Pageantry and history go hand in hand at the winter residence of the Danish royal family.
The four mansions that make up Amalienborg Palace were originally built as lavish homes for noble families. However, when the royal palace at Christiansborg was destroyed by fire in 1794, the buildings were bought by the Danish royal family, and have served as its winter residence ever since.
The four identical classical facades are arranged around an octagonal courtyard dominated by a magnificent equestrian statue of King Frederick V, Amalienborg’s founder, which is reputed to be one of the finest examples of its kind in the world. The palaces are named after four of the kings who lived there: Christian VII, Christian VIII, Frederick VIII and Christian IX.
Two of the palaces are open to the public, one for official functions and the other as a museum tracing four centuries of royal history. Visitors can explore the elegant rococo interior of Christian VIII’s palace, including the royal apartments with their original furnishings, and view fascinating displays of artworks, artifacts and documents from the royal collection.
Every morning the Danish Royal Guard parade through the streets of Copenhagen. When the reigning monarch is in residence the soldiers are accompanied by a marching band, adding extra excitement to the stirring spectacle. The parade leaves Rosenborg Castle at 11.30 a.m. and arrives at the palace at 12 noon for the ceremony of the changing of the guard. People congregate in the courtyard each day for a good view of the historic pageantry, or to watch the colourful parade from pavement cafés en route.
Amalienborg Palace is on the waterfront north of the city centre and is easily reached on foot or by bicycle. Between the palace and the waterfront is the Amalie Garden, built on two levels and featuring marble sculptures and a glorious fountain, which offers pleasant views across the whole site. The palace is closed on Mondays during the winter months but the daily changing of the guard continues throughout the year. There is an admission charge to enter the palace.
