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Kastellet Citadel

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Kastellet is one of the best-preserved star fortresses in Northern Europe, originally founded in 1626 by King Christian IV to bolster Copenhagen's defenses. The current layout, a regular pentagon featuring five distinct bastions, was largely developed after the Swedish siege of 1658 under the direction of Dutch engineer Henrik Ruse. For centuries, the citadel functioned as a vital military installation and still houses several military administrative offices today, while also serving as a public park and a national monument. Inside the ramparts, visitors can find characteristic red-painted barracks, the Garrison Church (Kastelskirken), and a historic windmill that has become a symbol of the site. The fortress is surrounded by a double moat system that accentuates its star-shaped design and provides a scenic recreational space for walking and jogging. Kastellet played a crucial role in defending the city during the Napoleonic Wars and was also the site of military actions during the Second World War. Walking along the ramparts features impressive views of the harbor and the nearby Little Mermaid statue. The entire complex is a protected heritage site, representing a prime example of Baroque military architecture and urban planning in Scandinavia.

Location: Denmark
Top sights: Kastelskirken · Kastelsmøllen · Kastellet
Nearby: Bispebjerg (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	1	1	3	7	11	15	18	18	15	10	6	3
Rain mm	61	48	43	34	47	64	69	83	54	70	62	63

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Kastellet in Copenhagen can be visited free of charge during the day. The grounds are open to the public, but some military areas are restricted.

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Typical hours

The grounds are open 24/7, but the inner buildings have limited hours. Best to visit Kastellet during daylight.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the grounds. Military areas must not be photographed - pay attention to signs.

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Time needed

A walk around takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The star-shaped fortress and old buildings invite exploration.

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Combine with

Combine a visit with the nearby Little Mermaid and the Nyhavn district. The citadel is close to the city centre.

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Getting there

Kastellet is easily reached on foot or by bicycle. Public buses stop near the entrance.

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Insider tip

Walk along the ramparts and enjoy the view over the harbour. A hidden tip: the small cannons on the south side are authentic replicas.

Geography

Coordinates

55.69080, 12.59310

Facts

The fortress was originally established in 1626 and expanded after 1658.
Kastellet is designed as a regular pentagon featuring five defensive bastions.
Dutch engineer Henrik Ruse was the primary architect of the current structure.
The historic windmill on the King's Bastion was constructed in 1847.
The garrison church, Kastelskirken, was consecrated in 1704.
The entire citadel area spans approximately 18 hectares in northern Copenhagen.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Port of Copenhagen<1 km · SEExplore →

Round Tower2 km · SWExplore →

Osterbro2 km · NWExplore →

Church of Our Saviour2 km · SExplore →

Nordhavn2 km · NExplore →

Norrebro3 km · WExplore →

Islands Brygge4 km · SExplore →

Vesterbro4 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Kastellet Citadel (10)

Kastelskirken

Kastelskirken is located in the star-shaped citadel, first built in 1626 and completed in 1664.

Kastelsmøllen

Kastelsmøllen is a smock mill in Copenhagen.

Kastellet

Kastellet is a star fort in Copenhagen.

🕒 Mo-Su 06:00-22:00♿

Svenska Kyrkan

Svenska Kyrkan is the church of Sweden in Copenhagen, Denmark.

🌐 svenskakyrkan.se

Churchillparken🌳 park

Churchillparken is a park in Copenhagen Municipality, Denmark.

St Alban's Anglican Church

St Alban's Anglican Church is an Anglican church in Copenhagen.

Eidsvoll Plads🌳 park

Eidsvoll Plads is a square in Copenhagen.

Frihedsmuseet🏛 museum

Frihedsmuseet is a museum in Denmark about the Danish resistance.

Den Frie🏛 museum

Den Frie is an exhibition space for contemporary art, founded in 1891 by artists.

Frederik Næblerød Family Affair

Frederik Næblerød Family Affair is a gallery in Copenhagen.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Kastellet free?

Yes, access to the grounds and ramparts is free for the public.

Is Kastellet still used for military purposes?

Yes, it is an active military barracks, but visitors are free to walk on the public paths.

What are the opening hours?

The gates are generally open from sunrise to sunset (approx. 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM).

Is photography allowed?

Yes, photography is allowed, but please respect the privacy of the military personnel.

What can you see inside?

There is a windmill, a church, barracks, and beautiful parks excellent for walking.

Kastellet Citadel: where is it located?

Kastellet Citadel is located in Denmark.

Kastellet Citadel: what is there to see?

Highlights include Kastelskirken, Kastelsmøllen, Kastellet.

Kastellet Citadel: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Kastellet Citadel: why is it worth visiting?

Kastellet is one of the best-preserved star fortresses in Northern Europe, originally founded in 1626 by King Christian IV to bolster Copenhagen's defenses.

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