Background

The Royal Hunting Forest of Store Dyrehave

A historic royal hunting forest with a star-shaped trail network, tranquil woodlands, and abundant wildlife, set just beyond the walls of Hillerød’s majestic Frederiksborg Castle.

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Store Dyrehave, just southwest of Hillerød in North Zealand, is a centuries-old royal forest famed for its star-shaped network of riding paths, serene woodlands, and historic hunting grounds. Visitors can explore tranquil trails lined with ancient oak and beech trees, spot deer grazing in open glades, and immerse themselves in the living legacy of Denmark’s royal past—all just a short distance from Frederiksborg Castle.

A brief summary to Jægerspris Castle

  • 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

  • Bring a picnic, as there are secluded tables and glades ideal for lunch amid woodland sounds.
  • Cyclists and mountain bikers will find some of North Zealand’s best marked trails here; bikes can be rented nearby in Hillerød.
  • In autumn, look for the forest’s colorful fungi and mushrooms—just remember, foraging rules apply.
  • For the best deer sightings, visit quietly around dawn or dusk when wildlife is most active.
  • Free parking is available at several entrances, but during warm weekends, lots closer to Hillerød can fill quickly.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Hillerød’s central area, it’s a pleasant ~25-minute walk southwest through park-like avenues and past historic neighborhoods. Frederiksborg Castle's gardens are a notable reference point, lying just north of the forest. The impressive forest boundaries become evident with broad tree lines; clear signage entrances mark the start of Store Dyrehave’s trails.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses from Hillerød Station regularly serve stops near the northern edge of the forest, with journey times ranging from 10–15 minutes. Single adult tickets typically cost 24–30 DKK. Expect a short walk from the nearest stop through residential green belts to reach the forest's main avenues.

  • Taxi/Ride-hailing

    A taxi from Hillerød’s town center reaches main forest entrances in approximately 8–12 minutes, with fares generally between 110–150 DKK. This is the quickest option when traveling with family, bikes, or picnic supplies.

  • Driving

    Drivers will find free public parking at principal entrances on the north and east sides of Store Dyrehave. On busy weekends or in peak summer, arriving earlier in the day helps ensure a space, especially near the sections closest to Hillerød.

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Discover more about Jægerspris Castle

Store Dyrehave in North Zealand spans nearly 1,300 hectares of mature woodland, lakes, and open glades—once forming the royal hunting grounds for the Danish monarchy. Established as a deer park in the 17th century by King Christian V, its defining feature is the intricate network of eight broad, tree-lined avenues radiating out in a perfect star pattern. Designed for par force hunting—an elaborate baroque ritual—these avenues allowed the nobility to chase and corner deer in dramatic spectacles atop horseback. The geometrics of this forest are so unique that Store Dyrehave is recognized as part of a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Today, Store Dyrehave remains a vastly accessible green haven, offering miles of signposted trails for walking, biking, and horseback riding. The centuries-old trees, mossy clearings, and mirror-like lakes offer a refreshing escape. Birdsong accompanies you along the bridleways as sunlight filters through looming beech canopies. Wildlife, including roe and fallow deer, is a common sight—relics of the park’s original purpose. Clearly marked heritage points provide insight into the elaborate rituals practiced here, and informational panels detail the significance of the radiant ‘Stjernen’ (the central star junction) at the heart of the forest. Picnic sites invite lingering on sunny days, and a network of mountain bike trails attracts those craving adventure. The forest’s accessibility and varied topography make it popular with families, serious hikers, and nature lovers alike. While close to the splendid Frederiksborg Castle and Hillerød, Store Dyrehave retains a sense of peace unusual for a royal landscape so near urban life. It embodies a distinctly Danish blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and open-air recreation—welcoming travelers to tread the very same paths once galloped by kings.

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