If you look at the site via Google Maps using Satellite view, you can see that it is indeed an almost perfect star. Obviously the marshy land around was terraformed through massive military engineering, beginning in 1620, with the distinctive star shaped citadel and surrounding moats being complete sometime in the late 1600's. It's a working Danish army base with soldiers and guards. But they allow tourists to just walk around...if I didn't know see other tourists around, I would have felt very uncomfortable...like I was in a place I wasn't supposed to be. I came in from the south via the bridge (where vehicles would also come in, sharing the road with pedestrians). One can go up to the ridge and see around as well. I walked out through the front bridge, which had been blocked so only walkers could come in. There are a few artifacts inside the fort, representing the history of this place as a protector of this city during history. read more

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During my walk around here, I was a little disappointed, which might've been my fault. I was expecting a lot more military stuff than what I saw. Instead, as I came to find out, it was more like a park. First walking through the front gate, you are greeted by these two long rows of buildings that line the street. But, as you continue to walk around, that is all it really is. Nothing super exciting, and borderline boring. If you do visit, the main thing you should focus on is the walk along the walls. You get a nice view of the surrounding area. It is really cool to see the walls from on top, and you get to see the various fish in the moat surrounding the fort. read more

Really cool and a lil' different. We stopped at the fortress island as we walked along the harbor from the Little Mermaid statue back towards Amalienborg. A former fortress/citadel, built up in the shape of a star and surrounded by a moat. It is home to a very Scandinavian-looking church, a windmill, and houses, as well as other structures. There was some sort of military event happening on the day we walked through. It is a lovely and interesting little historical site! There is a path that circles (or, I guess, stars...) its way around the top that traces the shape of the lil' island. It is cool, it is free, it is interesting. Maybe you'll see a bit of a military band performance for something you don't know is going on. It is still in use for military activities and the narrow bridge across the water to the Kastellet is used for both visiting pedestrians and cars. Be aware and take care when crossing! I say it is worth a visit! read more

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Great place to stop by after your immeasurable disappointment with the Little Mermaid statue. Kastellet is a military fortress on a star shaped "island," but think of it more like a park. It's a very pleasant walk where you'll see interesting buildings, a windmill, and the surrounding water. read more

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While riding the Hop On Hop Off and looking for the Little Mermaid, I passed the Kastellet sign and had to check it out. I discovered a Kastellet, is a Citadel or fort. And that this particular one is one of the best preserved star fortresses in Northern Europe dating back to 1664. Inside the fort are several buildings, including a church, a windmill, and various military buildings- some that look like they are being turned into hostels. I entered from the northeast corner thru the Norway Gate and wondered the grounds and worked my way to the main gate called the King's Gate- be careful here as there are some working military buildings here and the cars don't seem to slow down for pedestrians. Here there were steps that lead up to the ramparts where you could walk the entire fort and check out it and the surrounding moat. Free entrance. Out the Norway Gate and turn left you will find the Little Mermaid. read more

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Hmm. S'ok. Seems we missed the point of visiting this place, other than seeing barracks and a star shaped military installment. I actually feel like a dumb American even typing out this mediocre review but when there is so much else to see and do around town and country I can't see why this is a "must" on any Copenhagen list. Thankful on behalf of the nation past and present for the defense represented here...but otherwise, meh. I am certain someone will word-smack me upside the head for this post; I kinda want to smack myself! read more

Walking through this place, it won't make sense to you unless you read about it in the books first and we brought our guide book so we read through it and then walked through this fortress. This fortress is shaped of a star, so you can walk in many different directions and you can see beautiful lakes, ponds, windmills and beautiful hills. We enjoyed it because it wasn't too crowded and it was actually peaceful. We even went into the church nearby. Such a nice little stop with so much history behind it. read more

Kastellet - Museums Near Me - København Ø, 84

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This site of a former 5-pointed fortress is another oasis of calm in Copenhagen. There's not a whole lot to "do," necessarily, but that's kind of the point. Take the hand of your beloved one, stroll around the perimeter, and enjoy the views of water and windmill. Pair it with Designmuseum, Amalienborg Palace and Frederiks Kirke, and you have a satisfying and memorable afternoon. read more

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Pretty amazing example of "how'd they do that then?!?" Huge earthen works star fort from back in the day ... medieval pre-motorized days, that is. Amazing how they moved all the earth to make these pretty tall ramparts, etc. Extra coolness because the Danish military is STILL using it,with actual military presence all around. Very green, verdant, we'll maintained paths atop the ramparts, an actual windmill, a scattering of old canons. Also great IG backdrops for those so inclined. Kudos to Denmark & its military! read more

My favorite part of this is how the water is shaped into a star! Again, just happened to stumble upon the after visiting the little Mermaid. This attraction makes for a beautiful leisurely walk taking in the sights of 8 other attractions. It's a surprisingly short walk along the water! I think it's the perfect spot for a tourist in a rush- just follow the track and you'll hit up the hotspots! I almost wish some of the signage was in English or at least provided better direction (check my reviews, I've 'stumbled' upon the vast majority of them) but in this instance I've not been lost once and the sense of discovery has fed my adventurous spirit. I plan on returning tomorrow because its just a fun walk but will walk I'm a different direction just to see where I end up. Definitely worth checking out if you're in Copenhagen! read more

Kastellet - Museums Near Me - København Ø, 84

A very cool old fort area, whose grounds are shaped in a large star. This is right next to Gronbech and Churchill where we had lunch. We walked the old stones and bridges and also caught some of the military personnel moving in and out. It also borders Churchill Park and is a hop away from the Little Mermaid statue by the water. If you're in the area dont miss out, it's a cool preservation of Danish military history read more

This places got my attention because of its pentagram form. It used to be a fortress but now it is very cool park. It is really nice just to walk around the places and check how a fortress looks like. On the east side you will find a beautiful windmill. There is also a church on the grounds. There is a changing of the guard ceremony at the Central Guard House every day at 12.00, don't miss it! =) read more

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We were walking to The Little Mermaid and passed by here. It was quite a trek but we saw beautiful things along the way. There was a windmill, a gate, cannons and sculptures. This was an old fort. There's a church next to Gefion Fountain. I wouldn't recommend walking to The Little Mermaid like we did if you have time restraints or you don't like walking too much. read more

I saw a lot of tour buses pulling in to Kastellet just to see the Little Mermaid statue, which made me sad because the "island" is a beautiful, calm place to spend an afternoon in its own right. There are a lot of hidden gems around Kastellet, including a windmill, a quaint little stone church, a beautiful fountain depicting the founding myth of Denmark, and a moving monument to Danish soldiers killed in peacekeeping missions. While you're exploring I would definitely recommend stopping at the ice cream stand to purchase a soft ice dipped in cocoa--the best bite I had in Denmark! My only complaint is that there could be better signage; since it is a fortress, after all, there's only one way to get in and out of it, so I spent about 30 minutes wandering around lost. At least I had the ice cream to fortify me! read more

Kastellet - Cool fountain which apparently depicts the goddess Gefjon founding the island of Zealand! - Museums Near Me - København Ø, 84

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A wonderful place for taking a walk, especially if you like old fortresses and the weather is fine. There is also a monument for the fallen Danish soldiers (during peacekeeping missions). It's quite new - built in 2011. read more

The castle area itself isn't the most impressive, but since it's near the Little a Mermaid statue, it's worth taking a look. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here, but if you're in the area or if it's on your way to somewhere else, make a stop! read more

Very enjoyable...so long as you understand that it is basically a fortress shaped park. Highlights include grassy banks and a windmill not weapons and armor. In particular, it is NOT one of those places (like Fort Ticonderoga) where you can find exhibits explaining the armaments of the day and the battles and wars fought around the time of it's use. Or a gift shop and cafe for that matter. But it is one of the many waterfront attractions - along with the nearby Gefion Fountain and St Alban's Church - that make a visit to The Little Mermaid sculpture worthwhile. read more

This former citadel is now a quiet spot for a walk or a jog along the fortification walls. Because it's so close to the Little Mermaid statue, it's a nice way to return to the east end of the city if you're making a walking tour of the sites. read more

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Great to see how an old fort is constructed. The star shape island was constructed in the late 1600s and is WELL preserved. You can really see how it was used and defended in the past. There is a memorial inside and it's a very relaxing area to spend the afternoon. It currently acts as a public park as well as housing military. Definitely a great place to stop by and read more

Walking in, it was hard to believe that this was a military fortress. It just seemed like a little village or something. But goodness, was it ever lovely! It's so nice to just sit down on one of the benches near the church and read. Or wander around to see the various buildings. read more