🇩🇰 10 Must-Visit Castles in Denmark

Experience History, Royalty, and Magnificent Architecture

When talking about Denmark, many might think of the colorful houses along Nyhavn Canal, the capital Copenhagen, or the fairytale land of Hans Christian Andersen. But behind this small country lies a long history of one of Europe's oldest kingdoms, a nation that has maintained its monarchy for over 1,000 years.

With its strategic location as a maritime hub between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, Denmark has played a crucial role in trade, defense, and politics since the Viking Age. Kings and royal families throughout different eras built castles, palaces, and fortresses across the country to serve as residences, administrative centers, and defensive strongholds. As a result, Denmark today boasts numerous castles and palaces scattered nationwide, many of which are over 500–800 years old and beautifully preserved.

What's interesting is that Denmark's castles are not confined to Copenhagen but are spread across the entire country, from the island of Zealand and Funen to the Jutland peninsula. This allows tourists to plan a road trip, experiencing royal history, architecture, and Denmark's natural beauty all at once.

If you are fascinated by European history, classic architecture, and royal stories, here are the 10 Must-Visit Castles in Denmark that are worth visiting at least once.

🏰 1. Frederiksborg Castle

📍 Hillerød, North Zealand

The largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia, built in the early 17th century by King Christian IV. It is situated on an island in a lake, surrounded by magnificent Baroque gardens. Today, it houses The Museum of National History, which showcases Denmark's history from ancient times to the present.

Visitor Information

• 🚆 Getting there: Train from Copenhagen Central Station, approximately 40–45 minutes to Hillerød, then about a 15-minute walk.
• 🕒 Opening hours: Daily 10:00–17:00 (may vary seasonally)
• 🎟 Admission fee: Approximately 110 DKK

Highlights

• Largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia

• Baroque gardens by the lake

🏰 2. Kronborg Castle

📍 Helsingør, North Zealand

A UNESCO World Heritage site, famous worldwide as the setting for William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. It is located on the Øresund strait, which was once one of Europe's most important shipping routes.

Visitor Information

• 🚆 Getting there: Direct train from Copenhagen, approximately 45–50 minutes
• 🕒 Opening hours: Generally 10:00–17:00
• 🎟 Admission fee: 150 DKK

Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage site

• Castle of Hamlet

• View of the Øresund strait

🏰 3. Egeskov Castle

📍 Kværndrup, Funen (Fyn)

One of Europe's best-preserved moated castles, featuring a surrounding moat, beautiful gardens, a maze, and several museums. Suitable for visitors of all ages.

Visitor Information

• 🚗 Getting there: Drive from Copenhagen, approximately 2 hours
• 🚆 Alternative: Train to Odense, then bus (total approximately 2.5–3 hours)
• 🕒 Opening hours: Seasonal, generally 10:00–17:00
• 🎟 Admission fee: Approximately 265 DKK

Highlights

• Moated castle

• Gardens and maze

🏰 4. Rosenborg Castle

📍 Copenhagen

A Renaissance palace built by King Christian IV, housing the Danish Crown Jewels, crowns, and royal treasures. It is surrounded by the King's Garden, the city's oldest public park.

Visitor Information

• 🚇 Getting there: About a 10-minute walk from Nørreport Station
• 🕒 Opening hours: Generally 10:00–17:00
• 🎟 Admission fee: Approximately 140 DKK

Highlights

• Danish Crown Jewels

• King's Garden

🏰 5. Christiansborg Palace

📍 Copenhagen

The only palace in the world that houses the Parliament, Supreme Court, and Prime Minister's Office. It offers access to the Royal Reception Rooms, the Royal Kitchen, and the ruins of the medieval castle beneath the palace.

Visitor Information

• 🚇 Getting there: Alight at Gammel Strand station, then about a 5-minute walk
• 🕒 Opening hours: Generally 10:00–17:00
• 🎟 Admission fee: Starts from approximately 105 DKK (depending on the areas visited)

Highlights

• The Palace Tower (The Tower / Tårnet)

• The Royal Riding Ground (The Royal Riding Ground / Christiansborg Manege)

🏰 6. Amalienborg Palace

📍 Copenhagen

The winter residence and main home of the Danish Royal Family, consisting of four palaces surrounding a large square. A key highlight is the Changing of the Guard ceremony, held daily at 12:00 PM.

Visitor Information

• 🚇 Getting there: Alight at Marmorkirken station, then about a 5-minute walk
• 🕒 Opening hours: Generally 10:00–16:00
• 🎟 Admission fee: Approximately 125 DKK

Highlights

• The Marble Church

• Changing of the Guard

• Amalienborg Museum

🏰 7. Koldinghus

📍 Kolding, South Jutland

A former royal castle and medieval fortress over 750 years old. After a fire, it was beautifully restored. Today, it is a museum showcasing art, history, and contemporary design.

Visitor Information

• 🚆 Getting there: Train from Copenhagen, approximately 2–2.5 hours
• 🚗 Or drive, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
• 🕒 Opening hours: Generally 10:00–17:00
• 🎟 Admission fee: Approximately 140 DKK

Highlights

• Medieval castle

• Viewpoint of Kolding city

🏰 8. Voergaard Castle

📍 Dronninglund, North Jutland

A Renaissance castle renowned for its world-class collection of European art. Inside, it displays works by Rubens, Raphael, and Goya, along with furniture and collections from European royalty.

Visitor Information

• 🚗 Getting there: Drive from Copenhagen, approximately 4 hours
• 🕒 Opening hours: Seasonal and guided tours only
• 🎟 Admission fee: Approximately 145 DKK

Highlights

• Moat around the castle

• Renaissance architecture

🏰 9. Sønderborg Castle

📍 Sønderborg, South Jutland

A white castle by the sea, over 800 years old. It has served as a royal palace, fortress, and prison for King Christian II. Today, it is a museum that tells the history of the Danish-German border region.

Visitor Information

• 🚆 Getting there: Train, approximately 4–4.5 hours
• 🚗 Or drive, approximately 3.5–4 hours
• 🕒 Opening hours: Generally 10:00–16:00
• 🎟 Admission fee: Approximately 135 DKK

Highlights

• Castle by the sea

• View of Sønderborg Harbour

🏰 10. Dragsholm Castle

📍 Hørve, West Zealand

One of Denmark's oldest castles, built in the 13th century. It has now been converted into a luxury hotel and a Michelin Guide restaurant, accompanied by one of the country's most famous ghost stories, with over 100 spirits said to roam its halls.

Visitor Information

• 🚗 Getting there: Drive from Copenhagen, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
• 🚆 Or train and bus, approximately 2 hours
• 🕒 Opening hours: Hotel grounds open daily, internal tours are scheduled on specific dates.
• 🎟 Admission fee: Depends on the tour program

Highlights

• Castle over 800 years old

• Buildings around the castle

✈️ Direct Flights from Bangkok to Copenhagen with Thai Airways

Tourists can fly directly from Bangkok to Copenhagen with Thai Airways before starting their castle tours. They can use trains, which cover major cities nationwide, or rent a car for more flexibility, especially for the North Zealand – Funen – South Jutland route, which is ideal for a road trip lasting approximately 5–8 days.

Begin your warm journey with Thai Airways, offering premium services for a comfortable and pleasant trip from the very first step. Enjoy direct flights at convenient times, along with Full Service that covers all your needs.

You can select your seat in advance, order meals to your preference, and baggage allowance is included in all ticket types.
Business class passengers or Royal Orchid Plus (ROP) members can also access Thai Airways' exclusive lounges, offering premium drinks and food before departure.

And for those planning a trip to “Scandinavia,” Thai Airways offers direct flights from Bangkok to three popular major cities:

• 🇳🇴 Oslo (Norway) – The land of fjords and magnificent nature
• 🇸🇪 Stockholm (Sweden) – The city of islands and Scandinavian culture
• 🇩🇰 Copenhagen (Denmark) – The capital of design, cafes, and Hygge happiness

💰 Estimated Ticket Prices

Starting from 25,000–40,000 THB, depending on the period and promotions. It is recommended to book 2-3 months in advance for the best prices. You can check prices and flight schedules on the Thai Airways website.

👉 Book flights to Oslo (OSL) https://bit.ly/BKK-OSL-Norway

👉 Book flights to Stockholm (ARN): https://bit.ly/BKK-ARN

👉 Book flights to Copenhagen (CPH): https://bit.ly/BKK-CPH