Frederiksborg Castle
Scandinavia's largest Renaissance palace, where Danish royal history unfolds across ornate halls and a pristine chapel.
Frederiksborg Castle is a magnificent Renaissance palatial complex built by King Christian IV in the early 17th century, situated on three islets in Castle Lake in Hillerød, Denmark. Now home to the Museum of National History, it stands as the largest Renaissance residence in Scandinavia, featuring ornate red-brick architecture, a preserved chapel with original furnishings, and a symmetrical Baroque garden. Located just 40 minutes north of Copenhagen, it offers visitors a complete immersion into Danish royal history and Renaissance craftsmanship.
A brief summary to Frederiksborg Castle
- Frederiksborg Slot 10, Hillerød, 3400, DK
- +4548260439
- Visit website
- Duration: 2.5 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-3 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-3 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-3 pm
- Thursday 10 am-3 pm
- Friday 10 am-3 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit the Chapel first to see the remarkable Compenius organ and original 1606 altarpiece before exploring the museum galleries, as it offers the most intimate connection to the castle's Renaissance origins.
- Allow time to walk through both the formal Baroque garden and the romantic landscape garden on opposite sides of Castle Lake; the view of the castle from across the lake is particularly photogenic at golden hour.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through Hillerød's charming historic center, featuring cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and the picturesque Old Town Hall along Slotsgade shopping street.
- Consider pairing Frederiksborg with a nearby attraction such as Kronborg Castle (Hamlet's Castle) or the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art to maximize your day trip from Copenhagen.
- The castle is open 365 days a year; visit on weekdays or during shoulder seasons to avoid peak weekend crowds and enjoy a more contemplative experience of the galleries and gardens.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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S-train from Copenhagen
Take the S-train line A from Copenhagen Central Station (København H) to Hillerød Station. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes. From Hillerød Station, walk 15–20 minutes through the charming historic streets of Hillerød to reach the castle, or take local bus 301 or 302 directly to Frederiksborg Slot stop (approximately 5 minutes). S-train tickets cost around 80–100 DKK for a single journey.
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Car from Copenhagen
Drive north from central Copenhagen via Route 16, approximately 35 kilometers. The journey takes around 40 minutes depending on traffic. Both paid and free parking are available near the castle; free parking is located near the gardens, while paid parking is available closer to the entrance. Parking costs approximately 50–80 DKK for a full day.
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Bus from Copenhagen
Several regional bus services connect Copenhagen to Hillerød, with journey times ranging from 50–70 minutes depending on the route and number of stops. Buses terminate at or near Hillerød Station, from where the castle is a 15–20 minute walk. Bus fares typically range from 60–100 DKK.
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Guided tour from Copenhagen
Private guided tours departing from Copenhagen hotels are available, typically including round-trip transport, English-speaking driver, and optional guided castle tours. These tours generally last 6–8 hours and cost approximately 1,200–2,500 DKK per person, depending on group size and inclusions.
Frederiksborg Castle location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Frederiksborg Castle
A Renaissance Masterpiece Built for Majesty
Frederiksborg Castle stands as the largest Renaissance residence in Scandinavia, a testament to the ambition and power of King Christian IV of Denmark-Norway. Built between 1560 and 1630, the castle replaced an earlier hunting lodge and became the principal royal residence of the Danish crown. The main four-storey building with its three wings was completed around 1610, with work continuing on the chapel until 1618. This extraordinary accomplishment—constructing such a vast complex in under a decade—showcased the architectural prowess and resources of the Danish monarchy during the height of the Renaissance period. The castle's distinctive red-brick facades, finely sculpted sandstone details, slender towers, and jagged gables reflect a uniquely Nordic interpretation of French Renaissance design. Its location on three small islets in the Slotssøen (Castle Lake) was revolutionary for Danish castle-building: Frederiksborg was the first Danish castle constructed inland rather than on the coast, and the first built purely for recreational purposes rather than defence. This inland location spurred the development of vastly improved roads, initially reserved exclusively for the king.The Chapel: A Survivor of Fire and Time
While a devastating fire in 1859 destroyed much of the castle's interior, the Chapel emerged largely unscathed, preserving its original decoration from Christian IV's era. This sacred space remains the best-preserved Renaissance room in the complex and houses treasures of extraordinary significance. The Chapel's most remarkable artifact is the Compenius organ, built in 1610 by Esajas Compenius and installed shortly before his death in Hillerød in 1617. With 1,001 wooden pipes and richly decorated with ebony, ivory, and silver, it remains the oldest organ in Denmark, its original manually-driven bellows still preserved. The Chapel's altarpiece, crafted in 1606 by Hamburg goldsmith Jacob Mores, features gold, silver, and ebony work of exceptional artistry. From 1660 to 1848, Danish kings were anointed within these walls, and to this day, the Chapel serves as the ceremonial chapel for the Order of the Elephant and the Order of the Dannebrog. It has also been the site of significant historical events, including the signing of the Treaty of Frederiksborg. The Chapel's galleries, decorated during the reign of Frederick III (1648–1670), display grisaille frescoes of Biblical figures painted in the 1690s, creating an atmosphere of profound historical reverence.The Museum of National History and Artistic Treasures
Since 1878, Frederiksborg Castle has housed the Museum of National History, established by J. C. Jacobsen, the founder of Carlsberg Breweries. The museum presents 500 years of Danish history through an exceptional collection of portraits, history paintings, furniture, and applied art. The castle contains the largest and most significant collection of Danish royal portraits anywhere, with new works continually added to the collection. Visitors encounter the Marble Gallery of the King's Wing, the grand Audience Hall—the oldest preserved Baroque room in Denmark, completed in 1689—and numerous chambers filled with paintings depicting pivotal moments in Danish history, including works from the Three Years War period (1848–1850). The castle's interior spaces showcase the opulence and symbolism of royal power. The impressive Neptune Fountain and elaborate decorative elements throughout the complex were designed to demonstrate Christian IV's status as a powerful European monarch. The King's Oratory contains artwork dating to around 1870, while portrait galleries adorn walls throughout the castle, creating a visual narrative of Danish royal lineage and political history.The Baroque Garden: Symmetry and Landscape Beauty
The castle's picturesque Baroque garden, designed by architect J. C. Krieger in 1725, represents one of Denmark's finest formal garden achievements. Created to follow the main axis of the castle with a long perspective extending into the landscape, the garden features four terraces on a hillside, symmetrical parterres with royal monograms executed in boxwood, and festive cascades. Though altered over subsequent centuries, the garden was meticulously restored to its original 1725 design in 1996, allowing visitors to experience the formal elegance as envisioned during the reign of Frederik IV. The garden contrasts beautifully with the romantic landscape garden on the opposite side of Castle Lake, which features wild forest, winding streams, and Frederik II's Bath House Castle from 1580. Walking through these gardens offers peaceful respite and exceptional views of the castle's red-brick silhouette reflected in the water—a vista particularly stunning when viewed from across the lake in Hillerød.Restoration and Contemporary Significance
Following the catastrophic 1859 fire, J. C. Jacobsen undertook the monumental task of restoring Frederiksborg Castle to its original appearance. This restoration transformed the castle into a cultural institution rather than a royal residence, preserving it as a museum for future generations. Today, the castle remains open year-round, welcoming visitors to explore its magnificent staterooms, halls, and the Danish National Portrait Gallery. The castle continues to serve ceremonial functions, with Danish kings and queens still anointed in the Chapel during coronation ceremonies, maintaining an unbroken connection to centuries of royal tradition.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Old town hall
0.6 km
A dignified brick landmark on Hillerød’s main square, the Old Town Hall anchors the town’s civic heart between cobbled streets, cafés and castle views.
Skänk øl, vin & madbar Hillerød
0.7 km
Experience Danish craft beers, global wines, and tasty tapas at Skänk in Hillerød, a cozy spot with castle views and a welcoming atmosphere on Torvet square.
Hillerød Rectory
0.7 km
Discover the Befrielsessten in Høgsholt, Vejle—a serene memorial park honoring Denmark's journey to freedom amidst lush landscapes.
Hillerød St.
1.0 km
North Zealand's essential transport hub connecting Copenhagen, regional destinations, and Frederiksborg Castle.
Kirppu Hillerød
1.1 km
Discover unique vintage finds and support sustainable shopping at Kirppu Hillerød, Denmark's largest flea market supermarket, offering a treasure trove of pre-loved goods and community spirit.
Kulsvierstenen
6.9 km
A modest forest boulder in Gribskov that marks a dramatic World War II resistance firefight, blending North Zealand’s tranquil woodland with powerful memory.
Country Market
7.8 km
Experience the charm of Fredensborg at Country Market, a vibrant marketplace offering local delicacies, artisan products, and a cozy café atmosphere in the heart of town.
Hørsholm Slotshave
14.1 km
A baroque garden where Scandinavia's lost palace still echoes through ancient linden trees.
Auderødlejren
14.7 km
Once a busy Danish Navy barracks, today a quiet, semi‑abandoned camp on Arrenæs where stark military architecture meets lakeside nature and recent history.
Furesø
17.2 km
Denmark's deepest lake offers pristine waters, historic heritage, and year-round outdoor adventures just 20 km from Copenhagen.
Henriksholm
18.1 km
A quiet Vedbæk hillside where Stone Age burials, villa culture and Cold War command history meet in a leafy coastal neighbourhood north of Copenhagen.
Tisvilde Hegn
18.9 km
Discover Denmark's enchanting Tisvilde Hegn: A coastal forest where history whispers through ancient pines and scenic trails lead to breathtaking Kattegat views.
Danish Museum of Science and Technology
19.0 km
Explore Denmark's technological heritage at this interactive museum, showcasing everything from vintage vehicles to groundbreaking inventions and offering hands-on experiences for all ages.
Heather Hill (Rågelejevej), Vejby
19.8 km
Discover Heather Hill in Vejby: A unique Danish landscape with heather-clad hills, stunning coastal views, and rich history, perfect for hiking and nature exploration.
Vejby Strand
19.8 km
Discover Vejby Strand: A picturesque Danish coastal escape with dramatic cliffs, serene beaches, and a wealth of natural and historical attractions in North Zealand.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Museum of National History
0.0 km
A grand Renaissance castle on an island lake, housing Denmark’s Museum of National History with 500 years of portraits, power and palace splendor.
Frederiksborg Castle Chapel
0.0 km
Experience LEGO magic at LEGOLAND Hotel & Conference in Billund, offering themed rooms and top-tier conference facilities.
Posen
0.3 km
A small, leafy pause between Hillerød’s bustling Slotsgade and the storybook views of Frederiksborg Castle and its lake.
Fisketorvet
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where history, shopping, and culture converge in North Zealand's premier market square.
Batzke's Hill
0.4 km
A gentle grassy rise above Frederiksborg’s gardens, Batzke’s Hill offers quiet views, local park life and a softer, slower perspective on royal Hillerød.
Frederiksborg Castle Gardens
0.5 km
Sweeping Baroque terraces and romantic woodland paths framing a lake island castle, Frederiksborg Castle Gardens blend royal theatre with everyday green escape.
Hillerød City Museum & Graphic Museum
0.5 km
Step behind Frederiksborg Castle into an intimate town museum where historic shops, crafts and letterpress printing bring everyday Hillerød vividly back to life.
Gavlkunst
0.5 km
A string of vivid murals along Helsingørsgade that turns central Hillerød into a small, free open‑air gallery of local stories and color.
Slotsgade
0.6 km
Hillerød’s colourful Slotsgade links castle views, everyday shops and cosy cafés in a compact, walkable street at the heart of Denmark’s classic castle town.
Hillerød Church
0.7 km
A light-filled modern parish church in the heart of Hillerød, carrying centuries of local worship history in a calm, contemporary Danish setting.
Genforeningssten i Hillerød
0.7 km
Experience intimate encounters with rescued animals in the serene Japanese gardens of Monkey World Hillerød.
Elværket Hillerød - Museum Nordsjælland
0.8 km
A beautifully preserved 1909 power station turned museum, where industrial architecture and changing exhibitions illuminate 10,000 years of North Zealand history.
Royal Stage
1.5 km
North Zealand's premier multi-purpose arena hosting concerts, sports, and cultural events for up to 2,000 guests.
Island of imagination
1.8 km
A tiny forest island on Breddam Lake where a king’s romantic retreat has crumbled into suggestive ruins, inviting you to complete the fairy tale with your own imagination.
AdventurePark
2.4 km
80,000 m² of outdoor action in Hillerød’s forests, blending paintball, obstacle courses and group games with relaxed grill areas and flexible event packages.
Essential places to dine
Rabarbergaarden Slottet
0.1 km
Organic farm-to-table dining in Frederiksborg Castle’s former carriage house, where seasonal North Zealand produce meets calm Scandinavian design and royal surroundings.
Royal Taste
0.3 km
Generous sushi ad libitum and colourful Asian plates in a relaxed, modern setting on Hillerød’s historic Slotsgade, ideal for cosy dinners and sociable feasts.
Restaurant Royal Style
0.3 km
Casual Asian comfort food with dim sum, bao and ramen just steps from Frederiksborg Castle in the heart of Hillerød’s historic Slotsgade.
Ninos Pizza
0.3 km
Casual pizzeria serving Italian, Mexican, and American fare in central Hillerød with friendly service and extended hours.
Rib House
0.3 km
Hearty ribs and steaks in a relaxed, family-friendly steakhouse just steps from Frederiksborg Castle on historic Slotsgade in central Hillerød.
Roberto's 51
0.4 km
Straightforward pizzas and burgers on Hillerød’s main street, serving solid comfort food from lunchtime until late on weekend nights.
Jensens Bøfhus
0.4 km
Casual Danish steakhouse on Hillerød’s main street, offering family-friendly comfort food and easy castle-side convenience from lunchtime through evening.
Big Mamma Gastronomia
0.4 km
Casual Italian pizzeria and pasta spot in central Hillerød, serving generous, ingredient-led comfort food for eat-in or takeaway in a relaxed local setting.
Café Valentin
0.4 km
All‑day Danish café on Hillerød’s main street, blending generous brunches, comfort food and cocktails with a lively terrace near Frederiksborg Castle.
Patats Kebab & Grill
0.5 km
Casual Turkish-style kebab and grill in central Hillerød, serving generous, inexpensive plates, pitas and durums just a short walk from the town’s main sights.
Gonzales Cantina
0.5 km
Casual, family-friendly cantina on Hillerød’s main pedestrian street, serving generous pizzas, steaks and comfort food just a short stroll from Frederiksborg Castle.
Unkai
0.5 km
All-you-can-eat, made-to-order sushi and Japanese bites in a modern, laid-back setting on Hillerød’s central Helsingørsgade.
Piccola Italia Pizzaria 3400
0.5 km
Busy neighborhood pizzeria in central Hillerød serving hearty pizzas, pastas and quick takeaway just a short stroll from Frederiksborg Castle and the lake.
Montalbano
0.5 km
Authentic Sicilian pizzeria run by an Italian family in the heart of Hillerød.
Tô Tô Kitchen
0.6 km
Cozy Vietnamese flavors and casual evening dining on Østergade, bringing fresh herbs, noodles and warm atmosphere to the heart of Hillerød.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
0.3 km
Hyggelig Røde Kors genbrugsbutik i Hillerøds hovedgade, hvor du finder billige fund til garderobe og hjem – og samtidig støtter lokalt og internationalt hjælpearbejde.
Tingstedet
0.4 km
Curated vintage and retro treasures near Frederiksborg Castle since 1996.
Boutique Munck
0.5 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Hillerød, blending curated Nordic fashion, warm styling advice and a relaxed, local neighborhood feel.
HL Mode Hillerød
0.5 km
Neighbourhood-style women’s fashion and lingerie on historic Slotsgade, offering Scandinavian everyday elegance a short stroll from Hillerød’s castle and lake.
Holm Hillerød
0.5 km
Locally owned menswear boutique on Hillerød’s main shopping street, offering curated smart-casual clothing and accessories just a short stroll from Frederiksborg Castle.
Frk. Fie
0.5 km
Cosy women’s fashion boutique on Hillerød’s atmospheric Slotsgade, offering curated Scandinavian-inspired styles in an intimate, friendly setting near the historic town centre.
Lumi Op Shop
0.5 km
Cosy Hillerød charity thrift store and café where vintage furniture, second-hand finds and lakeside castle views meet to support meaningful mission projects.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.5 km
Colorful Danish design on a budget, Flying Tiger Copenhagen in SlotsArkaderne Hillerød offers playful gifts, stationery and homeware in a bright, easygoing mall setting.
Men's Shop
0.6 km
A straightforward menswear stop inside Hillerød’s SlotsArkaderne mall, ideal for quick wardrobe updates during a castle-side shopping day in North Zealand.
Idé nyt
0.6 km
Contemporary fashion boutique inside Hillerød’s covered Slotsarkaderne arcade, blending everyday Scandinavian style with a relaxed, browse-friendly atmosphere.
Jan Ehlers
0.6 km
Established family-run jeweler and watch specialist on Hillerød’s Slotsgade, blending modern boutique style with goldsmith craftsmanship and curated Danish design.
Shoppen
0.6 km
A local tattoo studio woven into Hillerød’s main pedestrian street, where custom ink sessions sit just steps from cafés, shops and everyday Danish life.
Spejder Sport
0.6 km
Denmark's largest outdoor chain where expert staff and quality gear prepare you for every adventure.
Gine
0.6 km
A compact, Scandinavian-inspired womenswear boutique on historic Slotsgade, perfect for a relaxed browse between castle views, coffee stops and city-center strolls.
Søs Tre
0.6 km
A cosy women’s fashion boutique on Hillerød’s historic Slotsgade, blending Scandinavian style, curated clothing and accessories with a relaxed, personal atmosphere.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Møllen
0.5 km
A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.
The Old Irish Pub
0.6 km
Lively Irish-style bar and late-night dance venue on Hillerød’s central square, pouring pints, playing hits and catering to a sociable, mature party crowd.
Tahonga Lounge
0.7 km
Intimate tiki-style lounge bar off Hillerød’s central square, blending cocktails, small-stage events and private parties in a cozy tropical hideaway.
Crane Brothers
0.7 km
Cosy cocktail bar on Hillerød’s main square, blending inventive drinks, warm design and a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere with access to the adjacent Tahonga Lounge.
Jernstangen
1.0 km
Old-school Hillerød pub opposite the station, with billiards, darts, dice games and live music nights in a laid‑back, locals-first atmosphere.
Oddies Beach Bar
16.3 km
Relaxed beach bar on the sand at Rungsted Havn, blending Nordic coastal charm with a hint of tropical island mood and sweeping Øresund sea views.
Kardusen
19.3 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
12`er Pubben
21.3 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Helsingør with billiards, sports on TV and cold beers, offering an authentic slice of Danish local bar life.
Gefion Bodega
21.3 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
Head/Foam
22.0 km
Modern neighbourhood bar near Helsingør’s historic centre, pouring craft beer and cocktails from midday to the early hours in a lively, social setting.
Helsingør Musikteater
22.2 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Banana joe
22.3 km
Compact late-night bar above Helsingør’s nightlife strip, serving straightforward drinks, warm lighting and a relaxed local vibe long after the streets quieten.
Axelhus Udeservering
22.3 km
Open-air corner bar on Bjergegade, where simple food, cold beer and Axeltorv’s street life come together in the historic heart of Helsingør.
Pitten Sport Bar
22.3 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Hold-An
22.3 km
Unfussy beer hall and local bar in central Helsingør, pouring cold brews, simple bites and everyday Danish hygge from late morning to late night.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Socialz
0.4 km
Intimate cocktail bar and nightclub in the heart of Hillerød, blending shisha lounge vibes, late-night DJ sets and a compact dance floor on lively Slotsgade.
Walther's grillkylling og svuppeklub
18.0 km
Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.
Den Dansende Viking
19.8 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
Rustik
22.0 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Retro
22.3 km
High-energy weekend nightclub in central Helsingør, mixing big-room beats, bright lights and a young crowd in what calls itself the largest club north of Copenhagen.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
29.8 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
SIGURD CPH
30.2 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at SIGURD CPH, where vibrant dancing, fine wines, and pachinko gaming come together for an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
31.1 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
RUST Natklub
31.5 km
Discover the pulsating heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at RUST Natklub, where eclectic beats and vibrant energy come together for an unforgettable experience.
Temple Bar
31.6 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Haven - Events
32.2 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Moon Club
32.4 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
Culture Box
32.8 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mirage
32.8 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
32.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
