Amalienborg, Copenhagen — Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

Amalienborg is the official residence of the Danish royal family, a complex of four identical classical palaces arranged around an octagonal courtyard in the centre of Copenhagen.

The four palaces were built between 1750 and 1760, designed by court architect Nicolai Eigtved for four noble families. They were never intended to be royal residences. That changed on the night of February 26-27, 1794, when Christiansborg Palace, the original royal residence, burned to the ground. The royal family moved into Amalienborg as a temporary measure and never left.

Each palace is named after a member of the royal family who once lived there. Christian VII's Palace is used for official functions and is partially open to visitors. Frederick VIII's Palace is the residence of the current monarch.

The centrepiece of the courtyard is a magnificent equestrian statue of King Frederick V, created by the French sculptor Jacques Saly. It took 20 years to complete and reportedly cost more than the entire Amalienborg complex.

The Changing of the Guard is one of Copenhagen's most popular free attractions. The Royal Guard marches from Rosenborg Castle through the streets of Copenhagen to Amalienborg every day at noon, and if the monarch is in residence, the ceremony includes a full marching band.

If you're on a Questo quest through Copenhagen, Amalienborg is a stop where you can stand in the courtyard of a working royal palace and watch history being kept alive by the guards who march through it every day.