Christiansborg Palace, Copenhagen

Christiansborg Palace, Copenhagen (must see)

The seat of Danish government today, housing all its three wings – Parliament, Supreme Court, and Prime Minister's office, this site is considered the birthplace of Copenhagen, as it comprises the ruins of the city's original 12th-century fortress (now literally under visitors' feet). Dating from 1928, the current palace is the sixth building to stand on the spot in 800 years, after a series of fires and reconstructions. Despite its relative recency, the majesty here is excellent, with all of the furniture, tapestries and exhibits in excellent condition. Paper slippers are put on to protect the beautiful parquet floors.

If you have the Copenhagen Card for tourists, admission to the royal reception rooms (as well as the nearby stables, kitchen, and underground ruins) is free. Highlights of the experience include the Queen's china collection; her ornate ceremonial library; and the Great Hall, which today is adorned with tapestries chronicling Denmark's history. The detail in the hand paintings that cover every square inch of some of the rooms is simply amazing.

If you don't have the Copenhagen Card (or don't want to pay to get in), it is still possible to walk around the courtyard and go up the tower (Copenhagen's tallest), where a nice observation area looks over the city on all sides. There's even a small elevator that takes groups of 8ish at a time to the top, so definitely do this, if nothing else.

Why You Should Visit:
The library is the stuff of dreams, and one could easily spend an hour looking at the modern tapestries.

Tip:
Always look out for the free English hour-long tours included in your ticket (they are at 3pm each day but also at different times in the weekends: 12pm/2pm), unless you'd rather wander the rooms on your own, reading the descriptions.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Copenhagen. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Christiansborg Palace on Map

Sight Name: Christiansborg Palace
Sight Location: Copenhagen, Denmark (See walking tours in Copenhagen)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Copenhagen, Denmark

Create Your Own Walk in Copenhagen

Create Your Own Walk in Copenhagen

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Copenhagen Introduction Walking Tour

Copenhagen Introduction Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Castle Island (Slotsholmen) Walking Tour

Castle Island (Slotsholmen) Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Little Mermaid Walking Tour

Little Mermaid Walking Tour

Constructed in the 18th century, during the reign of King Frederick V (hence the name), the district of Frederiksstaden is now regarded as one of the most important rococo complexes in Europe. This tour guides you through its broad streets, lined by bourgeois houses, mansions and palaces, built to glorify the absolute monarchy. Denmark was in the throes of an economic boom, and the beautiful...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Hans Christian Andersen's Copenhagen

Hans Christian Andersen's Copenhagen

The 19th-century author of "The Little Mermaid," "The Emperor's New Clothes," and "The Ugly Duckling" was born in Odense (central Denmark) but lived and died in Copenhagen. His compelling tales appeal to children and adults alike: full of magic and touching on strong, universal emotions, it is no wonder that they made him the country's best-known author.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles

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