Fredensborg Palace
Denmark's Peace Palace: A Baroque masterpiece on Lake Esrum where royal history, architectural grandeur, and magnificent gardens converge.
Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent Baroque royal residence on the shores of Lake Esrum, built in 1722 by King Frederik IV as a symbol of peace following the Great Northern War. Today it serves as the spring and autumn residence of the Danish Royal Family. The palace features exquisite interiors including the iconic Dome Hall and is surrounded by one of Denmark's most impressive Baroque gardens, with seven radiating avenues, sculptures, and the famous Valley of the Norsemen. While the palace interior is normally private, the extensive palace gardens are open year-round, and exclusive guided tours of the royal chambers and private gardens are available during July.
A brief summary to Fredensborg Palace
- Slottet 1B, Fredensborg, 3480, DK
- +4533403187
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 3.5 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Book guided tours online in advance during July; tickets cannot be purchased at the palace. Tours last 95 minutes and include access to the private Reserved Garden and royal chambers normally closed to the public.
- Visit the public palace gardens year-round to explore the seven radiating avenues, the Valley of the Norsemen with 68 sandstone sculptures, and the restored Brede Allé without needing a tour ticket.
- Allow 2–3 hours for a full visit if exploring the gardens thoroughly. The palace gardens are particularly beautiful in spring and autumn when the Royal Family is in residence.
- Parking is available at the palace; if full, use the parking area at Jernbanegade. The town of Fredensborg offers cafes and the historic 300-year-old Fredensborg Store Kro inn nearby.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions such as The Hermitage in the UNESCO-listed Deer Park or Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød, both within easy reach by train or car.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train from Copenhagen
Take the S-train line A from Copenhagen Central Station to Hillerød Station, approximately 40 minutes. From Hillerød Station, walk through the charming old town streets to Fredensborg Palace, approximately 20–25 minutes on foot through scenic routes, or take local bus 301 or 302 directly to the palace entrance. Total journey time from central Copenhagen is approximately 50–60 minutes. Trains run regularly throughout the day; check the Journey Planner for current schedules. Single ticket approximately DKK 80–100.
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Car from Copenhagen
Drive north from Copenhagen via the E47 motorway toward Hillerød, approximately 30 kilometers, taking 35–45 minutes depending on traffic. Follow signs to Fredensborg and the palace. Parking is available at the palace entrance; if full, use the overflow parking area at Jernbanegade nearby. Fuel costs and tolls minimal; no motorway tolls in Denmark.
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Guided tour bus from Copenhagen
Several tour operators offer half-day excursions from Copenhagen to Fredensborg Palace, typically departing in the morning and returning by early afternoon. Tours usually include transportation, palace garden access, and sometimes a guided introduction. Journey time approximately 45 minutes each way. Prices typically range from DKK 300–500 per person depending on inclusions; book in advance through tour operators.
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Bicycle from Hillerød
From Hillerød Station, experienced cyclists can reach Fredensborg Palace via regional cycling routes, approximately 8–10 kilometers, taking 25–35 minutes depending on route and fitness level. The route passes through North Zealand countryside. Bike rental available in Hillerød. Suitable for moderate fitness levels; some gentle hills present.
Fredensborg Palace location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Fredensborg Palace
A Palace Born from Peace and Royal Vision
Fredensborg Palace stands as a testament to architectural ambition and royal vision, constructed between 1719 and 1722 on the eastern shore of Lake Esrum in North Zealand. King Frederik IV commissioned architect Johan Cornelius Krieger to transform a modest farmyard into a French-inspired Baroque pleasure palace. The palace's name—Fredensborg, meaning "Peace Castle"—commemorates the Treaty of Fredensborg, signed on the site in July 1720, which ended Denmark's eleven-year participation in the Great Northern War and determined the fate of the Skåne region. The king himself took an active part in planning the building and grounds, overseeing construction closely. The palace was officially inaugurated on October 11, 1722, on the occasion of Frederik IV's 51st birthday, marking the completion of the main structure that would define royal life for centuries to come.Architectural Evolution Across Two Centuries
The original palace comprised a square main building with an octagonal courtyard formed by single-story wings serving as servants' quarters. The chapel, with its exaggerated copper spire and heavily carved gable featuring a bust of Frederik IV, stood at the center of the complex. In 1724–1726, the Courtiers Wing was added, introducing elements of Dutch Baroque and Rococo styles to accommodate court clerks and members of the royal household. The Chancellery House, completed in 1731, served as offices and residences for ministers and government officials attending the sovereign. Major alterations followed under King Christian VI and Frederik V: in 1741–1744, architect Lauritz de Thurah elevated the roof of the main building, replacing the slanted roof with a flat one and adding a characteristic sandstone balustrade. In 1751, he transformed the Orangery into a residential building for ladies-in-waiting. Nicolai Eigtved's 1753 additions of four symmetrically positioned corner pavilions with copper pyramid-shaped roofs completed the palace's distinctive silhouette. These successive renovations created a cohesive example of 18th-century Baroque architecture, with the main structure remaining fundamentally unchanged since its inauguration.The Palace as a Living Center of Royal Life
Fredensborg Palace has served as more than a residence; it is a stage for the Danish monarchy's most significant moments. The palace hosted the wedding banquets of Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik in 1967 and Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary in 2004. The palace chapel has been the site of royal weddings, christenings, and confirmations since 1761, when Princess Sophia Magdalena was confirmed there. A distinctive tradition allows visiting heads of state to engrave their signatures on the palace windowpanes, creating a unique historical record of international diplomacy. Queen Margrethe II spent nearly half the year in residence—three months in spring and three months in autumn—continuing the tradition of gathering the extended royal family annually. The palace fell into disrepair in the 19th century after Christian VII and Frederik VI preferred Frederiksberg Palace, but it regained prominence under King Christian IX in 1863 and remains one of the Royal Family's most frequently used residences outside Copenhagen.Denmark's Versailles: The Baroque Garden Masterpiece
The Fredensborg Palace Garden ranks among Denmark's largest and most exquisite Baroque gardens, covering extensive grounds with a design inspired by the grand gardens of Versailles. The garden's defining feature is the Brede Allé, a magnificent main axis radiating from the palace's garden hall, complemented by six additional avenues that fan out in a semicircle. These long, straight avenues embody the precision of French Baroque design. The garden underwent significant rearrangement in the 1760s under Frederik V, and a major restoration of the Brede Allé was completed in 2013, for which the Agency for Culture and Palaces received the European Heritage Award from Europa Nostra in 2021. Within the formal avenues lie large forested areas with winding paths, reflecting the garden's evolution from strict Baroque geometry to Romantic naturalism. The Valley of the Norsemen, a distinctive cultural feature, displays 68 sandstone figures representing Norwegian and Faroese farmers and fishermen, originally carved by sculptor J.G. Grund and recast at the end of the 19th century. The Reserved Garden, normally closed to the public, showcases the royal family's private horticultural spaces, including herb gardens and a modern orangery that supplies fresh flowers and vegetables to the court. The public palace gardens remain accessible year-round, offering visitors a rare glimpse into royal landscape design and centuries of Danish cultural heritage.Seasonal Access and the Summer Experience
While the palace interior remains private for most of the year, exclusive guided tours open the royal chambers and private gardens to visitors during July. These 95-minute tours, conducted in Danish and English, provide access to the Reserved Garden and kitchen garden, normally closed to the public, along with the impressive Dome Hall and other royal interiors. Visitors can explore the royal playhouse and the Orangery while hearing stories about the palace's role in the Danish monarchy. The public palace gardens, however, remain open year-round, allowing visitors to experience the Baroque landscape design, sculptures, and the Valley of the Norsemen in all seasons. The palace's location on Lake Esrum, one of Denmark's largest lakes with its own history as a royal pleasure park in the 18th century, adds natural beauty to the cultural and architectural significance of the site.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Country Market
0.4 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.
Kulsvierstenen
4.2 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.
Hillerød St.
8.1 km
North Zealand's essential transport hub connecting Copenhagen, regional destinations, and Frederiksborg Castle.
Hillerød Rectory
8.2 km
Discover the Befrielsessten in Høgsholt, Vejle—a serene memorial park honoring Denmark's journey to freedom amidst lush landscapes.
Old town hall
8.2 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
8.3 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.
Kirppu Hillerød
8.8 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.
Søborg Slotsruin
13.1 km
Medieval fortress ruins reflected in a restored lake, where Danish history meets nature restoration.
Hornbæk Batteri
13.3 km
WWII coastal fortress commanding the Øresund strait from Denmark's dramatic northern cliffs.
Hørsholm Slotshave
13.6 km
A baroque garden where Scandinavia's lost palace still echoes through ancient linden trees.
Arboretum
14.2 km
Discover a world of trees and shrubs at the Arboretum in Hørsholm, a tranquil escape offering botanical exploration and natural beauty just north of Copenhagen.
Udsigtspunkt
14.2 km
A tranquil Danish viewpoint garden offering panoramic vistas and peaceful contemplation in historic Helsingør.
Rungsted Harbour
14.3 km
Discover Rungsted Harbour: Denmark's charming coastal gem with boutique shops, diverse dining, and the Karen Blixen Museum, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and culture.
Elsinore Cemetery
14.3 km
Historic burial ground where 16th-century roots meet artistic legacy in Denmark's literary heartland.
Danhostel Helsingør
14.5 km
Explore Roskilde’s Museum of Contemporary Art – a leading destination for experimental exhibitions, sound installations, and innovative performances in Denmark.
Unmissable attractions to see
Fredensborg Slotshave
0.3 km
A vast royal park of sweeping avenues, quiet woodland and lake views, wrapping an active Danish palace in 120 hectares of remarkably peaceful landscape.
Falkonergården
1.7 km
Intimate falconry shows in rural North Zealand, where eagles, hawks and falcons soar within arm’s reach and centuries of raptor lore come vividly to life.
Gribsø
5.7 km
Explore Stendysse's ancient burial mounds in Hillerød, Denmark, and connect with prehistoric history amidst serene natural beauty.
Esrum Kloster & Møllegård
7.0 km
A 12th‑century Cistercian abbey where red-brick history, herbal gardens, VR experiences and forest trails meet beside Esrum Lake in North Zealand.
Parforcejagtlandskabet i Store Dyrehave UNESCO World Heritage
7.1 km
A royal forest where straight, star-shaped hunting roads, old stone walls and quiet woodland trails reveal how Danish kings once turned nature into a stage for power.
Kongernes Nordsjælland
7.2 km
Explore Hornbæk Batteri: Denmark's WWII coastal defense site amidst scenic North Zealand landscapes.
Frederiksborg Castle Gardens
7.5 km
Sweeping Baroque terraces and romantic woodland paths framing a lake island castle, Frederiksborg Castle Gardens blend royal theatre with everyday green escape.
Batzke's Hill
7.6 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.
Hillerød City Museum & Graphic Museum
7.7 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
7.9 km
A string of vivid murals along Helsingørsgade that turns central Hillerød into a small, free open‑air gallery of local stories and color.
The Museum of National History
7.9 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
7.9 km
Denmark's Renaissance jewel on three islands, where royal grandeur meets national heritage in gardens of baroque precision and romantic beauty.
Frederiksborg Castle Chapel
7.9 km
Experience LEGO magic at LEGOLAND Hotel & Conference in Billund, offering themed rooms and top-tier conference facilities.
Island of imagination
8.0 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.
Hillerød Church
8.1 km
A light-filled modern parish church in the heart of Hillerød, carrying centuries of local worship history in a calm, contemporary Danish setting.
Essential places to dine
Skipperhuset Fredensborg
0.9 km
Refined Nordic cuisine and panoramic sunsets on the shores of Lake Esrum.
Lakeside Restaurant
5.9 km
Casual dining on the edge of Simons Golf Club, where generous Danish-inspired dishes meet wide green views and a calm North Zealand countryside setting.
Latini Hjørnet
6.6 km
Casual corner pizzeria and burgerhouse in suburban Hillerød, serving hearty pizzas, pastas and fast‑food favourites for easy eat‑in or takeaway meals.
Skovgrillen
6.6 km
Classic Danish grill bar near Frederiksborg’s forests, serving hearty burgers, flæskestegsburgers and the legendary Taxa burger at budget-friendly prices.
Hong Kong Bistro & Grill
7.2 km
Unfussy Chinese‑Thai grill and wok spot in Hillerød serving hearty noodles, curries, steaks and spareribs in a simple, relaxed neighborhood setting.
Lpm Restauranter v/Lars Peter Mølvang
7.3 km
Contemporary Nordic dining in the heart of Hillerød, open daily for lunch and dinner.
Patats Kebab & Grill
8.0 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.
Piccola Italia Pizzaria 3400
8.0 km
Busy neighborhood pizzeria in central Hillerød serving hearty pizzas, pastas and quick takeaway just a short stroll from Frederiksborg Castle and the lake.
Tô Tô Kitchen
8.0 km
Cozy Vietnamese flavors and casual evening dining on Østergade, bringing fresh herbs, noodles and warm atmosphere to the heart of Hillerød.
Rabarbergaarden Slottet
8.0 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.
Thai 4 You - Thai Restaurant og Take Away
8.0 km
Authentic Thai flavors prepared by professional chefs in central Hillerød.
Unkai
8.0 km
All-you-can-eat, made-to-order sushi and Japanese bites in a modern, laid-back setting on Hillerød’s central Helsingørsgade.
Montalbano
8.1 km
Authentic Sicilian pizzeria run by an Italian family in the heart of Hillerød.
Chicken BROS
8.1 km
Crispy fried chicken burgers and quick bites in casual Hillerød comfort.
Big Mamma Gastronomia
8.1 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Lumi Op Shop
8.1 km
Cosy Hillerød charity thrift store and café where vintage furniture, second-hand finds and lakeside castle views meet to support meaningful mission projects.
Shoppen
8.1 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.
Red Cross Op Shop
8.2 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
8.3 km
Curated vintage and retro treasures near Frederiksborg Castle since 1996.
Mothers' Aid Op Shop
8.3 km
Bright, family‑focused charity shop on Hillerød’s main square, where gently used children’s clothes and toys support vital work for parents and kids in Denmark.
Vinbutikken
8.3 km
Cosy wine and delicacies shop on historic Slotsgade in Hillerød, pairing castle-side charm with handpicked bottles, gourmet treats and friendly, expert advice.
GEjSER ApS
8.3 km
Expert vape shop on Slotsgade offering quality e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and accessories for all experience levels.
Boutique Munck
8.3 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Hillerød, blending curated Nordic fashion, warm styling advice and a relaxed, local neighborhood feel.
HL Mode Hillerød
8.3 km
Neighbourhood-style women’s fashion and lingerie on historic Slotsgade, offering Scandinavian everyday elegance a short stroll from Hillerød’s castle and lake.
Rodes
8.3 km
Two floors of toys, gear and airsoft in an 800 m² megastore that turns central Hillerød into a playground for kids, teens and grown‑up hobby enthusiasts.
JeansStore
8.3 km
Denmark's premier denim specialist offering authentic Lee and Wrangler collections with expert guidance.
Gine
8.3 km
A compact, Scandinavian-inspired womenswear boutique on historic Slotsgade, perfect for a relaxed browse between castle views, coffee stops and city-center strolls.
Holm Hillerød
8.3 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
8.3 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.
Spejder Sport
8.3 km
Denmark's largest outdoor chain where expert staff and quality gear prepare you for every adventure.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Jernstangen
8.2 km
Old-school Hillerød pub opposite the station, with billiards, darts, dice games and live music nights in a laid‑back, locals-first atmosphere.
Crane Brothers
8.2 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.
Tahonga Lounge
8.2 km
Intimate tiki-style lounge bar off Hillerød’s central square, blending cocktails, small-stage events and private parties in a cozy tropical hideaway.
The Old Irish Pub
8.3 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.
Møllen
8.3 km
A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.
Kardusen
11.7 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
12`er Pubben
13.5 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
13.5 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
Head/Foam
14.4 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.
Oddies Beach Bar
14.5 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.
Helsingør Musikteater
14.5 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Axelhus Udeservering
14.6 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.
Banana joe
14.7 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.
Hold-An
14.7 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.
Pitten Sport Bar
14.7 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Baroque Styles
- Historic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
