Jægerspris Castle
One of Denmark’s oldest royal residences, Jægerspris Castle blends intimate 19th‑century royal life, social history and tranquil parkland on the Hornsherred peninsula.
Jægerspris Castle is one of Denmark’s oldest royal residences, a warm, lived-in 19th-century home set in sweeping parkland on the Hornsherred peninsula. Once the private retreat of King Frederik VII and Countess Danner, it now functions as a museum and foundation, preserving richly furnished rooms, personal objects, and stories from the dawn of Danish democracy. Outside, a vast castle park stretches into forest, dotted with memorial stones, rune stones and Countess Danner’s grave, offering tranquil walks, history and nature in one stop.
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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Mixed
- 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 before you go: the castle interior is closed until spring 2026, but the park, memorial grove and forest paths remain open year-round.
- Allow extra time to explore the Memorial Grove and rune stones in the wider forest beyond the formal gardens; comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Bring water, snacks or a picnic, especially outside peak season, as food options directly at the castle can be limited and depend on opening hours.
- If you are interested in the story of Countess Danner and Danish democracy, read a brief overview beforehand to get more from the museum rooms once they reopen.
- Combine your visit with nearby fjord viewpoints or small towns in Fjordlandet to make a relaxed full-day outing from Copenhagen.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Copenhagen
Driving from central Copenhagen to Jægerspris Castle typically takes 50–70 minutes, depending on traffic, following main routes across Frederikssund Bridge into the Hornsherred peninsula. The final approach uses ordinary country roads and brings you directly into the village of Jægerspris. Public parking for visitors is available close to the castle area and is generally free of charge, though spaces can fill up on sunny weekends and school holidays.
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Train and bus via Frederikssund
From Copenhagen, take S-train line C to Frederikssund Station, a journey of about 55–65 minutes with frequent departures throughout the day. From Frederikssund, transfer to regional bus 316 or 230R towards Jægerspris; the bus ride usually takes 20–30 minutes and stops within a short walk of the castle. A standard one-way adult ticket for the combined train and bus trip typically costs around 70–110 DKK, depending on the ticket type, and tickets can cover the full journey across zones within a set time limit.
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Cycling from Frederikssund
For a more active option, travel by S-train to Frederikssund with your bicycle, then cycle the approximately 7–8 km to Jægerspris Castle. The ride often takes 30–45 minutes each way along a scenic route that can include stretches by Roskilde Fjord and through forested areas. The terrain is mostly flat but can be windy, and surfaces are a mix of paved paths and minor roads, so this option suits confident cyclists comfortable sharing the road with local traffic.
Jægerspris Castle location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Jægerspris Castle
A royal retreat on the Hornsherred peninsula
Jægerspris Castle sits between Roskilde Fjord and Isefjord, surrounded by old royal hunting grounds that once formed a beloved countryside escape from Copenhagen. The castle’s roots reach back to the Middle Ages, making it one of Denmark’s oldest royal residences, but its present character is inseparable from the 1800s and the couple who chose it as their sanctuary. In 1854 King Frederik VII acquired the estate as a private home for himself and his morganatic wife, Countess Danner, far from the formalities of the capital. For centuries earlier, monarchs had used the site as a hunting and summer residence, and layers of architectural changes can still be sensed in the building’s irregular volumes, wings and courtyards.Frederik VII, Countess Danner and a new Denmark
Inside, the museum focuses on the final years of absolute monarchy and the birth of constitutional Denmark, told through rooms preserved almost as they were in the 1850s. Frederik VII, remembered as the king who signed the 1849 Constitution, chose to live here with Louise Rasmussen, the former milliner and actress who became Countess Danner. Their partnership, controversial at the time, gives the castle a distinctly personal, human story. The royal apartments are furnished with colourful wallpapers, deep carpets and heavy upholstered furniture reflecting the countess’s taste. Everyday objects, from writing desks and pipes to photographs and technical curiosities, reveal the couple’s fascination with new inventions and the domestic side of royal life. Walking these rooms is like stepping into a time capsule of mid-19th-century Denmark.From private home to museum and children’s foundation
After Frederik VII’s death, Countess Danner inherited the castle and chose to anchor his memory and her social ideals here. She opened the king’s rooms as a memorial museum and founded a children’s home in former cavalry buildings, creating an unusual blend of royal residence and social institution under one roof. Since the 1870s the estate has been managed by the Frederik VII Foundation, which continues the social mission inspired by Danner’s work. The children’s home still forms part of the complex today, giving the castle a quiet, lived-in feel that distinguishes it from more ceremonial Danish palaces. The museum section is normally open seasonally, though the castle interior is undergoing renovation and closed until spring 2026, while the park remains accessible.Castle park, memorial grove and forest trails
The extensive castle park is as much an attraction as the building itself. Formal gardens close to the castle blend into meadows and old woodland, with broad paths leading towards the surrounding forest. Here, history appears in stone: Countess Danner’s simple grave lies in a peaceful corner, while a Memorial Grove holds an open-air sculpture park of 54 monuments carved by Johannes Wiedewelt in the 1770s. Each monument in the grove commemorates notable Danish and Norwegian figures from the 18th century, turning a forest walk into a kind of national pantheon. Elsewhere in the park, rune stones relocated from Funen stand as echoes of the Viking Age. The combination of manicured lawns, ancient trees, inscriptions and quiet corners makes the grounds ideal for reflective walks, picnics or unhurried exploration.Visiting today: museum closure and year-round park access
While the castle’s interiors are closed for renovation until spring 2026, the estate still works well as a half-day escape from Copenhagen or a stop on a wider Fjordlandet itinerary. Visitors can wander the park year-round, trace the line from royal hunting retreat to democratic symbol, and connect the story of Frederik VII and Countess Danner with the physical landscape they chose as their refuge. Information boards in and around the park help interpret selected features, although not all material is available in multiple languages. Even so, the setting itself—water nearby, open skies, dense forest and the castle’s pale façades—offers a strong sense of place, inviting you to slow your pace and let the centuries overlap as you explore.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Auderødlejren
15.5 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.
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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- 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
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
- 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
