Issue 8. * April 13th, 2022 |
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Denmark is, as you might already know one of the oldest monarchies in the world. And when in Copenhagen, you should definitely grab the chance to explore our Modern Monarchy and all the interesting culture and history related to it. In this edition, we have created an informing guide for you with all the best royal experiences around the city. |
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No matter the season you decide to visit Copenhagen in, it is a must to get at least a little taste of the history of our city and our old monarchy. And actually, Denmark’s royal family is refreshingly down to earth. The modern monarchy bicycle around the city, walk their dogs in public spaces, eat out in the city’s restaurants, and shop in its independent boutiques. You could say that they’re just like us, except, of course, they have some quite different responsibilities to uphold as well. If you fancy yourself as a modern-day prince or princess, why not take a walk in their footsteps around the city? |
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- Visit Amalienborg Castle
- Changing of The Royal Guards
- Meet a Copenhagener
- Christiansborg Castle
- The Suppliers of The Danish Court
- Running with the Royals
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So what are we waiting for? The plan for the day is all set, let's get our royal adventure started 🤙 |
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Photo: Marc Skafte-Vaabengaard |
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The royal family wakes up in the heart of Copenhagen at Amalienborg. This square of four 18th century palaces on a cobbled square is close to the water and the old town and is a renowned feature of the city. In fact, the buildings are one of the best examples of Rococo architecture in Europe 😍 |
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The Queen lives in one of the palaces, the Crown Prince and his family live in another (based on whether the flags on the buildings are up or not, you know if they're home), the third palace is used for guests and events, and the last is an intimate museum packed with details showcasing day to day life, where you really can experience what it is like to live like a royal. Walking around this house-like palace with its carpets, normal lighting and comfortable rooms offers a unique insight into royal life - it’s not all chandeliers, lavish receptions, and grand ballrooms 👑 |
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Take a walk along the water and also make sure to check out the amazing and remarkable Marble Church. The whole area is highly approachable - like the royal family itself - and you can walk almost right up to every palace. Of course, there are also guards stationed by the royal residences, in decorated red pillboxes wearing beautiful uniforms and bearskin hats. If you manage to make them crack a smile or say a word we'll be impressed 😄 |
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If you want to know more about Amalienborg and the Royal family you can check the full article Spend a day like a modern royal in Copenhagen.
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Changing of The Royal Guards |
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If you're strolling around the inner city around noon and suddenly hear some cheerful music floating in the air, follow it, like a child following the Pied Piper of Hamelin. The music comes from the marching band that accompanies the changing of the guard as the Royal Guards walk from their barracks at Rosenborg Castle to Amalienborg in a delightful daily ceremony, The Changing of the Royal Guards. |
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On a visit to Copenhagen, it's definitely a must to experience the changing of The Royal Guards. It's all up to you whether you want to catch them walking through the streets or wait for them at Amalienborg Castle and then watch their little ceremony. If the weather is a little cold or you're there early we suggest buying some good pastries and coffee to enjoy while you wait. Tír Bakery is close by and has delicious baked goods 😉🥐 |
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Photo: Marc Skafte-Vaabengaard |
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Meet a Copenhagener - Emil Lars Andersen |
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While visiting Amalienborg Castle and watching the changing of the Royal Guards, your interest in the young and elegant soldiers protecting the Royal Family and our Monarchy might have been sparked. And for good reason, as there is surely something remarkable and fascinating about their organized and disciplined march and appearance.
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Therefore, we've found ourselves a Royal Guard and asked him a couple of questions regarding the city and his work at the castle. Sergeant, Emil Lars Andersen is 26 years old and Drum Major in the Royal Guard Company.
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Photo: Olav Vibild & Daniel Ankjær Clemmensen |
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Could you to begin with, in a couple of sentences tell us a bit about yourself and why you decided to become a Royal Guard? |
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My name is Emil, and I am 26 years old. The reason I chose to become a Royal Guard was that I had been a Tivoli Youth Guard as a child, where I played music. I really wanted to continue this path and play music in my adult life, so I decided to apply for military service. Afterward, I continued in the Fife & Drum Corps where I was playing the flute and trumpet. Since then, I have become a Sergeant and Second in Command in the Fife & Drum Corps, where I'm also a Drum Major. |
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What's the best thing about working as a Royal Guard at Amalienborg Castle? |
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The coolest thing about working as a Royal Guard is that you work with both people and music. What makes the job special is our guard parades. When we are on our parade march through the city and see all the happy faces along the way and see both local Copenhageners and tourists in the city watching us. It's especially a special moment when you walk into the square at Amalienborg Palace and it’s packed with people. |
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What's the best or most special experience you've had on duty as a Royal Guard? |
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One of the best experiences I've had has definitely been when we've walked around the equestrian statue at Amalienborg on a special day like January 1 or the Queen's birthday. When we wear our red uniforms and the square is packed with people. The feeling of having all the excited eyes resting on you and the cameras capturing you gives a special kind of rush, which is one of the kicks I get out of doing the job. |
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What is a perfect day in Copenhagen for you? |
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I live in Islands Brygge so a perfect day for me starts with cycling to work early in the morning and watching the sunrise over Copenhagen. I especially love it when you cycle over some of the bridges and can see the sunrise over for example the Opera House. It's a spring day, the sun is shining, the leaves on the trees have turned green, the shops are open and in the evening I hang out around the lakes or in the King's Garden with my family or friends. |
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Do you have a secret spot/hidden gem in Copenhagen that you would reveal to our readers? |
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I don't know how much of a secret it is, but I would say Havnebadet at Islands Brygge, is really a nice place to be in summer. And the Citadel might be a bit of a hidden gem that not many people know about. It's incredibly beautiful to walk around there and the old buildings are fascinating too. |
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From Amalienborg, it’s a 10-minute stroll through Nyhavn, the inner city, and across the bridge to Christiansborg Palace, a place where great affairs of state have been decided by Denmark’s royal family and parliament for hundreds of years. This historic establishment houses historical museums about the royal family, the royal stables, the Danish Parliament, and a series of grand rooms for banquets and events that you can visit when they’re not in use. Stroll the beautiful hallways and marvel at the art; enjoy the history of Denmark as told in Bjørn Nørgaard’s multicolored tapestries, and eat in the Tower Restaurant, with fantastic views of the city 🤤😍
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Photo: Martin Heiberg / Daniel Rasmussen |
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Christiansborg is a working palace today: Queen Margrethe and the Crown Prince and his family spend time greeting dignitaries, hosting receptions, and working right here. If on your visit, you find some rooms are cordoned off or unavailable to visitors, it may well be because they are being used for official royal business. When the royal reception rooms are not in use, they're open for visitors. You can either visit them on your own or book a guided tour around the castle through the website of Christiansborg Castle 😉 |
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Suppliers of the Royal Danish Court |
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So it's a big deal for businesses to get an appointment as a "Purveyor to Her Majesty" - known as the Royal Warrant - gives the holder permission to use the designation and an image of the crown along with the company’s name on signs, letterhead, packaging and labels. |
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From our perspective it allows us to shop like royalty. Simply go for the "Kongelig Hofleverandør" mark on your shops, services and products. One of the easy ones is to grab a Carlsberg and drink beer like the royals. Or get a box of LEGO for the nephew back home. Or even just go to Illums Bolighus. The entire shop is a "Purveyor to Her Majesty". But also smaller shops like local tea experts A.C. Perchs and Steff Houlberg hot dog vendors hold the appointment. |
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You might know that Crown Prince Frederik, the next in line to the throne, is a very fit individual. He is a member of the International Olympic Committee, the first royal to ever complete an IronMan, and is a passionate runner. In 2018 he created an annual race in Denmark, the Royal Run, to get the nation moving. This means that you now have the chance to go for a run with the future king of Denmark. How cool is that? 😍👑 |
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Photo: Henning Hjorth Christensen |
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Royal Run is for everyone, regardless of fitness and age, and takes place once a year. The informal meeting between the Royal Family and the public is the main attraction and core objective of the event. Often, the Crown Prince's family will support the run by meeting the participants at eye level and being present at the event. To take part in the Royal Run, it is necessary to register and buy tickets in advance which can be done via the website. Prices for participation at Royal Run in Copenhagen 2022 start from DKK 170. This year's Royal Run takes place in Copenhagen on June 6th 🔥🏃♀️ |
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That was all we had planned for today. Hopefully, you picked up some inspiration on how to experience the Modern Danish Royalty in Copenhagen and maybe even learned a fact or two from us 😉 |
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It won't be long until we're back with a lot more tips, hidden gems, cultural experiences, and food recommendations for Copenhagen. We hope you enjoyed this issue. If you did, or if there is space to improve, we would love to hear from you. We’re here for you 💘 |
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Anders, Frederik & Kasper, Copenhagen Unfolded |
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Copenhagen Unfolded is published by VisitCopenhagen. Our goal is to tell the world about Copenhagen and the great experiences that are to be had here. Be sure to also check out www.visitcopenhagen.com and our social channels. |
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This issue of Copenhagen Unfolded is put together by Kasper Syhler, Anders Nørland and Frederik Ibsing. |
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Make the most out of Denmark’s vibrant capital with a money-saving Copenhagen Card. You get free entrance to 80+ attractions, free public transportation and you can bring two children under the age of 12 for free. Read more. |
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