5 Must-Visit Castles In Denmark For History Buffs

Denmark is dotted by some of the most exquisite castles, each of which deserve a visit—especially if you are a history buff! With many sites to explore, Outlook Traveller has handpicked some of the must-visit castles in Denmark to help you get started.

Frederiksborg Castle

Built in the early decades of the 17th century by King Christian IV, Frederiksborg Castle is the largest Renaissance castle in Hillerød to the north of Copenhagen. Featuring Renaissance architecture and craftsmanship, the castle was used as the royal residence in the 17th century. Until 1848, the chapel was also used as a site of anointing Danish kings and queens.

The baroque-style symmetrical garden that surrounds the Frederiksborg Castle is famed as Denmark’s Versaille. Justifiably so, considering the lawns are replete with festive cascades and parterre flower beds. Take a tour through the castle's Museum of National History for a closer look into the lives of the royals, nobles, and bourgeois. Art enthusiasts can find busts, portraits, and paintings in the castle to keep them engaged.

Egeskov Castle

Considered to be one of the best-preserved moated Renaissance castles in Europe, the Egeskov castle is located in the middle of a small lake in the South Funen countryside. The walls of the 460-year-old castle rise directly from the water of this lake. 

The picturesque building is still inhabited by the Ahlefeldt family. However, it was originally built by Sheriff Frands Brockenhuus for defence. Today, beautiful gardens, a rich collection of vintage cars and motorcycles, and even a forested play area for children stands here instead.

Go closer and see the detailed masonry on the castle walls. You'll see whimsical creatures carved into the mason. Indoors, the rooms still house furniture and trophies that belong to the erstwhile kings and queens.

Kronborg Castle

Part of the National Museum of Denmark, the centuries-old Kronborg Castle occupies a position of strategic importance. Perched on the tip of Zealand Island, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was used for coastal fortification at the narrowest point of Øresund. It helped safeguard the entrance to the Baltic Sea.

Today, tourists visit the castle for its regal architecture and picturesque views of the Øresund Strait. It is also widely called Hamlet’s castle because playwright Willaim Shakespeare is believed to have set the play at the Kronborg castle.

Rosenborg Castle

Like many other architectural masterpieces that dot Copenhagen, the Rosenborg castle is a gift by Christian IV to the city. It took nearly 28 years across four phases before the castle was finally finished. It was only in 1633 that the Rosenborg castle took the form in which it exists today.

In the 18th century, the palace began to be used as a royal residence when Frederik IV decided to reside in a relatively contemporary summer residence like his great-grandfather Christian IV. When you visit, consider strolling through the gardens, walking down the grand halls, and admiring the beautiful rooms.

Rosenholm Castle

Denmark’s oldest family-owned castle, Rosenholm castle is located in eastern Jutland. It has been with the Rosenkrantz family since 1610. The twin buildings of the Rosenholm castle allow you to experience the best of French and Italian Renaissance architecture simultaneously.

Legend has it that the founders of the castle, Jørgen Rosenkrantz and his wife Dorthe Lang, couldn’t agree on the architectural style. And thus, the confluence of the two came into being. The architecture of the east wings boast of an Italian Renaissance style, while the west showcases French Renaissance.

Today, the castle also organises events, weddings, and other ceremonies.