The home of the Danish royal family

Amalienborg Palace is considered one of the most beautiful sightseeing tips in Copenhagen. Today, it is owned by the Danish royal family and is used as a city residence by King Frederik X. Whether she is currently residing in the palace can be identified by the flag hoisted on the Schack Palace (see below). During her presence, she is guarded day and night by her royal guard.

Amalienborg Palace – the history of Europe's most beautiful rococo building

Schloss Amalienborg und Marmorkirken

The naming of the palace in Copenhagen is attributed to Sophie Amalie of Brunswick-Calenberg. Sophie Amalie was a princess from the House of Welf and married to Frederick (Frederik) III, King of Denmark and Norway. After her second name, Frederik had the pleasure palace built for her between 1669 and 1673. However, a major fire in a nearby theater completely destroyed the palace in 1689. Years later, Frederick IV, the grandson of Frederik and Sophie Amalie, had a French garden laid out and a small pavilion built.

After 300 years, Frederik V decided to rebuild the site. Since he could not finance the new construction, he gifted the building plots to four nobles who were obliged to construct the palace according to the plans of the court architect.

Today, Amalienborg Palace consists of four palaces, which are characterized by the typical Danish Rococo style:

  • Moltke's Palace (also known as Christian VII's Palace)
  • Schack's Palace (also known as Christian IX's Palace)
  • Brockdorff's Palace (also known as Frederik VIII's Palace)
  • Levetzau's Palace (also known as Christian VIII's Palace)

The palaces are arranged around the octagonal Amalienborg Palace Square. At the center of the square, there stands an equestrian statue of Frederik V in his memory.

Museums and exhibitions close to the palace – discover the splendid splendor of bygone eras

Schloss Amalienborg

You can visit the Levetzau Palace and Moltke Palace. On display are, among other things, precious heirlooms of the royal family, unique furniture, and portraits that offer an authentic glimpse into the period. Moreover, you can view special exhibitions throughout the year.

In the northwest-located Levetzau Palace, you can visit the Amalienborg Museum. Since its redesign in 2013, the history of the building is presented anew. You can immerse yourself interactively in past times and learn interesting facts about the monarchy and history. More information about opening hours and current exhibitions can be found on the official website.

The Moltke Palace, located in the southwest, is occasionally inhabited by guests of the royal family, so you cannot visit the premises all year round. Particularly impressive here is the palace's Knight's Hall, which is considered one of the most beautiful Rococo rooms in all of Denmark.

Changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace

Der königlichen Leibgarde im Schloss Amalienborg

The changing of the royal guard in Copenhagen is a long-standing and cherished tradition. Today, the changing of the guard holds only ceremonial significance – traditionally, it has followed strict military protocols since 1658 to the present day.

Want to experience the spectacle live? You can admire the royal guard daily:

During the guard's march through the streets of Copenhagen: At 11:30 AM, the guard's march from Rosenborg Castle to Amalienborg Palace (over a kilometer in distance) begins. At 12 noon, the guard is at Amalienborg Palace's courtyard for the changing of the guard.

The strikingly dressed guard soldiers in their blue and red uniforms and distinctive bearskin hats are unique. If King Frederik X is present, the ceremonial changing is also accompanied by music. The changing of the guard is a constant attraction for tourists and offers fun for the whole family.

Getting to the palace – many roads lead to Amalienborg

Whether by car, bicycle, Segway, on foot, or by city tour: The palace is centrally located and accessible by many routes. Decide for yourself – or better yet, based on the weather – how you want to reach Amalienborg Palace. If you are traveling by car and would like to make a sightseeing stop, you can use one of the surrounding parking lots.

The public parking lots are located near the palace and are within walking distance. Additionally, you can visit the palace during a stop on the city tour. Most tours stop directly at the palace, allowing you to comfortably view the magnificent castle.

However, a visit in small groups or with a private tour can be much more in-depth. Furthermore, with a combination ticket, you can visit both Amalienborg and Rosenborg Palaces. With the Copenhagen Card, admission to both attractions is free. For more information about the Copenhagen Card, visit www.copenhagencard.com.

Castles in Denmark – worth a trip beyond Copenhagen

Rosenborg Schloss im Nordseeland

Beyond Copenhagen, Denmark offers a multitude of castles and traditional art.

Begin your castle journey comfortably with the ferry from Rostock or Puttgarden and discover more treasures of bygone times.