Amalienborg Palace: Discover Copenhagen’s Royal Residence

Located in the heart of Copenhagen, Amalienborg Palace is one of Denmark’s most iconic landmarks. This grand palace is the official residence of the Danish royal family, and it offers visitors an incredible glimpse into the royal life and Danish history.
 

Famous for its elegant Rococo architecture and the royal changing of the guard ceremony, Amalienborg Palace is a must-see for anyone visiting Copenhagen. Whether you're a fan of history, architecture, or royal traditions, this palace offers a unique and captivating experience.

📍 Location and How to Get There

Address: Amalienborg Slotsplads 5, 1257 Copenhagen, Denmark

Metro: Take the M3 Cityringen line to Kongens Nytorv Station (7-minute walk)

Bus: Lines 1A, 2A, 26, and 27 stop nearby

On foot: A short stroll from Nyhavn, The Little Mermaid, and Kongens Have Park

🕰️ Opening Hours and Ticket Prices

Opening Hours:

Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Closed on Mondays (except public holidays)

Admission Fees:

Adults: DKK 160

Children (under 18): Free

Discounted tickets for seniors and students

Free entry with the Copenhagen Card

Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online at the official website.

🏛️ What to See at Amalienborg Palace

Amalienborg Palace is not only the residence of the Danish royal family but also an architectural marvel and historical landmark. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

1. 👑 The Palace’s Four Rococo Mansions

The palace is actually a collection of four interconnected buildings, each with its own unique character. These mansions surround the Amalienborg Courtyard, where the famous Changing of the Guard takes place daily.

Mansion 1: Frederik VIII’s Palace – The current residence of the Queen Margrethe II.

Mansion 2: Christian IX’s Palace – Used for royal receptions.

Mansion 3: Christian VIII’s Palace – Contains the Amalienborg Museum.

Mansion 4: The Palace of the Danish Royal Guard – This is where the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place.

💡 Tip: Visitors can explore the Amalienborg Museum in Christian VIII’s Palace, which gives an insight into the life of the Danish royal family.

2. 🏛️ The Amalienborg Museum

The Amalienborg Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Danish monarchy. Located in Christian VIII’s Palace, the museum is home to:

Exhibits showcasing the royal apartments and personal items of past monarchs.

Displays of royal portraits, crown jewels, and historical artifacts that highlight the royal family’s lifestyle.

A detailed history of the royal family, featuring exhibits about King Christian IX, Queen Margrethe II, and others.

💡 Tip: This is a perfect spot for those interested in royal history and art.

3. 🏰 The Changing of the Guard Ceremony

One of the main attractions at Amalienborg Palace is the Changing of the Guard. This iconic ceremony happens every day at noon and is a must-see for visitors. The Royal Guard, in their traditional red uniforms and bearskin hats, march from their barracks to the palace to relieve the guards on duty.

The ceremony lasts around 30 minutes and is free to watch.

Be sure to arrive early to get a good spot along the gates or in the courtyard for the best view.

4. 🌿 The Amalienborg Courtyard

The courtyard of Amalienborg is where most visitors gather for the Changing of the Guard and to admire the elegant architecture of the surrounding buildings. The courtyard is lined with statues and offers a stunning view of the palace from all angles.

5. 🏰 The Royal Chapel (Palace Church)

The Palace Church is an integral part of the Amalienborg complex and is where important royal ceremonies, such as weddings and christenings, are held. The church is open to visitors and offers:

A chance to see the marble altar, gold leaf accents, and elaborate sculptures.

A peaceful and historical place to reflect on the Danish monarchy’s deep roots in the country’s culture.

📸 Best Photo Spots at Amalienborg Palace

📷 The Amalienborg Courtyard: The grand architecture of the four palaces provides a perfect backdrop for photos.

📷 Changing of the Guard: Capture the moment when the guards march through the courtyard.

📷 The Royal Chapel: The majestic marble interior of the church is perfect for stunning photos.

📷 The Palace’s Balconies: The royal family occasionally appears on the balconies, giving visitors a rare view of the royals.

🍽️ Dining Near Amalienborg Palace

After exploring the palace, you can enjoy some delicious Danish cuisine at nearby eateries:

Restaurant Amalie: A cozy, traditional Danish restaurant with views of the palace.

Café Amalie: A charming café ideal for a quick lunch or coffee while admiring the palace’s grandeur.

Nyhavn: A short walk away, offering a range of restaurants with views of the waterfront.

🏙️ Nearby Attractions

The Little Mermaid: The famous statue located on the edge of the Langelinie promenade.

Kongens Have (King’s Garden): A lovely park perfect for a stroll after your visit to Amalienborg.

Nyhavn: A picturesque harbor lined with colorful buildings and cafés.

Rosenborg Castle: Another royal palace housing the Danish crown jewels.

Christiansborg Palace: Another iconic palace, home to the Danish Parliament and the Royal Reception Rooms.

🧠 Fun Facts About Amalienborg Palace

The palace was originally built to house four noble families, but in 1794, after a fire destroyed the Christiansborg Palace, it became the royal residence.

The Royal Guard that performs the Changing of the Guard is the only royal guard unit in Denmark.

Amalienborg is one of the most beautiful examples of Rococo architecture in Denmark and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The palace is open to the public except for the private royal residence, which remains closed to visitors.

🎟️ Combo Pass & Copenhagen Card

For those planning to visit multiple royal landmarks, the Copenhagen Card provides:

Free access to Amalienborg Palace and several other attractions.

Free public transportation in the city.

Discounts on selected experiences and tours.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Amalienborg Palace is an absolute must-visit when in Copenhagen, offering a beautiful combination of history, culture, and royal heritage. Whether you're witnessing the famous Changing of the Guard, exploring the Amalienborg Museum, or simply enjoying the stunning views of the palace and surrounding areas, a visit to this royal residence is a unique and enriching experience.

From its stunning Rococo architecture to its royal history and the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony, Amalienborg provides a glimpse into the life of Denmark’s monarchy that visitors won’t soon forget.