Kongestjernen in Store Dyrehave
Stand on the king’s stone at Kongestjernen, where eight forest avenues radiate out in a royal star and the quiet woods of Store Dyrehave reveal their world‑heritage geometry.
Kongestjernen is the geometric heart of Store Dyrehave, a former royal hunting forest just south of Hillerød in North Zealand. Here, eight long, straight avenues radiate from a central granite king’s stone, forming the core of the UNESCO-listed par force hunting landscape. Surrounded by tall beech and mixed woodland, this quiet forest crossroads offers a powerful sense of history, structured geometry in nature, and easy access to walking, running, cycling and family-friendly exploration routes.
A brief summary to Kongestjernen i Store Dyrehave
- Ottevej, Ny Hammersholt, 3400, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring a simple map of Store Dyrehave or download one in advance; the straight, similar-looking rides around Kongestjernen can feel disorienting over longer walks or runs.
- Wear sturdy shoes suitable for gravel and forest paths; the main rides are level, but side trails can be uneven and muddy after rain.
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for the most atmospheric light down the long forest corridors and a better chance of spotting deer.
- If you are with children, look for the family-oriented activity materials about the par force landscape to turn Kongestjernen into a playful learning stop.
- Respect forest rules: keep dogs on a lead in Store Dyrehave and stay on marked paths when signs indicate sensitive nature areas.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and walk from Hillerød
From Copenhagen, take an S-train on line E towards Hillerød; the journey usually takes 40–45 minutes and is covered by regular zone tickets or city passes. From Hillerød Station, allow about 20–30 minutes on foot to reach the northern edge of Store Dyrehave on mostly paved and gravel paths with gentle gradients. This option is suitable for most visitors, including families with strollers, but be prepared for a total walking time of up to an hour there and back.
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Regional bus and short walk
Several regional buses run between Hillerød and surrounding towns, with stops along Overdrevsvej and other roads adjacent to Store Dyrehave; travel times are typically 5–15 minutes from Hillerød depending on the route, with standard bus fares. From the nearest bus stops you should expect a 10–20 minute walk on forest roads to reach Kongestjernen. Check current timetables before you travel, as service frequency can vary in evenings and at weekends.
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Car access to forest parking areas
Arriving by car, you can use the free parking areas at the edges of Store Dyrehave, for example near Overdrevsvej, Isterødvejen or Københavnsvej. From these car parks it typically takes 20–35 minutes to walk along wide gravel rides to Kongestjernen. Driving on forest roads is not permitted without special permission, so plan to walk from the boundary and wear comfortable shoes; in wet weather some side tracks can be soft or puddled.
Kongestjernen i Store Dyrehave location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Kongestjernen i Store Dyrehave
The royal star at the heart of the forest
Kongestjernen is the exact centre of Store Dyrehave’s famous star-shaped road system, laid out for royal par force hunting in the 17th century. From the central granite king’s stone, eight long, straight avenues shoot out like rays, giving you an immediate sense of order and power imposed on the landscape. Standing here, it is easy to imagine a king watching the hunt unfold as riders and hounds raced along the straight lines of sight. The stone itself is modest in size but rich in symbolism. It marks the meeting point of the avenues and the focal spot from which the surrounding forest was surveyed and controlled. Today, you stand in the middle of what is recognised as part of a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape, yet the setting feels remarkably simple and natural.Par force hunting and a landscape of power
Store Dyrehave was once a royal hunting ground and horse stud, enclosed by a stone dike to keep deer and horses inside. Kongestjernen formed the hub of a sophisticated system designed for par force hunting, where a stag was pursued over long distances before the monarch delivered the final blow. The straight, intersecting rides made it possible to track the quarry and coordinate the hunt from this central point. The roads still bear simple number names – Etvej, Tovej and so on – reflecting their role as practical hunting infrastructure rather than decorative avenues. Over time, the surrounding woodland has grown denser, but the geometry remains striking when you look down each long, arrow-straight corridor cut through the trees.Forest atmosphere and changing seasons
Although Kongestjernen is a cultural construction, the experience today is very much about forest atmosphere. The broad gravel rides are framed by beech, oak and mixed woodland, with patches of mossy ground, clearings and glimpses of wetlands further out. In spring, fresh green leaves create luminous tunnels along the rides; in autumn, the star is wrapped in copper and gold foliage. You may hear woodpeckers tapping in old trunks, catch sight of roe or fallow deer crossing a ride in the distance, or notice dragonflies near nearby ponds and bogs. The width and openness of the rides let in plenty of light, while the edges quickly close into shaded, more intimate forest.Trails, routes and family adventures
Kongestjernen is a natural waypoint on several marked walking and running routes in Store Dyrehave. Yellow-marked hiking trails loop through the par force road network, while clearly signed exercise routes offer distances from short forest runs to half-marathon length. A themed children’s trail begins and ends near the star, using simple tasks and stories to bring the hunting history to life. Cyclists encounter the star when following regional cycle route 110 or local loops that connect Hillerød with the wider forest. The broad, mostly level gravel surfaces make this an easy place to explore with a stroller or on a relaxed family walk, though the distances between junctions can feel surprisingly long once you set off along a straight ride.Reading the landscape like a map
One of the quiet pleasures of visiting Kongestjernen is learning to read the forest as a diagram. Information boards placed at key entrances to Store Dyrehave help you understand how the radiating rides fit together, and once you stand at the star itself, the logic of the design becomes clear. Each avenue offers a perfectly straight perspective, inviting you to choose a direction almost as if you were following lines on a map. As you explore, you begin to notice other traces of human shaping in what first appears to be wild woodland: old boundary dikes, numbered stones still used as waymarkers, and carefully maintained clearings. Kongestjernen ties these elements together as a single, memorable point where geometry, royal ambition and everyday forest life meet.A quiet symbol of world heritage
Despite its grand history, Kongestjernen remains an understated place: just a stone, a crossing of rides and the soft sounds of the forest. There are no large buildings or grand monuments, only the enduring pattern of roads and the knowledge that this modest clearing once embodied royal power. That contrast between simplicity on the ground and global recognition as a world heritage landscape is part of its appeal. For many visitors, Kongestjernen becomes a mental anchor in Store Dyrehave: an easy reference point for longer walks or runs, a spot to pause, listen and look down the forest corridors before choosing a new line into the trees. It is both a historical symbol and a very practical landmark in one of North Zealand’s most characterful forests.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hillerød St.
3.4 km
North Zealand's essential transport hub connecting Copenhagen, regional destinations, and Frederiksborg Castle.
Hillerød Rectory
3.8 km
Discover the Befrielsessten in Høgsholt, Vejle—a serene memorial park honoring Denmark's journey to freedom amidst lush landscapes.
Old town hall
3.8 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
3.9 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
5.1 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.
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
9.3 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
9.9 km
A baroque garden where Scandinavia's lost palace still echoes through ancient linden trees.
Furesø
13.7 km
Denmark's deepest lake offers pristine waters, historic heritage, and year-round outdoor adventures just 20 km from Copenhagen.
Henriksholm
13.8 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.
Stendysser
17.1 km
Bronze Age burial chambers hidden within ancient forest, connecting modern visitors to Denmark's prehistoric past.
Lake Bagsværd
17.2 km
Discover Lake Bagsværd: A scenic Danish lake near Copenhagen offering boat tours, historic sites like Sophienholm manor, and outdoor activities amidst tranquil nature.
Bagsværd Kirke
17.6 km
A modest suburban shell concealing Jørn Utzon’s luminous “cloud” church, where Nordic minimalism, sculpted concrete and tranquil courtyards create a serene urban sanctuary.
Danish Museum of Science and Technology
17.6 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.
Lyngby Folkepark
17.8 km
Discover Lyngby Folkepark: A scenic lakeside escape offering tranquility and recreation in the heart of Lyngby-Taarbæk, perfect for picnics, walks, and enjoying nature's beauty.
Unmissable attractions to see
Store Dyrehave
0.0 km
Historic royal hunting forest turned accessible nature escape, where star-shaped rides, stone dykes and quiet trails reveal North Zealand’s UNESCO-listed landscape.
Parforcejagtlandskabet i Store Dyrehave UNESCO World Heritage
1.8 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.
Lille Hestehave
2.5 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.
Kongedyssen
2.5 km
Immerse yourself in Denmark’s most interactive monkey park on the outskirts of Hillerød, offering close encounters, family fun, and a focus on primate welfare.
Island of imagination
2.6 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
3.0 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.
Store Donse Dam
3.5 km
A tranquil forest-fringed lake in North Zealand where calm water, simple shelters and soft Danish light invite slow walks, campfires and quiet reflection.
Hillerød Church
3.7 km
A light-filled modern parish church in the heart of Hillerød, carrying centuries of local worship history in a calm, contemporary Danish setting.
Royal Stage
3.8 km
North Zealand's premier multi-purpose arena hosting concerts, sports, and cultural events for up to 2,000 guests.
Genforeningssten i Hillerød
3.8 km
Experience intimate encounters with rescued animals in the serene Japanese gardens of Monkey World Hillerød.
Gavlkunst
3.8 km
A string of vivid murals along Helsingørsgade that turns central Hillerød into a small, free open‑air gallery of local stories and color.
Hillerød City Museum & Graphic Museum
3.9 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
4.0 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.
Batzke's Hill
4.0 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.
Elværket Hillerød - Museum Nordsjælland
4.0 km
A beautifully preserved 1909 power station turned museum, where industrial architecture and changing exhibitions illuminate 10,000 years of North Zealand history.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Nysøgaard ApS
2.2 km
Homely Danish cooking in a farmhouse‑style setting on the edge of Hillerød, ideal for relaxed lunches and family meals after exploring Frederiksborg Castle.
Latini Hjørnet
2.9 km
Casual corner pizzeria and burgerhouse in suburban Hillerød, serving hearty pizzas, pastas and fast‑food favourites for easy eat‑in or takeaway meals.
Lpm Restauranter v/Lars Peter Mølvang
3.2 km
Contemporary Nordic dining in the heart of Hillerød, open daily for lunch and dinner.
Hong Kong Bistro & Grill
3.3 km
Unfussy Chinese‑Thai grill and wok spot in Hillerød serving hearty noodles, curries, steaks and spareribs in a simple, relaxed neighborhood setting.
Cafe Station Pizza Bar
3.4 km
Casual, station‑side pizza and café classics in the heart of Hillerød’s transport hub, ideal for quick bites, easy dinners and relaxed, no‑frills stopovers.
You Sushi
3.4 km
Casual Japanese-inspired sushi spot by Hillerød station, blending open-kitchen theatrics, ad libitum feasts and easy takeaway for locals and visitors alike.
Gourmet Sushi
3.7 km
Compact sushi specialist by Hillerød station, serving fresh rolls and generous gourmet platters with a relaxed, takeaway‑first vibe and a few informal seats.
Thai 4 You - Thai Restaurant og Take Away
3.8 km
Authentic Thai flavors prepared by professional chefs in central Hillerød.
Tô Tô Kitchen
3.8 km
Cozy Vietnamese flavors and casual evening dining on Østergade, bringing fresh herbs, noodles and warm atmosphere to the heart of Hillerød.
Patats Kebab & Grill
3.8 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
3.8 km
Busy neighborhood pizzeria in central Hillerød serving hearty pizzas, pastas and quick takeaway just a short stroll from Frederiksborg Castle and the lake.
Duero
3.8 km
Spanish-inspired tapas, grilled meats and Iberian wines in a warm, multi-level restaurant overlooking Hillerød’s central square, perfect for both dates and group gatherings.
Unkai
3.8 km
All-you-can-eat, made-to-order sushi and Japanese bites in a modern, laid-back setting on Hillerød’s central Helsingørsgade.
Chicken BROS
3.9 km
Crispy fried chicken burgers and quick bites in casual Hillerød comfort.
Montalbano
3.9 km
Authentic Sicilian pizzeria run by an Italian family in the heart of Hillerød.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Lumi Op Shop
3.9 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
3.9 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.
Mothers' Aid Op Shop
3.9 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.
Rodes
3.9 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.
Vinbutikken
3.9 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
4.0 km
Expert vape shop on Slotsgade offering quality e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and accessories for all experience levels.
Normal
4.0 km
Bright, budget-friendly high-street shop in the heart of Hillerød, ideal for topping up toiletries, snacks and quirky small finds between castle-town explorations.
NEW YORKER
4.0 km
Contemporary fashion trends and accessible style in Hillerød's shopping heart.
JeansStore
4.0 km
Denmark's premier denim specialist offering authentic Lee and Wrangler collections with expert guidance.
Gine
4.0 km
A compact, Scandinavian-inspired womenswear boutique on historic Slotsgade, perfect for a relaxed browse between castle views, coffee stops and city-center strolls.
Spejder Sport
4.1 km
Denmark's largest outdoor chain where expert staff and quality gear prepare you for every adventure.
Søstrene Grene
4.1 km
Cozy Danish design universe in central Hillerød, filled with affordable Nordic home décor, crafts, toys and stationery in a warm, maze-like interior.
Jan Ehlers
4.1 km
Established family-run jeweler and watch specialist on Hillerød’s Slotsgade, blending modern boutique style with goldsmith craftsmanship and curated Danish design.
Glitter
4.1 km
Bright, trend-focused jewelry and accessories shop in Hillerød’s SlotsArkaderne mall, ideal for quick gifts, style updates and affordable everyday sparkle.
ONLY
4.1 km
Scandi high-street fashion and denim-focused style for women, conveniently located inside Hillerød’s Slotsarkaderne shopping centre.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Jernstangen
3.4 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
3.8 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
3.8 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
4.0 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
4.2 km
A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.
Oddies Beach Bar
12.2 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
17.9 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
12`er Pubben
20.1 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
20.1 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
Head/Foam
20.5 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
20.7 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Banana joe
20.8 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.
Strandborg
20.8 km
Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.
Pitten Sport Bar
20.9 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Axelhus Udeservering
20.9 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Socialz
4.3 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
17.0 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
19.2 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
20.5 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Retro
20.8 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
26.0 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
SIGURD CPH
26.3 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
27.3 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
RUST Natklub
27.7 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
27.7 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Haven - Events
28.5 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
28.6 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
Culture Box
28.9 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mirage
28.9 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
28.9 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
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
- Locally Managed
- Protected Area
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Mindfulness
- Day Trip
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Myth & Legends
- Meditation Spot
- 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
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
