Christiansborg Palace

On the small island of Slotsholmen, the birthplace of Copenhagen, stands Christiansborg — the third palace of that name to occupy the spot. Beneath it lie the foundations of Bishop Absalon's castle of 1167, the very seed of the city, now exposed as a ruin that visitors can walk through.

The first Christiansborg, a vast Baroque palace, burned in 1794; its successor burned in 1884; the present grey-granite palace was completed in 1928. Its tower, at 106 metres, is the tallest in Copenhagen.

What it is famous for

Christiansborg is unique in the world as a single building that houses all three branches of a nation's power: the Folketing (the Danish Parliament), the Supreme Court, and the Royal Reception Rooms still used by the monarch for state occasions. Few other buildings bring parliament, judiciary and crown together under one roof.

Visitors can see the Royal Reception Rooms, hung with Bjørn Nørgaard's vivid tapestries telling a thousand years of Danish history; the medieval ruins below; the Royal Stables; and the Tower (Tårnet), which can be climbed for free for one of the best views over the city.

Good to know

Different parts of the palace have separate tickets, and some areas close when affairs of state require it. Christiansborg is in the very centre of Copenhagen, within walking distance of the Strøget and the canals, and is easily reached on foot, by bus or by harbour bus.