it is worth booking a tour to Kronborg. Built in the 15th century, it has witnessed important historical and literary events, but is famous for being the inspiration for Hamlet, William Shakespeare's play, so it is known as Hamlet's Castle.
On a tour to Kronborg Castle you can explore the history and architecture of the castle; see the royal chambers, the Great Hall of the Knights and the Queen's Chapel, and tour the subway tunnels and dungeons. The view from the castle out to sea is beautiful, which makes the full-day excursion from Copenhagen even more memorable.
Kronborg Castle also offers various activities for visitors, such as theater performances, concerts and medieval festivals that take place throughout the year. In addition, you can enjoy the local gastronomy in the nearby restaurants, where you will taste traditional dishes from Denmark and the Helsingør region.
Interesting details
- Price: an excursion to Roskilde, Frederiksborg and Kronborg costs approximately 146 euros per person.
- Duration: approximately 8:30 hours.
- Advantages of these excursions: you will see one of the most beautiful castles in the Scandinavian region.
- Disadvantages of these tours: it is a long tour, so it might not be useful if you are planning a short stay in Copenhagen.
Frederiksborg Castle Tour
Frederiksborg Castle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Denmark. Located in Hillerød, just 30 kilometers north of the capital, it is a beautiful Renaissance castle built in the 17th century by King Christian IV, and is surrounded by gardens that make it an ideal place to visit on a sunny day, especially if you plan to tour Copenhagen during the spring.
I recommend you to book tickets for the National Museum of Denmark because the castle houses this must-see museum where visitors can explore the exhibits and history of the country. Regarding the castle, the attractions start at the Great Gate, where you can admire the façade of the castle. You can also explore the castle's rooms, which are decorated with tapestries and works of art, and discover the history of Denmark from the Middle Ages to the present.
The castle also has a collection of portraits of Danish and European royalty, which is one of the largest in the world. And the gardens have a classic French-style design from the 17th century. If you book an excursion to Frederiksborg you'll have free time to take some of the best photographs of your trip. In addition, there are several restaurants nearby, as well as stores and art galleries where you can buy souvenirs and local art. Another option is to book a bike ride to discover the nature.
Details of interest
- Price: a complete tour to Roskilde, Frederiksborg and Kronborg costs approximately 146 euros per person.
- Duration: approximately 8:30 hours.
- Advantages of these tours: you will have free time to tour the castle gardens and halls on your own.
- Disadvantages of these tours: if you plan to travel in winter, some areas of the castle complex may be closed.
Rosenborg Castle Tour
Rosenborg Castle is one of the most visited monuments in Copenhagen. It is located in the center of the city and is famous for its Dutch Renaissance architecture. This building was built by King Christian IV in the 17th century and was used as a royal residence until the 19th century, so it is included, in most cases, if you book a private tour of Copenhagen.
It houses a large collection of royal artifacts such as coronation jewels, porcelain, furniture and silver objects. In fact, it is one of the best museums in Copenhagen. On a tour you can learn about the history and monarchy of the country; admire the original furniture and decoration; explore the gardens; see the Queen's Crystal Crown, which is housed in a room specially designed for her, and visit the Throne Room, the Great Hall and the Knights' Hall.
Being located in the center of the city, you can combine your visit to the castle with a walk through the surrounding Kongens Have Park, or explore other nearby points of interest, such as the Botanical Garden or the National Museum of Denmark. In short, a trip to Rosenborg Castle is an enriching educational and cultural experience not to be missed during a visit to Copenhagen.
Details of interest
- Price: these tours have an initial cost of approximately €30 per person, including entrance fees and guided tour.
- Duration: approximately 2 hours.
- Advantages of these tours: you will get to know one of the most emblematic buildings in the history of Denmark.
- Disadvantages of these tours: since the castle is very large and the tour is short, you will not have free time to walk around the site on your own.
Fredensborg Palace Tour
Fredensborg Palace is one of Denmark's most spectacular architectural gems and is located just 30 kilometers north of Copenhagen. This baroque palace is the summer residence of the monarchy and has a park covering more than 300 hectares.
During excursions you can explore the palace with a guided tour and discover its history and architecture, as well as enjoy the beautiful views of the park. In addition, you can discover the elegance of the royal chambers, including the Great Hall, the Queen's Hall and the Royal Library. You can also visit the palace church, which is centrally located within the park.
Fredensborg is one of Copenhagen's finest palaces, but it is also considered a castle, since during its construction it was used for military functions, and its gardens, with beautiful flowers and plants, sculptures and a pond with swans, is one of the main wonders of the complex.
Details of interest
- Price: these tours have an approximate initial cost of 82 euros per person, including entrance fees and guided tour. The price does not include transfer from Denmark.
- Duration: approximately 5 to 6 hours.
- Advantages of these excursions: you will visit one of the most beautiful palaces and gardens in Denmark.
- Disadvantages of these tours: of all the famous buildings in and around Copenhagen is the one that will allow you to access fewer rooms, as many of them are closed to the public because it is still considered a royal residence.
How to book an excursion to the castles of Copenhagen?
There are several options to book a tour to the Copenhagen castles, but the safest way is to book in advance online, as you will freeze the price at the time of purchase and you will be able to organize an itinerary. In addition, you will secure your spot, which is very important if you plan to visit Copenhagen in summer or during the high season months.
Another option is to book directly through the official website. Most castles have a website where you can buy tickets online, and some offer guided tours in different languages. Just keep in mind that in these cases you will have to get the transfer services elsewhere.
In any case, I advise you to book in advance to make sure there is availability on the desired day and time, especially during the high tourist season. Also, if you avoid leaving the booking to the last minute you will be able to save money because you will get better prices.
What will I see on this type of tour?
Copenhagen castle tours offer a unique opportunity to learn about the history and architecture of some of Denmark's most impressive castles and palaces. On these tours, you can visit Rosenborg Castle, Kronborg Castle, Frederiksborg Castle and Fredensborg Palace, some of the most iconic buildings in Copenhagen and the surrounding area.
At each castle you can explore their magnificent halls and rooms, view collections of art and historic furnishings, and learn about the important people who have lived there. In addition, many of these castles are surrounded by beautiful gardens and parks, allowing you to enjoy nature while immersing yourself in the history and culture of Denmark.
In general, if you book a castle tour you will be able to enjoy each place to the fullest, with expert guides who will tell you the stories behind each corner and monument. You will also be able to take pictures to remember this unique experience.
Tips for a tour to Copenhagen's castles
A tour of Copenhagen's castles is one of the best activities you can do in and around the Danish capital, so in order for you to optimize the experience, some of these tips might be helpful:
- Plan your day: before choosing your excursion, make sure you know the schedules of the castles you want to visit and plan an itinerary. Also, take into account the transfer and visiting times to avoid arriving late to any of the attractions.
- Wear comfortable shoes: when visiting these castles you will have to walk a lot, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes suitable for the occasion. Keep in mind that if you visit Copenhagen in winter it will be ideal to bring waterproof shoes.
- Book in advance: if you want to avoid long queues, it is advisable to book your tickets in advance online. You can also book a tour with a local travel agency once you are in the city, although in that case you may be subject to last-minute price increases.
- Learn about the history and culture: before your visit, research the history and culture of the castles to better appreciate the architectural and artistic details of the castles. You can also take an audio guide or a guided tour to learn more about these places.
- Bring a camera: Copenhagen's castles and the surrounding area are part of the unmissable scenery, so if you have a good eye you can take some of the best pictures of your trip.
Why is it advisable to take a trip to the castles of Copenhagen?
A trip to the castles of Copenhagen is one of the best things to see and do in Copenhagen, a unique experience that will allow you to experience the rich history and cultural heritage of Denmark. Each of the castles has its own past and architectural style, which makes them interesting to visit and explore. In addition, these tours offer an escape from the city and allow you to enjoy the surrounding landscape and nature.
Another reason to take a tour to Copenhagen's castles is the opportunity to learn about the Danish monarchy and the importance of the castles in Danish history. You will also be able to admire the art collections, furnishings and artifacts housed in the buildings, providing a more complete view of Danish culture and heritage.
Please note that some tours can take approximately 2 hours, so they are also compatible with a short stay in the city. If that is your case, here is a list of activities you can do to discover Copenhagen in 3 days.
What are the advantages of taking a guided tour vs. visiting the castles on my own?
There are several advantages to taking a guided tour to visit Copenhagen's castles rather than visiting on your own, the main one being that you will visit with a local guide who is an expert in the history and culture of Copenhagen's castles, which means that he or she can provide you with more complete and detailed information than if you do it on your own.
You may also have privileged access, as some guided tours allow you to access restricted areas that are not open to the general public, which means you can enjoy a more complete experience that will even save you time, especially if you plan to visit Copenhagen in July or during the summer months.
If you opt for a guided tour, you can also gain in comfort, since by taking a tour with a tour guide you won't have to worry about anything but enjoying the experience. The guide will take care of the logistics and provide you with detailed information about the castles, allowing you to get the most out of your visit.