Ruins under Christiansborg

Beneath Christiansborg Palace at Prins Jørgens Gård 5, these underground ruins trace the site’s earlier castles and Copenhagen’s beginnings. You can see the remains of Bishop Absalon’s 12th-century castle, parts of the later Copenhagen Castle and its Blue Tower prison, as well as old rooms and plumbing. Information panels explain the site’s history, and a small display covers witchcraft. The dim light and uneven floor add to the underground atmosphere. It is an easy historical stop if you already have a combined palace ticket or Copenhagen Card.

The castles beneath the palace

The remains beneath Christiansborg preserve traces of earlier buildings on this site. The oldest are from Bishop Absalon’s 12th-century castle, described as around 800 years old. Later layers include parts of Copenhagen Castle, whose Blue Tower served as a prison.

Princess Leonora Christine was held in the Blue Tower for more than 20 years. The remains give a sense of how the site changed before the current palace was built.

What you see underground

The route passes fragments of walls and rooms, along with old plumbing and toilets. Information panels explain the history of the castles, and a small section explores witchcraft. The displays are largely based on the remains and written interpretation, so visitors short on time may prefer to include the ruins as part of a broader Christiansborg visit.

Lighting is dim and the floor is uneven. Some parts are accessible only by stairs. Lockers are available near the ticket area; a lifting platform serves the ticket area, souvenir shop and main museum area.