Frederiksberg Palace
A golden Baroque hilltop palace above Frederiksberg Gardens, where royal intrigue, landscape artistry and modern military life quietly share the same grand stage.
Perched on a gentle hill above leafy Frederiksberg Gardens, Frederiksberg Palace is a stately Baroque residence that once served as the summer retreat for Denmark’s kings. Its warm yellow facades, dark roofline and forest of chimneys form a striking backdrop to the surrounding lawns, lakes and winding paths. Today the building houses the Royal Danish Military Academy, so interior access is limited to guided tours, but the palace’s dramatic silhouette, royal stories and sweeping views make it a compelling stop in Copenhagen’s greenest corner.
A brief summary to Frederiksberg Palace
- Roskildevej 28 A, Frederiksberg C, Frederiksberg C, 2000, DK
- +4572817773
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan time to explore Frederiksberg Gardens and Søndermarken as well as viewing the palace; the hilltop terrace offers some of the area’s best panoramas.
- Check in advance for the monthly guided tour dates if you hope to see the palace interior; tours are limited and involve many stairs.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the approach to the palace involves a steady uphill walk and the surrounding park paths can be uneven in places.
- Combine a palace-and-park stroll with a visit to nearby Copenhagen Zoo or the underground Cisternerne art space in Søndermarken.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro and walk from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Frederiksberg Station, then walk for about 15–20 minutes through the urban neighborhood and into Frederiksberg Gardens, following the main paths uphill toward the palace. The metro ride takes around 5–10 minutes from the inner city, with frequent departures throughout the day, and is covered by regular zone tickets or city travel cards.
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Bus from city centre to Frederiksberg Gardens
Several city bus routes run from central Copenhagen toward Frederiksberg Gardens and the zoo area, typically taking 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. From stops along Roskildevej or Smallegade, it is a 5–10 minute walk on gently sloping paths to reach the palace hill. Buses use the same zone-based tickets as the metro, so a standard city fare is sufficient, and services run at regular intervals during daytime and early evening.
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Cycling from inner Copenhagen
Cycling from the inner city to Frederiksberg Palace usually takes 15–25 minutes, using Copenhagen’s extensive network of segregated bike lanes. The route is mostly flat until you reach Frederiksberg Hill, where there is a short but manageable climb. Public bike‑share schemes and rental bikes are widely available in central districts, and cycling offers flexibility to explore Frederiksberg Gardens and nearby attractions at your own pace.
Frederiksberg Palace location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Frederiksberg Palace
Royal retreat on Frederiksberg Hill
Frederiksberg Palace crowns one of Copenhagen’s highest points, looking out across the broad lawns, lakes and tree-lined paths of Frederiksberg Gardens. The long, low, ochre-yellow façade and dark, hipped roof give the building a powerful horizontal presence, emphasized by tall chimneys and symmetrically arranged windows. From the terrace in front of the palace, the view drops away over the gentle slope of the park, with sinuous canals and romantic bridges drawing the eye toward the city skyline. Commissioned in the early 1700s by King Frederik IV as a summer residence away from Christiansborg, the original building was relatively modest. A few years later it was expanded into the commanding H‑shaped palace you see today, inspired by Italian Baroque villas the king admired on his travels. The location was carefully chosen: high enough to catch breezes, close enough to court life in central Copenhagen, yet enveloped in greenery and ornamental gardens.Dramatic lives behind the yellow walls
Although the palace is now the sober home of the Royal Danish Military Academy, its past is filled with royal drama. King Christian VI made it his permanent residence for a time, and the complex later became closely associated with his son, the mentally ill King Christian VII. Here, Christian VII lived with Queen Caroline Mathilde, whose relationship with the royal physician Johan Friedrich Struensee became one of the most famous scandals in Danish history. In the palace basement, hidden from the formality of court life, Caroline Mathilde’s marble bathroom and mirrored room once offered a rare private sanctuary. The building also witnessed key dynastic moments, including the birth of the future King Frederik VI in the late 18th century. When the royal family finally left in 1852, the palace’s era as an intimate royal home came to an end, and by 1869 it had been adapted for officer training, a role it still plays today.Baroque architecture in a green amphitheatre
Architecturally, Frederiksberg Palace is a textbook example of Baroque ideals translated into a northern climate. The structure’s balanced composition, central projection and rhythm of pilasters and window bays all speak to a desire for order and grandeur. Yet the warm plaster tones and relatively restrained ornamentation give it a softer, almost domestic character compared with the more exuberant palaces of southern Europe. What sets the palace apart is the way it interacts with its setting. The building stands at the top of a broad, grassed slope that functions almost like a natural amphitheatre, focusing attention on the facades above. Behind and around it, the former Baroque gardens were reshaped into an English-style landscape park, with serpentine paths, irregular tree clusters and carefully composed views back to the palace. Architectural features such as the Chinese Summerhouse and the Apis Temple punctuate the greenery, adding an exotic note to the scene.From formal gardens to romantic parkland
The gardens you see spreading out from the hill began in the early 18th century as rigidly formal parterres. Around the turn of the 19th century, they were transformed into a landscape garden in the English style, echoing the changing tastes of the age. Straight avenues softened into curving paths, and ornamental canals were reshaped into apparently natural lakes and streams. As you wander the lawns below the palace, you encounter shaded groves, open meadows and quiet waterside stretches inhabited by ducks and herons. Sightlines are carefully choreographed so that the palace’s yellow bulk appears and disappears among trees, reminding you that this is not wild countryside but a designed environment. Near the main entrance, horticultural displays and carefully curated planting beds underline the site’s long link with garden design and plant collecting.Experiencing the palace today
Because the building serves as the Royal Danish Military Academy, interior access is usually restricted to occasional guided tours, often held on specific Saturdays outside summer and winter breaks. These tours reveal ornate rooms, a Baroque chapel and historical spaces associated with the 18th‑century royal residents, but require advance planning and involve many stairs. Even without stepping inside, a visit rewards you with a rich sense of place. The approach up the hill, the sweep of the terrace, and the interplay between palace and park convey centuries of royal ambition, personal drama and evolving landscape design. With Copenhagen Zoo on one side and the more wooded Søndermarken park on the other, Frederiksberg Palace forms the dignified, historical anchor of a wider green district that many travelers weave into a relaxed half‑day outdoors.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Storm P. Museum
0.5 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.
Elefantporten
0.7 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.
Frederiksbergmuseerne
0.7 km
Explore Frederiksberg's cultural gems: Cisternerne, Bakkehuset, STORM, and Møstings, each offering unique art and history experiences.
Møstings Hus
0.7 km
Explore contemporary art in a historic neoclassical villa at Møstings Hus, Frederiksberg's cultural gem.
Frederiksberg Town Hall
0.8 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.
CWGC Krigsgrave, CWGC Graves
1.1 km
Scandinavia's largest cemetery: a 54-hectare landscape of history, architecture, and remembrance in Copenhagen.
Enghaveparken
1.2 km
Historic art deco park with rose gardens, community events, family-friendly spaces, and a vibrant local atmosphere at the heart of Vesterbro, Copenhagen.
Frihedsstøtten
2.4 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 Visitor Service
2.5 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Copenhagen Central Station
2.5 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.
Folkets Park
2.5 km
Grassroots community spirit, creative play areas, vibrant street art, and urban oasis charm in the heart of Nørrebro’s multicultural Copenhagen.
Cykelslangen
2.5 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.
Assistens Cemetery
2.6 km
Historic, leafy burial ground in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, home to Hans Christian Andersen’s grave and tranquil paths where Danish history and urban life intertwine.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
2.6 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.
Nørrebroparken - Playground
2.7 km
Vivid and multicultural, Nørrebroparken Playground is Nørrebro’s lively green heart—offering creative play, open lawns, and vibrant local community energy year-round.
Unmissable attractions to see
Copenhagen Zoo
0.1 km
Historic canal in Indre By weaving past royal palaces, stately bridges, and cultural icons—offering tranquil walks and quintessential Copenhagen views.
Søndermarken
0.2 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.
Cisterns in Søndermarken
0.3 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.
Frederiksberg Gardens
0.3 km
Royal waterways, baroque palaces, and pacifier traditions in Copenhagen's most romantic green escape.
The Hill House Museum
0.6 km
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.
Carlsberg Brewery Tours
0.9 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.
Frederiksberg Walk of Fame
0.9 km
Explore the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame, where Denmark's cultural legends are celebrated along a historic, tree-lined avenue.
Frederiksberg Allé
1.0 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
1.3 km
A star-studded stroll in Copenhagen: the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame celebrates Danish legends along one of the city’s most iconic boulevards.
Landbohøjskolens Have
1.4 km
A 19th‑century university horticultural garden in Frederiksberg, where scientific plant collections and everyday park life blend into a calm green refuge.
Værnedamsvej
1.6 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.
Folkehuset Absalon
1.7 km
Copenhagen's beloved community gathering space where strangers share meals, create art, and build genuine connections.
Legepladsen i Skydebanehaven
1.8 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.
Det Ny Teater
1.9 km
Historic Belle Époque playhouse turned musical powerhouse, Det Ny Teater blends gilded grandeur, modern stagecraft and big‑scale productions in the heart of Copenhagen.
Istedgade
1.9 km
Gritty, creative and endlessly watchable, Istedgade is Vesterbro’s main strip and Copenhagen’s classic showcase of everyday city life with an edge.
Essential places to dine
Hansens Gamle Familiehave
0.4 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.
Enomania
0.4 km
Intimate Italian restaurant in Frederiksberg celebrated for expertly paired wine menus, exceptional Mediterranean cuisine, and an atmospheric, welcoming dining experience.
Restaurant Frederiks Have
0.8 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.
Ewalds Brasserie
0.8 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.
Café Lindevang
1.1 km
A beloved Frederiksberg institution, Café Lindevang serves up hearty Danish classics and authentic smørrebrød in cozy, vintage surroundings steeped in local charm.
Frederik the VI
1.2 km
Discover culinary delights at Frederik the VI - a vibrant restaurant and pub serving authentic Danish cuisine in Frederiksberg C.
Restaurant Polly København
1.4 km
A modern Nordic brasserie in the heart of Frederiksberg, blending Danish produce, creative cuisine, and relaxed elegance for a memorable city dining experience.
Bevi Bevi
1.6 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine and exquisite wines at Bevi Bevi, a charming restaurant in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Spuntino
1.7 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Restaurant Spuntino in Copenhagen - where flavors meet ambiance for an unforgettable dining experience.
Madklubben Vesterbro
1.7 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
1.9 km
Stylish Mediterranean small plates in a visually stunning Vesterbro setting.
Maple Casual Dining
2.1 km
Intimate Copenhagen dinner spot on Vesterbrogade, serving polished home-style dishes, generous desserts and warm service in a cozy, modern neighborhood setting.
Cofoco
2.1 km
Cofoco in Vesterbro delights with accessible, innovative Danish and European tasting menus amid warm Scandinavian aesthetics and a true neighborhood spirit.
Paté Paté
2.1 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
2.1 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Royal Copenhagen - Outlet
0.7 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.
Frederiksberg Centret
1.2 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.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
1.7 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
1.7 km
Family-run Copenhagen atelier where timeless, unisex garments are designed, cut and sewn in an open workshop on historic Gammel Kongevej.
Funky Junky
1.8 km
Discover Vesterbro’s Funky Junky—a vibrant vintage store featuring retro furniture, unique fashion, and Danish design, perfectly reflecting Copenhagen’s creative soul.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
2.4 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
2.5 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.
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
2.6 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
Perfectly Worn Vintage
2.6 km
Discover handpicked vintage gems and timeless fashion in the heart of Nørrebro’s creative district at Perfectly Worn Vintage, Copenhagen’s haven for unique style.
Tivoli Gift Shop
2.7 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
PRAG Nørrebro
2.8 km
PRAG Nørrebro offers a curated vintage shopping experience surrounded by the eclectic energy and cultural vibrancy of Copenhagen’s trendsetting district.
København K
2.8 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
2.8 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
McKorman
2.8 km
Discover McKorman in Nørrebro: Copenhagen’s go-to spot for handpicked streetwear, unique vintage fashion, and urban style essentials for every wardrobe.
Danish Souvenirs
2.9 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cafe Intime
0.7 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.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Frederiksberg
1.1 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.
JOJO
1.2 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.
bird
1.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Bird, where unique cocktails and a laid-back ambiance await you.
Märkbar
1.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Märkbar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets an eclectic atmosphere and affordable drinks.
The House of Machines Copenhagen
1.3 km
Award-winning cocktail bar with industrial soul and live music in Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
La Fée Verte
1.4 km
Discover La Fée Verte, a charming bar in Frederiksberg, offering exquisite cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.
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.
Riesen Bar
1.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Riesen Bar, where great drinks and lively atmosphere come together for an unforgettable evening.
Lidkoeb
1.6 km
Discover Lidkoeb, a vibrant cocktail bar in Copenhagen, renowned for its innovative drinks and lively atmosphere, perfect for nightlife enthusiasts.
Amigo Bar
1.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Amigo Bar, where affordable drinks and a friendly atmosphere await you.
Duck and Cover - Cocktailbar
1.7 km
Experience exquisite cocktails in a stylish ambiance at Duck and Cover, Copenhagen's premier cocktail bar for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Gensyn Bar
1.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg C at Gensyn Bar, known for its innovative cocktails and inviting atmosphere.
Frederiksberg Ølbar
1.9 km
Experience the best of Denmark's brewing heritage at Frederiksberg Ølbar, a cozy bar with a fantastic selection of local craft beers.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Haven - Events
0.6 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
1.6 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub
2.0 km
Experience the inclusive spirit and vibrant nightlife at Vela Lesbian LGBTQ+ Nightclub in Copenhagen, where every night is a celebration of love and diversity.
The Union
2.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
2.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
KB3
2.1 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
CristalClubCopenhagen
2.1 km
Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.
Baggen
2.2 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
Moon Club
2.4 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
Den Anden Side
2.4 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Never Mind
2.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Module
2.6 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
2.7 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Temple Bar
2.8 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Cosy Bar
2.8 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
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
- LGBT Friendly
