Fredensborg Palace
Baroque lakeside palace and royal residence where grand avenues, tranquil gardens and a living monarchy meet in North Zealand’s serene countryside.
Set on the shore of Lake Esrum in North Zealand, Fredensborg Palace is one of Denmark’s most important royal residences and a textbook example of baroque palace planning. Built in the early 18th century for King Frederik IV and named in honor of peace after the Great Northern War, it serves today as the Danish Royal Family’s spring and autumn home. Visitors wander grand avenues, manicured terraces and forested paths in one of the country’s largest historic palace gardens, while summer tours reveal selected palace interiors and the normally private Reserved Garden.
A brief summary to Fredensborg Palace
- Slottet 1B, Fredensborg, 3480, DK
- +4533403187
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan your visit around July if you want to join a guided tour inside the palace and into the normally private Reserved Garden; tickets must be bought online in advance.
- Allow at least two hours for the gardens alone; the baroque avenues look impressive from the main axes, but the more romantic wooded sections reward slow exploration.
- Check in advance whether the royal family is in residence, as this affects how close you can get to the buildings and which areas are accessible.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and layers; the open avenues can feel windy, while wooded sections near Lake Esrum are cooler and shadier even in summer.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train from Copenhagen plus local walk
From central Copenhagen, take an S-train to Hillerød and change to a regional train towards Helsingør, getting off at Fredensborg Station; the journey typically takes 45–60 minutes in total. From the station, expect around a 20–25 minute walk on mostly level pavements through town to reach the palace area. Standard one-way adult fares are usually in the range of 60–90 DKK depending on ticket type and time of travel. Trains run frequently during the day, but evening and weekend services are slightly less frequent.
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Regional bus within North Zealand
If you are already in North Zealand, several regional buses connect nearby towns such as Hillerød or Helsingør with Fredensborg in roughly 20–35 minutes of travel time. Buses generally stop in central Fredensborg, from where you walk on even pavements for about 15–20 minutes to the palace. A single adult ticket on regional buses is commonly 25–40 DKK, and services run regularly in daytime with reduced frequency later in the evening and on Sundays.
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Car from Copenhagen region
Driving from the northern districts of Copenhagen to Fredensborg typically takes 35–50 minutes, depending on traffic. The route uses main roads suited to ordinary cars with no need for a 4x4. Parking areas are available close to the palace grounds, and overflow parking is signposted elsewhere in town during busy summer days. There is no entrance fee for the public palace gardens, but budget for fuel and any local parking charges that may be in the range of 10–20 DKK per hour where fees apply.
Fredensborg Palace location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Fredensborg Palace
A royal retreat born from peace
Fredensborg Palace rises above the eastern shore of Lake Esrum, its pale façades and copper-green dome hall marking one of the Danish monarchy’s most cherished residences. Conceived as a country seat for King Frederik IV in the early 18th century, the palace was inaugurated in 1722 as a pleasure retreat away from Copenhagen’s formal court life. Its very name, meaning “Peace Palace,” commemorates the treaty that ended the Great Northern War and symbolises the hope of a calmer era after years of conflict. What began as a relatively modest baroque pleasure house soon grew into a full royal residence. Over the next decades, leading architects of the day refined and expanded the complex, adding corner pavilions, raising roofs and reshaping interiors to reflect changing tastes. Yet the overall composition remains surprisingly cohesive, with the octagonal courtyard and central dome hall still defining the palace’s silhouette.Architecture around the octagonal heart
The layout of Fredensborg Palace centres on an octagonal courtyard, ringed by wings that once housed courtiers, staff and service functions. From the courtyard, the eye is drawn upward to the Italian-inspired Dome Hall, a soaring two-storey space that forms the ceremonial heart of the palace. Around it stretches a composition of baroque façades, balustrades and copper-clad roofs that balance formality with the intimacy of a country home. Scattered around the main block are distinctive outbuildings that hint at the rhythms of royal life. The palace chapel, with its tall spire and richly decorated gable, has witnessed royal weddings, christenings and confirmations. Nearby, the Chancellery House and former riding facilities speak to the days when ministers, courtiers and prized Frederiksborg horses filled the estate. Together they create a self-contained world where governance, devotion and everyday routines once unfolded side by side.Gardens where baroque lines meet romantic woodland
Beyond the stone and stucco, the palace garden unfolds as one of Denmark’s largest historic baroque landscapes. From the rear of the palace, straight avenues radiate like spokes in a fan, carving sightlines deep into the surrounding greenery. This grand geometry reflects French baroque ideals, inviting you to look along long, ruler-straight vistas that culminate in distant statues, tree walls or glimpses of Lake Esrum. Between these formal axes, the mood softens into more romantic parkland with curving paths and mixed woodland. Here, carefully framed views give way to pockets of quiet and shade, especially appealing on warm summer days. Scattered statues and ornamental features punctuate the landscape, turning a simple walk into a gentle lesson in garden design across centuries.Royal traditions and a living residence
Unlike many historic palaces that function solely as museums, Fredensborg remains a working royal residence. The royal family spends extended periods here in spring and autumn, and the palace often forms the backdrop for state visits, official dinners and private family celebrations. A charming tradition allows visiting heads of state to engrave their signatures into certain windowpanes, leaving behind a discreet record of diplomatic encounters. When the royal family is in residence, much of the inner complex is closed, and life inside follows modern schedules behind the historic façades. At other times, selected interiors open for guided tours, giving a rare glimpse of the dome hall, reception rooms and the private Reserved Garden with its orangery, kitchen beds and intimate flower borders shaped by generations of queens.Exploring the grounds as a visitor
For most of the year, the palace is best experienced from its extensive gardens, which are open to the public even when the residence itself is closed. Paths lead you along terraces and down towards the lakeside, where the water and tree line form a tranquil backdrop to the more formal parterres closer to the buildings. Benches and open lawns create natural pauses for picnics, quiet reading or simply watching the light shift across the lake. In summer, timed guided tours in English and Danish typically offer access to both the palace and the Reserved Garden, transforming the visit into a more in-depth exploration. These tours are structured but relaxed, combining architectural detail, royal anecdotes and garden history. With a half day, you can comfortably combine a walk through the baroque avenues, a tour of the interiors and moments of unhurried contemplation by Lake Esrum.Setting within North Zealand’s royal landscape
Fredensborg Palace is part of a wider royal landscape in North Zealand, a region dotted with castles, forests and lakes historically tied to the Danish crown. The town of Fredensborg grew up in the palace’s orbit, its inn and streets originally serving guests and staff travelling to the royal court. Today, the palace grounds feel like a green hinge between town and countryside, with woodland and water stretching out behind the formal gardens. This setting is central to the experience: the distant call of waterbirds, the scent of clipped hedges and linden trees, and the wide sky above the avenues all reinforce the sense of a country seat rather than an urban monument. Whether you come for royal history, baroque design or a serene walk in landscaped nature, Fredensborg Palace offers a revealing window into Denmark’s living monarchy and its enduring connection to the surrounding landscape.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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Socialz
8.3 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
10.2 km
Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.
Rustik
14.4 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Retro
14.7 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.
Den Dansende Viking
27.1 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
32.5 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
SIGURD CPH
32.6 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
34.0 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
RUST Natklub
34.0 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
34.1 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Moon Club
35.0 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
Culture Box
35.0 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Haven - Events
35.1 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Mirage
35.2 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
35.2 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
- Tranquil
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
