King’s Garden

Deep in the heart of Copenhagen, lies a green oasis known as King’s Garden. This isn’t just any park. It’s a living, breathing chronicle of Danish royalty, whispering tales of kings, queens, and centuries of history. King’s Garden, or Kongens Have as the Danes call it, started as King Christian IV’s private garden in 1606. Imagine, a royal playground just outside the bustling city walls. It wasn’t all fun and games, though. The garden also supplied fruits, vegetables, and flowers for the royal household at Copenhagen Castle. King Christian IV loved this place. He even expanded a small pavilion in the garden into the magnificent Rosenborg Castle, which you can still admire today. King’s Garden is more than just a beautiful park. It’s a journey through time. In the early days, it was a Renaissance garden, boasting intricate designs and exotic plants like mulberries and lavender. As trends shifted, so did the garden. It transformed into a Baroque masterpiece, complete with a maze and an octagonal summerhouse at its heart. Wander down the Knight’s Path and the Lady’s Path, two diagonal lime tree avenues that crisscross the park. These avenues, remnants of the Baroque redesign, offer a glimpse into the garden’s opulent past. Scattered throughout King’s Garden, you’ll find an array of sculptures, each with a story to tell. Look for “The Horse and the Lion,” a dramatic sculpture commissioned by Christian IV himself. This piece, inspired by a Persian legend, depicts a lion bringing down a horse, symbolizing the battle between light and darkness. Another intriguing feature are the 17 marble balls surrounding the Matzen Lawn. Legend has it, these came from the unfinished St. Ann’s Rotunda, a grand church that never saw completion. And don’t miss the “Boy on the Swan” fountain. This charming bronze sculpture of a boy riding a swan is a delightful reminder of the garden’s playful side. King’s Garden is a place of vibrant history, natural beauty, and royal intrigue. It’s a must-see for any visitor to Copenhagen, a place where the past comes alive amidst the greenery and flowers.