Kayaks in front of Amalienborg Castle in the harbour of Copenhagen, Denmark

A Royal Tour of Denmark

Photo: Mitch Wiesinger

Step into the royal world of our new King Frederik X. Following the abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe II, our new king ascended to the throne on the 14th of January 2024. 

One of the oldest monarchies in the world, Danish royalty is popular and well-loved across the country, thanks to their laid-back and approachable style. So, let us take you on a royal tour of Denmark to celebrate our new king! 

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Map
Royal Run 2023
Photo: Matthew James Harrison

The Royal Run

For his 50th birthday then Crown Prince Frederik (now the king) decided to celebrate with one of his passions – running! The Royal Run consisted of 1km, 5km and 10km runs in 5 cities across Denmark, with the prince joining ALL of them in one day (phew). Danes across the country participated in this joyful, family-friendly event. Thanks to its popularity, it is now a yearly fixture, with the different cities hosting the event each year. Apart from Copenhagen, you’ll always be able to finish your run or walk waving at Amalienborg Palace! In Denmark in May? Join us! 

Dänisches Rockmuseum RAGNAROCK in Roskilde
Photo: Museumskoncernen ROMU

Ragnarock

In a memorable speech to his mother, the King once said, ‘You’re into classical. I’m into rock’. If you’re also a fan of rock music or fantastic buildings (or both), get yourself down to Roskilde, just 30 minutes from Copenhagen, and immerse yourself in singing, dancing and watching all things rock. The king’s passion for music is evident, he regularly attends Denmark’s fantastic music festivals, like Roskilde festival, and even opened Ragnarock in 2016.  

Photo: Bang Clemme Film & Openhouse - Kongernes Jelling

The Jelling Monuments

It doesn’t get more royal than the spot where it all began 1,000 years ago! At this UNESCO World Heritage site, visit the spot where Denmark was born and founded, and the first king was presented. In the heart of Jutland, you can see the rune stones, Jelling Church and visit the museum to discover what life was really like for the Vikings all those years ago.  

Photo: © Daniel Overbeck - VisitNordsjælland

Fredensborg Castle

30 kilometres (about 18.64 mi) north of Copenhagen, you will find Fredensborg Castle. Accessible by train, Fredensborg Castle is the most frequently used residence of the Danish royal family and a site for important state visits to Denmark. During the summer, you can tour parts of the palace and the beautiful gardens, but be sure to book ahead!

Gråsten Palace in South Jutland
Photo: Sønderborg Turistbureau

Graasten Palace

Further south in Jutland you will find Graasten Castle, which is the royal family's most iconic summer residence. Since the 1930s, the royal family has spent the summers in Graasten, and throughout the king's childhood, his grandmother, Queen Ingrid, made sure to gather the whole family here. Something that has provided countless childhood memories for the new king and all his cousins. The castle has a church and a beautiful garden, which is open to the public in the summer. 

Join Copenhagen Pride Week
Photo: Thomas Høyrup Christensen - Copenhagen Media Center

Pride Parades

You cannot tell the story about King Frederik without mentioning his equally remarkable wife, Mary. This modern Danish couple reflects the essence of hardworking parents in a contemporary family setting. Uncover the unique facet of the Danish Royal Family's modernity through Mary's dedicated support for the LGBTQ community. In a historic moment in 2021, she assumed the role of patron for the World Pride in Copenhagen, marking her as the first royal to champion a significant role in a major LGBTQ event. Her resounding message echoes the belief that "everyone has the right to be who they are." 

Continue your royal tour of Denmark right here

Amalienborg Palace, the Queen's residence in Copenhagen
Get to know the Danish Royal Family
Heartland Festival at Egeskov Castle Denmark
12 castles you should visit in Denmark
Guest at SMK, the National Gallery of Denmark
The best museums to visit to understand us Danes better
Himmerland nature
Romantic Getaways in Denmark