The King’s Garden

The Kongens Have, in Copenhagen

The Kongens Have, or King's Garden, is the oldest and most frequented of the public parks of Copenhagen, that surrounds Rosenborg Castle. The Copenhagen audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this setting of greenery laid out from 1606 by Christian IV, transformed later into a baroque garden and opened to the inhabitants, adorned with statues, a rose garden and a puppet stage, lively in every season.

History

The Kongens Have, or King's Garden, surrounds the imposing Rosenborg Castle. It was laid out even before the palace, from 1606, by the orders of King Christian IV, one of the most famous sovereigns of Denmark; it was then outside the ramparts of the city. It is from 1624 that the king decided to build his palace there. Originally of Renaissance style, the garden was remodelled into a baroque garden when the royal family changed residence, and opened to the inhabitants. Since then, it has not ceased to be much frequented by the Danes, who still come today to stroll in its verdant paths and enjoy its lawns far from the agitation of the city. It is the largest park in the very centre, and the magnificent view that it offers of Rosenborg Castle adds to its appeal. Adorned with statues, a fine rose garden and a stage dedicated to puppet shows, it regularly hosts concerts and shows that make this pretty setting of greenery very lively and animated in every season.

What to see

Here you stroll in the oldest and most frequented of the public parks of Copenhagen, laid out from 1606 by Christian IV around Rosenborg Castle; a Renaissance garden become baroque and opened to the public, adorned with statues, a rose garden and a puppet stage, it hosts concerts and shows. The Kongens Have is the green lung of the centre. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Kongens Have lies in the centre of Copenhagen, around Rosenborg Castle, reachable on foot. It is a public park in free access, whose opening hours vary according to the season; concerts and shows follow the local programme. You discover it during a walk.

What is the oldest public park of Copenhagen?

It is the Kongens Have, or King's Garden, laid out from 1606 by King Christian IV around Rosenborg Castle; first of Renaissance style, it was remodelled into a baroque garden and opened to the inhabitants, and remains the most frequented park of the city, adorned with statues, a rose garden and a puppet stage.

Where is the Kongens Have in Copenhagen?

In the centre of Copenhagen, around Rosenborg Castle, in Denmark.