Royal Copenhagen (7/10/24)

Bob and I did a return trip into Copenhagen today to catch the changing of the guard, glimpse the Rosenberg Castle, and check out a popular food hall. The trip in was unexpectedly shortened by about 3 stops (luckily within the city center) when the train conductor announced (in Danish) that the route was ending (or something to that effect). We got the message when the route stops that appear on the overhead monitor suddenly ended with the current stop, and everyone appeared to be leaving. Luckily, Bob was able to find us a route to the plaza in front of Amalienborg Palace to see the changing of the guard at noon.

Built in the 1750s, the octagonal Royal plaza contains four Rococo palaces that were once home to four noble families. Currently, the retired queen lives in one and the current king and his family live in a second. Not sure how the other two are currently used. The Danish Royal Guards stand outside the palace guarding the monarch in 2 hour shifts (when monarch is in residence). At noon, guards from Rosenberg Slot march through the city streets to take over these responsibilities.

The guards struck us as being very young, and there seemed to be less movement/action than in other guard changing ceremonies that we’ve seen. The most drama came from the weather, as we had a bit of thunder and a quick downpour before the ceremony began. Below is my lay interpretation of what happened.

From the changing of the guard, we walked to the food hall (TorvehallerneKBH) via the beautiful King’s Garden with Rosenborg Castle. Rosenborg Castle was originally built as a summer home between 1606 and 1632 by Christian IV. Denmark’s crown jewels are kept in the basement.

It was then a short walk to the food hall (actually two buildings), which was conveniently located near the Nørreport Metro Station, where we could catch an S train back to Solrød. The food halls were impressive but very busy and very warm.