Store Dyrehave – The Great Royal Deer Forest

Historic royal hunting forest turned accessible nature escape, where star-shaped rides, stone dykes and quiet trails reveal North Zealand’s UNESCO-listed landscape.

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Store Dyrehave

Store Dyrehave, just south of Hillerød near Ny Hammersholt, is a historic royal hunting forest that today feels like wild, varied woodland threaded with wide rides and narrow trails. Part of a UNESCO-listed par force hunting landscape, it combines star-shaped avenues, old stone dykes and royal markers with marshes, ponds and quiet clearings. Visitors come to walk, run, ride horses or mountain bike along marked routes, spot deer and enjoy an easy nature escape close to North Zealand’s castles and towns.

A brief summary to Store Dyrehave

Ny Hammersholt, 3400, DK
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 5 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

Bring water, snacks and any lunch you need; there are no cafés inside the forest and facilities are sparse away from the main entrances.
Wear sturdy footwear; main rides are easy, but smaller paths can be muddy, rooted and slippery after rain, especially near marshy sections.
If you plan to use the mountain bike route or ride on horseback, check current route maps and any temporary restrictions before setting out.
In warmer months, pack insect repellent for late afternoon and evening visits when mosquitoes and midges are more active.
Start early on bright days to enjoy softer light, better chances of spotting wildlife and a quieter atmosphere on the main rides.

Getting There

Train and walking from Hillerød

Take an S-train or regional train to Hillerød Station, which is a key rail hub for North Zealand. From the station, allow about 15–25 minutes on foot to reach the forest edge along urban pavements and broad approach roads. The walk is mostly level and suitable for most visitors, though it can feel exposed in bad weather. Train tickets from Copenhagen to Hillerød typically cost around 40–70 DKK one way in standard class, depending on time and ticket type.
Local bus and short walk

From Hillerød Station, local buses serving the southern and eastern outskirts of town stop near roads that border Store Dyrehave. Travel time on the bus is usually 10–20 minutes, and tickets within the local zone commonly cost about 24–36 DKK. From relevant stops, expect an additional 10–15 minute walk along ordinary pavements or roadside paths to reach one of the forest entrances. Bus timetables vary by day and time, with reduced frequency in evenings and on weekends.
Cycling from Hillerød and nearby towns

Cycling is a popular way to reach Store Dyrehave from Hillerød or neighbouring villages. From Hillerød centre, the ride is typically 10–20 minutes each way along local streets and signposted cycling routes, mostly on gentle terrain. From smaller towns in North Zealand, expect 30–60 minutes depending on distance and route. There is no charge to enter the forest by bike, but bring lights and high-visibility clothing if you expect to ride at dusk or in low light.
Taxi from Hillerød

Taxis are available outside Hillerød Station and in the town centre for direct travel to entrances along Overdrevsvej, Isterødvejen or Københavnsvej. The journey usually takes 5–10 minutes in light traffic. Fares within this distance range are often in the region of 80–150 DKK, depending on time of day and waiting time. This option is convenient if you are travelling with heavy gear such as mountain bikes, picnic equipment or if mobility is limited.

Store Dyrehave location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Hot Weather
Cold Weather
Snow
Rain / Wet Weather
Windy Conditions

Discover more about Store Dyrehave

Royal hunting grounds hidden in the trees

Store Dyrehave lies on the edge of Hillerød and Ny Hammersholt, yet once you step under the canopy it feels like a self-contained world. In the early 1600s Christian IV enclosed this woodland with a long stone dyke, turning it into a royal deer park and pantry where game could be kept close at hand for the court. Later, his successor Christian V overlaid the forest with an intricate system of straight rides, using the geometry of the avenues as a stage for spectacular par force hunts. Today the forest is open to everyone, but traces of this royal past are still easy to find. Stone boundary walls emerge from the undergrowth, old embankments cut across the terrain, and at the centre of the hunting star a commemorative king’s stone quietly recalls the era when monarchs galloped through the trees in pursuit of stag.

A geometric forest with a secret star

Seen on a map, Store Dyrehave is remarkable: a starburst of straight roads radiating from a central point, connected by a grid of transverse tracks. On the ground, these broad rides feel airy and spacious, with long sightlines through rows of beech and conifer. They once allowed riders and hounds to follow the chase from different angles; for modern visitors they make the forest unusually easy to navigate. At the core of the layout, paths converge around the king’s stone, engraved with a worn compass rose and royal monogram. From here, you can sense the deliberate planning that earned Store Dyrehave a place within the UNESCO-listed par force hunting landscape of North Zealand, together with neighbouring Gribskov and Jægersborg Dyrehave.

Woodland moods, marsh pools and wildlife

Away from the main rides, Store Dyrehave feels wilder. Smaller paths slip into mixed woodland, where tall beeches, spruce stands and younger growth create shifting pockets of light and shade. Marshy hollows, forest ponds and wet meadows add variety, drawing birds, insects and amphibians. On quiet mornings, mist hangs low over clearings and the forest floor glows with moss and heather. Deer still roam the wider royal landscapes of North Zealand, and while Store Dyrehave is less densely populated than some nearby parks, patient walkers often glimpse roe deer at the edge of rides or deep between the trunks. Foxes, hares, squirrels and a wide range of woodland birds also share the forest, rewarding slow, observant exploration.

Trails for walkers, runners, cyclists and riders

Store Dyrehave is designed for activity as much as contemplation. Marked hiking loops criss-cross the forest, ranging from short circuits near the main entrances to longer rambles that link several sectors of woodland. Runners use the broad sandy tracks for measured training, with fitness routes and distance markers in some areas. Cyclists are well catered for. Ordinary bikes are welcome on forest roads, while a purpose-built mountain bike trail snakes through the trees, with flowing sections, banked turns and the occasional technical feature. Equestrians can follow designated riding routes, including a 12 km loop that passes historic features such as Christian V’s stone and junctions marked by crosses. In drier weather, clearings double as informal picnic spots for families and small groups.

Part of North Zealand’s living cultural landscape

Although it feels purely natural at first glance, Store Dyrehave is a carefully managed cultural landscape that forms one element of a larger royal story. Together with Gribskov and Jægersborg Dyrehave, it represents one of Europe’s best-preserved Baroque hunting systems, where power and geometry were written directly into the land. Information boards near key entrances explain the history, wildlife and trail network, and simple amenities such as signposted paths and occasional shelters support low-impact use. With Hillerød’s castle, town centre and services close by, Store Dyrehave works both as an easy half-day escape and as a starting point for deeper exploration of North Zealand’s forests, heritage and outdoor life.

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

Kongestjernen i Store Dyrehave

0.0 km

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.

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.

Parforcejagtlandskabet i Store Dyrehave UNESCO World Heritage

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.

Authentic Sicilian pizzeria run by an Italian family in the heart of Hillerød.

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.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Store Dyrehave – The Great Royal Deer Forest

A brief summary to Store Dyrehave

Local tips

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

Getting There

Train and walking from Hillerød

Local bus and short walk

Cycling from Hillerød and nearby towns

Taxi from Hillerød

Store Dyrehave location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Store Dyrehave

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Store Dyrehave

Royal hunting grounds hidden in the trees

A geometric forest with a secret star

Woodland moods, marsh pools and wildlife

Trails for walkers, runners, cyclists and riders

Part of North Zealand’s living cultural landscape

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

Henriksholm

Stendysser

Lake Bagsværd

Bagsværd Kirke

Danish Museum of Science and Technology

Lyngby Folkepark

Unmissable attractions to see

Kongestjernen i Store Dyrehave

Parforcejagtlandskabet i Store Dyrehave UNESCO World Heritage

Lille Hestehave

Kongedyssen

Island of imagination

AdventurePark

Store Donse Dam

Hillerød Church

Royal Stage

Genforeningssten i Hillerød

Gavlkunst

Hillerød City Museum & Graphic Museum

Slotsgade

Batzke's Hill

Elværket Hillerød - Museum Nordsjælland

Essential places to dine

Restaurant Nysøgaard ApS

Latini Hjørnet

Lpm Restauranter v/Lars Peter Mølvang

Hong Kong Bistro & Grill

Cafe Station Pizza Bar

You Sushi

Gourmet Sushi

Thai 4 You - Thai Restaurant og Take Away

Tô Tô Kitchen

Patats Kebab & Grill

Piccola Italia Pizzaria 3400

Duero

Unkai

Chicken BROS

Montalbano

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Lumi Op Shop

Shoppen

Mothers' Aid Op Shop

Rodes

Vinbutikken

GEjSER ApS

Normal

NEW YORKER

JeansStore

Gine

Spejder Sport