Koldinghus

About the museum

According to written sources, King Erik Klipping built the first castle on the site in 1268 to secure the kingdom's southern border against Schleswig. When the nobility forced the demolition of most Jutland royal castles in 1320, Koldinghus was spared. From 1447, Christoffer of Bavaria had parts of the north wing and the west wing, still preserved today, built in stone; under Christian III, the east and south wings were added in 1549–53, creating a four-winged complex around a courtyard. Christian III died at the castle in 1559, after which it served Queen Dorothea as a widow's residence. Around 1600, Christian IV had the north wing rebuilt, the Kæmpetårnet built, and a castle church installed.

In 1808 the castle burned out while Napoleon's Spanish auxiliary troops under Marshal Bernadotte were quartered there. The ruin was secured from 1867, and in 1892 the museum opened in it. Further restorations followed in several stages, including the reconstruction of the Kæmpetårnet by 1935. From 1972 to 1991 the architects Inger and Johannes Exner completed the restoration; their concept of leaving the traces of the ruin visible and combining them with new timber structures was awarded the Europa Nostra Prize in 1993.

Since 2021 Koldinghus has belonged to Den Kongelige Samling, which also looks after Rosenborg, Amalienborg, and other royal castles. Besides the historic halls, the museum shows the original Flora Danica service and the hands-on exhibition "Kongebarn" about royal childhoods.

Highlights

• Ruinsalen: south wing ruin with tall wooden columns and steel walkways from the restoration by Inger and Johannes Exner
• Flora Danica service with more than 1,500 pieces from the 18th century
• Hands-on exhibition "Kongebarn" about royal childhoods
• Kæmpetårnet with views over Kolding
• Den Kongelige Udklædning: historical costumes to try on

Permanent exhibitions

• KONGEBARN – Hands-on exhibition about royal childhoods from Christian IV to the present, on the themes of family, school, and play, with original objects and sensory stations for children.
• Flora Danica – Verdens Vildeste Stel – The original Flora Danica service from the late 18th century in the Bibliotekssalen, linked to the history of the botanical illustrated work of the same name.

Founded

1892

Operated by

Den Kongelige Samling

Director

Edel Clausen (Leiterin Koldinghus)

Admission & discounts

Online tickets are DKK 10 cheaper than at the door. ICOM and ODM cards are accepted at the ticket desk. Holders of annual passes from, among others, Den Gamle By, Kunstmuseum Brandts, Egeskov, Givskud Zoo, and Trapholt get a discount at the ticket desk.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

With the support of staff, all floors except the Kæmpetårnet, tower rooms, and Fangekælderen are reachable for wheelchair users (elevator, door width 79 cm; lift to the restaurant Madkælderen). Wheelchair users should report to the ticket desk or by phone, and staff will open the gate. Accessible restroom in the basement by the elevator. Four paid accessible parking spaces in the Staldgården about 100 m from the entrance; drop-off right up to the castle gate possible. Portable museum stools, sunflower lanyard for invisible disabilities, social story with AutismGoTo; registered with God Adgang.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Playground / play area

The exhibition "Kongebarn" is made for children: crawling, touching, a throne chair, and a school desk, with a play area. In Den Kongelige Udklædning, children and adults can try on historical costumes; Den Kongelige Workshop is staffed daily 11:00–15:00 with changing craft themes, and there are special programs during the holidays. Strollers are allowed but may not be left in the exhibitions.

Getting there & parking

Changed access due to road construction, follow the signs. People with walking difficulties can drive up to the castle gate.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Lockers

Restaurant Madkælderen in the vaulted cellar of the north wing (lunch and dinner); Slotsbutikken also accessible without a museum ticket. Only small bags (max. 21 × 29 × 21 cm) allowed, larger ones in lockers (DKK 10 deposit); no space for suitcases. Eating and drinking not allowed in the exhibitions (except water), picnics possible at tables in the castle courtyard.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 450 guests.

Seven historic rooms from the Flora Danica-værelset (10 people) to the Ruinsalen (up to 450 people); weddings in the Kirkesalen, parties in Frederik 4.s Sal and Riddersalen, conferences in Christian 3.s Kapel. Catering via Madkælderen.

Plan your visit