Fantasiens Ø – The Island of Imagination, Hillerød

A quiet royal ruin on a forested lake, where fragments of a 19th‑century retreat invite you to weave Nordic myths, royal tales and your own stories together.

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Island of imagination

Hidden in the forested Præstevang area just outside Hillerød, Fantasiens Ø – the Island of Imagination – is a small, atmospheric island in Breddam Lake where King Frederik VII once escaped court life with Countess Danner. Today only a romantic granite gable and a few sculptural stones remain of his 1859 lakeside retreat, but the mix of ruins, myth-inspired landscaping and tranquil woodland still invites you to wander, slow down and let the stories of Danish royal history and Nordic legends unfold in your mind.

A brief summary to Island of imagination

I, Præstevang, Hillerød, 3400, DK
+4548242626
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 3 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

Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes; woodland paths around Breddam Lake can be uneven, muddy and slippery after rain or in autumn leaf fall.
Bring a light jacket or extra layer, as the shaded forest and lakeside can feel noticeably cooler and breezier than Hillerød town centre.
Pack water and a small snack; there are no kiosks on the island itself, so you should not rely on finding food or drink nearby during your walk.
If you are interested in the history, read up on Frederik VII and Countess Danner beforehand or download background material to enjoy on-site.
Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the most atmospheric light over the lake and a better chance of quiet, reflective time by the ruin.

Getting There

Train and walk from central Hillerød

From Copenhagen, take an S-train on line A towards Hillerød; the journey typically takes 40–45 minutes and runs at least every 10–20 minutes throughout the day. From Hillerød Station, allow about 30–40 minutes on foot through residential streets and forest paths to reach the Præstevang area and Breddam Lake. Trains are covered by standard Greater Copenhagen zone tickets; expect a one-way adult fare in the range of 40–60 DKK depending on zones and discounts. Walking sections involve unpaved forest tracks that may be muddy and are not ideal for wheelchairs or prams, especially after rain or in winter.
Local bus and short forest approach

Within Hillerød, use a local Movia bus heading towards the northern residential districts around Præstevang; routes and numbers change over time, but you can usually reach a stop within 10–15 minutes from the station and ride a further 5–10 minutes to a stop close to the forest edge. A standard single bus ticket in the local zone typically costs about 24–36 DKK when bought from machines or apps. From the nearest stop, allow 10–20 minutes on foot along signed forest paths towards Breddam Lake. Bus services run less frequently in evenings and on weekends, so check return times and avoid relying on the very last departures.
Car or taxi from Hillerød centre

By car, the Præstevang forest lies only a short drive from central Hillerød; expect roughly 10 minutes’ travel time under normal traffic. There is limited parking at forest access points, and spaces can fill on fine weekends, so be prepared to park slightly further away and walk 10–20 minutes on forest paths to reach the lake and island. Taxis from Hillerød Station or the town centre generally cover the trip in a similar time, with typical fares in the region of 120–180 DKK one way depending on time of day and any waiting time. The final approach is always on foot over uneven natural terrain, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Island of imagination location weather suitability

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Discover more about Island of imagination

A Royal Hideaway in the Præstevang Forest

Fantasiens Ø, the Island of Imagination, lies quietly in Breddam Lake within the Præstevang forest, north of Hillerød. Surrounded by trees and mirror-still water, it once served as a private refuge for King Frederik VII in the mid-19th century, a deliberate escape from the strict etiquette of nearby Frederiksborg Castle. Here, away from formal receptions and uniforms, the king could relax, fish and spend time with his companion Countess Danner in far more informal surroundings. Although modest in scale, the retreat represented a very personal chapter in Danish royal history. It blended the king’s fondness for nature with a romantic fascination for the past, creating a landscape where everyday life and daydreams could coexist. Walking towards the island today, it is easy to imagine royal boats gliding across the lake and discreet gatherings taking place among the trees.

The Lost Light Palace by the Lake

At the heart of the island once stood a small “light palace”, completed in 1859 and designed in a romantic English garden style. Built from rough granite boulders with elegant pointed-arch windows, the main building measured just 7.5 by 10 metres, yet contained a generous dining hall and a compact annex with kitchen and four bedrooms. This was never meant to rival Frederiksborg’s grandeur; instead it was an intimate pavilion tailored to quiet evenings and simple comforts. The interior of the hall was its most distinctive feature. The ceiling beams were decorated with oyster shells and glass bottles arranged so that, when the light from three great oak chandeliers shone upwards, the reflections transformed the ceiling into a shimmering starry sky. Today the annex is long gone and the main structure was dismantled in the 1960s, leaving only a single granite boulder gable with its pointed window arches. That fragment now frames the forest like a stone theatre backdrop, inviting you to reconstruct the vanished house in your imagination.

Stones, Myths and Clever Illusions

The island’s design was never random. Frederik VII took a keen interest in Nordic mythology, and he used stone and terrain to evoke an idealised ancient landscape. On the way to the ruin, you pass the remains of a low stone mound, once intended to conjure images of prehistoric burial sites and heroic sagas. In reality it also served a more prosaic role: cleverly disguising the island’s toilet from view. Nearby you can still see a deep, bowl-shaped stone. The king liked to claim that it was an old baptismal font from Ebelholt Abbey, adding a layer of ecclesiastical mystery to the setting. In truth, it began life as a water trough for horses, but the imagined story persists as part of the island’s charm. A separate stone carved with the king’s monogram further anchors the site in his personal story, a quiet signature left amid the trees and rocks.

A Forest Stage for Imagination and Reflection

Today the Island of Imagination functions more as a mood than as a monument. The surrounding Præstevang woodland, with its soft forest paths and glimpses of water through the trunks, provides a natural frame for the small ruin and scattered stones. Birdsong, rustling leaves and the gentle lap of the lake replace the long-silent chandeliers, while views back towards the shore connect this secluded spot to the wider landscape of North Zealand. Interpretation here is subtle: there are stories to discover, but the site also leaves space for your own. Children can turn the ruined gable into a fairy-tale castle or a gateway to another world; adults may find it a contemplative place to think about how myths, memories and half-true anecdotes can be as powerful as solid buildings. In all seasons, Fantasiens Ø rewards unhurried exploration, attentive eyes and a willingness to let a fragment of royal history spark new flights of imagination.

Walking in the King’s Landscapes

The island forms part of a much larger network of historic forest landscapes around Hillerød, including Store Dyrehave and the traditional royal hunting grounds. Præstevang itself offers varied terrain, small lakes and marked walking routes that extend your visit beyond the island. Many walkers combine a quiet pause at the ruin with a longer circuit through the forest, using the island as a focal point rather than a standalone destination. Free to visit and open at all hours, Fantasiens Ø fits easily into a half-day of exploring Hillerød’s green spaces. Whether you linger on the shoreline to study the surviving gable, trace the outlines of the former buildings or simply sit and watch the play of light on the water, the experience is less about ticking off sights and more about stepping into a carefully composed, slightly mysterious corner of the royal landscape, where the past is suggested rather than explained in full.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Hillerød St.

0.8 km

North Zealand's essential transport hub connecting Copenhagen, regional destinations, and Frederiksborg Castle.

Hillerød Rectory

1.2 km

Discover the Befrielsessten in Høgsholt, Vejle—a serene memorial park honoring Denmark's journey to freedom amidst lush landscapes.

Old town hall

1.3 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

1.3 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

2.5 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

7.9 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

12.5 km

A baroque garden where Scandinavia's lost palace still echoes through ancient linden trees.

Furesø

15.5 km

Denmark's deepest lake offers pristine waters, historic heritage, and year-round outdoor adventures just 20 km from Copenhagen.

Auderødlejren

16.3 km

Once a busy Danish Navy barracks, today a quiet, semi‑abandoned camp on Arrenæs where stark military architecture meets lakeside nature and recent history.

Henriksholm

16.4 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.

Søborg Slotsruin

18.6 km

Medieval fortress ruins reflected in a restored lake, where Danish history meets nature restoration.

The Open Air Museum

18.6 km

Discover Denmark's captivating rural history at the Open Air Museum in Kongens Lyngby, where authentic buildings, traditional crafts, and engaging exhibits transport you to centuries past.

Danish Museum of Science and Technology

18.6 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.

Stendysser

18.9 km

Bronze Age burial chambers hidden within ancient forest, connecting modern visitors to Denmark's prehistoric past.

Unmissable attractions to see

Lille Hestehave

1.0 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.

Hillerød Church

1.1 km

A light-filled modern parish church in the heart of Hillerød, carrying centuries of local worship history in a calm, contemporary Danish setting.

Genforeningssten i Hillerød

1.2 km

Experience intimate encounters with rescued animals in the serene Japanese gardens of Monkey World Hillerød.

Gavlkunst

1.3 km

A string of vivid murals along Helsingørsgade that turns central Hillerød into a small, free open‑air gallery of local stories and color.

Parforcejagtlandskabet i Store Dyrehave UNESCO World Heritage

1.3 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

AdventurePark

1.3 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.

Royal Stage

1.4 km

North Zealand's premier multi-purpose arena hosting concerts, sports, and cultural events for up to 2,000 guests.

Hillerød City Museum & Graphic Museum

1.4 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

1.4 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.

Elværket Hillerød - Museum Nordsjælland

1.4 km

A beautifully preserved 1909 power station turned museum, where industrial architecture and changing exhibitions illuminate 10,000 years of North Zealand history.

Batzke's Hill

1.5 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.

Posen

1.6 km

A small, leafy pause between Hillerød’s bustling Slotsgade and the storybook views of Frederiksborg Castle and its lake.

Fisketorvet

1.7 km

Experience the vibrant heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where history, shopping, and culture converge in North Zealand's premier market square.

Frederiksborg Castle

1.8 km

Denmark's Renaissance jewel on three islands, where royal grandeur meets national heritage in gardens of baroque precision and romantic beauty.

The Museum of National History

1.8 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.

Contemporary sushi excellence in the heart of Hillerød's central square.

Contemporary fashion boutique inside Hillerød’s covered Slotsarkaderne arcade, blending everyday Scandinavian style with a relaxed, browse-friendly atmosphere.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Jernstangen

0.8 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

1.2 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

1.3 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

1.4 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

1.6 km

A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.

Oddies Beach Bar

14.7 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

18.9 km

Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.

12`er Pubben

21.0 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

21.0 km

Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.

Head/Foam

21.6 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

21.8 km

Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.

Banana joe

21.9 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

21.9 km

Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.

Axelhus Udeservering

21.9 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.

Pitten Sport Bar

22.0 km

Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Socialz

1.7 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

17.8 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

19.1 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

21.6 km

Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.

Retro

21.9 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

28.1 km

Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.

SIGURD CPH

28.5 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

29.4 km

Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.

RUST Natklub

29.8 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

29.9 km

Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.

Haven - Events

30.5 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

30.7 km

Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.

Culture Box

31.1 km

Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.

Mirage

31.1 km

Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.

Arch

31.1 km

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.

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Fantasiens Ø – The Island of Imagination, Hillerød

A brief summary to Island of imagination

Local tips

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

Getting There

Train and walk from central Hillerød

Local bus and short forest approach

Car or taxi from Hillerød centre

Island of imagination location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Island of imagination

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Island of imagination

A Royal Hideaway in the Præstevang Forest

The Lost Light Palace by the Lake

Stones, Myths and Clever Illusions

A Forest Stage for Imagination and Reflection

Walking in the King’s Landscapes

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

Auderødlejren

Henriksholm

Søborg Slotsruin

The Open Air Museum

Danish Museum of Science and Technology

Stendysser

Unmissable attractions to see

Lille Hestehave

Hillerød Church

Genforeningssten i Hillerød

Gavlkunst

Parforcejagtlandskabet i Store Dyrehave UNESCO World Heritage

AdventurePark

Royal Stage

Hillerød City Museum & Graphic Museum

Slotsgade

Elværket Hillerød - Museum Nordsjælland

Batzke's Hill

Posen

Fisketorvet

Frederiksborg Castle

The Museum of National History

Essential places to dine

Cafe Station Pizza Bar

You Sushi

Lpm Restauranter v/Lars Peter Mølvang

Hong Kong Bistro & Grill

Gourmet Sushi

Thai 4 You - Thai Restaurant og Take Away

Duero

Tô Tô Kitchen

Piccola Italia Pizzaria 3400

Patats Kebab & Grill

Unkai

Indian Spice

Chicken BROS

Montalbano

Samurai sushi

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Lumi Op Shop

Shoppen

Mothers' Aid Op Shop

Rodes

Vinbutikken

GEjSER ApS

Normal

NEW YORKER

JeansStore

Gine

Spejder Sport

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