Best Castles and Palaces to Visit in Denmark

Denmark is home to some of the most beautiful and well-preserved castles in Europe. From seaside fortresses to grand royal palaces, this guide covers the best castles to visit in Denmark—whether you're planning day trips from Copenhagen or building a full castle-hopping itinerary. These historic sites offer a mix of medieval architecture, royal history, UNESCO recognition, and storybook scenery you won’t want to miss.

Kronborg Castle (Hamlet’s Castle)

📍 Location: Helsingør (Elsinore), North Zealand
🎯 Best for: Shakespeare fans, history lovers, UNESCO sites

Kronborg Castle is one of the best castles to visit in Denmark and the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Overlooking the Øresund Strait, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key part of Danish history. Visitors can explore underground casemates, the chapel, banquet halls, and exhibitions tied to the play.

Tips for Visiting:

• Just 45 minutes by train from Copenhagen
• Visit early in the day to avoid crowds
• Check for summer performances or themed events

Frederiksborg Castle

📍 Location: Hillerød, North Zealand
🎯 Best for: Architecture, baroque gardens, museums

Frederiksborg Castle is Denmark’s largest Renaissance castle and is often called the "Danish Versailles." Spread across three islands on a lake and surrounded by formal gardens, it now houses the Museum of National History with portraits, royal artifacts, and decorative arts.

Highlights:

• Grand chapel and ceremonial halls
• National portrait collection
• Beautiful lake and garden walks

Getting There:
40-minute train ride from Copenhagen, then a 15-minute walk to the castle.

Amalienborg Palace

📍 Location: Copenhagen
🎯 Best for: Royal experiences, changing of the guard, museum visits

Amalienborg is the official residence of the Danish royal family and consists of four identical palaces facing a central square. Visitors can tour the Amalienborg Museum and watch the Royal Guard change at noon every day — a tradition that starts at nearby Rosenborg Castle.

Highlights:

• Changing of the guard ceremony (daily at noon)
• Royal rooms and exhibitions
• Near the Marble Church and Nyhavn

Christiansborg Palace

📍 Location: Copenhagen
🎯 Best for: Government history, royal functions, rooftop views

Christiansborg Palace is a working government building that houses Denmark’s Parliament, Supreme Court, and Prime Minister’s Office. It also contains royal reception rooms, a historic kitchen, chapel, stables, and medieval ruins — all open to visitors with a combo ticket.

Tips for Visiting:

• The tower is free to enter and offers panoramic views over Copenhagen
• The ruins underneath the palace date back to the Middle Ages
• All parts of the palace are walkable from central Copenhagen

Egeskov Castle

📍 Location: Island of Funen (Fyn)
🎯 Best for: Families, road trips, Renaissance architecture

Egeskov Castle is one of Europe’s best-preserved moated castles and a top attraction on Funen. Surrounded by forests, gardens, and water, this castle is packed with things to do. Visitors can walk the castle interiors, explore a treetop walk, visit multiple museums (classic cars, motorcycles), and even get lost in the hedge maze.

Why Visit:

• Fairytale-like setting with a real moat
• Family-friendly with outdoor attractions
• Great photo spots and unique exhibits like Titania’s Palace dollhouse

Bonus Castles Worth Visiting

While the five above are the most well-known, Denmark has even more to explore:

• Rosenborg Castle (Copenhagen): Home to the crown jewels and royal regalia
• Sønderborg Castle (Southern Jutland): Historical museum and medieval architecture
• Dragsholm Castle (West Zealand): Allegedly haunted — and now a luxury hotel
• Vordingborg Castle Ruins: Old Viking-era ruins with a modern museum tower

Planning Your Castle Visits

Here are a few tips to help you organize your castle-focused trip through Denmark:

• Day trips from Copenhagen: Kronborg, Frederiksborg, Amalienborg, and Christiansborg are all within reach.
• Go by train: Denmark’s train system makes it easy to reach castles outside the city.
• Winter closures: Some castles (like Egeskov) close during the winter months — always check hours in advance.
• Consider a Copenhagen Card: If you're staying in the capital, this card includes access to several castles and museums.