Rodes, Hillerød Travel Guide

Rodes’ story begins in the 1970s, when a small “alt-mulig” store in Hillerød sold a bit of everything long before concept chains took over Danish high streets. In the 1990s the founder’s son took the reins and started steering the shop toward hobbies, toys and the kind of niche gear that draws enthusiasts from far beyond the local area. When airsoft – known locally as hardball – first found its way to Denmark, Rodes was among the very first to embrace it, carving out a reputation as a go‑to specialist rather than just another toy shop.The launch of a webshop in the early 2000s expanded that reach, but it was the move to Slotsgade 1B in 2012 that truly transformed Rodes into a destination. Here, in the shadow of Hillerød’s historic streets and within strolling distance of Frederiksborg Castle, the store now occupies roughly 800 m² of floor space dedicated entirely to play, collecting and gear.

Step through the doors on Slotsgade and the ground floor opens into a classic toy‑store dream, just turned up a notch. Shelves are stacked high with board games, puzzles, cuddly toys and construction sets, but also with trend‑driven lines like trading cards, vinyl collectibles and pop‑culture figurines. Elsewhere you find rows of skateboards, stunt scooters and accessories, reflecting the store’s focus on active street play.The layout invites casual wandering: aisles twist between tall racks, displays spill over with impulse‑buy gadgets, and themed end‑caps highlight seasonal crazes. It feels loose and playful rather than clinical, the kind of place where you can happily lose track of time comparing card decks or testing the feel of a new deck under your feet.

Climb to the second floor and the tone shifts from bright toy shop to gear room. Here the focus is on airsoft, archery and related equipment: replica‑style airsoft guns, magazines, BBs, protective masks, tactical vests, camouflage clothing and boots line the walls. Stands of bows and arrows add a traditional counterpoint to the otherwise modern kit.Displays are arranged so you can get close to the equipment, with staff usually on hand to explain legalities, safety and appropriate use. For many visitors this floor functions as a briefing room before weekend games or events, a place to fine‑tune load‑outs, compare brands and upgrade an existing setup. Even if you are not an active player, the mix of engineering detail and theatrical design makes it an intriguing space to explore.

More than a place to buy things, Rodes is set up as somewhere to linger. Soft seating areas give parents and friends a chance to sit down while kids roam the aisles, and chilled drinks help turn a quick shopping errand into a short break in the day. The open plan on the ground floor means you can keep a loose eye on younger children while they move between sections.Because the shop sits right on pedestrian‑friendly Slotsgade, it slots easily into a wider day in Hillerød. You can combine a visit with a stroll around the historic centre, a café stop or a circuit around the castle lake. For locals, Rodes often becomes a regular after‑school destination; for visitors, it is an entertaining detour that adds a splash of contemporary playfulness to a town best known for its renaissance architecture.

Rodes keeps straightforward opening hours: Monday to Friday from late morning through early evening and slightly shorter hours on Saturdays, with extra Sunday opening in December. That makes it easy to fold into a wider itinerary without racing the clock. The size of the store means it rarely feels cramped, although afternoons and Saturdays can be noticeably busier as families and hobbyists converge.Allow at least an hour if you want to explore both floors properly, more if you are comparing airsoft setups or digging through trading‑card binders. Prices run from pocket‑money trinkets to more substantial investments in gear, so the shop caters to most budgets. Rodes is primarily an indoor experience, so it is a handy option for rainy days in North Zealand when the weather makes outdoor sights less appealing.

Rodes appeals broadly: younger children find plenty of classic toys and plush characters, teens gravitate toward boards, scooters, cards and gadgets, and adults with a taste for gaming or outdoor skirmishes can dive deep into the airsoft and archery ranges. The space is generally easy to navigate, though the second‑floor focus on gear makes it particularly interesting for those who already have a hobby in mind.For travellers, it offers a window into Denmark’s hobby culture, showing how a family business can evolve from a catch‑all general store into a specialist megastore without losing its playful heart. Even if you leave empty‑handed, wandering through its aisles gives a lively contrast to the more historic side of Hillerød.