Frederiksborg Castle, Hillerød
Island palace, national museum, and baroque gardens in one unforgettable lakeside castle just north of Copenhagen.
Rising from a mirror-still lake in Hillerød, Frederiksborg Castle is Denmark’s great Renaissance showpiece and home to the Museum of National History. Spread across three small islands, the red-brick palace dazzles with lavish halls, gilded ceilings, and a remarkable chapel that survived a devastating 19th-century fire. Beyond the interiors, formal Baroque terraces and romantic landscape gardens offer wide vistas, quiet corners, and some of the most atmospheric castle views in Scandinavia.
A brief summary to Frederiksborg Castle
- Frederiksborg Slot 10, Hillerød, 3400, DK
- +4548260439
- Visit website
- Duration: 2.5 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Allow at least three hours to combine the castle interiors with a loop through both the Baroque terraces and the romantic landscape garden.
- Arrive close to opening time for quieter galleries and softer light on the lake for photography.
- Check current ticket prices and any temporary exhibition surcharges in advance, as these can change seasonally.
- Wear comfortable shoes: floors inside are hard and slightly uneven, and the gardens involve gentle slopes and gravel paths.
- In winter, bring an extra layer; interior rooms can feel cool, and garden walks are more enjoyable if you are warmly dressed.
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
-
Train from Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take S-train line A toward Hillerød; the journey typically takes about 35–40 minutes. Trains usually run several times per hour during the day, with slightly reduced frequency in late evenings and on weekends. A standard adult single ticket covering the Copenhagen–Hillerød zones is generally around 50–75 DKK, while a 24-hour all-zones ticket costs in the region of 130 DKK. From Hillerød Station it is roughly a 15–20 minute walk on mostly level pavements to the castle, suitable for most visitors with basic mobility.
-
Regional bus within North Zealand
If you are already in North Zealand, local buses connect nearby towns such as Helsingør or Frederiksværk to Hillerød in about 30–50 minutes, depending on route and traffic. A regional bus ticket for these distances usually falls between 30 and 60 DKK for adults. Services are fairly regular during daytime but can be less frequent in the evenings and on Sundays, so checking the timetable before travel is important. Most buses stop within walking distance of the castle, on urban streets with standard kerbs and crossings.
-
Self-drive car from Copenhagen
Driving from central Copenhagen to Hillerød typically takes 35–45 minutes via major roads, though rush-hour traffic can extend this. There are both paid and free parking areas around the castle and gardens; expect typical Danish parking fees in paid zones to range roughly from 10 to 25 DKK per hour. Surfaces in nearby car parks are generally paved or compacted gravel, with short walks on gentle inclines to reach the main entrances. Be prepared for limited availability on sunny weekends and public holidays.
Frederiksborg Castle location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Frederiksborg Castle
A Renaissance palace on an islanded lake
Frederiksborg Castle dominates the town of Hillerød like something out of a historical epic, its copper spires and red sandstone walls rising directly from the waters of Castle Lake. Built mainly under King Christian IV in the early 1600s, it was conceived as a spectacular statement of royal power, wealth, and taste. Approaching across the causeway, you pass through ornate gatehouses into cobbled courtyards framed by richly decorated façades. The ensemble sits on three interconnected islands, an ingenious layout that allowed the royal residence, ceremonial spaces, and service quarters to be separated while still feeling like a single, harmonious palace. Reflections of turrets and gables dance in the water, giving every angle a picture-book quality, especially in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon.Fire, restoration, and national memory
In 1859, a catastrophic fire tore through much of the castle’s interior, destroying entire suites of rooms and precious furnishings. The shell that remained might easily have become a romantic ruin, but industrialist J. C. Jacobsen, founder of Carlsberg, financed an ambitious reconstruction. The work restored Frederiksborg not just as a royal palace but as a monument to Danish history itself. Today the castle houses the Museum of National History, with an extensive collection of paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts that trace Denmark’s story from the late Middle Ages to the present. Portraits of monarchs, nobles, reformers, and cultural figures line the galleries, turning a wander through grand rooms into a visual timeline of the nation’s changing face and fashions.Sumptuous halls and a unique chapel
Inside, Frederiksborg’s rooms are a feast of carved wood, gilded stucco, and painted ceilings. The Great Hall, with its crystal chandeliers, elaborate tapestries, and long vistas of parquet floor, was designed for court festivities and still feels made for spectacle. Smaller chambers showcase period furniture, intricate tile stoves, and details that hint at everyday life within the palace. The jewel of the complex is the castle chapel, remarkably spared by the 1859 fire. Its tiered galleries, richly painted decorations, and royal coats of arms create a dense tapestry of symbolism and craftsmanship. The chapel has served for royal anointings and remains one of the most atmospheric sacred interiors in Denmark, where the interplay of dim light and gleaming ornament leaves a lasting impression.Baroque geometry and romantic greenery
Spreading out behind the castle, the gardens extend the theatricality of the architecture into the landscape. The formal Baroque garden, laid out in the 1720s and later recreated, cascades down in four terraces towards the lake. Here, clipped hedges, shaped trees, and royal monograms inscribed in greenery express a carefully controlled vision of nature. Beyond the parterres, the mood softens into a romantic landscape garden. Winding paths lead through groves and along streams, with framed views back to the palace towers and the small Bathhouse Castle tucked into the greenery. In fine weather, lawns become informal picnic spots, and even on cooler days the gardens offer long, contemplative walks with ever-changing perspectives on the water and architecture.A day-long encounter with Danish history
A visit to Frederiksborg can easily fill several hours as you balance time between the richly layered interiors and the open-air spaces. Temporary exhibitions add contemporary angles to the historical collections, while quiet corners of the museum invite closer study of individual portraits and artifacts. Seasonal light transforms the experience: bright summer days draw people out into the gardens, while winter casts dramatic shadows through tall windows and across the frozen lake. Between the sense of royal grandeur, the depth of the historical collections, and the sheer beauty of the setting, Frederiksborg Castle offers one of the most complete introductions to Denmark’s past and present in a single, walkable site.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Old town hall
0.6 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
0.7 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.
Hillerød Rectory
0.7 km
Discover the Befrielsessten in Høgsholt, Vejle—a serene memorial park honoring Denmark's journey to freedom amidst lush landscapes.
Hillerød St.
1.0 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
6.9 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
7.8 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
14.1 km
A baroque garden where Scandinavia's lost palace still echoes through ancient linden trees.
Auderødlejren
14.7 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
17.2 km
Denmark's deepest lake offers pristine waters, historic heritage, and year-round outdoor adventures just 20 km from Copenhagen.
Henriksholm
18.1 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
18.9 km
Discover Denmark's enchanting Tisvilde Hegn: A coastal forest where history whispers through ancient pines and scenic trails lead to breathtaking Kattegat views.
Danish Museum of Science and Technology
19.0 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.
Heather Hill (Rågelejevej), Vejby
19.8 km
Discover Heather Hill in Vejby: A unique Danish landscape with heather-clad hills, stunning coastal views, and rich history, perfect for hiking and nature exploration.
Vejby Strand
19.8 km
Discover Vejby Strand: A picturesque Danish coastal escape with dramatic cliffs, serene beaches, and a wealth of natural and historical attractions in North Zealand.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Museum of National History
0.0 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 Chapel
0.0 km
Experience LEGO magic at LEGOLAND Hotel & Conference in Billund, offering themed rooms and top-tier conference facilities.
Posen
0.3 km
A small, leafy pause between Hillerød’s bustling Slotsgade and the storybook views of Frederiksborg Castle and its lake.
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.
Batzke's Hill
0.4 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
0.5 km
Sweeping Baroque terraces and romantic woodland paths framing a lake island castle, Frederiksborg Castle Gardens blend royal theatre with everyday green escape.
Hillerød City Museum & Graphic Museum
0.5 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
0.5 km
A string of vivid murals along Helsingørsgade that turns central Hillerød into a small, free open‑air gallery of local stories and color.
Slotsgade
0.6 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.
Hillerød Church
0.7 km
A light-filled modern parish church in the heart of Hillerød, carrying centuries of local worship history in a calm, contemporary Danish setting.
Genforeningssten i Hillerød
0.7 km
Experience intimate encounters with rescued animals in the serene Japanese gardens of Monkey World Hillerød.
Elværket Hillerød - Museum Nordsjælland
0.8 km
A beautifully preserved 1909 power station turned museum, where industrial architecture and changing exhibitions illuminate 10,000 years of North Zealand history.
Royal Stage
1.5 km
North Zealand's premier multi-purpose arena hosting concerts, sports, and cultural events for up to 2,000 guests.
Island of imagination
1.8 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
2.4 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
Rabarbergaarden Slottet
0.1 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.
Royal Taste
0.3 km
Generous sushi ad libitum and colourful Asian plates in a relaxed, modern setting on Hillerød’s historic Slotsgade, ideal for cosy dinners and sociable feasts.
Restaurant Royal Style
0.3 km
Casual Asian comfort food with dim sum, bao and ramen just steps from Frederiksborg Castle in the heart of Hillerød’s historic Slotsgade.
Ninos Pizza
0.3 km
Casual pizzeria serving Italian, Mexican, and American fare in central Hillerød with friendly service and extended hours.
Rib House
0.3 km
Hearty ribs and steaks in a relaxed, family-friendly steakhouse just steps from Frederiksborg Castle on historic Slotsgade in central Hillerød.
Roberto's 51
0.4 km
Straightforward pizzas and burgers on Hillerød’s main street, serving solid comfort food from lunchtime until late on weekend nights.
Jensens Bøfhus
0.4 km
Casual Danish steakhouse on Hillerød’s main street, offering family-friendly comfort food and easy castle-side convenience from lunchtime through evening.
Big Mamma Gastronomia
0.4 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.
Café Valentin
0.4 km
All‑day Danish café on Hillerød’s main street, blending generous brunches, comfort food and cocktails with a lively terrace near Frederiksborg Castle.
Patats Kebab & Grill
0.5 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.
Gonzales Cantina
0.5 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.
Unkai
0.5 km
All-you-can-eat, made-to-order sushi and Japanese bites in a modern, laid-back setting on Hillerød’s central Helsingørsgade.
Piccola Italia Pizzaria 3400
0.5 km
Busy neighborhood pizzeria in central Hillerød serving hearty pizzas, pastas and quick takeaway just a short stroll from Frederiksborg Castle and the lake.
Montalbano
0.5 km
Authentic Sicilian pizzeria run by an Italian family in the heart of Hillerød.
Tô Tô Kitchen
0.6 km
Cozy Vietnamese flavors and casual evening dining on Østergade, bringing fresh herbs, noodles and warm atmosphere to the heart of Hillerød.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
0.3 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
0.4 km
Curated vintage and retro treasures near Frederiksborg Castle since 1996.
Boutique Munck
0.5 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Hillerød, blending curated Nordic fashion, warm styling advice and a relaxed, local neighborhood feel.
HL Mode Hillerød
0.5 km
Neighbourhood-style women’s fashion and lingerie on historic Slotsgade, offering Scandinavian everyday elegance a short stroll from Hillerød’s castle and lake.
Holm Hillerød
0.5 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
0.5 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.
Lumi Op Shop
0.5 km
Cosy Hillerød charity thrift store and café where vintage furniture, second-hand finds and lakeside castle views meet to support meaningful mission projects.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.5 km
Colorful Danish design on a budget, Flying Tiger Copenhagen in SlotsArkaderne Hillerød offers playful gifts, stationery and homeware in a bright, easygoing mall setting.
Men's Shop
0.6 km
A straightforward menswear stop inside Hillerød’s SlotsArkaderne mall, ideal for quick wardrobe updates during a castle-side shopping day in North Zealand.
Idé nyt
0.6 km
Contemporary fashion boutique inside Hillerød’s covered Slotsarkaderne arcade, blending everyday Scandinavian style with a relaxed, browse-friendly atmosphere.
Jan Ehlers
0.6 km
Established family-run jeweler and watch specialist on Hillerød’s Slotsgade, blending modern boutique style with goldsmith craftsmanship and curated Danish design.
Shoppen
0.6 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.
Spejder Sport
0.6 km
Denmark's largest outdoor chain where expert staff and quality gear prepare you for every adventure.
Gine
0.6 km
A compact, Scandinavian-inspired womenswear boutique on historic Slotsgade, perfect for a relaxed browse between castle views, coffee stops and city-center strolls.
Søs Tre
0.6 km
A cosy women’s fashion boutique on Hillerød’s historic Slotsgade, blending Scandinavian style, curated clothing and accessories with a relaxed, personal atmosphere.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Møllen
0.5 km
A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.
The Old Irish Pub
0.6 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
0.7 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
0.7 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.
Jernstangen
1.0 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
16.3 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
19.3 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
12`er Pubben
21.3 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
21.3 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
Head/Foam
22.0 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
22.2 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Banana joe
22.3 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
22.3 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
22.3 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Hold-An
22.3 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.
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
18.0 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
19.8 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
22.0 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Retro
22.3 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
29.8 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
SIGURD CPH
30.2 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
31.1 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
RUST Natklub
31.5 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
31.6 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Haven - Events
32.2 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
32.4 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
Culture Box
32.8 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mirage
32.8 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
32.8 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
- Romantic
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
