Christiansborg Palace
Experience Christiansborg Palace
On the Slotsholmen islet in the heart of Copenhagen lies Christiansborg Palace. Here, you can sense how art, architecture and royal moments tie together past and present seats of power. Experience the overwhelming scale and detail of the Great Hall. Feel the special atmosphere in the Throne Room, where HM Frederik X's accession to the throne was proclaimed from the balcony in 2024. Explore Bjørn Nørgaard's colorful tapestries, which show 1000 years of Danish history in pictures. And take a journey back in time with a tour of the 800-year-old ruins beneath the palace.
The History of the palace
1167
Slotsholmen
Bishop Absalon builds a fortress on the small island of Slotsholmen to defend the city against potential enemies.
1369
Absalon’s Fortress
The Hanseatic League seizes Absalon’s fortress and tears it down stone by stone.
1380
Ca. 1380
Copenhagen Castle is built on the ruins of Absalon’s fortress. Over time, it becomes the primary royal residence, leading to Copenhagen’s status as the capital of the kingdom.
1731
A Modern Royal Palace
Copenhagen Castle is demolished because of its failure to meet contemporary standards and a weakening structural foundation. King Christian VI begins construction of a new and modern royal palace — the first Christiansborg.
1740
The Inauguration of Christiansborg Palace
The first Christiansborg Palace, the grandest building in Danish history, is inaugurated. The cost of construction is equivalent to approximately half of the annual national budget.
1794
The Christiansborg Fire
The first Christiansborg Palace is engulfed in flames, with only ruins remaining. The stables, now the Royal Stables, survive the fire, along with some furniture, paintings and artefacts.
1828
Frederik VI Inaugurates the New Palace
The second Christiansborg Palace is inaugurated by King Frederik VI, once again providing the monarch with a grand royal residence in Copenhagen. It is designed in the neoclassical style by one of Denmark’s greatest architects, C. F. Hansen.
1884
The Second Fire
The second Christiansborg Palace burns to the ground. Christiansborg Palace Chapel survives the fire and remains the Royal Family’s primary church. Some furniture, paintings and artefacts are salvaged and reused in the current palace.
1928
The Present Christiansborg Palace
The third and current Christiansborg Palace is completed. One wing is designed as reception rooms for King Christian X and the Royal Family, while the other is designated for Landstinget and Folketinget, Parliament's upper and lower chambers.
2025
2025
Today, history is still being written at Christiansborg Palace every day. This is where the King holds audiences and welcomes heads of state from around the world. It is also home to both the Danish Parliament and the Prime Minister’s Office.
