Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Sweden
Switzerland
Palace · Copenhague, Região da Capital
Palácio de Christiansborg (Christiansborg Slot)
On the islet of Slotsholmen, the palace that houses Parliament, the Supreme Court and the prime minister's office, with the royal reception halls, the ruins of Absalon's castle, the stables and the tower with an observation deck.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Palácio de Christiansborg (Christiansborg Slot)
Christiansborg occupies the islet of Slotsholmen, where Bishop Absalon built in 1167 the castle that gave rise to Copenhagen. The site was rebuilt several times after fires; the present palace, of granite and copper, was completed in the early 20th century. It is the only building in the world that houses a country's three powers: Parliament (Folketinget), the prime minister's office and the Supreme Court.
The king uses the Royal Reception Rooms for banquets and ceremonies. The visit includes the Knights' Hall, decorated with the tapestries that tell a thousand years of Danish history—a gift for Queen Margrethe II's 50th year of reign—along with the library and the throne room. Beneath the palace, the ruins show the foundations of Absalon's castle and of the later Copenhagen Castle.
The Royal Stables still house the horses and carriages used in ceremonies. The tower, at 106 metres, is the tallest in the city and has an observation deck open to the public, with an elevator and access control at the entrance. From the top you can see the green roofs of the centre, the harbour and, on clear days, the Øresund Bridge.
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
2 to 3 hours for the royal rooms, the ruins and the stables; plus 30 minutes for the tower.
Best time
In the morning, for the royal rooms, which sometimes close for official events. The tower is often open into the evening for part of the year; check in advance. On clear days the view from the observation deck reaches Sweden.
How to get there
It is in the centre, a 10-minute walk from Strøget and 5 minutes from Gammel Strand metro station. The tower entrance is through the main gate on the palace square.
Tip
Buy the combined ticket if you want to see the rooms, ruins and stables. The palace chapel and the nearby Museu Thorvaldsen, a sculpture museum, are just a few steps away. From the tower's viewpoint, look for Rosenborg, Christianshavn and Tivoli.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Palácio de Christiansborg (Christiansborg Slot)
What can you visit at Christiansborg?
The Salões de Recepção Reais, the underground ruins of Absalon’s castle, the Cavalariças Reais, the chapel and the tower with an observation deck. The Parliament offers guided visits on scheduled dates.
Does the Christiansborg tower have an observation deck?
Yes — it is 106 metres high and has an elevator. There is security control at the entrance and sometimes a queue.
Who founded Copenhagen?
Bishop Absalon, who built a castle on Slotsholmen in 1167. The foundations lie in the ruins beneath the palace.
Do the royal reception rooms close on certain days?
Yes — when there are official royal events. Check before you go.