19 minute read
THE DANISH CASTLES SIDE
#AMALIENBORG
#KONGELIGESLOTTE
Walk through Danish history and the homes of the Danish Royal Family, past and present, at these stunning castles in Denmark. Get up close to the
Danish crown jewels at Rosenborg Castle, spend a fun-filled day at
Egeskov Castle or act out your best Hamlet impression at Kronborg Castle.
#KRONBORGCASTLE
#FREDERIKSBORGSLOTPhoto by: Povl Thomsen Photo by: Nikki Jeffries
ROYAL CASTLES
Photo: Per Morten Abrahamsen
THE QUEEN’S
50TH ANNIVERSARY
2022 is a big year for the Danish royal family. In September, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II’s anniversary will be celebrated. This year marks 50 years since she was crowned regent in 1972, and Copenhagen and the royal family will celebrate in style!
The anniversary was scheduled for January 2022, but the global pandemic has postponed the celebration, which fortunately gives greater chance of good weather for the event.
Several of the events that should have marked Her Majesty the Queen’s 50th Government Anniversary in mid-January will instead be held on 10 and 11 September 2022. These include celebrations at Copenhagen City Hall, a gala performance at the Royal Theater Old Stage, festive service in Copenhagen Cathedral and gala dinner at Christiansborg Castle.
Margrethe II was crowned Queen on 14. January 1972, but was by no means unfamiliar with the royal work as regent. In 1953, the Succession Act was amended, and partly female succession was written into the law. As future regent, she therefore participated in the Council of State from 1958, when she was just 18 years old, and chaired the meetings if her father Frederik IX could not attend.
At Frederik IX’s death on 14 January 1972, she, as Margrethe II, was proclaimed Queen of Denmark. The next day, she was officially proclaimed from the balcony of Christiansborg Castle as the next regent of the Danes and the first ruling woman in Danish history.
Thus, the royal house has evolved over time. It is one of the world’s oldest royal houses, and can trace its history back to around 958 and the king Gorm the Old.
With the introduction of autocratic rule in 16601661, hereditary monarchy was introduced. That succession was maintained even after the monarchy was changed from the autocratic to
the constitutional by the democratic constitution of June 5, 1849.
Under the succession law of 1853, the succession to the throne was reserved for men. Under the succession law of 1953, conditional female succession was introduced, which opened the way to the throne for the current reigning queen. In 2009, the Succession Act was amended so that the oldest child, regardless of gender, would inherit the throne.
The book of the royal history will get a new chapter when Queen Margrethe II is to be celebrated in September for her 50 years as regent.
Photo: Povl Thomsen
MAGRETHE II OF DENMARK WITH THE ROYAL FAMILY
THE WORLD’S
OLDEST MONARCY
The Royal Family is the crown jewel of Danish culture. As the Royal House blends old and new traditions, Queen Margrethe II is very much the focal point of modern Danish culture. Most Danes look forward to the Queen’s televised New Year speech and pay great attention to the wise words of the sovereign.
The Danish monarchy can be traced back more than 1000 years to Gorm the Old (d. 958). When absolutism was introduced in 1660-1661, the elective monarchy was replaced by an inherited monarchy. The succession, which was based on the principle of male primogeniture, was laid down in the Lex Regia of 1665, which also regulated the Royal House’s domestic relations in other ways. The democratic constitution of 5th June 1849 changed the monarchy’s status from absolute to constitutional. The Act of Succession of 27th March 1953 allowed for the possibility of a female monarch, which is what enabled HM the Queen to accede to the throne in 1972.
In 2009, The Act of Succession was amended so that the eldest child (regardless of gender) succeeds to the throne and, as such, the old ways go hand in hand with new ways of modern life.
Photo by: Foto-select
THE OFFICIAL RESIDENCE AND THE DANISH MONAC
AMALIENBORG PALACE
Complete your visit to Amalienborg Palace Square and step inside at The Amalienborg Museum.
A visit to The Amalienborg Museum is like taking a journey back through time 150 years in Danish royal history. Experience the most recent Danish king and queen’s private rooms, which are still intact. Each room reflects the modern taste of its period and the personalities of the kings and queens, whether it is in military, Victorian or knightly style. In 2022, the Royal Danish Collection celebrates the 50th anniversary of HM The Queen’s ascension to the throne with the special exhibition ‘A Queen’s Jewellery Box – 50 years on the throne told through jewellery’. For the first time, the exhibition presents a selection of more than 200 well-known and lesser-known pieces of jewellery from the Queen’s collection.
Amalienborg Slotsplads 5, 1257 Copenhagen K
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VISIT
ROSENBORG CASTLE
Visit Rosenborg Castle in the heart of Copenhagen. The castle was built by one of the most famous Scandinavian kings, Christian IV, 400 years ago.
The interiors are well preserved and invite the visitor to take a journey in time. Experience the king’s private writing cabinet, his bathroom and the Winter Room; the best-preserved room on the castle.
Among the main attractions is the Knight’s Hall, with its coronation thrones, three life-size silver lions standing guard and one of the world’s finest Venetian glass collections.
In the basement, you can see Christian IV’s crown and the crown jewels. The crown jewels are living treasures, as they are the only ones in the world that are both displayed to the public and in royal use, by HM Queen Margrethe.
Øster Voldgade 4A, 1350 Copenhagen
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A ROYAL VISIT AT CHRISTIANSBORG PALACE
Christiansborg Palace is one of very few working palaces you can actually visit. For generations, the palace has been setting the scene for the royal life with christenings, weddings and funerals in the Palace Church, and birthdays, jubilees and official duties in The Royal Reception Rooms. Feel the sparkling atmosphere in the Royal Kitchen. Visit the Queens’ horses and coaches in the Royal Stables, and experience the remains of previous medieval and renaissance castles in the Ruins. Opening hours and tickets: christiansborg.dk
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THE ROYAL KITCHEN
The Royal Kitchen sparkles with one of Europe’s greatest collections of copperware. It is decorated exactly like it was on 15th May 1937, when Christian X celebrated his 25th jubilee with an extravagant menu. Listen to the sizzling pots. Feel how the smell of tenderloin and chicken is tickling your nose, and how the decadent pastries and beautiful flower arrangements are a thrill to the eye. THE ROYAL RECEPTION ROOMS
Christiansborg Palace is placed in the heart of Copenhagen. Surrounded by glittering chandeliers, beautiful artworks and plenty of good stories, the Queen invites the people in for audiences, hosts galas and state visits, sign new laws and celebrates jubilees in the Royal Reception Rooms. Hear the stories of the impressing halls, their antique décor and the art pieces that decorate the walls.
THE ROYAL CASTLES
A PART OF MODERN LIFE
Denmark has been a monarchy for more than 1000 years, a fact that is not just important for the history books. All over Zealand (Sjælland), royal castles are a source of pride, bringing the countryside and cities to life.
The Queen’s winter quarters, Amalienborg, are situated just between the city and the harbour, and the palace is in fact four palaces surrounding Amalienborg Palace Square. The Royal Guard changes every two hours, with a complete change of the guard every day at noon. Christian VIII’s Palace houses the Amalienborg Museum, where you can take a royal journey through the past 150 years of the monarchy and visit the private chambers of previous kings and queens, maintained exactly as they were when the monarchs lived in them.
In Frederiksberg Have (Frederiksberg Gardens) you’ll find a baroque palace, Frederiksberg Palace, a residence located right next to Copenhagen Zoo. The Palace houses the Danish Military Academy and commands a stunning view of Frederiksberg Have. Just outside Copenhagen, in Jægersborg, the giant Dyrehaven park (The Deer Park) is worth a visit for many reasons. First of all, the park
Photo by: Kim Wyon
itself is a stunning piece of untouched nature, with a population of 2000 deer. It is right next to the Bakken amusement park. Dyrehaven has a wealth of old oak trees, views over the Sound, woodland and subglacial stream trenches. Dyrehaven is a beautiful piece of primeval Danish countryside, which has been left practically untouched for 350 years. No wonder it is a UNESCO landscape! In the centre of the park, the Hermitage, a hunting lodge built by Christian IV, is situated in the most beautiful surroundings. Join a guided tour and see it for yourself.
Up north, Fredensborg Palace is located on the eastern shore of Lake Esrum in Fredensborg, on the island of Zealand. It is the Danish Royal Family’s spring and autumn residence, and is often the scene of important state visits and events involving the Royal Family. Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød was built in the 17th century by the industrious King Christian IV. It is the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia, and a prime example of the very best Renaissance architecture to be found on these shores. It is one of the most famous castles in Denmark, and for good reason: home to the Museum of National History and situated on three islands surrounded by a lake and beautiful gardens, it’s simply breathtaking. Kronborg Palace is world-famous thanks to Shakespeare and Hamlet, but it is so much more than a scene from a play.
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HER MAJESTY, QUEEN MARGRETHE II
The Queen is approaching a place in the Danish royal house’s record books as the monarch who has ruled for the longest period.
In 2024, she will have sat on the Danish throne for 52 years, and then we will have to keep track of our royal history and do a bit of math.
Christian IV is the regent who has ruled the longest, at either 60 or 52 years, depending on how you add the periods of his reign together.
The Danish royal house has several rulers who have ruled for many years.
Christian IX was king was king for 42 years, from 1863 to 1906. Christian VII was king in the period 1766 to 1808. Erik VII was king from 1396 to 1439.
ROSKILDE CATHEDRAL
High above Roskilde Fjord rise the two iconic spires of Roskilde Cathedral. When you enter the 800-year-old monument you can lift your eyes to the high vaulted ceiling under which Denmark’s kings and queens are buried.
Take a royal journey through time in Roskilde Cathedral. According to legend, Harold Bluetooth built the first church and was buried here. This is uncertain, but one thing is certain: The cathedral has been the royal burial church since Margrethe I’s interment in 1413, and this tradition will continue with Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II. As a unique experience, you can sit on the bench that covers the queen’s future sepulchral monument and enjoy the beautiful mediaeval frescoes above. Remember also to look up at the stars in Christian 4’s richly decorated Renaissance chapel. The Gothic church and the many burial chapels together give an overview of European architecture over 800 years. Today, the cathedral is inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
In Roskilde, only 25 minutes from Copenhagen, history and nature are united in the land of legends.
www.roskildedomkirke.dk @roskildedomkirke
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500 years of Danish history
Frederiksborg Castle is the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia. It was built by king Christian IV at the beginning of the 17th century and is beautifully situated across three islets surrounded by the Baroque Gardens and the Castle Lake in Hillerød – 45 minutes north of Copenhagen by car or train.
At the museum, visitors are introduced to historical events and people who shaped Danish history from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. The Museum of National History is also the National Portrait Gallery of Denmark, and the stories are told through a rich collection of portraits, historical paintings, interiors, and applied arts. Exquisite period interiors and splendid rooms offer a sense of the changing styles over the eras.
Special exhibitions supplement the main collection throughout the year. Find the exhibition calendar, guided tours and seasonal activities for children at dnm.dk.
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Open every day!
November-March 11-15 April-October 10-17
Restaurant
Spisestedet Leonora Leonora.dk
JÆGERSPRIS CASTLE
Jægerspris Castle is one of Denmark’s oldest royal castles. It is beautifully located, surrounded by forest and fjords. The royal history goes back to the 13th century and the castle has served as a hunting and summer residence for kings and queens.
In 1854, he and Countess Danner refurnished the castle for their private use. After the king’s death, Countess Danner opened a museum, and in 1867 she also opened an orphanage for poor girls. The interiors of the castle are well preserved, and you can experience their 1850s decorative style up close. In addition, the museum has an exhibition of Danner’s historic orphanage. This year’s special exhibition tells the story of Frederik VII’s journey to Scotland in 1844. In the beautiful park, you can enjoy a variety of trees and see sculptor Johannes Wiedewelt’s (1731- 1802) 54 memorial columns and Countess Danner’s tomb. Café Danner is in the castle courtyard.
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kongfrederik.dk Jægerspris Slot @jaegersprisslot
Adresse
Slotsgården 20 3630 Jægerspris T: +45 47531004 Free parking S-train: Line C to Frederikssund. Bus: 316, 230R
Bemærk
The castle is open from April 9 to October 30, 2022. Tuesday-Sunday 11-16. Park is open all year.
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HØRSHOLM EGNS MUSEUM
Museum of Hørsholm is beautifully located in the old buildings of Hirschholm Castle, which was once close by. A walk in the park gives you a historical feeling, and in the museum you can, in addition to an exhibition about Hirschholm Castle, also learn about the Enlightenment. In 2022, you will find a special exhibition with the cartoonist Karoline Stjernfelt’s award-winning cartoon about the love affair between Struensee and Queen Caroline Mathilde. “Oh, keep me innocent” it is called. Søndre Jagtvej 2, 2970 Hørsholm
LIV THØGER-ALDAHL TELLS THE HISTORY OF THE PAR FORCE HUNTING LANDSCAPE OF NORTH ZEALAND (NORDSJÆLLAND)
Photo: Connie Westergaard
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE A
WORLD-CLASS HUNTING LANDSCAPE
Come and visit the royal hunting landscape of North Zealand, which is one of only seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Denmark. The par force hunting landscape lies in Gribskov, in the Great Deer Park, close to Hillerød in Jægersborg Fence and Deer Park. It consists of 120 km of hunting roads divided into 4,500 hectares of forest. It is this particularly unique road design, with its symmetrical and Baroqueinspired pattern which led to the park being deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. The selection means that it is a protected area of culture and therefore yours, mine, and everyone’s world heritage, no matter what ourage and nationality. Visit it and get to know an exciting story about hunting power and splendour. The par force landscape was built at the end of the 1600s by Christian V, who had been on a development journey visiting Ludvig XIV. He was also known as the Sun King. On this journey, Christian V was inspired to build an enormous Baroque-inspired hunting landscape which, with its symmetrical lines, showed that the King had great power. By taming nature, the king also proved that he was close to God. During the par force hunt, the aim was to bring down the largest and most beautiful stag in the forest. Every now and again, guided tours and other events are held here. An example is this year’s great photo exhibition, “Udsyn & Indsigt: Det kongelige landskab”(“Vision and Insight: The Royal Landscape”), in June-July at the Kongestjernen (The King Star) in Hillerød and in November 2022 at the Eremitageslottet (The Hermitage Castle). It is free to enter the par force landscape by foot, on horseback, or on a bike. The park is open 24/7 all year. Guided tours and events are available at certain times. The organization behind the par force Landscape is responsible for these tours. Follow the events of the year and read more about the World Heritage Site at: www.parforce.dk
#KONGESTJERNEN
5 tips to what you should see in the northern part of the UNESCO World Heritage:
Kongestjernen (The King Star) lies in the middle of the Great Deer Park, just outside Hillerød. It consists of a hill of soil with a specifically shaped granite stone that shows the monogram of Christian V and a compass card with sixteen points. The granite stone is placed exactly where the eight roads meet.
Syvstjernen (The Pleiades) in Gribskov shares its spot with Søren Kierkegaard’s memorial stone. If you place yourself in the middle of the Pleiades, you will get a majestic look over the winding landscape with its ruler-straight hunting roads and sense the presence of history.
Frederiksborg. From this point of view near the brink of the lake you can sense how the garden has grown passed Esrum Lake out into the par force hunting landscape. Here you can find a dock, a spot for bonfires, a cabin, and tables and benches for a cozy lunch.
The Pen at Great Deer Park’s dike. This pen was used by the king’s horses in the fall after they had been grazing in the Great Deer Park’s furlongs all summer. The Pen is close to the parking area near Overdrevsvej.
Eghjorten Nature Playground in Stenholt Vang is built of natural materials. Here there are rich opportunities to jump, climb, swing, balance and tilt. Next to the playground is one large covered cottage with a table and bench set, and as many as four campfire sites.
EXPERIENCE THE HERMITAGE CASTLE
ON A TOUR
When the royal family hosts luncheons at The Hermitage, they are continuing a tradition that originated back in the time of Christian VI. Since 1735, The Hermitage has decorated a hilltop in Dyrehaven overlooking Øresund and ancient forests in a UNESCO-protected hunting landscape. Royals have rested in the castle’s petite halls, hung with precious silken tapestries, all while actionpacked hunting scenes took place just outside.
The Hermitage can only be visited on Danish guided tours on selected dates during Easter, the summer and the fall.
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KOLDINGHUS CASTLE
Throughout its more than 750 years of existence, Koldinghus has played a significant role in Denmark’s history, both as a border fortress and as one of the royal family’s favourite residences.
The castle was initially used exclusively as a royal residence. King Christian III died here on New Year’s Day in 1559, and King Christian IV spent a significant part of his childhood and youth at the castle.
Today you can see the remains of the castle, which bear the signs of the disastrous fire in 1808, and experience history up close as you tour the castle’s rooms and see the treasures of Danish kings and queens in special exhibitions. The castle also hosts family activities, concerts, talks and a royal costume workshop. This year, you can see the exhibition ‘The Queen’s Embroidery‘, where HM the Queen’s own personal embroideries will be shown to the public for the first time.
Koldinghus 1, 6000 Kolding
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