Koldinghus

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Permanent exhibition
History

Experience Koldinghus

Discover the over 750-year-old castle that has served as a medieval fortress, a Renaissance palace, and a royal residence. After the great fire of 1808, the castle was restored and transformed into a museum. Explore its rich history, admire the Flora Danica porcelain, and try on historical costumes in the Royal Dressing Workshop. Don’t miss Christian IV’s mighty tower for a breathtaking view, or enjoy lunch in the Madkælderen restaurant.

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Everything you need to know

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Find practical information for your visit

With assistance from our staff, all the floors – apart from the Giants’ Tower and the Dungeon – are accessible to wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility. There is a platform lift to our restaurant, Madkælderen.

Der findes et begrænset antal p-pladser i og lige udenfor Staldgården, hvor der skal betales p-afgift med app. Der tages ikke imod kort.

Take a virtual tour of Koldinghus from home. Explore the castle’s halls and tower rooms, zoom in on objects and details, read additional information about the castle or visit our exhibitions. Enjoy the tour!

Eating or drinking is not allowed at the museum, with the exception of bottled water.

You are welcome to enjoy a packed lunch at the outdoor tables in the Castle Courtyard.

Flora Danica - the World’s Wildest Dinnerware

History of Koldinghus

750 years: Royal residence, a catastrophic fire, and an award-winning restoration. Discover the fascinating history of Koldinghus.

1268

Erik Klipping Builds Koldinghus

According to historical records, King Erik Klipping establishes the first Koldinghus as a defense for the kingdom’s southern border against Schleswig.

1320

Koldinghus Is Preserved

The nobility forces King Christopher II to sign a charter requiring most royal castles in Jutland to be demolished. However, Koldinghus is spared.

1447

The North and West Wings Are Built

Christopher of Bavaria constructs parts of the north wing and the entire west wing in stone. The west wing still stands today and is one of Denmark’s most significant medieval castle buildings.

1549

The East and South Wings Are Built

Christian III constructs the east and south wings and extends the north wing between 1549 and 1553. The castle now forms a four-winged structure around a central courtyard.

1559

Christian III and Queen Dorothea

Christian III dies at Koldinghus, and for the next 12 years, the castle serves as a widow’s residence for Queen Dorothea.

1598

The Great Tower

After a fire, Christian IV rebuilds the north wing. He also constructs the Great Tower and establishes the Castle Chapel between 1598 and 1603.

1720

The Castle is Whitewashed

Extensive restoration takes place between 1720 and 1726, during which the castle is whitewashed and modernized inside.

1808

The Fire

Koldinghus burns down while Napoleon’s Spanish auxiliary troops are stationed in the castle. The troops are led by Marshal Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, who later becomes King of Sweden in 1818 under the name Karl XIV Johan.