Denmark might not be the first country that comes to mind for fairytale castles, but it should be. From grand Renaissance palaces to moated fortresses straight out of a storybook, the country is home to some of the best Danish castles you can visit. Many are open to the public, and some even offer the chance to stay overnight.
While North Zealand is home to some of the most famous castles, you’ll find stunning examples all across the country, from Funen to Jutland. Whether you’re into history, architecture or simply looking for a magical day out, these are some of the best Danish castles and palaces to visit.
Frederiksborg
North of Copenhagen in the town of Hillerød, this stunning castle is the largest Renaissance complex in the whole Nordic region. Built by King Christian IV in the early 17th century, it sits on three islets, its verdigris towers and turrets reflected in the surrounding lake. Inside, there’s plenty to explore, including a Museum of National History – don’t miss the Baroque gardens or the adjoining Castle Church!
How to get there
Hillerød is just a 30-minute drive from central Copenhagen or a 40-minute train ride from Vesterport Station. From Frederiksborg it’s a 15-minute drive to Fredensborg (see below).
More info: dnm.dk
Fredensborg
With a name that means “Castle of Peace”, Fredensborg sits on the shores of the scenic Lake Esrum in North Zealand, in a small town with the same name.
Completed in 1753, this Baroque-style palace is one of the official residences of the Danish royal family, which they use mainly in spring and autumn. Fredensborg has one of Denmark’s largest historic gardens and while the public garden is open for visitors all year round, the palace itself and the private gardens can only be visited on guided tours for about a month each summer.
How to get there
The palace is a 40-minute drive north from Copenhagen, mostly along the E47. Fredensborg and Frederiksborg (see above) are just a 15-minute drive apart.
More info: kongeligeslotte.dk
Kronborg
Best known as the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Kronborg (or ‘Elsinore’) is in the town of Helsingør, in the northeastern corner of Zealand.
The towering Renaissance castle and fortress was built in the late 16th century on a strategic point overlooking the narrow Øresund Strait, which separates Denmark and Sweden.
As well as its Shakespearean connections, Kronborg is also where the mythical king Holger Danske (Ogier the Dane) is said to be sleeping until his country is in need of a hero. The tragic story of Ophelia — one of the play’s most iconic characters — continues to inspire modern culture, most recently in The Fate of Ophelia by Taylor Swift.
If you want to see more than just Kronborg, this full-day tour from Copenhagen combines visits to Kronborg, Frederiksborg Castle and Roskilde — a great option if you’re short on time.
How to get there
Helsingør is a one-hour train ride from Copenhagen or about 40 minutes by car.
More info: kongeligeslotte.dk
Rosenborg
Another former royal residence built in the Dutch Renaissance style, Rosenborg Castle in central Copenhagen was originally established as a summer house for the king. It was completed in 1624 and was used regularly by the royals until the early 18th century.
Now belonging to the state, it’s located in Kongens Have (The King’s Garden) next to the Royal Life Guards’ barracks. Highlights of the guided tours here include the Danish Crown Jewels, the Danish Crown Regalia and the Throne Chair of Denmark. This private group tour is worth a look.
How to get there
Rosenborg is a 30-minute walk from Copenhagen Central Station.
More info: kongernessamling.dk
Amalienborg
Just a stone’s throw from Rosenborg, the majestic Amalienborg Palace sits next to Copenhagen harbour.
It’s the residence of King Frederik X and Queen Mary, who occupy the four palaces that make up the complex.
Two palaces are open to visitors, offering an insight into Denmark’s royal history, though the most popular attraction is the daily Changing of the Royal Guards in the castle grounds – a spectacle that seems straight out of a fairytale (it’s also completely free to watch).
How to get there
Amalienborg is also a 30-minute walk from Copenhagen Central Station, and a 15-minute walk from Rosenborg Castle (see above).
More info: kongernessamling.dk
Egeskov
Dating from 1554, Egeskov on the island of Funen is one of Europe’s best-preserved moat castles. It’s one of the island’s top attractions, and you can easily spend a whole day here exploring the castle, gardens and exhibitions.
Owned by Count Ahlefeldt, who still lives here, the castle boasts an impressive collection of veteran cars, motorcycles, firetrucks and planes in its grounds. It’s also home to the atmospheric annual Heartland Festival in May/June.
How to get there
The castle is near the small town of Kværndrup on Southern Funen, a 30-minute drive from the island’s capital Odense.
More info: egeskov.dk
Marselisborg
Marselisborg, near the centre of Aarhus, has been the Queen’s official summer residence since 1967 and is the royal family’s base in Denmark’s second city. It was completed in 1902 and given to the royals as a gift from the Danish people.
It is beautifully located in English-style gardens from where it is overlooks the nearby sea. The palace itself is closed to the public, but you can visit the park and the rose garden whenever the royals aren’t staying here. When members of the royal family are in residence, you can watch the daily changing of the guard at 12 noon.
How to get there
Marselisborg is 12 minutes by bus (#17) from Aarhus Central Station, or a 35-minute walk. See here for getting from Copenhagen to Aarhus.
More info: kongehuset.dk
Dragsholm
If you want to splash out on the ultimate dream of staying in a Danish castle yourself, Dragsholm is a good choice. More than 800 years old, the Baroque-style castle is a highlight of Odsherred in northwestern Zealand – and just a short walk from the sea.
At some point during its long history, it was used as a state prison, but today conditions are far more luxurious. Located in a Unesco-listed Geopark, the hotel has 34 rooms, a theatre, a small museum and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
How to get there
The castle can be reached from central Copenhagen by train and bus via the city of Holbæk. By car, it is a one-hour drive.
More info: Dragsholm Slot
Holckenhavn
Another great castle where you can stay overnight is Holckenhavn Castle on the island of Funen. Dating from 1643, this redbrick Renaissance-style building has 18 stylish rooms – perfect for a romantic weekend-stay.
You can even have your own fairytale wedding here, and get married in the castle’s private church. The estate has been owned by the same family since 1672 when it was bought by Eiler Holck, who gave the place its name. The English-style castle park is open to the public to visit (but only on days when no private events are being held).
How to get there
Bus #931 takes you from central Nyborg to near the castle in 10 minutes. Alternatively, it is 5 minutes by taxi. Nyborg is 1 hour and 20 minutes from Copenhagen by train or car.
More info: holckenhavn.dk
Ready to explore Denmark’s castles?
From world-famous landmarks like Kronborg to hidden gems where you can spend the night, Denmark’s castles offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s royal past.
Many are easy to visit on a day trip from Copenhagen, while others are perfect stops on a longer trip across Funen or Jutland. If you’d rather not plan everything yourself, this private North Zealand castles tour lets you visit highlights like Kronborg and Frederiksborg in just one day, with a scenic drive along the coast.
Which of these castles would you most like to visit — or stay in? Let us know in the comments below!
See also:
10 of the best small towns to visit in Denmark
