[In-Depth Attraction Guide] Christiansborg Palace | The Heart of the Danish Royal Family and Government | A Must-Visit Spot on Any Copenhagen Free & Easy Trip

Introduction Christiansborg Palace is located in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark. It is a multifunctional palace that simultaneously serves as the Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister's Office, and it is also an important venue where the Danish royal family holds official ceremonies, such as state banquets and coronations. Because it embodies the symbolic significance of both political power and royalty, Christiansborg Palace can truly be called one of Denmark's most iconic buildings. When traveling to Copenhagen, besides the famous Nyhavn and colorful houses, Christiansborg Palace is an absolute must-visit for a deeper understanding of Danish politics and royal history. Visitor Information Address: Prins Jørgens Gård 1, 1218 København Combined Ticket Price: 215 DKK (adult ticket) Includes: Royal Reception Rooms, the Royal Kitchen, the Ruins, the Royal Stables Tower Climb: Free admission, queuing recommended Opening Hours: Palace areas: Daily 10:00–17:00 Tower: Tuesday to Sunday 11:00–21:00 (closed on Mondays) Chinese audio guide app: We recommend downloading Useeum, which you can use with Bluetooth headphones to listen to the Chinese commentary How to get there: Take the metro to Gammel Strand station, about a 5-minute walk. We're going by bike~ Historical development The history of Christiansborg Palace dates back to the 12th century, when Bishop Absalon at the time built Absalon's Castle. After multiple wars, fires, and reconstructions, today's Christiansborg Palace is the third rebuilt version, officially completed in 1918. The palace blends Neo-Baroque and Neoclassical styles, bearing witness not only to the rise and fall of Danish royal power, but also reflecting the establishment of the modern democratic system. Even though Denmark is now a constitutional monarchy, royal ceremonies are still held here today, showing how political power and royal history remain inseparably linked. Must-See Highlights Royal Reception Rooms This is one of the most important exhibition areas of Christiansborg Palace, and it is also where state banquets and receptions for foreign dignitaries are held. On the walls of the Great Hall hang 18 modern historical tapestries created by renowned Danish artists, depicting the history of Denmark from the Viking Age to modern times, with vivid colors and rich detail. Crystal chandeliers, gold leaf decorations, and a luxurious ceiling reveal the understated opulence of the Nordic royal family.

The Throne Room is where the Queen receives foreign heads of state and holds state banquets. It is decorated in a magnificent and solemn style, with a resplendent golden throne chair placed at its center.

Red Reception Room The walls are covered entirely in red silk, making this a venue for formal audiences or small reception ceremonies, with an atmosphere that is both elegant and solemn.

Royal Banqueting Hall This venue can accommodate several hundred people and is specially used for state banquets and large-scale official gatherings, with magnificent chandeliers and long tables creating a truly spectacular scene.

Royal Library A portion of the antique book collection is displayed here, in a tranquil atmosphere where ancient books and carved decorations together reflect the weight of both knowledge and power.

Royal Stables The stables house purebred white Libyssan horses, which are still used by the royal family for official occasions today. During your visit, you can admire the horses up close and learn about royal etiquette and equestrian culture. At certain times, you may even get to watch live horse training sessions, adding an extra touch of fun to your visit.

Underground Ruins (The Ruins) Beneath the palace lie the remains of the early Absalon Castle and medieval fortifications. Visiting the underground ruins lets you witness the origins of the city of Copenhagen with your own eyes, and feel the evolution from stone foundations to a modern metropolis.

Special Exhibition: The Witch Trials This special exhibition focuses on three women accused of witchcraft during the reign of Christian IV: Maren Splids, Christenze Kruckow, and Maren Ringsbjerg. Through sound effects, lighting, and dramatic exhibition design, their stories are brought vividly back to life, allowing visitors to feel the fear and injustice faced by those accused of witchcraft at the time. The exhibition runs from September 27, 2024 to April 27, 2025, and is located in the underground ruins area of Christiansborg Palace.

This exhibition not only offers insight into the historical witch trials of Denmark, but also provides an opportunity to explore in depth how medieval society viewed mystery and power. Royal Kitchen The Royal Kitchen recreates the scene of meal preparation for 19th-century royal state banquets. Here you can see enormous silverware, ancient cooking utensils, and the complete dining process, gaining an understanding of how a grand royal banquet came together, from the ingredients all the way to the table.

Nearby Attractions Recommendations Nyhavn: About a 10-minute walk from Christiansborg Palace, this is Denmark's most iconic colorful harbor of houses. National Museum of Denmark: Get an in-depth look at Denmark's complete history, from the Viking Age to modern times. Freetown Christiania: An alternative art commune where you can experience the free spirit of Copenhagen. Kongens Nytorv: Copenhagen's transportation hub, and also a great place for shopping and dining. If time allows, you can plan a full day to link up all the above spots and deeply explore the cultural face of Copenhagen! Explore more travel journals of independent trips through the four Nordic countries The Nordic region isn't just about the aurora and ice and snow — it also has the elegance of its cities, the mystery of the polar regions, and the depth of its culture. This journey across Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden will take you to discover the charm of Europe's purest corner! 🇩🇰 Denmark Independent Travel 📍Day 2: A day trip to Copenhagen｜📍Day 3: Exploring the Free Town, then flying to Finland 🇫🇮 Finland Arctic Journey 📍Day 4: Helsinki city tour & overnight sleeper train｜📍Day 5: Santa Claus Village and first taste of the Northern Lights 📍Day 6: Husky sledding in Rovaniemi & city exploration｜📍Day 7: Lake Inari and a hidden aurora spot 🇳🇴 Norway Cruise & Aurora Exploration 📍Day 8: Cross the border from Inari into Kirkenes to board the cruise ship | 📍Day 9: Staying in Hammerfest and life on board 📍Day 10: Tromsø Museum and cable car snow views | 📍Day 11: Transportation disrupted, stranded in Tromsø 🇸🇪 A stroll through Swedish culture and a perfect ending 📍Day 12: Fly to Stockholm, an amazing sight of the aurora from high above | 📍Day 13: City Hall & the Vasa Museum 📍Day 14: An in-depth wander through the Old Town and Swedish culture