Rosenborg Castle

After lunch, we toured Rosenborg Castle, built by Charles the IV as a summer home in 1606. It was built in the Dutch Renaissance style, typical of Danish buildings during this period, and has been expanded several times, finally evolving into its present condition by the year 1624. The castle is open to the public for tours and houses a museum exhibiting the Royal Collections, artifacts spanning a breadth of royal Danish culture, from the late 16th century of Christian IV to the 19th century. Some of these articles once belonged to the nobility and the aristocracy. The castle, now state property, was opened to the public in 1838.

I was ecstatic to see a nautilus cup among the many treasures on display at Rosenborg. The intricate, floral carving along the back made it stand out from all the others I have seen in person as well as during my research for my undergrad thesis. It was breath taking. Bethy put it as one of the items on the treasure hunt she made for the kids, so they would be a little more engaged during our visit here, so all the kids made sure to see it!

This room, located on the third floor, is the most well known room of the castle. The Long Hall was completed in 1624, it was originally intended as a ballroom. Around 1700 it was used as Royal Reception Room and for banquets. It was not until the second half of the 19th century that it became known as the "Knight's Hall". Among the main attractions of Rosenborg are the coronation chair of the absolutist kings and the throne of the queens with the three silver lions standing in front

The china cabinet was extraordinary!

After our tour of the gorgeous rooms of the Rosenborg Castle, we headed down to the basement to see the crown jewels of Denmark, along with other stunning items once owned by Danish royalty and aristocracy.

The collar of the Order of the Elephant pictured below was very interesting to learn about, The Order of the Elephant (Danish: Elefantordenen) is the highest order (visible honor awarded by a sovereign state, monarch, dynastic royal house or organization to a recipient, typically in recognition of individual merit) Denmark. It has origins in the 15th century, but has officially existed since 1693, and since the establishment of constitutional monarchy in 1849, is now almost exclusively bestowed on royalty and heads of state.

These two adorable people were our tour guide and bus driver. They made our time in Copenhagen so amazing! Our sweet bus driver was quiet and always super happy, he immediately chose Reece to be his best friend and we found out he is a professional lego builder! He and his wife help create the amazing creations on display at the Copenhagen lego store. I love traveling and meeting these interesting, sweet and caring people.

After our time at the Rosenborg Castle, it was nap time for some and explore the city time for others. I have to admit I was in the napping group, and I enjoyed every minute of it