Numerous royal families have ruled Denmark over the centuries, and even today Denmark’s royal family is the oldest in Europe. Many long- forgotten rulers have left behind their legacy in the form of castles and palaces. Here are the five best castles we found in Denmark.
Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen’s waterfront serves as the Winter home to the Danish royal family. The architecture of this castle is in classic rococo style with four externally uniform looking palaces around a large courtyard.
There is an impressive equestrian statue of Frederik V, the founder of the palace complex, in the courtyard. The changing of the guard ceremony that takes place here when the Royal Danish Guard march from Rosenborg castle to here is quite impressive and is a popular attraction for visitors.
Frederiksborg Castle
Frederiksborg Castle, located in the city of Hillerod, just 34 mins drive north of Copenhagen, is the perfect castle to visit as a day trip. It is referred to as Denmark’s Versailles. It is Scandinavia’s largest renaissance castle, surrounded by a huge baroque garden. It also houses the Museum of National History.
The gardens are simply magnificent to walk through. The museum’s exhibitions in the castle’s many rooms provide more than a peek into Denmark’s history from the Middle Ages to the 21st century.
Kronborg Castle
Built in the 16th-century, Kronborg Castle is situated on the edge of the island of Zealand at a narrow strip of water between Denmark and Sweden, near Helsingor. This UNESCO site is very popular due to it being depicted as Elsinore in Shakespeare’s tragic play Hamlet.
Because of this, it is also known as Hamlet’s Castle. Besides it being an important literary site, the castle is also filled with history. When it was first built, it served as the home of Frederick II.
Its strategic location has been helpful in regulating the import and export by medieval kings in the past. It functioned as a toll center as it collected Sound Dues (Waterway tax) from sailors of passing ships and boats.
Egeskov Castle
Egeskov Castle located in the Funen island and just 2 hours from Copenhagen could be a fun day trip or better an overnight trip stopping at Odense. A closer look of this Renaissance castle – the hidden stairs and machicolations – reveal that it was originally built for defence.
Egeskov castle today is truly a multi-faceted destination – not just a castle. It not only has moats and impressive gardens, but also Exhibitions of vintage cars, motorcycle collection, flying vehicles, agriculture display. In addition, it has a big playground for kids and adults, WiFi and a café.
Koldinghus Castle
Koldinghus Castle is the least known Danish castle located in Jutland peninsula. It is convenient to visit the castle while driving westwards from Odense (in Funen Island). It takes a good two and half hours to drive from Copenhagen, but well worth the trip.
Built in the middle of the 13th century, it was one of Denmark’s important castles. There was a fire in 1808 that left the castle in ruins. It was restored and today, it houses a museum that serves as a cultural centre and has special exhibitions. The castle has served as a fortress, royal residence and museum, enabling visitors to explore the castle’s history and view fascinating exhibits.
Denmark is the happiest country in the world. Danes value the concept of ‘hygge’, doing things which makes you happy. Driving around Denmark seeing these castles, and exploring the country gave us a sense of well-being, too. We encourage you to try it out!
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We saw a few of the castles in Copenhagen when we visited. But it looks like we will have to plan some day trips to see more of the Denmark Castles. Egeskov Castle ooks like a spot for a full day with so much to see and do. I am sure travelling around to see the castles would make us happy too!
Honestly I had no idea Denmark has so many castles! Recently I learned a bunch of new things I did not know about Denmark’s history either. Fascinating. My home country The Netherlands is also often listed as happiest country, especially for children. Best regards, Elisa of flitterfever.com
I’m dying to visit Frederiksborg Castle, a friend of mine have moved quite close to here and has put pictures up a few times last year, but I didn’t know the name of it. I can’t believe how similar the style of Amalienborg Palace is to windsor castle.
So many beautiful castles in Denmark. I’ve only been to Copenhagen for a quick business trip so would love to return to explore the area.
I have never visited Denmark but this has certainly whetted my appetite to go! I love that it is the happiest country in the world & wasn’t aware that it had so many castles either. Over the last year I have been visiting many of the British castles for the first time (when we weren’t locked down that is!) & it has certainly renewed my interest in seeing more further afield too. The history & indulgence of these buildings is fascinating.
Yes, the castles in Denmark are wonderful – and the history so interesting. I know mostly those in Copenhagen and Frederiksborg which is actually my favorite. I find that there, history really comes alive. It’s also interesting how different they are from European castles in the south – much more gorgeous woodwork.
I’ve yet to make it to Denmark. Hopefully, someday I’ll make it. Since I love architecture and history, I’m definitely going to check out these castles. Did you need a car to get to the castle or is there a way to see them by public transport? I read this great book last year about a British woman who wrote about her first year living in Denmark. She talked about the concept of hygge. It really sparked my curiosity about the country.
I have only visited Copenhagen, but it looks as if I am missing out on these glorious castles. I would like to visit all of them, but particularly Koldinghus Castle.
Wow, I didn’t expect so many castles in Denmark! Would love to visit Egeskov Castle, that garden is magnificent. It’s so cool to be able to see what they were all originally built for. Such timeless pieces of history!
Such beautifully captured pictures. I feel like keep looking at them. True architecture marvels. I have never been to Nordic countries but they are on my list.
I did not know about the castles in Denmark. I only knew that Denmark was quite similar to other European countries in terms of Architecture. Regardless, all of these mentioned were truly classic, particularly Kronborg Castle, not only it is UNESCO World Heritage, but also indeed remarkably stunning. Also not missing out on the lush gardens..
I would say castles in Denmark look different from the ones in England. Probably it has something to do with location? Egeskov Castle looks like a castle from a fairytale books. But I like the details in Kronborg Castle. And what an exercise to walk around the garden of Frederiksborg Castle.
I love to see European castles as they have wonderful architecture with wonderful backdrop. Love to see some amazing castles from Denmark as I have seen German castles only. Frederiksborg Castle is really very huge and magnificent. Egeskov Castle is also very photogenic.
Beautiful Castles all of them. Although we have visited Amalienborg Palace & Frederiksborg Castle while on our trip to Copenhagen couple of years back and both of them so nice to spend some time. Next time we would wish to do the day trip to Egeskov Castle and also try and do Koldinghus and Kronborg too. Each are beautiful in their own way.
Denmark has long been on my list, and even more so now. I hadn’t realized it has so many castles. It’s hard to pick a favourite, they all look interesting to explore. I especially like to visit the gardens. Being an UNESCO site, I would definitely have to start with Kronborg.
Castles are some of our favorite sights. We have a lot of them in France. We have not yet made it to Denmark but would like to go our a campervan road trip to the country at some point. We will bookmark these castles for our trip there hopefully this year!
I love visiting castles! These ones are beautiful! I’ve never visited Denmark but I’m definitely adding some of these to my list when I finally get there! I’d especially love to visit Egeskov Castle. Thanks for the great guide!
I’ve been to a few of these during a solo trip to Copenhagen. The castles are so unique in Denmark so I would love to visit more of them when I next visit the country. Great list!
I love visiting castles in Europe. This is a good guide for Denmark. Hope to get back there soon.
There are so many amazing castles throughout Europe. Can you just imagine living in one? I think I would have been cold all of the time.
These castles all look magical! Egeskov Castle looks especially beautiful – especially the garden! I’d love to visit one day, thanks for the great guide!
What a wonderful guide for castles in Denmark! I plan to make a long road trip out of visiting as many castles in Europe as I can. One of these years. Can’t wait to visit these!
I didn’t realise there were so many castles in Denmark. I’ve never been and always wanted to go so now I know I must see a castle or two while I’m there. Kind of reminds me of all the chateau in the Loire Valley of France.
I didn’t realize Denmark has so many beautiful castles! I’d want to visit all of them but Egeskov Castle and Koldinghus Castle would be at the top of my list!
These are incredible! Like some of the commenters above, I didn’t know Denmark had so many cool castles! Egeskov Castle is especially stunning! I love the gardens too, it’s so nice how they are surrounded by water and pretty greenery.
Gotta love castles! I like how unique and individual each one is, and how some look like traditional fortress castles, while others are more along the lines of palaces. Denmark is not a place I would have associated with castles so it’s neat to see so many.
I’ve only been to Denmark once. It was for business so didn’t get a chance to visit any of these classic castles. Beautiful!
Thank you for sharing these incredible castles in Denmark! Visiting Denmark is high on our travel list. I had no idea there were so many castles here! We love visiting the gardens.
I love Denmark and have seen some of the castles you mention already, as I have been to Copenhagen several times. However Egeskov castle and Koldinghus castle look amazing too. I have not been to the Jütland area yet, so I would happily combine a visit there with Koldinghus castle.
I love how well-maintained these castles and gardens are – WOW! It makes it easy to imagine what it would have been like to live in one of them. Fab photos!