A wedding gift from King Christian IV to his daughter-in-law, Sophie Amalie, depicts the four seasons in a relief alongside multi-coloured enamel flowers filled with precious stones. The days of welcoming newly-arrived princesses with splendour are perhaps bygone, but the treasures are still proudly on display at Rosenborg Castle. Nestled in the King’s Garden in the heart of the Danish capital, the castle-turned-museum recounts the stories of kings, queens, romances and feuds through the national collection of royal pieces including spectacular crown jewels, golden orbs and diamond-studded knight’s swords.

If you have ever wondered how the Danish king ate, slept and had his toiletries, a tour of the castle interiors will unveil to you the secrets of Christian IV’s “pleasure palace” with its many lavish rooms and flamboyant halls, all richly decorated with uniquely handcrafted and ornamental objects. Finish with a breath of Scandinavian fresh air in the seasonal flower garden.