Fredensborg Slotshave (Fredensborg Palace Gardens)
A vast royal park of sweeping avenues, quiet woodland and lake views, wrapping an active Danish palace in 120 hectares of remarkably peaceful landscape.
Wrapping around Fredensborg Palace in North Zealand, Fredensborg Slotshave is a vast royal parkland where formal axes, long riding avenues and intimate woodland paths meet sweeping views towards Esrum Lake. Still attached to an actively used royal residence, the 120-hectare gardens blend baroque geometry with softer landscape features, dotted with sculptures, memorials and hidden clearings. It is a serene place for unhurried walks, quiet reflection and glimpses of Danish royal history lived rather than staged.
A brief summary to Fredensborg Slotshave
- Fredensborg Municipality, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 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 comfortable walking shoes: the park covers around 120 hectares, and the long riding avenues are best appreciated on foot over longer, unhurried loops.
- Bring water and light snacks, especially outside summer, as options inside or right at the garden edge can be limited at quieter times of year.
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light on the palace façade and tree-lined avenues, ideal for photography and a calmer atmosphere.
- Check in advance if any palace events or royal stays affect access to specific areas, as some sections near the residence can occasionally be restricted.
- In cooler months, bring a windproof layer: open stretches of the park and areas near Esrum Lake can feel noticeably breezier than the town streets.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Regional train and walk
From central Copenhagen, take a regional train on the coastal line to Humlebæk or directly to Fredensborg where available; typical journeys take 35–55 minutes. Standard adult single fares usually fall in the range of 80–120 DKK depending on departure and ticket type. From Fredensborg station it is roughly a 15–20 minute walk on generally level, paved routes through town to the palace and gardens, suitable for most visitors with basic mobility.
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Train plus local bus
An alternative is to ride a regional train to Humlebæk, then connect to a local bus towards Fredensborg. The combined journey commonly takes about 55–75 minutes including transfer time. Expect the full one-way cost, train plus bus, to be approximately 90–140 DKK per adult. Buses typically run at least once an hour during the day, with reduced frequency in evenings and on weekends, and you will arrive within a short, level walk of the palace grounds.
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Car from Copenhagen or Helsingør
Driving from central Copenhagen to Fredensborg Slotshave usually takes around 35–50 minutes in normal traffic, while from Helsingør it is often 25–35 minutes. There is public parking available in the town and near the palace area, but spaces can fill on sunny weekends or during royal events, so allow extra time to find a spot. Fuel and parking together will typically add up to the equivalent of 60–150 DKK for a half-day visit, depending on distance and local parking fees.
Fredensborg Slotshave 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
Discover more about Fredensborg Slotshave
Royal retreat on the shores of North Zealand
Fredensborg Slotshave forms the green setting of Fredensborg Palace, one of the Danish royal family’s favourite residences. Laid out in the 18th century to match the baroque palace, the gardens stretch over roughly 120 hectares of gently undulating ground, opening towards Esrum Lake and the surrounding forests. Even when the palace itself is closed or in use by the royals, the park remains a generous, accessible landscape where the relationship between power and nature feels unusually relaxed. Walk a few steps from the forecourt and you move from formal lines of sight to quiet woodland, from clipped vistas to expansive sky. The name Fredensborg – “Peace Palace” – fits the mood outside as much as inside: this is a place designed for leisurely promenades, reflective pauses and the pleasure of being outdoors, not for military display.From hunting lodge grounds to sculpted avenues
Originally conceived as hunting grounds for King Frederik IV, the terrain around the palace was shaped by long riding avenues that radiate from the main building like spokes from a wheel. Over time, these axes were refined and planted to create dramatic perspectives that still define the experience of the garden today. Stand on one of the main lines and you can see tree-lined paths running arrow-straight into the distance, their rhythm of trunks and light pulling you forward. Between these grand corridors, more intimate sections evolved: pockets of woodland, small clearings and quieter side paths where the geometry softens and the sounds of the nearby town fade away. The contrast between broad ceremonial avenues and almost private-feeling corners is one of the defining pleasures of a visit.Baroque formality and softer landscapes
Parts of Fredensborg Slotshave echo the strict symmetry of European baroque garden design: terraces, straight sightlines, carefully framed views back towards the palace and deliberately placed focal points. Elsewhere, the mood is more romantic, with curving paths, varied planting and viewpoints that reveal the landscape in a looser, less controlled way. This mixture gives the gardens a layered character. You might begin in a wide open space where the palace façade dominates, then slip into a wooded section where filtered light, birdsong and the crunch of gravel underfoot become the main impressions. Clearings open suddenly to distant glimpses of Esrum Lake, reminding you how the garden links palace life to the broader North Zealand countryside.Stories in stone, trees and water
As you wander, details hint at the site’s role in Danish history. Sculptures and memorials are scattered through the grounds, some celebrating figures connected to reforms in agriculture and governance, others reflecting royal tastes and commissions over the centuries. Each piece feels anchored in its setting, whether standing at the end of a long vista or half-hidden among mature trees. Water also plays a quiet role. Seasonal dampness, small channels and the broader presence of the nearby lake ensure that light and reflection are constant companions. In different seasons the mood shifts dramatically: spring brings delicate undergrowth and returning birds, high summer fills the canopies with dense green, autumn burns gold and rust along the avenues, and winter strips the structure back to bare trunks and stark perspectives.Everyday life in an active royal landscape
Unlike many historic gardens that belong firmly to the past, Fredensborg Slotshave remains part of a living royal home. Paths and avenues are maintained not only as heritage, but as the extended “backyard” of a working palace used for state visits, family events and retreats from Copenhagen. You might notice subtle signs of this ongoing role: impeccably kept lawns, discreet security at the palace edge, and a sense of quiet order even on busy days. For visitors, the experience is informal and low-key. There is no ticket barrier for the main gardens, and you are free to choose your own route: a short stroll close to the palace, a longer loop down towards the water, or a slow exploration of the radiating avenues. Benches and open lawns invite pauses, picnics and time simply watching the play of light through the trees in this unusually accessible royal landscape.Planning a thoughtful visit
Fredensborg Slotshave rewards both quick visits and deeper exploration. Allow time to move beyond the immediate palace surroundings so you can feel how far the garden extends and how the character changes with distance. Comfortable shoes make it easier to follow the long axes, and a light extra layer helps with the breeze that can come off the lake. There are few intrusive signs or commercial touches within the park, which helps preserve its tranquil character but also means you should arrive prepared with water or snacks, especially outside peak season. Whether you come for photography, quiet contemplation, a family walk or an appreciation of royal garden design, the scale and calm of Fredensborg Slotshave make it one of North Zealand’s most atmospheric green spaces.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Country Market
0.7 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
4.0 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.
Hillerød St.
8.1 km
North Zealand's essential transport hub connecting Copenhagen, regional destinations, and Frederiksborg Castle.
Hillerød Rectory
8.2 km
Discover the Befrielsessten in Høgsholt, Vejle—a serene memorial park honoring Denmark's journey to freedom amidst lush landscapes.
Old town hall
8.2 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
8.3 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
8.8 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.
Søborg Slotsruin
12.9 km
Medieval fortress ruins reflected in a restored lake, where Danish history meets nature restoration.
Elleskovstien
13.1 km
Escape to the tranquility of Elleskovstien in Hørsholm, Denmark. Discover lush woodlands, open meadows, and serene walking paths in this natural haven perfect for relaxation and recreation.
Hornbæk Batteri
13.2 km
WWII coastal fortress commanding the Øresund strait from Denmark's dramatic northern cliffs.
Hørsholm Slotshave
13.8 km
A baroque garden where Scandinavia's lost palace still echoes through ancient linden trees.
Udsigtspunkt
14.3 km
A tranquil Danish viewpoint garden offering panoramic vistas and peaceful contemplation in historic Helsingør.
Elsinore Cemetery
14.4 km
Historic burial ground where 16th-century roots meet artistic legacy in Denmark's literary heartland.
Arboretum
14.4 km
Discover a world of trees and shrubs at the Arboretum in Hørsholm, a tranquil escape offering botanical exploration and natural beauty just north of Copenhagen.
Rungsted Harbour
14.6 km
Discover Rungsted Harbour: Denmark's charming coastal gem with boutique shops, diverse dining, and the Karen Blixen Museum, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Fredensborg Palace
0.3 km
Experience the serene beauty of St Alban's Church, a Gothic Revival masterpiece in Copenhagen's Churchillparken.
Falkonergården
1.9 km
Intimate falconry shows in rural North Zealand, where eagles, hawks and falcons soar within arm’s reach and centuries of raptor lore come vividly to life.
Gribsø
5.6 km
Explore Stendysse's ancient burial mounds in Hillerød, Denmark, and connect with prehistoric history amidst serene natural beauty.
Esrum Kloster & Møllegård
6.8 km
A 12th‑century Cistercian abbey where red-brick history, herbal gardens, VR experiences and forest trails meet beside Esrum Lake in North Zealand.
Kongernes Nordsjælland
7.0 km
Explore Hornbæk Batteri: Denmark's WWII coastal defense site amidst scenic North Zealand landscapes.
Parforcejagtlandskabet i Store Dyrehave UNESCO World Heritage
7.2 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.
Frederiksborg Castle Gardens
7.5 km
Sweeping Baroque terraces and romantic woodland paths framing a lake island castle, Frederiksborg Castle Gardens blend royal theatre with everyday green escape.
Batzke's Hill
7.6 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.
Hillerød City Museum & Graphic Museum
7.7 km
Step behind Frederiksborg Castle into an intimate town museum where historic shops, crafts and letterpress printing bring everyday Hillerød vividly back to life.
The Museum of National History
7.9 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.
Frederiksborg Castle
7.9 km
Denmark's Renaissance jewel on three islands, where royal grandeur meets national heritage in gardens of baroque precision and romantic beauty.
Gavlkunst
7.9 km
A string of vivid murals along Helsingørsgade that turns central Hillerød into a small, free open‑air gallery of local stories and color.
Frederiksborg Castle Chapel
8.0 km
Experience LEGO magic at LEGOLAND Hotel & Conference in Billund, offering themed rooms and top-tier conference facilities.
Pøleå bæver
8.1 km
Small riverside viewpoint in North Zealand where reintroduced beavers, wetlands and birds turn an everyday path by Pøle Å into a quietly wild nature stop.
Island of imagination
8.1 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.
Essential places to dine
Skipperhuset Fredensborg
0.8 km
Refined Nordic cuisine and panoramic sunsets on the shores of Lake Esrum.
Lakeside Restaurant
6.1 km
Casual dining on the edge of Simons Golf Club, where generous Danish-inspired dishes meet wide green views and a calm North Zealand countryside setting.
Skovgrillen
6.6 km
Classic Danish grill bar near Frederiksborg’s forests, serving hearty burgers, flæskestegsburgers and the legendary Taxa burger at budget-friendly prices.
Latini Hjørnet
6.7 km
Casual corner pizzeria and burgerhouse in suburban Hillerød, serving hearty pizzas, pastas and fast‑food favourites for easy eat‑in or takeaway meals.
Hong Kong Bistro & Grill
7.2 km
Unfussy Chinese‑Thai grill and wok spot in Hillerød serving hearty noodles, curries, steaks and spareribs in a simple, relaxed neighborhood setting.
Lpm Restauranter v/Lars Peter Mølvang
7.4 km
Contemporary Nordic dining in the heart of Hillerød, open daily for lunch and dinner.
Patats Kebab & Grill
8.0 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.
Rabarbergaarden Slottet
8.0 km
Organic farm-to-table dining in Frederiksborg Castle’s former carriage house, where seasonal North Zealand produce meets calm Scandinavian design and royal surroundings.
Piccola Italia Pizzaria 3400
8.0 km
Busy neighborhood pizzeria in central Hillerød serving hearty pizzas, pastas and quick takeaway just a short stroll from Frederiksborg Castle and the lake.
Tô Tô Kitchen
8.0 km
Cozy Vietnamese flavors and casual evening dining on Østergade, bringing fresh herbs, noodles and warm atmosphere to the heart of Hillerød.
Thai 4 You - Thai Restaurant og Take Away
8.1 km
Authentic Thai flavors prepared by professional chefs in central Hillerød.
Unkai
8.1 km
All-you-can-eat, made-to-order sushi and Japanese bites in a modern, laid-back setting on Hillerød’s central Helsingørsgade.
Montalbano
8.1 km
Authentic Sicilian pizzeria run by an Italian family in the heart of Hillerød.
Chicken BROS
8.1 km
Crispy fried chicken burgers and quick bites in casual Hillerød comfort.
Big Mamma Gastronomia
8.2 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Lumi Op Shop
8.1 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
8.2 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.
Red Cross Op Shop
8.2 km
Hyggelig Røde Kors genbrugsbutik i Hillerøds hovedgade, hvor du finder billige fund til garderobe og hjem – og samtidig støtter lokalt og internationalt hjælpearbejde.
Tingstedet
8.3 km
Curated vintage and retro treasures near Frederiksborg Castle since 1996.
Mothers' Aid Op Shop
8.3 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.
Vinbutikken
8.3 km
Cosy wine and delicacies shop on historic Slotsgade in Hillerød, pairing castle-side charm with handpicked bottles, gourmet treats and friendly, expert advice.
Boutique Munck
8.3 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Hillerød, blending curated Nordic fashion, warm styling advice and a relaxed, local neighborhood feel.
HL Mode Hillerød
8.3 km
Neighbourhood-style women’s fashion and lingerie on historic Slotsgade, offering Scandinavian everyday elegance a short stroll from Hillerød’s castle and lake.
GEjSER ApS
8.3 km
Expert vape shop on Slotsgade offering quality e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and accessories for all experience levels.
Holm Hillerød
8.4 km
Locally owned menswear boutique on Hillerød’s main shopping street, offering curated smart-casual clothing and accessories just a short stroll from Frederiksborg Castle.
Frk. Fie
8.4 km
Cosy women’s fashion boutique on Hillerød’s atmospheric Slotsgade, offering curated Scandinavian-inspired styles in an intimate, friendly setting near the historic town centre.
JeansStore
8.4 km
Denmark's premier denim specialist offering authentic Lee and Wrangler collections with expert guidance.
Gine
8.4 km
A compact, Scandinavian-inspired womenswear boutique on historic Slotsgade, perfect for a relaxed browse between castle views, coffee stops and city-center strolls.
Rodes
8.4 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.
Spejder Sport
8.4 km
Denmark's largest outdoor chain where expert staff and quality gear prepare you for every adventure.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Jernstangen
8.2 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
8.3 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
8.3 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
8.3 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
8.3 km
A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.
Kardusen
11.8 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
12`er Pubben
13.6 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
13.6 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
Head/Foam
14.4 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
14.6 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Axelhus Udeservering
14.7 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.
Hold-An
14.7 km
Unfussy beer hall and local bar in central Helsingør, pouring cold brews, simple bites and everyday Danish hygge from late morning to late night.
Pitten Sport Bar
14.7 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Banana joe
14.7 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.
Axelhus
14.7 km
Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Socialz
8.3 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
10.2 km
Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.
Rustik
14.4 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Retro
14.7 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.
Den Dansende Viking
27.2 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
32.8 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
SIGURD CPH
32.8 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
34.2 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
RUST Natklub
34.2 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
34.3 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Moon Club
35.2 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
Culture Box
35.2 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Haven - Events
35.3 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Mirage
35.4 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
35.4 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
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- 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