Best Castles Tours of Copenhagen

The castles are part of the Danish monarchy's medieval past. So if you want to delve into the country's history, you can't miss them. Here are the must-sees

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

9 min read

Best Castles Tours of Copenhagen

Copenhagen Castle | ©Graham Trimming

Copenhagen is a fairytale city largely because of its architecture, full of palaces, picturesque colourful houses and castles, some of them very popular and associated with Denmark's historical past and monarchy.

So, if you want to get to know Scandinavian culture in depth, you can't miss an express tour to Rosenborg Castle, a trip to Helsingør to see Kronborg Castle, marvel at Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød or visit Fredensborg Palace.

Kronborg Castle Tour

Kronborg Castle| ©Frank
Kronborg Castle| ©Frank

This castle, located in the town of Helsingør, is one of Denmark's most important monuments, so although it's about a 30-minute drive from Copenhagen, it's worth booking a trip to Kronborg. Built in the 15th century, it has witnessed important historical and literary events, but is famous for being the inspiration for William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, so it is known as Hamlet's Castle.

On a tour of Kronborg Castle you can explore the history and architecture of the castle; see the royal chambers, the Great Hall of the Knights and the Queen's Chapel, and tour the underground tunnels and dungeons. The view from the castle out to sea is beautiful, which makes the full-day trip from Copenhagen all the more memorable.

Kronborg Castle also offers various activities for visitors, such as theatre performances, concerts and medieval festivals that take place throughout the year. In addition, you can enjoy the local gastronomy in the nearby restaurants, where you can sample traditional dishes from Denmark and the Helsingør region.

Interesting details

  • Price: a tour to Roskilde, Frederiksborg and Kronborg costs approximately 146 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 8:30 hours.
  • Advantages of these excursions: you will see one of the most beautiful castles in the Scandinavian region.
  • Disadvantages of these tours: it is a long tour, so it might not be useful if you are planning a short stay in Copenhagen.

Book a tour to Kronborg

Frederiksborg Castle Tour

Frederiksborg Castle| ©Geoff Fagan
Frederiksborg Castle| ©Geoff Fagan

Frederiksborg Castle is one of Denmark's most popular tourist destinations. Located in Hillerød, just 30 kilometres north of the capital, it is a beautiful Renaissance castle built in the 17th century by King Christian IV, and is surrounded by gardens that make it an ideal place to visit on a sunny day, especially if you plan to tour Copenhagen during the spring.

I recommend you book tickets for the National Museum of Denmark as the castle houses this must-see museum where visitors can explore the country's exhibits and history. Regarding the castle, the attractions start at the Great Gate, where you can admire the façade of the castle. You can also explore the castle's rooms, which are decorated with tapestries and works of art, and discover the history of Denmark from the Middle Ages to the present day.

The castle also has a collection of portraits of Danish and European royalty, which is one of the largest in the world. And the gardens have a classic 17th-century French-style design. If you book a tour of Frederiksborg you'll have free time to take some of the best photographs of your trip. There are also several restaurants nearby, as well as shops and art galleries where you can buy souvenirs and local art. Another option is to book a bike tour to discover the nature.

Interesting details

  • Price: a complete tour to Roskilde, Frederiksborg and Kronborg costs approximately 146 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 8:30 hours.
  • Advantages of these tours: you will have free time to explore the castle gardens and halls on your own.
  • Disadvantages of these tours: if you plan to travel in winter, some areas of the castle complex may be closed.

Book a tour to Frederiksborg

Rosenborg Castle Tour

Rosenborg Castle| ©Mike LaMonaca
Rosenborg Castle| ©Mike LaMonaca

Rosenborg Castle is one of the most visited monuments in Copenhagen. It is located in the city centre and is famous for its Dutch Renaissance architecture. This building was built by King Christian IV in the 17th century and was used as a royal residence until the 19th century, which is why it is included, in most cases, if you book a private tour of Copenhagen.

It houses a large collection of royal artefacts such as coronation jewels, porcelain, furniture and silver objects. In fact, it is one of the best museums in Copenhagen. On a tour you can learn about the country's history and monarchy; admire the original furniture and decoration; explore the gardens; see the Queen's Crystal Crown, which is housed in a room specially designed for her, and visit the Throne Room, the Great Hall and the Knights' Hall.

Being located in the city centre, you can combine your visit to the castle with a stroll through the surrounding Kongens Have park, or explore other nearby attractions such as the Botanical Gardens or the National Museum of Denmark. In short, a trip to Rosenborg Castle is an educational and culturally enriching experience not to be missed during a visit to Copenhagen.

Interesting details

  • Price: these tours have an initial cost of approximately 30 euros per person, including entrance fees and guided tour.
  • Duration: approximately 2 hours.
  • Advantages of these tours: you will get to see one of the most emblematic buildings in the history of Denmark.
  • Disadvantages of these tours: as the castle is very large and the tour is short, you will not have free time to walk around the site on your own.

Book a private tour of Copenhagen

Fredensborg Palace Tour

Fredensborg Palace| ©KLMircea
Fredensborg Palace| ©KLMircea

Fredensborg Palace is one of Denmark's most spectacular architectural gems and is located just 30 kilometres north of Copenhagen. This baroque palace is the summer residence of the monarchy and has a park covering more than 300 hectares.

During excursions you can explore the palace with a guided tour and discover its history and architecture, as well as enjoy the beautiful views of the park. You can also discover the elegance of the royal chambers, including the Great Hall, the Queen's Hall and the Royal Library. You can also visit the palace church, which is centrally located within the park.

Fredensborg is one of Copenhagen's finest palaces, but it is also considered a castle, as during its construction it was used for military functions, and its gardens, with beautiful flowers and plants, sculptures and a swan pond, are one of the main wonders of the complex.

Interesting details

  • Price: These tours have an initial cost of approximately 82 euros per person, including entrance fees and guided tour. The price does not include transfer from Denmark.
  • Duration: approximately 5-6 hours.
  • Advantages of these excursions: you will see one of the most beautiful palaces and gardens in Denmark.
  • Disadvantages of these excursions: of all the famous buildings in Copenhagen and the surrounding area, it is the one that will allow you access to the fewest rooms, as many of them are closed to the public because it is still considered a royal residence.

Book the Copenhagen sightseeing bus

How to book a tour of Copenhagen's castles?

Book online| ©Glenn Carstens-Peters
Book online| ©Glenn Carstens-Peters

There are several options for booking a tour of Copenhagen's castles, but the safest way is to book in advance online, as you will freeze the price at the time of purchase and be able to organise an itinerary. You'll also secure your spot, which is very important if you plan to visit Copenhagen in the summer or during the high season months.

Another option is to book directly through the official website. Most castles have a website where you can buy tickets online, and some offer guided tours in different languages. Just bear in mind that in these cases you will have to arrange transfer services elsewhere.

In any case, I advise you to book in advance to ensure availability on the day and time you want, especially during the peak tourist season. Also, if you avoid leaving the booking to the last minute you can save money by getting better prices.

Book a private tour of Copenhagen

What will I see on this type of tour?

Seeing Kronborg Castle| ©Pedro Cambra
Seeing Kronborg Castle| ©Pedro Cambra

Copenhagen castle tours offer a unique opportunity to learn about the history and architecture of some of Denmark's most impressive castles and palaces. On these tours, you can visit Rosenborg Castle, Kronborg Castle, Frederiksborg Castle and Fredensborg Palace, some of the most iconic buildings in and around Copenhagen.

At each castle you can explore their magnificent halls and rooms, see collections of art and historic furnishings, and learn about the important people who have lived there. In addition, many of these castles are surrounded by beautiful gardens and parks, allowing you to enjoy nature while immersing yourself in the history and culture of Denmark.

In general, booking a castle tour will allow you to make the most of each place, with expert guides telling you the stories behind every corner and monument. You'll also be able to take photos to remember this unique experience.

Book a tour to Roskilde, Frederiksborg and Kronborg

Tips for a trip to Copenhagen's castles

Comfortable shoes| ©Alexandra Tran
Comfortable shoes| ©Alexandra Tran

A tour of Copenhagen's castles is one of the best things to do in and around the Danish capital, so to help you get the most out of your experience, some of these tips might help:

  • Plan your day: before choosing your tour, make sure you know the opening times of the castles you want to visit and plan an itinerary. Also, take into account transfer and visiting times to avoid arriving late to any of the attractions.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: you'll be doing a lot of walking when visiting these castles, so it's important to wear comfortable shoes that are suitable for the occasion. Bear in mind that if you are visiting Copenhagen in winter, waterproof shoes are ideal.
  • Book in advance: If you want to avoid long queues, it is advisable to book your tickets in advance online. You can also book a tour with a local travel agency once you're in the city, although you may be subject to last-minute price increases.
  • Learn about the history and culture: before your visit, research the history and culture of the castles to better appreciate the architectural and artistic details of the castles. You can also take an audio guide or a guided tour to learn more about these places.
  • Take a camera: Copenhagen's castles and the surrounding area are part of the unmissable scenery, so if you have a good eye you can take some of the best pictures of your trip.

Book Copenhagen Card

Why do you recommend a trip to Copenhagen's castles?

Rosenborg Castle| ©Xavi
Rosenborg Castle| ©Xavi

A trip to Copenhagen's castles is one of the best things to see and do in Copenhagen, a unique experience that allows you to experience Denmark's rich history and cultural heritage. Each of the castles has its own past and architectural style, making them interesting to visit and explore. In addition, these tours offer an escape from the city and allow you to enjoy the surrounding landscape and nature.

Another reason to take a trip to Copenhagen's castles is the opportunity to learn about the Danish monarchy and the importance of the castles in Danish history. You will also be able to admire the art collections, furnishings and artefacts housed in the buildings, giving a more complete picture of Danish culture and heritage.

Please note that some tours can take approximately 2 hours, so they are also compatible with a short stay in the city. If this is your case, here is a list of things you can do to discover Copenhagen in 3 days.

Book Copenhagen Card

What are the advantages of taking a guided tour vs. visiting the castles on my own?

Touring castles| ©Joakim Erdfelt
Touring castles| ©Joakim Erdfelt

There are several advantages to taking a guided tour of Copenhagen's castles over visiting them on your own, the main one being that you will be accompanied by a local guide who is an expert in the history and culture of Copenhagen's castles, which means that he or she can provide you with more comprehensive and detailed information than if you do it on your own.

You may also have privileged access, as some guided tours give you access to restricted areas that are not open to the general public, meaning you can enjoy a more complete experience and even save time, especially if you plan to visit Copenhagen in July or during the summer months.

If you opt for a guided tour, you will also gain in convenience, since by taking a tour with a tour guide you won't have to worry about anything but enjoying the experience. The guide will take care of the logistics and provide you with detailed information about the castles, allowing you to get the most out of your visit.

Book the Copenhagen sightseeing bus