SLOTSHOLMEN
The small fishing village of Copenhagen was founded on the island of Slotsholmen in the 12th century. Bishop Absalon, the king’s friend, built a castle here in 1167. Two centuries later, the castle was destroyed by the Hanseatic League, the European trade alliance, which resented Copenhagen’s increasing control over trade. Christiansborg Slot, which stands here today, is home to the Danish Parliament, the Jewish Museum, and the Palace Church.
NEED TO KNOW
Christiansborg Slot: 33 92 64 92; open May–Sep: 10am–5pm daily, Oct–Apr: 10am–5pm Tue–Sun; tours of State Rooms May–Sep: 3pm daily, Oct–Apr: 3pm Tue–Sun; adm $13.50, under 18 free; www.christiansborg.dk
Ruins Under the Palace: open May–Sep: 10am–5pm daily, Oct–Apr: 10am–5pm Tue–Sun; adm $7.50, under 18 free
Royal Stables: open May–Sep: 1:30–4pm daily, Oct–Apr: 1:30–4pm Tue–Sun; adm $7.50, under 18 free
Royal Library Gardens: 6am–10pm daily
Christiansborg Slotskirke: open 10am–5pm daily
Danish War Museum: 33 11 60 37; open noon–4pm Tue–Sun
Thorvaldsens Museum: Bertel Thorvaldsens Plads 2; 33 32 15 32; open 10am–5pm Tue–Sun; adm $10.50 (free Wed), under 18 free; www.thorvaldsensmuseum.dk
1. Christiansborg Tårnet
At 348 ft (106 m), the tower of Christiansborg Slot is the highest in Copenhagen and offers a magnificent panoramic view of the city. It is free to enter (closed Monday), but be sure to reserve in advance if you want to eat in the tower’s upscale Nordic restaurant.
2. Christiansborg Slotskirke
On the site of the original 18th-century church destroyed in the palace fire of 1794, this Neo-Classical church was built in 1813–26 (Slotsplads 9). However, a fire broke out in 1992 and destroyed its roof, dome, and parts of the interior. The royal family still uses the chapel for baptisms and when royal family members lie in state.
3. Thorvaldsens Museum
This museum is home to almost all of the works and some of the personal belongings of Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. In the entrance hall are the original plaster casts of his most famous pieces.
Thorvaldsens Museum
4. Danish War Museum
Built as an arsenal in 1604–8, the Royal Danish Arsenal Museum is filled with artillery guns. The Armory Hall has 7,000 hand weapons, some from the 1300s.
5. Christiansborg Slot
Designed in Neo-Baroque style in 1907–28, this palace is where you will find the Folketinget (the Parliament), the Prime Minister’s apartment, the High Court, and the State Rooms used for royal family functions—note the marble- and silk-adorned Throne Room and Great Hall.
Christiansborg Slot
6. Teatermuseet
This court theater, above the Royal Stables, was established in 1767. Now a museum (Christiansborg 18), it depicts Danish theater in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can also walk onto the stage.
7. Royal Stables
The stables of Christian VI’s Palace survived the fire of 1794. The Queen’s horses are still kept here amid splendid marble walls, columns, and mangers. There is also a collection of royal coaches and riding gear.
8. Dansk Jødisk Museum
This museum has a striking, modern interior, designed by Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind. The building depicts the lives and culture of the Jewish population staying in Denmark (Proviantpassagen 6).
Dansk Jødisk Museum
9. Ruins Under the Palace
These fascinating ruins were discovered during the construction of the present palace. Notable are parts of Bishop Absalon’s castle, the second castle that stood here until the 18th century, and details of the routine of daily life.
10. Royal Library Gardens
With blossoming beds of flowers and large shadowy trees, this garden is centered around a fountain, and there are plenty of benches to sit on and relax, as you look at the statue of philosopher Søren Kierkegaard.
Royal Library Gardens
CASTLE ISLAND
Several castles have stood on this island through the centuries. The first one was built in 1167 by Bishop Absalon. A second castle, used by King Erik of Pomerania, was built in 1416. When the building started to fall apart, it was pulled down and demolished in 1731 by Christian VI who, in its place, built a palace suitable for an Absolute Monarch. It was completed in 1740, but was destroyed in the fire of 1794. Another castle, built in 1803–28, burned down in 1884. The present castle was built in 1907–28.
