Kastelskirken

A historic military church at the Citadel

Kastelskirken (the Citadel Church), located within the star-shaped Kastellet fortress in Copenhagen, is one of the city’s most unique and historically significant churches.

Built in 1704 during the reign of King Frederik IV, the church was originally intended to serve the soldiers and officers of the garrison. Designed by royal architect Georg Philip Müller, the building is characterized by a simple Baroque style with light colors, clean lines, and a harmonious interior that reflects Protestant modesty and military order. Today, Kastelskirken remains an active garrison church, hosting regular services, military commemorations, and official national ceremonies. Its peaceful setting within the historic fortifications makes it both a place of reflection and an architectural landmark that bridges Danish military and religious heritage.

The Citadel Church is located at the end of a large gravel-covered square lined with trees on both sides, and the ideal viewpoint is naturally from the opposite end of the square. However, you should also experience the church from the ramparts behind it, where you can see how it is almost built together with a red brick building.