This star-shaped 17th-century fortress offers a rare mix of military history, green ramparts, scenic walks and peaceful city views.
Visit Kastellet in Copenhagen
Kastellet, also known as the Citadel, is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Northern Europe. It is still used as a military area, but large parts of the site are open to the public, making it a popular place for walking, jogging, sightseeing and photography.
If you are arriving at Copenhagen Airport, booking car rental through Terminal3.dk gives you a flexible way to reach your hotel, travel with luggage and explore more of Denmark beyond the city centre. For Kastellet itself, the best approach is usually to park nearby and explore the fortress, ramparts and surrounding attractions on foot.
The history of Kastellet
Kastellet was built in the 1660s under King Frederik III as part of Copenhagen’s defensive system. The fortress was designed in a star shape with bastions, ramparts and a surrounding moat, giving it both military strength and the distinctive form that visitors can still see today.
The site was designed by Dutch military engineer Henrik Rüse and became an important part of Copenhagen’s fortifications. Although the city has changed dramatically since the 17th century, Kastellet has remained a visible reminder of the capital’s military history.
Why Kastellet is worth visiting
Kastellet is not only for history enthusiasts. It is also one of Copenhagen’s most pleasant green spaces, with grassy ramparts, tree-lined paths, historic buildings and views toward the harbour. It feels quieter than many of the city’s busiest tourist areas, even though it is close to several major attractions.
Visitors come to Kastellet for:
- Historic fortress architecture with a preserved star-shaped layout
- Peaceful walking routes along the ramparts and moat
- The Kastellet Windmill, one of the site’s most photographed features
- Military history in a still-active setting
- Easy access to nearby landmarks such as the Little Mermaid and Nyboder
Walk the ramparts
The best way to experience Kastellet is to walk along the ramparts. From the raised paths, you can appreciate the fortress shape, look down toward the moat and enjoy views of the surrounding city. The walk is especially beautiful in spring and summer, but Kastellet is atmospheric throughout the year.
Because Kastellet is still used by the military, visitors should stay on public paths, follow signs and respect any restricted areas.
See the Kastellet Windmill
The windmill is one of Kastellet’s most recognisable sights. It stands on the ramparts and adds to the historic atmosphere of the fortress. The windmill is a popular photo stop and a reminder that the fortress area once had to be able to support itself in times of siege.
The windmill is best enjoyed from the outside as part of a walk through the fortress grounds.
Historic buildings inside the fortress
Inside Kastellet, you can see rows of red military buildings, the Citadel Church and other historic structures. The area is orderly, quiet and still connected to Danish military use, so it is important to behave respectfully while visiting.
Even a short walk through the site gives a strong sense of how different Kastellet feels from Copenhagen’s shopping streets, harbour cafés and palace squares.
Attractions near Kastellet
Kastellet is located in one of Copenhagen’s best areas for combining history, harbour views and royal landmarks. Once you have parked nearby, several attractions are easy to reach on foot.
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid statue is a short walk from Kastellet and is one of Copenhagen’s most famous landmarks. Many visitors combine the statue with a walk around the fortress ramparts.
The Museum of Danish Resistance
The Museum of Danish Resistance is located in Churchillparken near Kastellet. It tells the story of Denmark during the German occupation from 1940 to 1945 and works well as part of a history-focused route.
Nyboder
Nyboder is a historic neighbourhood known for its yellow houses and naval history. It is close to Kastellet and fits naturally into a walking route focused on Copenhagen’s military and maritime past.
Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg Palace, the Copenhagen residence of the Danish Royal Family, is within walking distance. Combine it with the Marble Church, Amaliehaven and the harbourfront for a full royal Copenhagen route.
The Marble Church
The Marble Church, officially Frederik’s Church, is one of Copenhagen’s most impressive architectural landmarks and is easy to combine with Kastellet, Amalienborg and Nyhavn.
Should you drive to Kastellet?
Kastellet is located in central Copenhagen, so parking may be paid, limited or restricted. The fortress itself is best explored on foot, and visitors should not plan to drive through the site.
If you are using a rental car, drive to a suitable parking area nearby, check local parking signs carefully and continue on foot. This gives you the convenience of Copenhagen Airport car rental for your wider trip while allowing you to enjoy Kastellet and the surrounding area properly.
Why rent a car at Copenhagen Airport?
For short distances inside central Copenhagen, walking, cycling and public transport are often convenient once you have parked. However, renting a car at Copenhagen Airport is useful if you are travelling with luggage, children or a group, staying outside the centre, visiting family or planning day trips beyond Copenhagen.
With a rental car from CPH Airport, you can combine Kastellet and Copenhagen’s historic landmarks with castles, museums, coastal towns and other destinations around Zealand.
Easy day trips after visiting Kastellet
After exploring Kastellet and central Copenhagen, your rental car gives you the freedom to continue beyond the city.
- Dragør for a charming old fishing town close to Copenhagen Airport
- Louisiana Museum of Modern Art for art, architecture and sea views
- Kronborg Castle in Helsingør for Danish history and coastal scenery
- Roskilde for the cathedral, Viking Ship Museum and historic town centre
- Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød for royal history, gardens and impressive architecture
- Malmö in Sweden via the Øresund Bridge, if your rental agreement allows cross-border travel
Suggested Kastellet itinerary from CPH Airport
Morning: Arrive at Copenhagen Airport, collect your rental car and drive to your hotel or a convenient parking area near the city centre.
Late morning: Walk around Kastellet’s ramparts, moat and historic buildings.
Lunch: Continue toward Østerbro, Nyboder, Nyhavn or the harbourfront for lunch, coffee or Danish pastries.
Afternoon: Visit the Little Mermaid, the Museum of Danish Resistance, Amalienborg Palace, the Marble Church or Nyboder.
Evening: Return to your rental car and drive to your hotel, a restaurant outside the centre or your next Copenhagen stop.
Practical tips for visiting Kastellet
- Visit Kastellet as part of a walking route with the Little Mermaid and Churchillparken.
- Stay on public paths and respect restricted military areas.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on ramparts and gravel paths.
- Bring a camera for the windmill, moat and city views.
- Use official parking areas if arriving by rental car.
- Check Copenhagen parking signs carefully before leaving your vehicle.
- Combine Kastellet with Nyboder, Amalienborg and the Museum of Danish Resistance.
Why book Copenhagen Airport car rental with Terminal3.dk?
With Terminal3.dk, you can search and compare car rental at Copenhagen Airport before you travel. This helps you choose the right vehicle for your itinerary, whether you need a compact city car, an automatic rental car, a family vehicle, an SUV or extra luggage space.
The CPH Car Rental Centre is connected to Copenhagen Airport, making it convenient to continue your journey after landing. From there, you can drive to your accommodation, visit Copenhagen’s historic landmarks and plan day trips around Denmark at your own pace.
Book your CPH Airport car rental and discover historic Copenhagen
Kastellet is one of Copenhagen’s most rewarding historic attractions. Its star-shaped fortress layout, green ramparts, military heritage, windmill and peaceful walking paths make it a memorable stop close to the Little Mermaid, Nyboder and Amalienborg.
Book your Copenhagen Airport car rental with Terminal3.dk, park near the city centre and enjoy the freedom to explore Kastellet, historic Copenhagen and the best day trips around Denmark at your own pace.
