Rosenborg Castle – 400 Years of Danish Royal History
If you have time during your stay in Copenhagen, then I highly recommend you return after our bike tour and visit the small ‘fairytale’ castle called Rosenborg.
The castle, located in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark, is one of the most iconic examples of Dutch Renaissance architecture in Northern Europe. It was built by King Christian IV, one of Denmark’s most ambitious and colorful monarchs, who ruled from 1588 to 1648. Construction began in 1606 as a country summerhouse for the king and was expanded into the castle we see today by 1624. Christian IV was deeply involved in its design and used it as both a royal residence and a showcase of his power and taste.
Inside Rosenborg Castle, visitors can explore lavishly decorated rooms filled with ornate furniture, tapestries, and royal portraits that reflect over 400 years of Danish royal history. Among the highlights are the Knight’s Hall with its magnificent coronation thrones, three life-sized silver lions guarding them, and ceilings adorned with allegorical paintings. The castle also houses the Danish Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia, including the coronation crowns, scepters, and orbs used by the monarchs. These are kept in the treasury in the basement and are still used for ceremonial purposes.
King Christian IV, known for his flamboyant personality and passion for architecture, music, and science, is one of Denmark’s most well-known kings. Though he initiated many grand projects—such as new towns, fortresses, and trade routes—he also led Denmark into costly wars, notably the Thirty Years’ War and a failed conflict with Sweden. These military ventures, combined with his extravagant spending, strained the royal finances.
One of the more dramatic stories from Christian IV’s later years is that he was forced to pawn his own Coronation Crown to a German merchant to cover debts. This symbolized the extent of the kingdom’s financial troubles. Although not all details are precisely documented, the tale persists as a vivid reminder of the king’s declining fortune and the heavy cost of his ambitions. The crown was eventually redeemed and now rests in the treasury of Rosenborg Castle.
Today, Rosenborg Castle stands as a cultural treasure, offering insight into the opulence, struggles, and rich legacy of Denmark’s royal past. It is not only a monument to Christian IV’s vision but also a vivid reflection of the power and vulnerability of monarchs during the early modern era.
It is always recommended to buy the Entrance Ticket on the castle’s website to skip the queue and check out the opening hours too.