Things to do in Zealand, Zealand: The Best Government Buildings

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.

Book a guided tour. The guided tours aim to give you an insight into Christiansborg as a workplace for the Members of Parliament and as the centre of democracy and legislative power in Denmark. Our guides will tell you about the dramatic and interesting history of Christiansborg Palace and the development of Danish democracy. Tours take about 45 minutes and are conducted by Parliament Officers. You can see all available times when you book a visit. In case of vacation, holidays and special events, changes may occur. If you have any questions, please contact the Danish Parliament's Visitors' Service.