Elværket Hillerød – Museum Nordsjælland
A beautifully preserved 1909 power station turned museum, where industrial architecture and changing exhibitions illuminate 10,000 years of North Zealand history.
Housed in Hillerød’s former 1909 power station, Elværket is a compact, atmospheric museum under Museum Nordsjælland, dedicated to archaeology, culture, and local history. In the lofty turbine hall, changing exhibitions bring 10,000 years of North Zealand stories to life, from prehistoric finds to everyday objects of the last century. The well‑preserved red‑brick neoclassical architecture adds industrial charm, while a small café corner and shop make it an easy, rewarding cultural stop near the town centre and Frederiksborg Castle.
A brief summary to Elværket Hillerød - Museum Nordsjælland
- Frederiksgade 11, Hillerød, 3400, DK
- +4572170240
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-4 pm
- Thursday 11 am-4 pm
- Friday 11 am-4 pm
- Saturday 11 am-4 pm
- Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan around 1–2 hours for Elværket itself and combine your visit with a stroll to Frederiksborg Castle or the nearby pedestrian streets for a full Hillerød day.
- Check current exhibitions in advance; Elværket hosts changing displays, so themes and highlight objects can vary significantly throughout the year.
- Bring older children or teens interested in history or archaeology; many displays use concrete objects and clear storytelling that work well for families.
- If you enjoy architecture, allow a moment to walk around the exterior and notice the neoclassical symmetry, brick details and white-framed windows.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and short walk from Copenhagen
From Copenhagen, take an S-train on Line A towards Hillerød; the journey typically takes 40–45 minutes and runs several times per hour during the day. A standard adult single ticket in the Greater Copenhagen zone system usually costs around 60–80 DKK, depending on ticket type. From Hillerød Station, allow about 10–15 minutes on foot along level pavements to reach the museum area. The route is step-free but can be busy at peak times.
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Regional bus within North Zealand
If you are staying elsewhere in North Zealand, regional buses connect towns such as Helsingør, Frederiksværk and Gilleleje with Hillerød in roughly 30–60 minutes, depending on the route. A single adult bus ticket within the region commonly costs about 30–60 DKK. Buses generally stop near Hillerød Station or central streets, from where you can walk 10–15 minutes on mostly flat sidewalks to Elværket. Services run more frequently on weekdays than late evenings and weekends.
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Car from the Hillerød region
Arriving by car from surrounding areas of North Zealand typically takes 15–35 minutes, for example from Helsingør or Frederikssund. There are public parking options in central Hillerød and around the shopping streets; some are time-limited or paid, with typical fees in the range of 10–20 DKK per hour in central zones. From many parking areas it is a 5–15 minute walk over even ground to the museum building.
Elværket Hillerød - Museum Nordsjælland location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Elværket Hillerød - Museum Nordsjælland
From Power Station to Cultural Showcase
Elværket sits just off Hillerød’s central streets in a striking red-brick building that once powered the town. Completed in 1909 by engineer J.P. Spangenberg, it supplied the “white light” of electricity that replaced kerosene lamps and gaslight in local homes and businesses. Inside, large turbines once dominated the main hall; today that same lofty space has been transformed into a flexible gallery where exhibitions unfold under high ceilings and tall, small-paned windows. The architecture is distinctly neoclassical, with a tight, symmetrical facade, white-framed windows and carefully preserved brickwork. This industrial shell frames the museum experience: you are always aware that you are walking through a piece of early-20th-century engineering heritage, repurposed for storytelling rather than machinery.Stories Spanning 10,000 Years
As part of Museum Nordsjælland, Elværket focuses on archaeology and cultural history from North Zealand. Exhibitions often reach far back in time, showcasing finds from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages: flint tools, ceremonial axes, weapons, jewellery and everyday utensils that connect the modern town to its prehistoric landscape. These objects are carefully curated to show how people lived, worked and believed in this region over thousands of years. More recent centuries are represented through items such as farm tools, domestic objects, documents and photographs. Together they trace the transformation from rural communities and small market town to modern urban centre, linking Hillerød’s past as a power-hungry industrial town with its present as a hub of culture, shopping and education.Changing Exhibitions and Themed Displays
Elværket does not operate as a static collection; instead, it hosts changing special exhibitions that highlight particular themes, objects or personalities from North Zealand. One major exhibition concept explores “all-time North Zealanders,” using selected artefacts to tell the stories of notable local figures alongside everyday residents. Archaeologists and historians collaborate on these displays, often bringing rarely seen items out of storage. The turbine hall’s high, flexible space allows for varied scenography: intimate showcases of jewellery or weaponry, atmospheric lighting around skeletal remains, or larger installations that combine sound, film and objects. Because exhibitions rotate, repeat visits can feel quite different, making Elværket a small but evolving window into the region’s heritage.A Compact Museum Experience
The museum is relatively small and easy to navigate. A visit typically fits comfortably into an hour or two, making it ideal to combine with a walk through Hillerød’s pedestrian streets or a tour of nearby Frederiksborg Castle. Information is presented in an accessible way, with clear panels and layouts suited to adults and school-age children alike. There is a modest café offer, where you can buy a coffee or an ice cream and pause between sections, as well as a small museum shop selling books, postcards and a few local treats. Seating areas are scattered through the hall, allowing time to sit and absorb the exhibits or simply enjoy the feel of the old industrial interior.Industrial Ambience in the Heart of Hillerød
One of Elværket’s key charms is its atmosphere. The combination of red-brick walls, steel details and tall windows creates a light-filled industrial interior that contrasts with the delicate artefacts in glass cases. On a bright day, sunlight casts patterns across the floor and displays; in darker months, the lighting design adjusts to make the space warm and inviting. Although just a short walk from busy shopping streets, the museum feels calm and slightly tucked away, a place to slow down and focus on objects and stories. It is well suited to travelers interested in context: Elværket helps explain the deeper history that underpins a visit to Hillerød, from ancient settlements around the lakes to the rise of electricity and modern life in North Zealand.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Skänk øl, vin & madbar Hillerød
0.2 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.
Old town hall
0.3 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.
Hillerød Rectory
0.4 km
Discover the Befrielsessten in Høgsholt, Vejle—a serene memorial park honoring Denmark's journey to freedom amidst lush landscapes.
Hillerød St.
0.7 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
7.7 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
8.4 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.
Hørsholm Slotshave
13.9 km
A baroque garden where Scandinavia's lost palace still echoes through ancient linden trees.
Auderødlejren
14.9 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
16.6 km
Denmark's deepest lake offers pristine waters, historic heritage, and year-round outdoor adventures just 20 km from Copenhagen.
Henriksholm
17.8 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
19.2 km
Discover Denmark's enchanting Tisvilde Hegn: A coastal forest where history whispers through ancient pines and scenic trails lead to breathtaking Kattegat views.
Open Air Museum
19.3 km
Discover Denmark's rural past at the Open Air Museum in Kongens Lyngby: explore original buildings, meet historical reenactors, and experience life from 1650-1940 in this immersive living history museum.
Danish Museum of Science and Technology
19.5 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.
Klopstocks eg
19.6 km
An 850-year-old oak standing sentinel over Danish history and nature.
Unmissable attractions to see
Slotsgade
0.2 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.
Genforeningssten i Hillerød
0.3 km
Experience intimate encounters with rescued animals in the serene Japanese gardens of Monkey World Hillerød.
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.
Posen
0.4 km
A small, leafy pause between Hillerød’s bustling Slotsgade and the storybook views of Frederiksborg Castle and its lake.
Hillerød Church
0.5 km
A light-filled modern parish church in the heart of Hillerød, carrying centuries of local worship history in a calm, contemporary Danish setting.
Gavlkunst
0.6 km
A string of vivid murals along Helsingørsgade that turns central Hillerød into a small, free open‑air gallery of local stories and color.
Royal Stage
0.7 km
North Zealand's premier multi-purpose arena hosting concerts, sports, and cultural events for up to 2,000 guests.
Frederiksborg Castle Chapel
0.8 km
Experience LEGO magic at LEGOLAND Hotel & Conference in Billund, offering themed rooms and top-tier conference facilities.
Frederiksborg Castle
0.8 km
Denmark's Renaissance jewel on three islands, where royal grandeur meets national heritage in gardens of baroque precision and romantic beauty.
The Museum of National History
0.8 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.
Hillerød City Museum & Graphic Museum
0.8 km
Step behind Frederiksborg Castle into an intimate town museum where historic shops, crafts and letterpress printing bring everyday Hillerød vividly back to life.
Batzke's Hill
0.9 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
1.2 km
Sweeping Baroque terraces and romantic woodland paths framing a lake island castle, Frederiksborg Castle Gardens blend royal theatre with everyday green escape.
Island of imagination
1.4 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
1.7 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
Frederiksborgcentret's Restauranter ApS
0.1 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Frederiksborgcentret's Restauranter ApS in Hillerød.
Saltos Køkken
0.1 km
Bright, family-first café in Hillerød offering simple, wholesome food, baby-friendly facilities and a relaxed daytime refuge for parents with little ones.
Café Kaiser
0.1 km
Relaxed all‑day Danish café inside Hillerød’s Slotsarkaderne, serving hearty brunch, smørrebrød, burgers and drinks in a warm, mall‑side setting.
Restaurant Teddy /by Bjørn
0.1 km
High class, low key: an intimate Hillerød dining room where a local chef turns seasonal Nordic ingredients into refined, social-sharing menus and relaxed gourmet evenings.
Sushi Mura
0.1 km
Handcrafted Japanese sushi with fresh seafood and creative flair in modern Hillerød.
ōlelo
0.2 km
Bright, modern poké bar in historic Hillerød serving fresh, build-your-own bowls, sandwiches and juices just steps from Frederiksborg Castle and the old town.
Halifax Burgers Hillerød
0.2 km
Casual Danish burger bar on Hillerød’s main square, pairing customizable burgers and vegan options with taphouse coziness and views toward Frederiksborg Castle.
Torvet's Pizza & Kebab
0.2 km
Busy pizzeria and kebab grill on Hillerød’s main square, serving generous, inexpensive comfort food to locals and castle‑goers from lunch through late evening.
Torvets Café og Vinbar
0.2 km
Cosy wine bar and tapas café on Hillerød’s main square, pairing a deep wine list with castle views, candlelight and a quietly sophisticated sense of Danish hygge.
Gonzales Cantina
0.2 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.
Cafe Vivaldi, Hillerød
0.3 km
Relaxed all‑day café on Hillerød’s main square, serving hearty brunches, burgers and coffee with views onto Torvet’s everyday bustle and historic surroundings.
Samurai sushi
0.3 km
Contemporary sushi excellence in the heart of Hillerød's central square.
Nyu Sakura Hillerod
0.3 km
Authentic running sushi and Japanese cuisine in Hillerød's vibrant town center.
Indian Spice
0.3 km
Cozy Indian restaurant on Hillerød’s main square, serving classic curries, tandoori dishes and vegetarian options in a warm, homely atmosphere.
Café KiK
0.3 km
Lakeside brasserie with castle views, perfect for brunch, lunch, or evening gatherings in central Hillerød.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
ONLY
0.1 km
Scandi high-street fashion and denim-focused style for women, conveniently located inside Hillerød’s Slotsarkaderne shopping centre.
Rituals
0.1 km
Luxury beauty rituals and wellness products in Hillerød's premier shopping destination.
JACK & JONES
0.1 km
Easygoing menswear and denim inside Hillerød’s main shopping centre, combining Scandinavian style, everyday essentials and smart-casual looks under one roof.
Glitter
0.1 km
Bright, trend-focused jewelry and accessories shop in Hillerød’s SlotsArkaderne mall, ideal for quick gifts, style updates and affordable everyday sparkle.
SlotsArkaderne
0.1 km
North Zealand's premier shopping destination where modern retail meets royal heritage in the heart of historic Hillerød.
Pilgrim Hillerød Slotsarkaderne
0.1 km
Handcrafted Danish jewellery celebrating personal style, quality, and Scandinavian design.
VERO MODA
0.1 km
Central Hillerød fashion stop in SlotsArkaderne, offering accessible Scandinavian women’s style, seasonal collections and easy indoor browsing in a modern mall setting.
NORMAL
0.1 km
A compact, budget-friendly beauty and household store inside Hillerød’s main mall, perfect for quick essentials, quirky finds and travel-sized Danish everyday goods.
Karmen & Kamelia
0.1 km
A bright, modern jewelry and accessories boutique in Hillerød’s SlotsArkaderne mall, offering handpicked Scandinavian sparkle and easy gift ideas steps from city life.
Designersmarket
0.2 km
A stylish women’s fashion boutique inside Hillerød’s SlotsArkaderne, blending Scandinavian-inspired looks, wardrobe staples and accessories in a relaxed mall setting.
NEW YORKER
0.2 km
Contemporary fashion trends and accessible style in Hillerød's shopping heart.
Søstrene Grene
0.2 km
Cozy Danish design universe in central Hillerød, filled with affordable Nordic home décor, crafts, toys and stationery in a warm, maze-like interior.
Tøjeksperten
0.2 km
Straightforward men’s style in Hillerød’s main mall, offering wearable brands, practical basics and smarter looks in a compact, weatherproof setting.
JeansStore
0.2 km
Denmark's premier denim specialist offering authentic Lee and Wrangler collections with expert guidance.
Rodes
0.2 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Old Irish Pub
0.2 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
0.3 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
0.3 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.
Møllen
0.3 km
A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.
Jernstangen
0.7 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
16.2 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
19.8 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
12`er Pubben
21.8 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
21.8 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
Head/Foam
22.4 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.
Helsingør Musikteater
22.6 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Banana joe
22.8 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
22.8 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
22.8 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Strandborg
22.8 km
Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.
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
18.5 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
19.1 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
22.4 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Retro
22.8 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
29.2 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
SIGURD CPH
29.6 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
30.5 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
RUST Natklub
30.9 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
31.0 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Haven - Events
31.6 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
31.8 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
Culture Box
32.2 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mirage
32.2 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
32.2 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
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
