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Fortress · Copenhague, Região da Capital
Kastellet
The 17th-century star-shaped fortress, still in military use, with grass-covered bastions, moats, an 1847 windmill and red barracks. It's on the route between Amalienborg and the Pequena Sereia.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Kastellet
Kastellet is one of the best-preserved star fortresses in northern Europe. Construction began in 1626 under Cristiano IV and it was expanded by Frederico III after 1660; the gates date from 1663. Five bastions surrounded by moats form the star, and inside are red barracks, the garrison church of 1704, and the commander's house.
The area still belongs to the Ministry of Defence, but the bastions and paths are open to the public during the day. Walking along the top of the grass-covered walls gives views over the moats, the harbor and Langelinie. On the King's bastion stands an 1847 windmill, the last of those that used to stand on the city's ramparts.
On the way out toward the center, the Fonte de Gefion, from 1908, depicts the goddess who, according to legend, turned her sons into oxen to plough the land that became Zelândia. Next to it is the Igreja de Santo Albano, an Anglican stone church. From the north gate, the Langelinie promenade reaches the Pequena Sereia in 5 minutes.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour to walk around the ramparts.
Best time
During the day, from opening until sunset, when the gates are open. In spring, the cherry blossoms usually appear along the path between April and May.
How to get there
A 10-minute walk from Østerport station and 15 minutes from Amalienborg, along Esplanaden.
Tip
Enter through the porta do Rei, near the Fonte de Gefion, walk around the bastions and exit via the porta Norte, straight to the Pequena Sereia. Respect the marked military areas.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kastellet
Is Kastellet open to the public?
Yes — the bastions and paths are open during the day. Some buildings are used by the military and are not open to visitors.
What is the Gefion Fountain?
A 1908 fountain next to Kastellet, showing the goddess Gefion driving oxen that, according to legend, ploughed the land that formed the ilha da Zelândia.
Is Kastellet near the Pequena Sereia?
Yes, about a 5-minute walk from the fortress's north gate.