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The Hill House Museum: A Romantic Time Capsule in Frederiksberg

Experience the literary heart of Denmark’s Romantic era at The Hill House Museum, where famed salons, lush gardens, and living history await in central Frederiksberg.

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Nestled amid lush gardens in Frederiksberg, The Hill House (Bakkehuset) is a charming, ochre-hued museum that brings Denmark’s literary Golden Age to life. This historic house was the home of Kamma and Knud Lyne Rahbek, whose 19th-century salons attracted writers, poets, and artists from across the country. Visitors can explore beautifully restored period rooms, an award-winning garden, and an evocative café, all steeped in creative history.

A brief summary to The Hill House Museum

Local tips

  • Arrive early on weekends to enjoy the gardens in quiet before the crowds arrive.
  • Don’t miss the greenhouse café—its homemade cakes and vintage ambience are local favorites.
  • Check for special events or themed guided tours, especially around Danish holidays and literary anniversaries.
  • Families with children can explore hands-on activities in the interactive room.
  • Note that the garden is particularly beautiful in spring and early summer, and access is included in museum admission.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Frederiksberg’s bustling central square or the adjacent Frederiksberg Gardens, it’s a leisurely 10–15 minute walk along quiet, leafy avenues. The ochre-colored Hill House sits just beyond the park’s edge—its distinctive architecture and surrounding gardens make it an easy landmark. Comfortable shoes are sensible for the paved and gravel pathways.

  • Public Transport

    Several local buses from Frederiksberg’s main shopping district make regular stops a brief stroll from the museum entrance. The journey takes about 8–10 minutes; single tickets typically cost between 18–24 DKK for adults. Stops are clearly announced, and the area is well signposted towards local attractions.

  • Taxi

    Taxis from the heart of Frederiksberg to The Hill House Museum take around 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic, costing 90–130 DKK. The museum entrance is easily recognizable, and drivers are familiar with this landmark destination.

  • Driving/Parking

    Paid parking is available on nearby residential roads, though spaces may be limited during popular visiting hours. Parking rates generally start from 16 DKK per hour. No tolls apply for central Frederiksberg locations.

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Discover more about The Hill House Museum

Blending the elegance of Frederiksberg’s storied past with the palpable spirit of Denmark’s Romantic era, The Hill House Museum (Bakkehuset) is both a historical site and a living tribute to cultural hospitality. Dating back to the 17th century and reaching its prime in the early 1800s, this ochre manor became a vibrant gathering place under the stewardship of Kamma and Knud Lyne Rahbek. The Rahbeks were cultural beacons in the Danish literary scene, hosting an illustrious circle that included Hans Christian Andersen, Adam Oehlenschläger, and many more. Step through creaking wooden halls and period-furnished salons, and you sense the lingering presence of these celebrated thinkers—each room carefully curated to reflect moments from the Romantic period. Every detail, from Kamma’s adorned personal study to the salon where lively debates once unfolded, pulls visitors into the lives and stories of Denmark’s literary giants. The museum’s award-winning gardens, designed with historical botanic accuracy, invite leisurely strolls among medicinal herbs and old-fashioned flowers—the very plots that inspired the Rahbeks and their friends. Children discover an interactive discovery room, while adults are drawn to rare manuscripts, original letters, and evocative personal effects. The on-site café, situated in the greenhouse, serves as both a contemporary interpretation and a homage to the salon tradition—attracting locals and visitors who come to soak in the garden views over coffee and pastries. The Hill House balances intimate domesticity and public history, making it a sanctuary for culture lovers, romantics, and anyone curious about the creative pulse of historic Frederiksberg. Exhibition programs change seasonally, and guided tours offer deep dives for those eager to know more about Denmark’s golden age. The tranquil setting belies its proximity to city life, making Bakkehuset a rewarding escape into a world of imagination, intellect, and artistic communion.

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