Must-Visit Historical Attractions in Copenhagen

History buffs and enthusiasts will surely enjoy exploring the city of Copenhagen, Denmark.

As the capital of the world's oldest kingdom and with a history dating back to the 10th century, it's no surprise that Copenhagen is teeming with historic sites, important landmarks and architectural masterpieces, all of which played a significant role in the history of Denmark.

If you want to refresh your knowledge of Danish history, it is best to see it with your own eyes.

This list of Must visit historical sights in Copenhagen This includes monuments, buildings, and other landmarks that made the city what it is today.

(Pro tip: If you want to save yourself the hassle of carrying heavy backpacks or luggage around, look for an overhead locker in Copenhagen and drop your items there.)

Rosenborg Castle is one of the most famous sights in Copenhagen as well as a historical landmark. The castle is over four centuries old and was the former residence of King Christian IV.

The moat surrounding the castle played an important role in protecting the city of Copenhagen from intruders.

When you tour the castle, you can see how the kings used to live. The 17th century castle is now home to some important artifacts and works of art, including the crown jewels, coronation chairs, and other royal treasures.

Amalienborg Palace not only impresses with its great appearance, but also with 150 years of Danish history within the building walls.

Originally intended as the winter residence of the Danish royal family, the complex consists of four different palaces, namely Moltkes, Schackske, Levetzaus and Brockdorfske. The Rococo style interior is surrounded by a courtyard.

Royal Palace

Photo credit: Pexels

The palaces were once owned by four aristocratic families and lived there until Christiansborg Palace was destroyed by fire on February 26, 1974. With nowhere to live, the royal family bought the palaces and decided to move.

Amalienborg Palace is currently one of the most visited attractions in Copenhagen. Inside the castle is the Amalienborg Museum, which exhibits important and valuable artifacts such as Fabergé's jewels.

The Kastellet, officially called the Frederikshavn Citadel, is a standout attraction in Copenhagen and one of the best-preserved forts in Europe.

The original fortress was commissioned by King Christian IV in 1626, but was destroyed by a Swedish attack in 1658. In 1663, King Frederik III decided to have it reconstructed and expanded, and it played a role in defending the city during major events such as the Battle of Copenhagen and the German invasion of Denmark.

The military base is still in excellent condition and has now been converted into a public park, although the interior of the fortress is not accessible. The area is popular with families and tourists looking to relax and unwind.

Christiansborg Palace is the only one of its kind in the world that houses the three branches of government – the Office of the Danish Prime Minister (executive), the Danish Parliament (legislative) and the Danish Supreme Court (judiciary).

While the government still uses most of the buildings, there are numerous areas in the complex that are open to the public.

One of the highlights are the ruins under the palace, which are located under the palace square.

While a cemetery isn't the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to sightseeing, make a stop at Assistens Kirkegård when in Copenhagen.

The cemetery was established in the 18th century as a resting place for those who perished during the plague when the demand for burial sites increased.

However, it later became a burial site for some of Denmark's most famous personalities, including Søren Kierkegaard, Hans Christian Andersen and Niels Bohr. Currently, the cemetery serves as both a tourist attraction and a public park.

Round tower

Photo credit: Unsplash

The Rundetårn, also known as the Round Tower, is a 17th century tower in the heart of the Danish capital.

The building, completed in 1642, is one of the many architectural projects commissioned by King Christian IV and was intended to be used as an astronomical observatory to continue the research begun by the astronomer Tycho Brahe.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the 200 meter spiral ramp all the way up to a platform on the top from which you have an incredible view of Copenhagen. Today the tower serves as a viewing platform, historical monument and cultural event location (library hall).

  • Københavns Rådhus (City Hall)

Københavns Rådhus or simply Town Hall is the headquarters of the local council and the seat of the mayor of Copenhagen.

The City Hall is located on City Hall Square and marks the beginning of a new era in Danish architecture. Martin Nyrop designed the building in the style of National Romanticism, which led to its increasing popularity.

In fact, the building is said to have served as the inspiration for the City Hall in the Swedish city of Stockholm.

Take a 30-minute guided tour (book here) to learn more about the background and history of the building.

Probably the most popular church in Copenhagen, the Church of the Savior, is an architectural masterpiece in the Dutch Baroque style, covered with red and yellow bricks.

On the orders of King Christian IV, construction of the church began in 1682 and was consecrated in 1695. However, the church was still missing a few features, including the tower for which it is best known today.

In 1732 a permanent altar was built and on August 28, 1752 the church was finally completed and a ceremony was held under the reign of King Frederik V.

The building's most prominent feature is a 150-step wooden tower that welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually.

According to urban legend, the tower's designer, Lauritz de Thurah, killed himself by jumping from the top of the building when he noticed his design was twisting in the wrong direction.

However, this myth was debunked when de Thurah died peacefully in his own home.

Swell:

https://www.inspirock.com/denmark/historical-places-in-copenhagen

https://www.spottinghistory.com/tag/top-historic-sites-in-copenhagen/1/

https://www.copenhagen.com/landmarks

http://www.world-guides.com/europe/denmark/hovedstaden/copenhagen/copenhagen_landmarks.html

https://www.triphistoric.com/explore/articles/historic-sites-in-denmark

https://www.triphobo.com/places/copenhagen-denmark/things-to-do/historical?t_cnt=33&page=2

https://getawaytips.azcentral.com/top-5-landmarks-copenhagen-1448.html

https://www. britica.com/list/5-landmark-buildings-in-copenhagen

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