Monuments to visit Denmark

Henning Larsen was chosen by the shipowner's foundation A. P. Moller to draw this Opera House on an island surrounded by canals. Offered to the city and dedicated to Queen Margrethe II, it was inaugurated on 15 January 2005. The result - a perfect success! - soberly blends curves and materials of steel, marble and glass. The architect has surrounded himself with the finest in contemporary design: bronze reliefs in the foyer by Per Arnoldi, chandeliers created by Icelandic architect Olafur Eliasson. The Opera has a huge hall that can accommodate more than 1,500 music lovers.

Built between 1720 and 1722 on the shores of Lake Esrum, this baroque castle continues to serve as the residence of the royal family in the spring and fall. In July, tourists are admitted because the queen moves to Aarhus. Built by the architect Johan Cornelius Krieger, at the request of Frederic IV, who was very impressed by his travels in Italy, Fredensborg was expanded over the decades. For example, its splendid cupola saw the growth, towards the end of the 18th century, of four chimneys in the shape of minarets.

The orangery. The touch of modernity. Imposing and yet very light, it was desired by Queen Margrethe and designed by the architect Søren D. Schmidt in 1995. This 650 m² building is a glass echo of the castle: its dome and its black and white marble floor echo its codes. This audacious building follows the slope of the land. It operates in an ecological manner: recycled rainwater, no pesticides used. Here, we produce royal bio! The vegetable crops supply the royal kitchens.

The park. A vast perspective, designed as a wide avenue of grass, opens up among the trees. To the west, in a hemicycle clearing, we discover 69 statues offered to their sovereigns by Icelandic, Norwegian and Feringian fishermen. Finally, near the lake, two small pavilions designed by Nicolas Jardin, are reflected in the water.

Military parades. When the queen resides at the castle, the changing of the guard takes place at noon, every day.