10 Castles in Denmark That You Shouldn't Miss

The beautiful 400-year-old castle is situated in central Copenhagen's popular park, The King's Garden. The castle was built by one of the most famous Scandinavian kings, Christian IV. Today, the glory of the past can be experienced through the numerous art treasures of the previous kings and queens. Among the main attractions is the Great Hall with the coronation thrones and three life-size silver lions standing guard. The crown jewels and royal regalia sparkle behind the thick walls of the treasury beneath the castle.

Christiansborg Palace is situated on the little island of Slotsholmen (Castle Island) which is surrounded by canals in the heart of Denmark's capital, Copenhagen. Denmark has one of the oldest monarchies in the world, and the palace has a long, dramatic history which revolves around the exercise of royal power. Today, Denmark is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of governance. Under its beautiful copper roof, the palace houses the Danish parliament, the office of the Danish prime minister and the Supreme Court. It is therefore the center for legislative, executive and judicial power in Denmark. The palace also accommodates rooms for the Danish Monarchy. Focusing on the royal part of the palace, Christiansborg Palace is H.M. the Queen's working palace. This is where the Queen holds audiences, signs laws, holds banquets and receptions, celebrates royal anniversaries and receives state visits. It is a working palace where old traditions and the modern Royal Family meet. You will see dazzling halls, adorned with colorful tapestries, vast paintings, patterned floors, glittering chandeliers, and sumptuous stucco ceilings. You can explore The Royal Kitchen and see its two tons of shiny copper kitchenware. You can visit the beautiful palace chapel, stand underneath its dome and let your head spin as you gaze up at the angels in the ceiling décor more than 30 metres above you. In The Royal Stables you'll find the the white royal horses in the wintertime, and in the summertime the exhibition "All the kings' horses" - all year around you can see the Royal Family's array of carriages. One of them is coated with 24-carat gold leaf. You can also explore the underground ruins underneath Christiansborg Palace. These are ruins of earlier castles and palaces showing that the Castle Island is steeped in 800 years of power and political intrigue.

In the hilly countryside of Djursland, Gammel Estrup Manor stands with its red walls and high towers. The history of the manor can be traced back to the 1300's, and for 600 years - until 1926 - it was owned by the same family. For generations the manor was the setting for the life of the family and its wealth - with beautiful art objects, a great number of employees, and presentable surroundings. All year round Gammel Estrup Manor offers activities and exhibitions on life at the Danish manors. The elegant halls, the big kitchen, the baroque garden with the Orangeries, and the surrounding cultivated landscape all give us an insight into the life of high and low througout the times. There is a play area in connection with the baroque garden of the museum. You may enjoy your packed lunch in one of the Orangeries or at the open air benches and tables. You are also welcome to picnic on the lawns og buy your launch at Restaurant The Old Stable. Dogs on a leash are welcome in the garden.

This historic castle was constructed on three islands and is surrounded by lake and beautiful gardens. Frederiksborg Castle has housed The Museum of National History since 1878. A tour through the museum's many beautiful rooms is an encounter with kings, queens, nobles, the bourgeois, events, and epochs, which have all shaped the country's history and development from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. The museum was founded by brewer J.C. Jacobsen, the founder of Carlsberg.

Temporarily closed. Kronborg is a must-see! “Hamlet’s Castle” is a magnificent experience with soaring towers, a huge ballroom, damp casemates and just 40 minutes from Copenhagen. At the narrowest neck of the sound, between Denmark and Sweden, the medieval fortress merges with the magnificent Renaissance castle and there are few sites in the world where so much drama and history is gathered in one place. Mythical hero Holger the Dane’s mighty sword meets Shakespeare’s equally mighty pen, as the spirit of Hamlet glides through the castle. No wonder this extraordinary place is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. From June to August, Kronborg comes to life! Hamlet and his family take up residence in the castle and as you explore the castle, you will tumble right into the story. The fate of Hamlet unfolds before your very eyes. This interactive live performance that will play out daily during opening hours of Kronborg Castle.

Koldinghus was built in the middle of the 13th century, and in the centuries that followed it was one of Denmark's most important royal castles. In 1808 there was a fire that left the castle in ruins – a romantic relic. Today the castle has been restored and houses a museum which is a centre for cultural activities and special exhibitions of international standing.