Christiansborg Castle, The Great Hall & Royal Chapel - A Discovery Exclusive

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

You'll feel like royalty yourself on this Discovery Exclusive tour of Copenhagen that includes magnificent Christiansborg Castle, the only building in the world that can boast serving as the seat of three supreme powers of a nation: executive, legislative and judicial. Built and rebuilt from 1167 through 1928, it has served as both a government building and the king's entertainment and residential quarters. Still in use today, its resplendent halls welcome heads of state and VIP visitors. Now it's your turn to walk among priceless antiques and royal artifacts on this regal half-day tour.

Begin your day with a panoramic city drive through the streets of Copenhagen, Denmark's capital city. See such iconic landmarks as beautiful 19th century amusement park Tivoli Gardens; Nyhavn, the historic canal district; and the sparkling Gefion Fountain, the largest monument in Copenhagen. Have your camera at the ready for the charming Little Mermaid statue, a mascot of the city since 1913 inspired by the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairytale and magnificent Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Danish royal family.

Standing proudly on Slotsholmen, a small island in the center of Copenhagen, is Christiansborg Palace, a granite and copper extravaganza of neo-baroque architecture. Once the principal residence to the royal family, Christiansborg Palace is still considered the center of Danish rule, as it is home to the prime minister's office, Danish Parliament and the Danish Supreme Court. Built between 1907 and 1928, it is the third palace to occupy the island where kings have traditionally ruled over Denmark since the earliest days of Danish history.

You'll marvel at all you see on a guided tour. Walk from floor to floor taking in the richly decorated rooms and majestic halls. Inside the Throne Room, you'll learn that the throne is not actually used, as the Queen prefers to be more informal when receiving guests.

As you tour, your guide will impart factual and fun tidbits about the royal family, such as King Frederik IX's response to his childhood portrait, where he is seen wearing a dress. A burley adult with tattoos acquired during his stint with the navy, he always kept the door closed to the room, as he was not fond of the image.

You will also visit the "Great Hall", a favorite of the Danish queen when entertaining foreign heads of state and VIPs. Be sure to take a moment to admire the intricate tapestries given to the queen on her 50th birthday in 1990 and completed in 2000 as decoration for the massive banquet dining hall.

Adjacent to the palace itself sits the Royal Chapel, a neoclassical building constructed in 1826 and used for religious ceremonies pertaining to the royal family, such as baptisms, confirmations and weddings. Frighteningly, in 1992, the chapel was set ablaze by a carnival rocket. It sustained considerable damage but was lovingly restored and re-inaugurated in 1997, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Queen Margrethe II's reign. Here you'll get a guided tour behind the scenes that's otherwise closed to the public.

At the conclusion of your tour, reboard the motorcoach and reflect on this magnificent day as you ride back to port.

Special Notes:

Tour may operate in different order. Flash photo and video is not permitted inside Christiansborg Palace. Slippers must be worn over footwear at Christiansborg.
Visit to the Castle will involve stairs and there are no seating possibilities. There are approx.100 steps to be negotiated in the castle and therefore this tour is not suitable for passengers in wheelchairs and with walking difficulties.

Visit to Rosenborg Castle will replace, the visit to the Royal Reception rooms in Christiansborg Palace should the Danish Queen have an audience at Christiansborg. The Chapel can still be visited.