The Hill House Museum (Bakkehuset)
Step into a preserved Danish Golden Age home where intimate rooms, a romantic garden and literary memories of Hans Christian Andersen bring 19th‑century Frederiksberg to life.
The Hill House Museum, or Bakkehuset, is a beautifully preserved Golden Age home in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, where literary couple Kamma and Knud Lyne Rahbek hosted Denmark’s leading writers, thinkers and artists in the early 1800s. Today the intimate house museum, romantic garden and light-filled orangery offer an atmospheric glimpse into 19th‑century domestic life, literary culture and garden design, with period-furnished rooms, Hans Christian Andersen connections and creative, family-friendly exhibits.
A brief summary to The Hill House Museum
- Rahbeks Alle 23, Frederiksberg Municipality, Frederiksberg C, 1801, DK
- +4533314362
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
- Thursday 11 am-6 pm
- Friday 11 am-6 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least an hour for the house and an extra half hour for the garden and orangery, especially in late spring or early summer when the plantings are at their most colourful.
- Check current exhibition details and orangery opening days in advance, as upper-floor displays and café service may vary by season and day of the week.
- Bring a light sweater or layer even in summer; the historic rooms can feel cool compared with the sunlit garden and glass-fronted orangery.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby Carlsberg district to appreciate the contrast between Bakkehuset’s low historic buildings and surrounding modern architecture.
- Families should allow extra time for the Fairytale Academy, where children can create their own stories and explore playful, Andersen-inspired activities.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Food Options
- Drink Options
Getting There
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Metro and walk from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 Cityringen metro toward Frederiksberg or Enghave Plads and ride about 5–10 minutes to Frederiksberg Allé or Enghave Plads station. From either station, it is roughly a 10–15 minute urban walk on mainly flat pavements to Bakkehuset, suitable for most visitors with basic mobility. A standard single metro ticket within the city zones typically costs around 20–30 DKK and trains run every few minutes throughout the day.
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City bus within Frederiksberg
Several city bus lines serve the Frederiksberg and Carlsberg neighbourhoods, with stops within a short walking distance of Bakkehuset. Journey times from central areas are usually 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic. Buses use the same ticket system as the metro, so a single fare is again about 20–30 DKK, and tickets are valid for transfers within the time limit. Most buses are low-floor and accommodate wheelchairs and prams, though at peak commuter hours they can be crowded.
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Cycling from inner Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s dedicated bike lanes make cycling to Bakkehuset straightforward and pleasant. From many central neighbourhoods, the ride takes around 15–25 minutes at an easy pace, with gentle inclines as you approach Frederiksberg. You can use a city bike or rental from numerous stations across town, usually priced from about 20–40 DKK for a short ride or via time-based subscriptions. Be prepared for typical urban cycling conditions, including busy junctions and year-round operation in most weather.
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Taxi or rideshare within the city
A taxi from central Copenhagen to Bakkehuset generally takes 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic around Frederiksberg and the Carlsberg area. Fares usually fall in the range of 120–220 DKK for this distance, with higher prices in heavy traffic or late at night. This option is convenient for small groups or visitors with reduced mobility, as vehicles can drop you close to the museum entrance, though parking and set-down spots may be busier on weekends and during events.
The Hill House Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Hill House Museum
A Golden Age home on a Copenhagen hillside
Bakkehuset, literally “The Hill House”, is one of Frederiksberg’s oldest buildings and an oasis of low, yellow-painted walls and small-paned windows in a dense, modern cityscape. Stepping inside the modest doorway brings you into a late 18th- and early 19th-century home, carefully restored to evoke the years when it sat on the edge of open countryside. Timber floors, tiled stoves and simple yet elegant Danish furniture set the tone for a house that was both rural retreat and cultural powerhouse. The rooms are arranged much as they would have been around 1800–1830, when the house was owned by literary figure Knud Lyne Rahbek and his wife, Kamma. Rather than grand state chambers, you find a sequence of human-scale spaces: parlours, studies and bedrooms that still feel lived-in. Subtle details – handwritten notes, porcelain on tables, worn tabletops – make it easy to imagine the daily rhythms of a middle-class household at the height of Denmark’s Golden Age.Salon culture and famous literary guests
During the Rahbeks’ time, Bakkehuset became an informal academy for the arts, its reputation built on spirited conversation rather than institutional authority. Writers, scientists and clergy gathered here to debate ideas, read aloud from new works and test bold opinions in sympathetic company. The house effectively functioned as a salon, helping shape the cultural life of Copenhagen beyond the city walls. Among its most renowned visitors were fairytale author Hans Christian Andersen, poet Adam Oehlenschläger and physicist Hans Christian Ørsted. Exhibits throughout the house highlight these connections with portraits, letters and first editions. The famed Corner Room, often described as the home’s intellectual heart, concentrates much of this story in a single, evocative space, its windows framing the garden that so inspired the Rahbeks and their guests.Inside the period rooms and creative displays
The museum combines faithful reconstruction with interpretive displays. On the ground floor, period interiors reflect how the Rahbeks furnished their home, from painted chests and Biedermeier chairs to delicate textiles and writing desks laid out with quills and ink. Particular attention is given to Kamma Rahbek, whose intricate decorated boxes and carefully curated interiors reveal a finely tuned sense of aesthetics. Upstairs, changing exhibitions explore themes from the Danish Golden Age, using objects, artwork and contemporary scenography to make 19th-century ideas feel current. Families find hands-on elements in the Fairytale Academy, where children can craft stories, play with fairytale motifs and experiment with shadow theatre in a space inspired by Andersen’s imaginative world. This mix of historic atmosphere and interactive storytelling keeps the literary heritage accessible across generations.Kamma Rahbek’s romantic garden and orangery
Behind the house lies a compact but richly planted garden, a modern reimagining of Kamma Rahbek’s original romantic grounds. Beds of perennials, herbs and old-fashioned roses are arranged to emphasise colour, scent and seasonal change, echoing the garden ideals of the early 19th century. Gravel paths lead past a small pond and fruit trees, creating a series of intimate outdoor rooms that extend the domestic feel into the open air. At one edge stands an octagonal orangery, a light contemporary structure referencing Bakkehuset’s past as both country house and inn. In the warmer months it serves simple food and drinks inspired by historical recipes, inviting you to linger among potted citrus and flowering plants. Concerts, readings and small events in the garden add another layer to the site’s longstanding role as a meeting place for art and ideas.A quiet cultural pause in busy Frederiksberg
Today Bakkehuset sits close to the redeveloped Carlsberg district, surrounded by apartments and institutions rather than fields. Yet inside the low rooms and sheltered garden there is a marked sense of calm. It is a place to slow down, read wall texts in your own time or simply look out of deep window recesses at the greenery outside. Whether you are drawn by literary history, period interiors, or just the promise of a quiet bench in a flower-filled courtyard, the Hill House Museum offers a compact but layered experience. It connects everyday domestic life with big cultural shifts, showing how a relatively small home on a hill helped nurture some of Denmark’s most enduring stories and ideas.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Elefantporten
0.1 km
Four monumental granite elephants carry a historic brewery tower on their backs, blending whimsy, symbolism and industrial heritage in the heart of Carlsberg Byen.
Enghaveparken
0.7 km
Historic art deco park with rose gardens, community events, family-friendly spaces, and a vibrant local atmosphere at the heart of Vesterbro, Copenhagen.
Storm P. Museum
0.7 km
Delve into the world of Danish humor and satirical art at the Storm P. Museum, where whimsical cartoons, eccentric inventions, and cultural history come alive in Frederiksberg.
CWGC Krigsgrave, CWGC Graves
0.8 km
Scandinavia's largest cemetery: a 54-hectare landscape of history, architecture, and remembrance in Copenhagen.
Frederiksberg Town Hall
1.1 km
Brick-clad beacon of Frederiksberg’s independence, this 1950s functionalist town hall blends civic power, mid‑century Danish design and views across leafy Copenhagen.
Frederiksbergmuseerne
1.1 km
Explore Frederiksberg's cultural gems: Cisternerne, Bakkehuset, STORM, and Møstings, each offering unique art and history experiences.
Møstings Hus
1.2 km
Explore contemporary art in a historic neoclassical villa at Møstings Hus, Frederiksberg's cultural gem.
Cykelslangen
2.0 km
An elevated orange ribbon over Copenhagen’s harbor where cyclists glide above the water and visitors glimpse the city’s everyday bicycle culture in motion.
Frihedsstøtten
2.1 km
Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Copenhagen Central Station
2.1 km
Historic brick-and-timber rail hub at the heart of Copenhagen, combining grand architecture, everyday convenience and instant access to the city’s main sights.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
2.1 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Havneholmen 33
2.2 km
Striking waterfront media headquarters in Copenhagen’s Havneholmen district, where modern Danish office architecture meets busy cycle bridges and harbour life.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
2.2 km
A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
Statue of Andersen
2.4 km
Denmark's beloved storyteller immortalized in bronze, gazing toward Tivoli's magic in Copenhagen's beating heart.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
2.5 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Unmissable attractions to see
Carlsberg Brewery Tours
0.4 km
Step into the original 1847 Carlsberg brewery for immersive beer history, interactive exhibits, courtyard drinks and encounters with the brewery’s iconic draught horses.
Cisterns in Søndermarken
0.5 km
Discover Danish celebrity history and culture under the trees of Frederiksberg Allé, where handprints and names honor the stars of Denmark’s stage and screen.
Søndermarken
0.5 km
Former royal hunting grounds turned semi-wild city park, Søndermarken blends forested paths, meadows and an underground art world beneath Frederiksberg’s leafy streets.
Frederiksberg Palace
0.6 km
Renaissance splendor, regal treasures, and royal intrigue await within Rosenborg Castle, set amid the enchanting King’s Garden in central Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Zoo
0.7 km
Historic canal in Indre By weaving past royal palaces, stately bridges, and cultural icons—offering tranquil walks and quintessential Copenhagen views.
Frederiksberg Walk of Fame
0.8 km
Explore the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame, where Denmark's cultural legends are celebrated along a historic, tree-lined avenue.
Frederiksberg Gardens
0.8 km
Royal waterways, baroque palaces, and pacifier traditions in Copenhagen's most romantic green escape.
Frederiksberg Allé
0.8 km
Copenhagen’s historic royal boulevard, where linden trees, theatres and elegant facades lead from city bustle to the green calm of Frederiksberg Gardens.
Falkonerbrønden
1.1 km
A star-studded stroll in Copenhagen: the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame celebrates Danish legends along one of the city’s most iconic boulevards.
Folkehuset Absalon
1.2 km
Copenhagen's beloved community gathering space where strangers share meals, create art, and build genuine connections.
Værnedamsvej
1.3 km
Copenhagen’s “Little Paris”: a short, atmospheric street where historic food shops, French-inflected cafés and design boutiques create an intimate, everyday city buzz.
Legepladsen i Skydebanehaven
1.4 km
A colourful staffed playground tucked inside a historic walled park in Vesterbro, where giant parrots, paddling pools and lawns turn old shooting grounds into family fun.
Istedgade
1.5 km
Gritty, creative and endlessly watchable, Istedgade is Vesterbro’s main strip and Copenhagen’s classic showcase of everyday city life with an edge.
Fermentoren
1.5 km
Discover Denmark’s maritime legacy at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum in Helsingør, where innovative architecture meets interactive storytelling and rich seafaring history.
Landbohøjskolens Have
1.5 km
A 19th‑century university horticultural garden in Frederiksberg, where scientific plant collections and everyday park life blend into a calm green refuge.
Essential places to dine
Enomania
0.3 km
Intimate Italian restaurant in Frederiksberg celebrated for expertly paired wine menus, exceptional Mediterranean cuisine, and an atmospheric, welcoming dining experience.
Hansens Gamle Familiehave
0.5 km
Hansens Gamle Familiehave—a historic Frederiksberg garden restaurant famed for classic Danish cuisine, family-friendly charm, and over 170 years of tradition in scenic surroundings.
Frederik the VI
0.9 km
Discover culinary delights at Frederik the VI - a vibrant restaurant and pub serving authentic Danish cuisine in Frederiksberg C.
Ewalds Brasserie
1.0 km
Classic Danish-French brasserie in the heart of Frederiksberg, offering seasonal menus, a cozy atmosphere, and stunning garden views for an authentic local dining experience.
Bevi Bevi
1.1 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine and exquisite wines at Bevi Bevi, a charming restaurant in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Polly København
1.2 km
A modern Nordic brasserie in the heart of Frederiksberg, blending Danish produce, creative cuisine, and relaxed elegance for a memorable city dining experience.
Restaurant Frederiks Have
1.3 km
Frederiksberg’s cherished fine dining hub, blending Nordic tradition with modern cuisine in a welcoming, neighborhood setting—perfect for an authentic Danish gastronomic experience.
Restaurant Spuntino
1.3 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Restaurant Spuntino in Copenhagen - where flavors meet ambiance for an unforgettable dining experience.
Madklubben Vesterbro
1.4 km
A buzzing, design-forward restaurant in the heart of Vesterbro, known for great value fixed-price menus and a welcoming slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Delphine
1.6 km
Stylish Mediterranean small plates in a visually stunning Vesterbro setting.
Je t'aime
1.6 km
Intimate Vesterbro bistro where candlelight, classic French dishes and a well‑chosen wine list bring a touch of Paris to a quiet Copenhagen side street.
Paté Paté
1.7 km
Paté Paté offers Mediterranean-inspired dining and expertly curated wines in Vesterbro’s Meatpacking District, blending industrial charm with vibrant Copenhagen culinary culture.
Fleisch
1.7 km
A contemporary restaurant and butcher shop in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, Fleisch combines Nordic meat traditions with creative, communal dining in an atmospheric urban setting.
Cofoco
1.7 km
Cofoco in Vesterbro delights with accessible, innovative Danish and European tasting menus amid warm Scandinavian aesthetics and a true neighborhood spirit.
Kødbyens Fiskebar
1.7 km
Industrial-chic seafood in Copenhagen’s former Meatpacking District, where ultra-fresh Nordic fish, natural wines and a buzzing bar scene meet under one concrete roof.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Royal Copenhagen - Outlet
1.3 km
Discover Danish porcelain heritage and timeless design at discounted prices in Frederiksberg’s celebrated Royal Copenhagen Outlet, close to the city’s green heart.
Funky Junky
1.3 km
Discover Vesterbro’s Funky Junky—a vibrant vintage store featuring retro furniture, unique fashion, and Danish design, perfectly reflecting Copenhagen’s creative soul.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
1.4 km
Compact, colorful and full of playful Danish design, this Vesterbrogade shop turns everyday essentials, gifts and games into a fun, low-cost treasure hunt.
Artikel København
1.4 km
Family-run Copenhagen atelier where timeless, unisex garments are designed, cut and sewn in an open workshop on historic Gammel Kongevej.
Frederiksberg Centret
1.5 km
Frederiksberg Centret offers a sleek, Scandinavian shopping experience with 90+ stores, cafés, and events in the chic heart of Frederiksberg, steps from the Metro.
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
2.0 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
2.0 km
A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.
Souvenir Gift Shop
2.2 km
Compact, central and colourful, this Vesterbrogade gift shop is a quick and easy stop for Copenhagen-themed souvenirs between Tivoli, Vesterbro and the Central Station.
Tivoli Gift Shop
2.3 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
København K
2.5 km
Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
Wonderful Souvenirs
2.5 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
2.6 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Carmen Copenhagen
2.6 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Viking Souvenirs
2.6 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Wasteland
2.6 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
JOJO
0.8 km
Colourful neighbourhood cocktail bar in Vesterbro, serving freshly crafted drinks on tap in a relaxed, sociable setting that suits pre-drinks, dates and casual nights.
The House of Machines Copenhagen
0.9 km
Award-winning cocktail bar with industrial soul and live music in Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Märkbar
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Märkbar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets an eclectic atmosphere and affordable drinks.
Cafe Intime
1.0 km
Discover the charm of Cafe Intime, a cozy bar and cafe in Frederiksberg offering delightful drinks and a warm ambiance for every visitor.
Berlin Bar
1.0 km
Experience the eclectic vibe and creative mixology at Berlin Bar, the perfect spot for memorable nights in Frederiksberg.
Riesen Bar
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Riesen Bar, where great drinks and lively atmosphere come together for an unforgettable evening.
bird
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Bird, where unique cocktails and a laid-back ambiance await you.
La Fée Verte
1.2 km
Discover La Fée Verte, a charming bar in Frederiksberg, offering exquisite cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.
Lidkoeb
1.3 km
Discover Lidkoeb, a vibrant cocktail bar in Copenhagen, renowned for its innovative drinks and lively atmosphere, perfect for nightlife enthusiasts.
Duck and Cover - Cocktailbar
1.3 km
Experience exquisite cocktails in a stylish ambiance at Duck and Cover, Copenhagen's premier cocktail bar for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Frederiksberg
1.4 km
Experience the craft of brewing at Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar, Frederiksberg's premier destination for beer lovers with an extensive selection and vibrant atmosphere.
Amigo Bar
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Amigo Bar, where affordable drinks and a friendly atmosphere await you.
Tap 21 Craft Beer
1.5 km
Explore the vibrant craft beer scene at Tap 21, a cozy Frederiksberg bar offering a wide selection of local and international brews in a welcoming atmosphere.
1656 Cocktail Bar
1.7 km
Hidden behind an unmarked door in Vesterbro, 1656 serves inventive cocktails in a dimly lit, speakeasy-style hideaway made for slow, late-night conversations.
Mesteren & Lærlingen
1.7 km
Discover the lively bar scene at Mesteren & Lærlingen, where cocktails meet vibrant DJ beats in the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
- Adventure Photo Shoot
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
