Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Continuing into the apartments themselves, you'll find that the interior is a
shadow of its former self; while the structure was rebuilt by Christian IV after
a 1629 fire, its rooms were never returned to their former grandeur, making it
feel like something of an empty shell. And yet, there are still some fine pieces
of furniture and art to see. Frederik II ruled Denmark from the king's cham-
ber in the 1570s; a model shows how it likely looked back in its heyday. After
passing through two smaller rooms, you come to the queen's chamber; from
there, stairs lead up to the queen's gallery, custom-built for Queen Sophie to
be able to quickly walk directly from her chambers to the ballroom or chapel.
Follow her footsteps into the ballroom, a vast hall of epic proportions decor-
ated by a series of paintings commissioned by Christian IV (explained by the
board near the entry). At the far end, a model (enlivened by seemingly holo-
graphic figures) illustrates how this incredible space must have looked in all
its original finery. Beyond the ballroom, the “Little Hall” is decorated with a
fine series of tapestries depicting Danish monarchs. Then wind through sever-
al more royal halls, chambers, and bedrooms on your way back down into the
courtyard. Once there, go straight across and enter the chapel. The enclosed
gallery at the upper-left was the private pew of the royal family.
