Store Dyrehave Forest, North Zealand

Former royal hunting forest turned UNESCO-listed woodland labyrinth, where geometric rides, stone dykes and quiet trails create a rich blend of history and real nature.

4.5

Looking to book tours, experiences or hotels? Let me help you...

Home
Denmark
North Zealand
Store Dyrehave

Store Dyrehave is a historic royal hunting forest just south of Hillerød and east of Ny Hammersholt, now a peaceful woodland criss-crossed by the UNESCO-listed par force star-shaped road system. Once enclosed by stone walls to hold deer and royal horses, today it offers well-marked trails for walking, running, horseback riding and mountain biking, alongside quiet clearings, marshes and pools. It is both a cultural landscape of royal power and a tranquil escape into real Danish nature.

A brief summary to Store Dyrehave

Ny Hammersholt, 3400, DK
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 5 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

Bring insect repellent in late spring and summer, as mosquitoes and midges are common around the forest’s marshes and ponds.
Download an offline map or take a photo of the trail board at the entrance; the star-shaped road network can feel disorienting once you are deep in the forest.
Wear sturdy shoes suitable for mixed terrain, as some side paths can be muddy or rooty, especially after rain.
If you plan to cycle, use the marked mountain bike route and respect the rules to avoid conflict with walkers and horseback riders.
Pack snacks and water; there are no cafés inside the forest, and facilities are limited once you leave Hillerød or Ny Hammersholt.

Getting There

Train and walking

From Copenhagen, take an S-train or regional train to Hillerød Station, a journey of about 40–45 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day and standard single tickets cost roughly 80–110 DKK depending on ticket type and discounts. From Hillerød Station it is around a 15–25 minute walk on pavement and easy forest tracks to reach the western edge of Store Dyrehave, suitable for most visitors with basic mobility.
Local bus and short walk

Several local bus routes connect Hillerød town with stops along roads bordering Store Dyrehave, such as Københavnsvej and Overdrevsvej, with travel times typically 10–20 minutes from the centre depending on the line and traffic. A single local bus ticket is usually in the range of 24–40 DKK when bought via ticket machines or transport apps. From bus stops, expect a 10–20 minute walk along paved or gravel paths into the forest; evening and weekend frequencies can be lower, so check timetables in advance.
Car

Store Dyrehave lies just south of Hillerød and is easily reached by car via main roads such as Isterødvejen, Overdrevsvej or Københavnsvej. Travel time is about 35–45 minutes from northern Copenhagen suburbs in normal traffic, longer in peak hours. There are several free parking areas at forest edges managed by the nature agency; spaces can fill on sunny weekends, so arrive earlier in the day if you want to park close to a particular entrance.
Cycling

Confident cyclists can reach Store Dyrehave from Hillerød centre in about 10–15 minutes and from nearby towns in 30–60 minutes using regional cycle routes and smaller roads. The approach is mostly on paved surfaces with some gentle hills. There is no fee for bringing your own bike, but if you need to rent one, expect prices from around 150–300 DKK per day at regional bike rental shops or mountain bike centres. Inside the forest, cycling is allowed on roads and paths, and a marked mountain bike route offers a dedicated circuit for off-road riding.

Store Dyrehave location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Windy Conditions
Hot Weather
Cold Weather
Mild Temperatures
Snow

Discover more about Store Dyrehave

Royal forest turned living landscape

Store Dyrehave, literally “Great Deer Park,” stretches south of Hillerød as a broad band of beech, oak and conifer forest that once formed part of the royal estate landscape of North Zealand. In the early 17th century, King Christian IV enclosed these woods with a stone fence, transforming them into a carefully managed hunting forest and pasture for royal horses. The low stone dykes still trace long lines through the trees, hinting at a time when this was a strictly controlled royal larder of game and livestock. Although it now feels like an inviting public forest with free access, the underlying structure remains that of a designed landscape. The forest rides, clearings and ditches were laid out with purpose, creating vistas and controlling the movement of both animals and hunters. Walking here, you move through a palimpsest of centuries of Danish forest management, where natural regeneration and human design are layered together.

The star-shaped maze of par force hunting

The most distinctive feature of Store Dyrehave is its geometric network of straight roads that radiate and intersect in star patterns. These rides were created under King Christian V for par force hunting, a highly choreographed royal sport in which hounds chased deer while riders followed along straight lines, observing and directing the hunt from key junctions. At the centre of the main star, a royal stone still stands, engraved with the king’s monogram and an old compass diagram, marking the symbolic heart of the hunting landscape. Seen on a map, the forest becomes a vast compass rose of gravel tracks cutting through the trees. On the ground, this pattern gives your visit a distinctive feel: long, ruler-straight perspectives vanish into the distance, while side paths tempt you into quieter corners. Wayfinding is aided by crosses and stones that once helped riders navigate; today they lend a slightly mysterious, treasure-hunt quality to exploring the woods.

UNESCO World Heritage in the quiet of the woods

In 2015, Store Dyrehave was recognized as part of the Par Force Hunting Landscape in North Zealand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also includes Gribskov and Jægersborg Dyrehave. The inscription highlights how this forest illustrates the power, taste and scientific interests of European absolute monarchies. The precise geometry of the roads, the surviving stone fence and the king’s markers are all considered of outstanding universal value. Yet the global recognition has not transformed Store Dyrehave into an open-air museum. There are information boards at main entrances that explain the history and point out routes, but once you step a little way into the forest, the atmosphere remains unhurried and thoroughly local. Joggers, dog walkers, riders and cyclists share the paths, while small signs quietly indicate cultural points such as Fem Korset or the par force riding route.

Trails, bikes and horses among trees and marshes

For visitors, Store Dyrehave is above all a versatile outdoor playground. Marked hiking paths loop through mixed woodland, skirting marshes, ponds and heather patches where dragonflies skim low in summer. A dedicated, long mountain bike trail winds over roots and small climbs, drawing riders who want a technical forest circuit within easy reach of town. Horseback riders follow their own signed par force route, cantering along grassy verges and broad forest tracks, echoing the mounted royals of previous centuries. The forest’s wide rides make it easy to choose your own level of exertion. Short circuits close to the edges suit relaxed strolls or family outings, while longer traverses between star junctions turn into half-day hikes or runs. Clearings and glades provide natural picnic spots, and in places you may spot deer slipping between the trunks, a reminder of the forest’s original purpose.

A year-round escape on Hillerød’s doorstep

Store Dyrehave changes character with the seasons. In spring the beech canopy flushes bright green above carpets of anemones, while cool mornings are ideal for longer runs and wildlife watching. Summer brings deeper shade and buzzing life around the marshes, along with midges and mosquitoes that make repellent a wise companion. Autumn is perhaps the forest at its most dramatic, with golden leaves underfoot and long views down the par force avenues framed in copper tones. Even on short winter days the forest offers quiet walks on firm tracks, with the star geometry easy to read when the leaves are down. Simple amenities such as information boards and a few designated primitive camping areas underline the forest’s role as a low-key, close-to-nature escape. Whether you come to trace royal history, clock kilometres on a bike, or simply listen to the wind in the trees, Store Dyrehave offers a rare blend of cultural depth and unpretentious, everyday nature.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Hillerød St.

3.4 km

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

Hillerød Rectory

3.8 km

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

Old town hall

3.8 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

3.9 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

5.1 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.

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

9.3 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

9.9 km

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

Furesø

13.7 km

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

Henriksholm

13.8 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.

Stendysser

17.1 km

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

Lake Bagsværd

17.2 km

Discover Lake Bagsværd: A scenic Danish lake near Copenhagen offering boat tours, historic sites like Sophienholm manor, and outdoor activities amidst tranquil nature.

Bagsværd Kirke

17.6 km

A modest suburban shell concealing Jørn Utzon’s luminous “cloud” church, where Nordic minimalism, sculpted concrete and tranquil courtyards create a serene urban sanctuary.

Danish Museum of Science and Technology

17.6 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.

Lyngby Folkepark

17.8 km

Discover Lyngby Folkepark: A scenic lakeside escape offering tranquility and recreation in the heart of Lyngby-Taarbæk, perfect for picnics, walks, and enjoying nature's beauty.

Unmissable attractions to see

Kongestjernen i Store Dyrehave

0.0 km

Stand on the king’s stone at Kongestjernen, where eight forest avenues radiate out in a royal star and the quiet woods of Store Dyrehave reveal their world‑heritage geometry.

Parforcejagtlandskabet i Store Dyrehave UNESCO World Heritage

1.8 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

Lille Hestehave

2.5 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.

Kongedyssen

2.5 km

Immerse yourself in Denmark’s most interactive monkey park on the outskirts of Hillerød, offering close encounters, family fun, and a focus on primate welfare.

Island of imagination

2.6 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.

AdventurePark

3.0 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.

Store Donse Dam

3.5 km

A tranquil forest-fringed lake in North Zealand where calm water, simple shelters and soft Danish light invite slow walks, campfires and quiet reflection.

Hillerød Church

3.7 km

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

Royal Stage

3.8 km

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

Genforeningssten i Hillerød

3.8 km

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

Gavlkunst

3.8 km

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

Hillerød City Museum & Graphic Museum

3.9 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

4.0 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.

Batzke's Hill

4.0 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.

Elværket Hillerød - Museum Nordsjælland

4.0 km

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

Authentic Sicilian pizzeria run by an Italian family in the heart of Hillerød.

Scandi high-street fashion and denim-focused style for women, conveniently located inside Hillerød’s Slotsarkaderne shopping centre.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Jernstangen

3.4 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

3.8 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

3.8 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

4.0 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.

Møllen

4.2 km

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

Oddies Beach Bar

12.2 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

17.9 km

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

12`er Pubben

20.1 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

20.1 km

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

Head/Foam

20.5 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

20.7 km

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

Banana joe

20.8 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

20.8 km

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

Pitten Sport Bar

20.9 km

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

Axelhus Udeservering

20.9 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.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover Store Dyrehave with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Store Dyrehave Forest, North Zealand

A brief summary to Store Dyrehave

Local tips

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

Getting There

Train and walking

Local bus and short walk

Car

Cycling

Store Dyrehave location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Store Dyrehave

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Store Dyrehave

Royal forest turned living landscape

The star-shaped maze of par force hunting

UNESCO World Heritage in the quiet of the woods

Trails, bikes and horses among trees and marshes

A year-round escape on Hillerød’s doorstep

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

Henriksholm

Stendysser

Lake Bagsværd

Bagsværd Kirke

Danish Museum of Science and Technology

Lyngby Folkepark

Unmissable attractions to see

Kongestjernen i Store Dyrehave

Parforcejagtlandskabet i Store Dyrehave UNESCO World Heritage

Lille Hestehave

Kongedyssen

Island of imagination

AdventurePark

Store Donse Dam

Hillerød Church

Royal Stage

Genforeningssten i Hillerød

Gavlkunst

Hillerød City Museum & Graphic Museum

Slotsgade

Batzke's Hill

Elværket Hillerød - Museum Nordsjælland

Essential places to dine

Restaurant Nysøgaard ApS

Latini Hjørnet

Lpm Restauranter v/Lars Peter Mølvang

Hong Kong Bistro & Grill

Cafe Station Pizza Bar

You Sushi

Gourmet Sushi

Thai 4 You - Thai Restaurant og Take Away

Tô Tô Kitchen

Patats Kebab & Grill

Piccola Italia Pizzaria 3400

Duero

Unkai

Chicken BROS

Montalbano

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Lumi Op Shop

Shoppen

Mothers' Aid Op Shop

Rodes

Vinbutikken

GEjSER ApS

Normal

NEW YORKER

JeansStore

Gine

Spejder Sport