Rolf Krake was a Danish ironclad named after Rolf Krake, a hero of Danish saga. The vessel was designed by Cowper Phipps Coles, a pioneering naval architect, and was the first warship of any navy to carry a turret of the type designed by Coles. She was the first all-iron, steam-powered vessel acquired by Denmark. She was laid down in Glasgow in 1862, was launched on May 6, 1863, and was commissioned upon her arrival in Copenhagen, on July 1, 1863. Following her commissioning, the Rolf Krake engaged in sea trials from 18 July to 20 August 1863. She saw service in the Second War of Schleswig.