Kastellet Copenhagen
A beautifully preserved 17th-century star fortress offering historical exploration and scenic walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy peace
Kastellet Copenhagen
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully preserved 17th-century star fortress offering historical exploration and scenic walks.
"A peaceful escape with picturesque views and a tangible connection to Copenhagen's past."
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking on ramparts and paths. Prioritize comfort!
🚶♀️ Combine with The Little Mermaid
It's a short walk from Kastellet to the iconic statue.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Star-Shaped Ramparts
Outer perimeter of Kastellet
Walk the historic ramparts for panoramic views and a sense of the fortress's strategic design.
The Citadel Church
Center of Kastellet
A charming, historic church within the fortress, offering a peaceful moment of reflection.
Kastellet Windmill
Northwest corner of Kastellet
An iconic, picturesque windmill that adds to the historical charm of the fortress.
The Little Mermaid Statue
Coastal path adjacent to Kastellet
While not technically part of Kastellet, it's a short walk away and a must-see icon.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors, Rain or Shine
Combine with Nearby Attractions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking on ramparts and paths. Prioritize comfort!
🚶♀️ Combine with The Little Mermaid
It's a short walk from Kastellet to the iconic statue.
📸 Great for Photography
The star shape, red buildings, and windmill offer many scenic photo opportunities.
🆓 Free to Explore
Entry to the grounds is free, making it a budget-friendly activity.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking on ramparts and paths. Prioritize comfort!
🚶♀️ Combine with The Little Mermaid
It's a short walk from Kastellet to the iconic statue.
📸 Great for Photography
The star shape, red buildings, and windmill offer many scenic photo opportunities.
🆓 Free to Explore
Entry to the grounds is free, making it a budget-friendly activity.
🏃♀️ Locals Jogging Spot
Expect to see locals exercising; it's a popular spot for a run.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kastellet is widely praised as a peaceful and picturesque escape within Copenhagen. Visitors love its well-preserved historical architecture, the opportunity to walk the ramparts, and its free entry. Some note that it's an active military site with limited interior access, and it can get busy with joggers and tourists, especially when combined with The Little Mermaid.
"Combine your visit to the Little Mermaid with this Military Fort
Visited on Thursday, 31st July 2025, after being dropped off to see the Little Mermaid Statue, I took the opportunity to visit this army barracks. Still an active army site, so the access was limited, but what you could see was wonderful and provided the opportunity to walk the moat mounds that surround the fort. Cycling isn't allowed, but it appears the site is not supervised."
Jeffrey Soley
"First stop on our Copenhagen adventure, and luckily we selected a hotel that allowed a nice walk to the site. Kastellet is an active fort in the shape of a star, that acts as a mounded compound, it is surrounded by water and is very picturesque. You can walk the mound as well as visit the memorial and inner sanctum."
Rob Snow
"We visited the exterior grounds of this historic fort. It appears to still be in operation on an administrative level. The park-like property is absolutely gorgeous and is meticulously maintained. It was a such a please to stroll around taking in the sites on a recent visit to Copenhagen."
Troy Windhorst
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kastellet is easily accessible by public transport. You can take a bus (e.g., lines 23, 1A, 2A) to the 'Kastellet' stop. It's also a pleasant walk from the city center, especially if you're heading towards The Little Mermaid.
Yes, Kastellet is located right next to The Little Mermaid statue. Many visitors combine a visit to both attractions as they are within easy walking distance of each other.
Cycling is generally not permitted on the ramparts or within the main areas of Kastellet to preserve the historical site and for visitor safety. However, you'll see locals jogging.
Limited street parking may be available nearby, but it can be challenging to find. Public transport or walking is highly recommended.
Kastellet is conveniently located about 10 minutes from Copenhagen Airport (CPH) by car or taxi, making it an easy first or last stop.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the grounds of Kastellet is free for all visitors. You can explore the ramparts, parks, and exterior of the buildings without a ticket.
Kastellet is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. As it's an open-air historical site, there are no strict opening or closing times for the grounds.
While the grounds are free, there might be a small fee for specific buildings or exhibitions within Kastellet, such as the Citadel Church or any temporary exhibits. Check on-site for current details.
Yes, Kastellet is open year-round. Winter visits can offer a unique, atmospheric experience, especially with potential snow or frosty conditions.
Yes, Kastellet remains an active military site, though access to certain areas may be restricted. This adds to its unique historical context.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
The star-shaped ramparts offer great aerial views, the historic windmill is picturesque, and the red barracks provide classic Danish architecture shots. The Citadel Church is also a lovely subject.
Inside Kastellet, you can explore the Citadel Church, the historic windmill, and walk along the well-preserved ramparts. You'll also see various red barracks buildings.
Yes, Kastellet is great for families. Kids can enjoy running around the open spaces, exploring the ramparts, and learning about history in a fun, accessible environment.
Kastellet was built by King Christian IV in the 17th century as a star-shaped fortress to defend Copenhagen. It has played a significant role in Danish military history.
Kastellet occasionally hosts events, concerts, and historical reenactments, especially during summer. Check local listings for any scheduled activities during your visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers
The surrounding water and greenery add to the picturesque scenes, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset. Visiting on a foggy morning can also create a wonderfully atmospheric and moody shot. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Stroll Through History: Exploring Kastellet's Fortifications
While the exterior and grounds are the main draw, the interior of Kastellet also holds points of interest. The Citadel Church, a beautiful and serene place of worship, is located at the heart of the fortress. Visitors can also explore the various barracks, some of which may house small exhibitions or administrative offices. It's important to remember that Kastellet remains an active military site, so while visitors are welcome to explore the public areas, some sections might have restricted access. This blend of active military presence and historical preservation makes Kastellet a unique destination.
Many visitors find Kastellet to be a peaceful escape from the bustling city. It's a popular spot for locals to jog and walk, adding a vibrant, lived-in feel to the historical site. The combination of its strategic design, historical significance, and tranquil atmosphere makes Kastellet a must-visit for history buffs, photographers, and anyone seeking a serene experience in Copenhagen.
Kastellet and its Iconic Neighbor: The Little Mermaid
While the statue itself is small, its cultural significance and picturesque setting by the water make it a quintessential Copenhagen photo opportunity. Many visitors choose to combine their exploration of Kastellet with a visit to The Little Mermaid, creating a cohesive historical and cultural experience. After walking the ramparts of the fortress, a leisurely stroll along the waterfront leads directly to the beloved statue. This pairing offers a wonderful contrast between the imposing military architecture of Kastellet and the delicate artistry of the mermaid.
It's worth noting that The Little Mermaid can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Visiting Kastellet first, perhaps in the morning, can allow for a more peaceful experience of the fortress before heading to the statue. Alternatively, exploring Kastellet after seeing the mermaid provides a quiet, historical counterpoint to the popular tourist spot.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit