Christiansborg Palace 🇩🇰

Located on the islet of Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen, Christiansborg Palace is a historic grand complex and the only building in the world that houses all three branches of a country's government: executive, legislative, and judicial. As you explore this landmark, you will discover the seat of the Danish Parliament (Folketinget), the Danish Prime Minister's Office, and the Supreme Court of Denmark, alongside elegant royal areas used by the monarch.

The current Neo-baroque palace, completed in 1928, stands on a site with over 800 years of history, succeeding earlier castles dating back to Bishop Absalon’s original 1167 fortification. You can visit several parts of the complex, including the magnificent Royal Reception Rooms featuring the 40-meter Great Hall adorned with Bjørn Nørgaard's modern history tapestries, the Alexander Hall, and the historic Throne Room where foreign ambassadors present credentials.

Beneath the palace, you can walk through subterranean excavations containing the preserved ruins of Absalon's Castle and Copenhagen Castle, unearthed in the early 20th century. With its rich mix of political power, royal tradition, and architectural history surviving multiple major fires, Christiansborg Palace offers you a fascinating look into the past and present heart of Denmark.

What to see at Christiansborg Palace

• The world's only building housing executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government
• The 40-meter-long Great Hall featuring 17 Danish history tapestries by Bjørn Nørgaard
• Subterranean excavations showcasing preserved 12th-century ruins of Absalon's Castle
• The oval Throne Room opening to the royal proclamation balcony
• Alexander Hall displaying a restored marble frieze by Bertel Thorvaldsen

Visiting tips

Check the published schedule in advance to join a guided tour of the public areas available for a fee.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Christiansborg Palace is easy to reach on Copenhagen’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Tivoli Gardens. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Copenhagen travel guide.