Castle Island’s Royal History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Slotsholmen

Copenhagen , Denmark

Castle Island’s Royal History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Slotsholmen

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(1 reviews)

1h - 2h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Are you looking for a way to see Slotsholmen, Copenhagen's Castle Island without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour.

• Find out how the original fortress evolved over the centuries into a series of castles and, later, spectacular palaces
• Hear from producer James Cowan, a Welsh tour guide who moved to Copenhagen in 2019
• Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. The app has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Available options

Castle Island’s Royal History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Slotsholmen

What's included

Tour app for Android and iOS

Lifetime access to this tour in English

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Slotsholmen, the island in Copenhagen’s harbor, has been a power base for nearly 900 years, for Copenhagen’s founder, Denmark’s kings, and today’s Danish parliament, housed in the beautiful Christiansborg Palace. This walking tour starts at the very spot where Copenhagen’s story began in the 1100s, Højbro Plads, before crossing over to ‘the Castle Island’, as Slotsholmen is known.

Highlights you can look forward to on this tour include seeing the statue of Copenhagen’s founder, Bishop Absalon.

Highlights you can look forward to on this tour include spotting the Christiansborg Palace balcony, from which new monarchs are proclaimed to the people.

Stop 4 Pass by

In Slotsholmen, there are centuries worth of fascinating tales to listen to and several historical buildings. You'll see some of them including the Copenhagen Stock Exchange.

Highlights you can look forward to on this tour include discovering the peaceful tranquility of the Royal Library Garden, one of the city’s best kept secrets with an unlikely history.

In Slotsholmen, there are centuries worth of fascinating tales to listen to and several historical buildings. You'll see some of them including the Danish Jewish Museum.

In Slotsholmen, there are centuries worth of fascinating tales to listen to and several historical buildings. You'll see some of them including the Danish War Museum.

Highlights you can look forward to on this tour include hearing about the Royal Library and its bold modern extension, the Black Diamond.

You’ll also hear about Denmark’s rulers, including Christian IV, the larger-than-life “builder king” who created beautiful buildings but bankrupted the country.

You'll pass over the Marble Bridge and hear more about the city's history.

You’ll also hear about Denmark’s rulers, including Christian IX as you gaze up at his statue.

Stop 12 Pass by

The tour ends in front of Thorvaldsen Museum, dedicated to Bertel Thorvaldsen who inspired kings and nobles.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Transportation

Food and drink

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please note: You won't be guided through any museums or other attractions mentioned en route. If you choose to enter and visit such places, you'll need to pay for it independently of this tour.

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Copenhagen

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a charming city known for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. It seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern innovation, making it a unique and appealing destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens is one of the world's oldest and most famous amusement parks, offering a mix of thrilling rides, beautiful gardens, and live entertainment.

Entertainment 3-5 hours Moderate (150-250 DKK for entry and rides)

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid is a famous statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, located by the waterside in the Langelinie park.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle is a 17th-century castle that houses the Danish Crown Jewels and offers a glimpse into royal Danish history.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (115 DKK for entry)

Nyhavn

Nyhavn is a picturesque waterfront district known for its colorful 17th-century townhouses, canals, and lively atmosphere.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore (costs vary for canal tours and dining)

Christiansborg Palace

Christiansborg Palace is the seat of the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister's Office, and the Supreme Court. It also houses the Royal Reception Rooms and the Royal Stables.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (135 DKK for entry to the Royal Reception Rooms and Royal Stables)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Smørrebrød

An open-faced sandwich typically served on rye bread, topped with ingredients like pickled herring, roast beef, or shrimp.

Lunch Can be vegetarian or vegan with appropriate toppings

Frikadeller

Danish meatballs made from a mixture of pork and veal, served with potatoes and gravy.

Dinner Contains meat

Æbleskiver

Small, spherical pancakes traditionally served during the Christmas season, often dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by jam and whipped cream.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Rødgrød med Fløde

A traditional Danish dessert made from berries, usually raspberries or red currants, served with cream.

Dessert Contains dairy

Popular Activities

Biking Kayaking Hiking Spas Saunas Picnicking in parks Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Copenhagen, offering long daylight hours, pleasant weather, and a variety of outdoor activities. The city comes alive with festivals, outdoor dining, and vibrant nightlife.

15°C to 23°C 59°F to 73°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Danish
Widely spoken: English, German
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Danish Krone (DKK)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Copenhagen is generally a very safe city with a low crime rate. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Copenhagen Airport • 8 km from city center

By train

Copenhagen Central Station

By bus

Copenhagen Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Metro is efficient, clean, and easy to use. It operates 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays, making it convenient for late-night travel.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Taxa 4x35, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Indre By (Inner City) Vesterbro Nørrebro Østerbro Frederiksberg

Day trips

Malmö, Sweden

35 km from Copenhagen • Half day to full day

Malmö is a vibrant Swedish city just across the Øresund Bridge from Copenhagen, offering a mix of historic sites, modern architecture, and a lively cultural scene.

Kronborg Castle

40 km from Copenhagen • Half day

Kronborg Castle is a historic castle and UNESCO World Heritage Site, best known as the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

50 km from Copenhagen • Full day

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is a renowned art museum located in Humlebæk, just north of Copenhagen, offering a stunning collection of modern and contemporary art.

Festivals

Copenhagen Jazz Festival • July Copenhagen Pride • August Copenhagen Christmas Markets • December

Pro tips

Consider purchasing a Copenhagen Card for unlimited public transportation and free entry to many attractions
Use a bike to get around the city, as Copenhagen is known for its bike-friendly infrastructure and culture
Try local specialties like smørrebrød, frikadeller, and æbleskiver for a true taste of Danish cuisine
Visit the city's many museums and cultural institutions, which offer a wealth of knowledge and history
Explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions