Fantasiens Ø – Island of Imagination

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.

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Island of imagination

Tucked away on a small island in Breddam Lake in Hillerød’s Præstevang forest, the Island of Imagination is a romantic royal hideaway turned atmospheric ruin. Once King Frederik VII’s secret retreat, this tiny English‑style garden pavilion is now reduced to a single granite gable, mossy stones and story‑laden traces scattered among all the native Danish trees. It is a quiet woodland escape where history, landscape design and Nordic myth blend into a place that asks you to supply the missing palace with your own imagination.

A brief summary to Island of imagination

I, Præstevang, Hillerød, 3400, DK
+4548242626
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 3 out of 5

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Wear sturdy shoes; paths in Præstevang forest and around the island can be uneven, muddy and slippery after rain or in autumn leaf fall.
Bring a light jacket or extra layer, as the lakeside location often feels cooler and breezier than the surrounding town, even in summer.
Allow time to explore the wider Store Dyrehave forest and combine the island visit with one of the marked hiking loops for a longer outing.
If you enjoy stories, read a short background on Frederik VII and Countess Danner before you go; it makes the remaining stones far more evocative.
Carry water and perhaps a snack, as there are no facilities on the island itself and limited services inside the forest.

Getting There

Regional train and local bus from central Copenhagen

From Copenhagen’s central area, take a regional train toward Hillerød; the journey typically takes around 40–45 minutes and runs several times per hour during the day. From Hillerød Station, you can transfer to a local bus heading toward the Præstevang or Store Dyrehave area, adding roughly 10–20 minutes depending on route and waiting time. A combined one‑way ticket for train and bus within the Greater Copenhagen public transport zones usually costs in the range of 70–110 DKK, depending on ticket type and current tariffs. Services operate year‑round, but late evening and weekend frequencies can be lower, so check the timetable in advance.
Walk from Hillerød town centre

From central Hillerød, you can reach the Præstevang forest and Breddam Lake area on foot in roughly 25–40 minutes, depending on your starting point and pace. The walk is mostly on pavements and established paths, then continues on forest trails that can be uneven, muddy and root‑strewn in wet weather. This option is free and available year‑round, but it is not ideal for visitors with limited mobility or for prams when the ground is very soft or icy.
Car or taxi within North Zealand

Travelling by car from elsewhere in North Zealand, such as Helsingør or smaller surrounding towns, typically takes 20–40 minutes to reach the Hillerød area, depending on traffic. Taxi journeys of similar length usually cost in the region of 250–500 DKK one way, varying with distance and time of day. Parking is generally available near forest access points around Store Dyrehave and Præstevang, but spaces can be more limited on fine weekends and public holidays, and you may need to walk on forest paths from the car to reach the lake and island.

Island of imagination location weather suitability

Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Any Weather
Cold Weather

Discover more about Island of imagination

A royal refuge hidden in the forest

King Frederik VII once slipped away from court life at nearby Frederiksborg Castle to seek peace on this secluded island in Breddam Lake, deep in the Præstevang forest. Here, away from rigid etiquette, he could relax, fish and spend time with Countess Danner under far more informal conditions. To ensure privacy, the island was separated from the mainland by a dug canal, turning what had been a peninsula into a true retreat. Even today, the sense of withdrawal from the outside world is strong as you approach through the trees and catch your first glimpse of the water. The island sits in the northern part of Store Dyrehave, the former royal hunting forest, so the idea of escape is woven into the landscape itself. Deer once roamed these woods for royal sport; now walkers, families and history‑minded explorers inherit the paths instead. The combination of royal backstory and simple woodland quiet is what gives the Island of Imagination its particular atmosphere.

A vanished light palace of stone and glass

In 1859 the king built a small "light palace" here, designed in the romantic English garden style. It was constructed in rough granite boulders, softened by elegant arched windows that let the forest and lake views pour inside. The building measured only about 7.5 by 10 metres, with a generous hall or dining room and a two‑storey annexe containing a kitchen and four compact bedrooms. It was never meant to impress in scale; instead, it was an intimate stage for leisurely evenings by the water. Time, however, has not been kind to this refuge. The annexe was demolished in 1905, and the decaying main building was removed in the 1960s. Today a single granite gable with pointed window arches survives, rising like a fragment of a fairy‑tale castle door. Standing in front of it, you are invited to reconstruct the missing walls, windows and rooms in your mind, guided only by the shape of the stone and the gentle slope of the ground where the rest of the palace once stood.

Ceilings of stars and playful illusions

Although little of the structure remains, descriptions of the interior make the island’s nickname easy to understand. In the main hall, the ceiling beams were decorated with oyster shells and glass bottles arranged in careful patterns. When the light from three oak chandeliers caught the glass, the ceiling shimmered like a starry night sky. Guests would dine or talk beneath this man‑made firmament while the lake lay dark outside the windows, a clever piece of theatrical design in an otherwise rustic setting. Frederik VII also enjoyed weaving myths into his surroundings. Close to the ruin you can see the remains of a stone mound intended to evoke ancient Nordic burial hills and sagas. In reality, it hid the island’s toilet. Nearby lies a large bowl‑shaped stone the king claimed came from the medieval Ebelholt Monastery as an old baptismal font, although it was in fact a water trough for horses. Such touches reveal a monarch who delighted in blurring fact and story, turning the island into a playful stage set of history.

A living catalogue of Danish trees

The landscape design on Fantasiens Ø was planned with as much care as the building itself. All native Danish tree species were represented on or around the island, creating a kind of living botanical collection in miniature. Walking the narrow paths, you pass changing bark textures and leaf shapes, from dark conifers to light‑filtered deciduous canopies that shift with the seasons. In spring, fresh green leaves frame the ruins delicately; in autumn, fallen colours gather at the base of the old stones. Because the island sits within a larger forest and beside still water, it offers a rich sense of place despite its modest size. Birdsong carries easily across the lake, and the reflections of trunks and branches on the surface double the scenery. The stone fragments of the palace, the mound and scattered boulders feel woven into this natural fabric rather than imposed upon it, so that the human story and the woodland setting are inseparable.

Slow exploration with room for reflection

The Island of Imagination is not a spectacle to race through but a small space to linger. Visitors typically wander the short trails, circle the ruin, and pause to examine the carved monogram stone, the bowl‑shaped trough and the camouflaged mound. Children often enjoy seeking out these details like clues in a story, while adults tend to savour the solitude and the feeling of standing inside a half‑remembered fairy tale. Benches and natural sitting spots along the shore make it easy to stop and watch the lake. On calm days, the water can be mirror‑smooth, amplifying the mood of stillness; in wind, ripples and rustling leaves give the site a more dramatic tone. Whatever the weather, the island invites unhurried exploration, encouraging you to imagine the flicker of chandeliers, the murmur of royal conversation and the stars once conjured from glass and shell above the king’s hidden retreat.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Hillerød St.

0.8 km

North Zealand's essential transport hub connecting Copenhagen, regional destinations, and Frederiksborg Castle.

Hillerød Rectory

1.2 km

Discover the Befrielsessten in Høgsholt, Vejle—a serene memorial park honoring Denmark's journey to freedom amidst lush landscapes.

Old town hall

1.3 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.

Skänk øl, vin & madbar Hillerød

1.3 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

2.5 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.

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.

Kulsvierstenen

7.9 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.

Hørsholm Slotshave

12.5 km

A baroque garden where Scandinavia's lost palace still echoes through ancient linden trees.

Furesø

15.5 km

Denmark's deepest lake offers pristine waters, historic heritage, and year-round outdoor adventures just 20 km from Copenhagen.

Auderødlejren

16.3 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.

Henriksholm

16.4 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.

Søborg Slotsruin

18.6 km

Medieval fortress ruins reflected in a restored lake, where Danish history meets nature restoration.

The Open Air Museum

18.6 km

Discover Denmark's captivating rural history at the Open Air Museum in Kongens Lyngby, where authentic buildings, traditional crafts, and engaging exhibits transport you to centuries past.

Danish Museum of Science and Technology

18.6 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.

Stendysser

18.9 km

Bronze Age burial chambers hidden within ancient forest, connecting modern visitors to Denmark's prehistoric past.

Unmissable attractions to see

Lille Hestehave

1.0 km

A small, low-key forest on Hillerød’s edge, Lille Hestehave offers quiet trails, damp woodland and a glimpse of North Zealand’s wilder side away from the castle crowds.

Hillerød Church

1.1 km

A light-filled modern parish church in the heart of Hillerød, carrying centuries of local worship history in a calm, contemporary Danish setting.

Genforeningssten i Hillerød

1.2 km

Experience intimate encounters with rescued animals in the serene Japanese gardens of Monkey World Hillerød.

Gavlkunst

1.3 km

A string of vivid murals along Helsingørsgade that turns central Hillerød into a small, free open‑air gallery of local stories and color.

Parforcejagtlandskabet i Store Dyrehave UNESCO World Heritage

1.3 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.

Parforcejagtlandskabet i Store Dyrehave UNESCO World Heritage

AdventurePark

1.3 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.

Royal Stage

1.4 km

North Zealand's premier multi-purpose arena hosting concerts, sports, and cultural events for up to 2,000 guests.

Hillerød City Museum & Graphic Museum

1.4 km

Step behind Frederiksborg Castle into an intimate town museum where historic shops, crafts and letterpress printing bring everyday Hillerød vividly back to life.

Slotsgade

1.4 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.

Elværket Hillerød - Museum Nordsjælland

1.4 km

A beautifully preserved 1909 power station turned museum, where industrial architecture and changing exhibitions illuminate 10,000 years of North Zealand history.

Batzke's Hill

1.5 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.

Posen

1.6 km

A small, leafy pause between Hillerød’s bustling Slotsgade and the storybook views of Frederiksborg Castle and its lake.

Fisketorvet

1.7 km

Experience the vibrant heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where history, shopping, and culture converge in North Zealand's premier market square.

Frederiksborg Castle

1.8 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

1.8 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.

Contemporary sushi excellence in the heart of Hillerød's central square.

Contemporary fashion boutique inside Hillerød’s covered Slotsarkaderne arcade, blending everyday Scandinavian style with a relaxed, browse-friendly atmosphere.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Jernstangen

0.8 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

1.2 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

1.3 km

Intimate tiki-style lounge bar off Hillerød’s central square, blending cocktails, small-stage events and private parties in a cozy tropical hideaway.

The Old Irish Pub

1.4 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

1.6 km

A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.

Oddies Beach Bar

14.7 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

18.9 km

Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.

12`er Pubben

21.0 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

21.0 km

Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.

Head/Foam

21.6 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

21.8 km

Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.

Banana joe

21.9 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.

Strandborg

21.9 km

Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.

Axelhus Udeservering

21.9 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

22.0 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

1.7 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

17.8 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

21.6 km

Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.

Retro

21.9 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

28.1 km

Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.

SIGURD CPH

28.5 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

29.4 km

Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.

RUST Natklub

29.8 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

29.9 km

Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.

Haven - Events

30.5 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

30.7 km

Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.

Culture Box

31.1 km

Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.

Mirage

31.1 km

Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.

Arch

31.1 km

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Fantasiens Ø – Island of Imagination

A brief summary to Island of imagination

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Regional train and local bus from central Copenhagen

Walk from Hillerød town centre

Car or taxi within North Zealand

Island of imagination location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Island of imagination

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Island of imagination

A royal refuge hidden in the forest

A vanished light palace of stone and glass

Ceilings of stars and playful illusions

A living catalogue of Danish trees

Slow exploration with room for reflection

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Hillerød St.

Hillerød Rectory

Old town hall

Skänk øl, vin & madbar Hillerød

Kirppu Hillerød

Country Market

Kulsvierstenen

Hørsholm Slotshave

Furesø

Auderødlejren

Henriksholm

Søborg Slotsruin

The Open Air Museum

Danish Museum of Science and Technology

Stendysser

Unmissable attractions to see

Lille Hestehave

Hillerød Church

Genforeningssten i Hillerød

Gavlkunst

Parforcejagtlandskabet i Store Dyrehave UNESCO World Heritage

AdventurePark

Royal Stage

Hillerød City Museum & Graphic Museum

Slotsgade

Elværket Hillerød - Museum Nordsjælland

Batzke's Hill

Posen

Fisketorvet

Frederiksborg Castle

The Museum of National History

Essential places to dine

Cafe Station Pizza Bar

You Sushi

Lpm Restauranter v/Lars Peter Mølvang

Hong Kong Bistro & Grill

Gourmet Sushi

Thai 4 You - Thai Restaurant og Take Away

Duero

Tô Tô Kitchen

Piccola Italia Pizzaria 3400

Patats Kebab & Grill

Unkai

Indian Spice

Chicken BROS

Montalbano

Samurai sushi

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Lumi Op Shop

Shoppen

Mothers' Aid Op Shop

Rodes

Vinbutikken

GEjSER ApS

Normal

NEW YORKER

JeansStore

Gine

Spejder Sport

Søstrene Grene