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The castle’s 24 rooms occupy three floors. Most of them retain the original Renaissance decor from Christian IV’s residence, while the rest have been redecorated by later kings. The last king to live here permanently was Frederik IV. The castle is unique for its museum tradition, which started during the Dano-Swedish wars in 1657–60.

The castle has been used as the treasury of the realm since 1658. In the castle’s basement, behind heavily-guarded security doors, are Denmark’s Crown Jewels, that include Christian IV’s diamond-encrusted crown, pearls and enamel figures.

This panelled room was said to be one of Christian IV’s most important private chambers. Look out for the intriguing speaking tubes that connect with the wine cellar and room above.

Another private apartment, Christian IV’s bloodied clothing, from the naval battle of Kolberger Heide (1644) where he lost an eye, are found here. The king wanted these clothes preserved as national mementos.

This room is filled with fascinating objects, such as the startling wax portraits of the Absolute monarchs, and the 17th-century “trick” chair that grasped unsuspecting occupants with tentacles and soaked them in water. A trumpet played when they finally stood up.

Originally the bedroom of Kirsten Munk, Christian IV’s morganatic wife, Frederik III turned it into a Baroque show of splendour to celebrate the introduction of Absolute Monarchy.

In the 1700s, this room was used by Frederik IV’s sister, Sophie Hedvig, as an antechamber and the tapestries date back to this period. Look for the intricate equestrian statue of Frederik, made from ivory, wood and tortoise shell. The coffered ceiling is the original from the time of Christian IV.

An extraordinary room with glowing gold leaves and tooled leather on the walls, it has undergone restoration to look exactly as it did before the royal family shifted to Frederiksberg Slot around the 1740s. The room’s square shape has since been restored and the fittings, ceiling paintings and wall decorations were brought back from Frederiksberg Slot.

Previously known as the Long Hall (before 1750), this room was completed in 1624 as a celebration hall. Only two Dutch fireplaces remain from the original decorations. Note the beautiful white stucco ceiling, Frederik III’s astonishing unicorn horn throne (1660s) and the solid-silver, Baroque furniture.

Visited by over two million people every year, these are Denmark’s oldest royal gardens and date back to the 17th century. There is a rose garden, Staudehaven, which contains many statues including one of Hans Christian Andersen and a large one of Queen Caroline Amalie that was created by Vilhelm Bissen. Enjoy a lovely long walk on the pathway that passes through the flowerbeds. A new addition to the park is the Renaissance garden, Krumspringet. Art events and puppet theatre for children are held here during summer.