Jægerspris Castle
Historic royal retreat turned social foundation, with romantic castle views, sculpture‑filled parkland and story‑laden forests between Roskilde Fjord and Isefjord.
Jægerspris Castle is one of Denmark’s oldest royal residences, set on the Hornsherred peninsula between Roskilde Fjord and Isefjord. Once the beloved home of King Frederik VII and Countess Danner, it now holds a memorial museum to their lives and Denmark’s shift to constitutional monarchy. Even while the castle interiors undergo renovation until spring 2026, the expansive castle park, historic memorial grove, rune stones and forest trails offer a rich blend of royal history, sculpture, and tranquil green space.
A brief summary to Jægerspris Castle
- Slotsgården 20, Jægerspris, 3630, DK
- +4547531004
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-4 pm
- Thursday 11 am-4 pm
- Friday 11 am-4 pm
- Saturday 11 am-4 pm
- Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Check current renovation updates and guided tour availability in advance, as the castle interiors are closed until spring 2026 but the park and memorial grove remain accessible.
- Allow extra time to explore the Memorial Grove and rune stones; bring comfortable shoes for unpaved forest paths that can be muddy after rain.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy on the castle lawns or in the shade of the trees; dogs are permitted in the park if kept on a lead.
- Combine a visit with a fjordside walk or bike ride from Frederikssund to appreciate the wider Hornsherred landscape that once served as royal hunting grounds.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Regional train + bus from Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take S‑train line C towards Frederikssund; the journey to Frederikssund Station typically takes 45–55 minutes. From there, continue by regional bus 316 or 230R to Jægerspris, with a travel time of around 20–30 minutes depending on the departure. Combined tickets on public transport usually fall in the range of 80–120 DKK each way in standard class. Buses run throughout the day but less frequently in evenings and on weekends, so check departure times and allow for waiting time at the station.
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Car from Copenhagen or Roskilde
Driving from central Copenhagen to Jægerspris Castle typically takes 50–70 minutes, depending on traffic, while the trip from Roskilde is around 35–45 minutes. You cross the Crown Princess Mary Bridge when coming via Frederikssund, with broad views over Roskilde Fjord. Expect fuel and possible toll‑related costs equivalent to roughly 80–150 DKK for a return journey from Copenhagen, varying with car and route. There is usually free parking in a public lot near the castle, but spaces can fill up on sunny weekends and holidays.
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Cycling from Frederikssund
For a scenic approach, travel by S‑train to Frederikssund with your bicycle, then follow signposted routes towards Jægerspris. The ride of about 7–8 kilometres typically takes 30–45 minutes at a moderate pace, following fjordside and forest‑edge roads with gentle gradients. Surfaces are mostly paved or well‑maintained paths, but can be windy along the water. A bicycle ticket supplement is required on trains, costing roughly 15–25 DKK in addition to your passenger fare; there is no separate fee for cycling the final stretch.
Jægerspris Castle location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Jægerspris Castle
Royal retreat on the Hornsherred peninsula
Jægerspris Castle stands in a gently rolling landscape between Roskilde Fjord and Isefjord, about 50 kilometres northwest of Copenhagen. For centuries this was a royal hunting lodge and summer residence, surrounded by forest rich in deer and game. The present manor complex, with its warm brick façades and steep roofs, reflects layers of rebuilding and alteration that reach back to the Middle Ages, when a fortified residence first stood on this spot. From the outside you see a compact, almost domestic castle rather than a grandiose palace. Its scale hints at its original role as a retreat from court life, a place where monarchs came to hunt, walk and enjoy a more private existence. The buildings gather around a cobbled courtyard, with wings added in different eras, giving the whole a slightly irregular charm that mirrors the long and occasionally dramatic history of Danish absolutism.Frederik VII and Countess Danner’s personal world
The castle is most closely associated with King Frederik VII, Denmark’s last absolute monarch, and his wife Countess Danner, born Louise Rasmussen, a commoner and former milliner. In the 1850s they made Jægerspris their preferred home, retreating here from formal Copenhagen palaces. Their unconventional love match fascinated and scandalised contemporaries, and the interiors they created were deeply personal rather than merely ceremonial. Inside, historic rooms were preserved much as they looked in the couple’s lifetime: the king’s study lined with books, the audience hall used for receiving guests, and Countess Danner’s own sitting room, furnished in mid‑19th‑century taste with patterned wallpapers, carpets and upholstered furniture. Personal objects, portraits and everyday items help tell the story of a monarch who signed Denmark’s 1849 Constitution, transforming the country into a constitutional monarchy, and of a woman who used her position to pursue social causes.From royal residence to charitable foundation
After Frederik VII’s death, Countess Danner inherited Jægerspris and reshaped its purpose. In the 1870s she established a foundation in his name and converted parts of the castle into an orphanage and children’s home. This step reflected her own modest origins and determination to improve the lives of disadvantaged children. The institution she founded still underpins the estate’s management today, linking the site’s royal history with a continuing social mission. The museum narrative weaves together this political and personal story: the end of absolutism, the rise of parliamentary democracy, and evolving ideas about philanthropy and welfare. Even while the castle itself is closed for renovation until spring 2026, that legacy is visible in information displays, the layout of former service buildings and the ongoing work of the foundation on the grounds.Castle park, memorial grove and ancient stones
Beyond the buildings stretches a large castle park that fades gradually into forest. Formal lawns and tree‑lined avenues near the castle give way to more natural woodland paths that invite unhurried walks. In one quiet corner you find Countess Danner’s grave, marked by a simple monument that feels strikingly modest compared with the grandeur of royalty. The park’s Memorial Grove, created in the 1770s, is an open‑air gallery of 18th‑century patriotic sculpture. Here, 54 stone monuments by sculptor Johannes Wiedewelt commemorate notable Danes from statesmen to scholars. Scattered among trees and clearings, they form a landscape of memory that reflects Enlightenment ideas about nationhood and history. Nearby, rune stones brought here in the 19th century add an even older layer, connecting the estate to Viking‑Age Denmark.Forest paths and year‑round escapes
Kilometres of walking and cycling paths radiate from the castle into the surrounding Jægerspris forest. The woodland is dotted with ancient burial mounds, old oaks and sandy clearings, and the air often carries a mix of sea breeze from the fjords and the resinous scent of pine. In spring and summer the park feels lush and green, ideal for picnics on the grass, while autumn brings intense colours and winter lends a quiet, almost austere beauty to the avenues. Benches and open lawns make it easy to linger, whether you are exploring the history in depth or simply enjoying the landscape. Dogs on leads are welcome in the park, and families often use the open spaces for informal play. With the castle’s interiors temporarily closed, the grounds, sculptures and forest take centre stage, offering a serene window onto Denmark’s royal past in a relaxed, accessible outdoor setting.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Auderødlejren
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Kirppu Hillerød
21.1 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.
Skänk øl, vin & madbar Hillerød
22.0 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.
Old town hall
22.1 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.
Hillerød Rectory
22.1 km
Discover the Befrielsessten in Høgsholt, Vejle—a serene memorial park honoring Denmark's journey to freedom amidst lush landscapes.
Hillerød St.
22.4 km
North Zealand's essential transport hub connecting Copenhagen, regional destinations, and Frederiksborg Castle.
Masterhøj udsigtspost
22.7 km
Bronze Age mound commanding 360-degree views of Roskilde, fjord, and medieval heritage.
Sct Hans Have
23.1 km
Explore Aarhus’ signature waterfront, where innovative architecture, lively promenades, and maritime history create Denmark’s most vibrant urban shoreline.
Parforcejagtlandskabet i Store Dyrehave UNESCO World Heritage
24.2 km
UNESCO-listed parforce hunting landscape combining regal heritage, geometric woodland avenues, and natural tranquility just outside Hillerød on Zealand.
Roskilde Cathedral
24.7 km
UNESCO-listed Roskilde Cathedral stands as Denmark’s royal mausoleum and a masterpiece of brick Gothic architecture, blending regal grandeur with over 800 years of living history.
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
24.7 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Klosterkilden
24.7 km
A dried medieval spring that once sustained Roskilde's monastic community and townspeople for centuries.
Store Dyrehave
24.7 km
Discover Store Dyrehave: A UNESCO World Heritage Site offering a unique blend of royal history, stunning nature, and outdoor adventures near Hillerød.
Roskilde Museum
24.8 km
Marselisborg Strand offers sandy shores, sweeping bay views, and a taste of Danish beach life minutes from Aarhus city center—perfect for relaxation or water activities.
Byens Hus
24.8 km
Aarhus Waterfront: A vibrant promenade of modern architecture, maritime history, open-air art, and coastal atmosphere at the heart of Denmark’s second city.
Unmissable attractions to see
Gerlevparkens Venner
5.1 km
Fragrant roses, rare trees and quiet paths come together in this 10-hectare volunteer-tended park on the edge of Gerlev, a gentle green pause in Fjordlandet.
Nordskoven
5.5 km
Ancient royal oaks, varied woodland and quiet trails create a timeless forest escape in Jægerspris, where Denmark’s oldest trees still anchor the landscape.
Snoegen
5.6 km
An ancient twisted oak standing as a sculptural forest relic in Jægerspris Nordskov, where centuries of woodland history are etched into spiralling wood.
Frederikssund Viking Village
6.0 km
Open‑air Viking village and legendary summer saga play on the shores of Roskilde Fjord, where costumed warriors, longhouses and Norse myths come vividly to life.
The King Oak
6.0 km
An ancient royal oak hidden in Jægerspris Forest, where centuries of history, legend and woodland life meet in one gnarled, hollow giant.
Storkeegen
6.1 km
The weathered remains of the legendary Stork Oak in Jægerspris Nordskov, where centuries of forest history stand preserved in a single monumental trunk.
Roskilde Fjord
7.4 km
Shallow Viking waters, bird-rich islands and tranquil trails combine at Roskilde Fjord, where Denmark’s seafaring past meets protected coastal nature.
Englænderskansen
9.7 km
Low grassy ramparts above the Isefjord where a modest 1808 coastal battery once watched for British ships and now offers a quiet historic pause by Kulhuse Harbour.
Carlsstenen - Grønnessedyssen
11.0 km
A quiet Stone Age dolmen deep in Grønnesse Forest, where a huge glacial boulder crowns an ancient tomb once chosen to grace Denmark’s five-kroner banknote.
Lynæs Lighthouse
11.4 km
Journey back to 14th-century Denmark at The Medieval Center, a unique living history museum with crafts, jousts, medieval inventions, and immersive family activities.
LegeJunglen
12.9 km
Denmark's largest indoor jungle playground with free adult entry and family-friendly pricing.
Selsø Castle
13.0 km
Forgotten for more than a century, Selsø Castle now welcomes visitors into its quietly atmospheric manor rooms and lakeside landscapes in rural Zealand.
Ølstykke bypark - Bebyggelsen Søhøj Park ligger nord for byparken, fjern ALT med Søhøj også naturlegeplasen
13.6 km
A spacious, low‑key green park in Ølstykke where open lawns, gentle slopes and trees offer a quiet everyday escape for walks, play and simple outdoor pauses.
Dronningholm Castle Ruin
13.7 km
Atmospheric medieval castle ruins set in peaceful North Zealand wetlands, echoing royal intrigue, dramatic history, and serene Danish landscapes near Gilleleje.
Hundested Sand Sculpture Festival
14.3 km
A seasonal harbour-front art park where international artists transform golden sand into intricate, short-lived sculptures, blending coastal atmosphere with playful creativity.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Toldboden
5.5 km
Contemporary Nordic dining with fjord views and three-star Danish recognition in a luminous waterfront setting.
Bauhaus Grill
19.7 km
Unpretentious Danish burgers and flæskesteg sandwiches at budget-friendly prices in central Hillerød.
Restaurant Ellegården
20.3 km
Cosy Danish familierestaurant in a historic country-house setting, serving set menus, hearty classics and unhurried dinners on the quiet outskirts of Hillerød.
Restaurant krydderiet
21.3 km
Seasonal Danish cooking with a subtle spiced twist, served in a warm, contemporary dining room inside Hotel Hillerød on Milnersvej.
Restaurant Vigen
21.4 km
Waterfront Danish dining on Roskilde Fjord, where smørrebrød lunches and sunset dinners share the stage with sweeping views towards Roskilde’s historic skyline.
9-Ni Sushi
21.5 km
Casual running sushi and Chinese buffet on Slangerupgade, serving easygoing, all-you-can-eat comfort with a minimalist, family-friendly feel in central Hillerød.
Café Kaiser
21.7 km
Relaxed all‑day Danish café inside Hillerød’s Slotsarkaderne, serving hearty brunch, smørrebrød, burgers and drinks in a warm, mall‑side setting.
Frederiksborgcentret's Restauranter ApS
21.8 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Frederiksborgcentret's Restauranter ApS in Hillerød.
Saltos Køkken
21.8 km
Bright, family-first café in Hillerød offering simple, wholesome food, baby-friendly facilities and a relaxed daytime refuge for parents with little ones.
Jensens Bøfhus
21.8 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
21.8 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.
Gonzales Cantina
21.8 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.
Restaurant Teddy /by Bjørn
21.8 km
High class, low key: an intimate Hillerød dining room where a local chef turns seasonal Nordic ingredients into refined, social-sharing menus and relaxed gourmet evenings.
Café Valentin
21.9 km
All‑day Danish café on Hillerød’s main street, blending generous brunches, comfort food and cocktails with a lively terrace near Frederiksborg Castle.
Sushi Mura
21.9 km
Handcrafted Japanese sushi with fresh seafood and creative flair in modern Hillerød.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Plantorama Hillerød
19.7 km
A 10,000 m² green universe in Hillerød, where plants, pets, home décor and a cosy café turn a simple shopping trip into a relaxed family outing.
ØnskeBørn
21.5 km
Practical one-stop children’s and baby store in central Hillerød, stocking prams, gear, clothing, toys and nursery essentials for young families and parents-to-be.
NORMAL
21.7 km
A compact, budget-friendly beauty and household store inside Hillerød’s main mall, perfect for quick essentials, quirky finds and travel-sized Danish everyday goods.
SlotsArkaderne
21.7 km
North Zealand's premier shopping destination where modern retail meets royal heritage in the heart of historic Hillerød.
ONLY
21.7 km
Scandi high-street fashion and denim-focused style for women, conveniently located inside Hillerød’s Slotsarkaderne shopping centre.
JACK & JONES
21.8 km
Easygoing menswear and denim inside Hillerød’s main shopping centre, combining Scandinavian style, everyday essentials and smart-casual looks under one roof.
VERO MODA
21.8 km
Central Hillerød fashion stop in SlotsArkaderne, offering accessible Scandinavian women’s style, seasonal collections and easy indoor browsing in a modern mall setting.
Pilgrim Hillerød Slotsarkaderne
21.8 km
Handcrafted Danish jewellery celebrating personal style, quality, and Scandinavian design.
Rituals
21.8 km
Luxury beauty rituals and wellness products in Hillerød's premier shopping destination.
Karmen & Kamelia
21.8 km
A bright, modern jewelry and accessories boutique in Hillerød’s SlotsArkaderne mall, offering handpicked Scandinavian sparkle and easy gift ideas steps from city life.
Søs Tre
21.8 km
A cosy women’s fashion boutique on Hillerød’s historic Slotsgade, blending Scandinavian style, curated clothing and accessories with a relaxed, personal atmosphere.
Glitter
21.8 km
Bright, trend-focused jewelry and accessories shop in Hillerød’s SlotsArkaderne mall, ideal for quick gifts, style updates and affordable everyday sparkle.
Designersmarket
21.8 km
A stylish women’s fashion boutique inside Hillerød’s SlotsArkaderne, blending Scandinavian-inspired looks, wardrobe staples and accessories in a relaxed mall setting.
Tøjeksperten
21.8 km
Straightforward men’s style in Hillerød’s main mall, offering wearable brands, practical basics and smarter looks in a compact, weatherproof setting.
Men's Shop
21.9 km
A straightforward menswear stop inside Hillerød’s SlotsArkaderne mall, ideal for quick wardrobe updates during a castle-side shopping day in North Zealand.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Møllen
21.9 km
A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.
The Old Irish Pub
22.0 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.
Tahonga Lounge
22.1 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
22.1 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
22.3 km
Old-school Hillerød pub opposite the station, with billiards, darts, dice games and live music nights in a laid‑back, locals-first atmosphere.
Teatercaféen
24.1 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
PAUSE
24.8 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
Ruder Konge Bodega
24.9 km
A timeworn Danish bodega in central Roskilde, offering cheap beer, pool tables and unpretentious pub life just off the city’s main pedestrian street.
PROP Vin og Tapasbar
24.9 km
Intimate Roskilde wine bar pairing curated bottles with Mediterranean-inspired tapas in a candlelit room and sheltered courtyard, strictly for a relaxed 25+ crowd.
RUCbar - café & bar
24.9 km
Student-run café-bar at Roskilde University’s Student House, serving affordable drinks and coffee in a relaxed campus hangout from lunchtime into the evening.
Gullanden
24.9 km
An unpretentious Roskilde pub with darts, DJ nights, cold beer and a loyal local crowd, where evenings stretch easily into the early hours.
28 Live
25.0 km
A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
Klosterkælderen
25.0 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
Mulligans Irish Pub
25.1 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Copé Lounge
25.1 km
Urban lounge bar by Roskilde’s main square, blending backyard summer vibes, easygoing cocktails and cosy Danish hygge late into the night.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Den Dansende Viking
16.7 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
Club El Diablo
20.9 km
Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.
Socialz
21.9 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.
Danseriet
24.8 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Garbos Roskilde
25.2 km
Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.
Dansebar Roskilde
25.2 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead
26.3 km
Dynamic live music venue in Roskilde, specializing in jazz and contemporary genres, with an intimate setting and vibrant community engagement throughout the year.
Klubhuset
27.5 km
Low-key local clubhouse turned disco-style nightspot, where a simple bar, small dance floor and regulars’ vibe create relaxed, unpretentious nights in Roskilde.
Tropicana DC
27.6 km
Compact Latin-flavoured nightclub on Roskilde’s industrial edge, delivering loud beats, simple drinks and a late-night dancefloor focused purely on partying.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
39.0 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
Falafelberg
39.5 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Walther's grillkylling og svuppeklub
39.9 km
Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.
SIGURD CPH
40.1 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.
Haven - Events
40.2 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Temple Bar
40.9 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Romantic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
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
