Amalienborg, Copenhagen

Amalienborg Palace is made up of four palaces spread round a big square (a big roundabout). These were built by three different kings—vanity, I suppose; each trying to outdo the other. One of these palaces is now a museum and is open to the public. The others are out of bounds for mere mortals. Supposedly these properties are still being used for official business by the present queen, Margrethe. There is an entry fee, but free if you have a Copenhagen Card. Bags are not allowed into the museum. They have to be left in lockers on the ground floor. One needs a 10 kroner coin to operate the locker; the coin being returned when you unlock the chest to retrieve your bags. If you are carrying around a big rucksack fully stuffed up, you may not be able to fit it into the locker—may need to use two lockers to spread your load. The toilets are also in the area where the lockers are. The museum itself is on the upper floor. One gets a general understanding of the Danish royal history with, I believe, a greater stress on the last 150 years or so. You’ll see that the throne has alternated between the Fredericks and Christians for some 550 years. You will note that the Danish Royals had a habit of interfering in politics and governance of the country. In one of the rooms there is a model of the square showing all four palaces, and who built which one. You wouldn’t need more than about 90 minutes to get through this place, assuming there won’t be much interest in the room that contains all sorts of old (and some new) kids’ toys. In terms of decorations and ornamentation, I have seen many formerly private properties in England—now managed by the National Trust--that are much more plush. At 12 noon there is the spectacle of “changing of the guard”. This is not as vigorous and animated as the one at London’s Buckingham Palace. The police will ask people to stand in a big rectangle—and they disallow people from sitting on any of the steps there. If there’s a big crowd, and you are not already at the front, your view will not be so good, unless you are a tall person. We stood more to the north of the square and ended up seeing the backsides of the soldiers almost all the time. The best position is to find a place more to the south or south west of the square. That said, one of the policemen there, and his antics, were more entertaining than the guards. This is also where pickpockets are active—rucksacks on your back are quite vulnerable. It’s worth walking south from the square to where there’s a fountain close the water’s edge. You can see the opera house across the water. This is a good spot for sitting down, relaxing, having a snack and taking some great photos, especially if it’s a sunny day.

Visited here around sunset for the changing guard and it was lit beautifully. A very regal place and almost felt like we'd gone back in time. It wasn't too busy and I do recommend seeing this place.

The changing of the guard was very busy even in the rain. The museum was a neat look in to the Royal family. We really enjoyed the attic, it reminds you that everyone has clutter.

Didn't get to go inside as it was not open then. But managed to catch the guard marching past with their little routines. They weren't friendly nor obliged with photographs but I guess they are just doing their jobs! In any case, nice spacious area to just walk around.

Good spot to visit during your stay in Copenhagen. Denmark's royal family is still living inside the palace. Cool place.