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Store Dyrehave: The Royal Hunting Forest of North Zealand

Ancient royal hunting grounds with UNESCO-listed star-shaped avenues, rich wildlife, and historic trails—Store Dyrehave is North Zealand’s forest sanctuary.

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Store Dyrehave is an expansive ancient forest near Ny Hammersholt and Hillerød, famed for its UNESCO-listed star-shaped network of hunting paths, rich wildlife, and deep historical ties to Danish royalty. The forest today offers a tranquil escape for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers who come for woodland trails, mossy clearings, and glimpses of deer that still roam beneath centuries-old trees.

A brief summary to Tidens Tunnel

  • 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 a picnic—secluded forest clearings make atmospheric lunch spots, especially in warmer months.
  • Mountain biking is permitted; marked trails cross through the forest’s most scenic sectors.
  • Early mornings or evenings are the best times to spot deer grazing in quieter areas.
  • There are no entrance fees or gates—the forest is always open.
  • Insect repellent is useful in late spring and summer, especially near wetter parts of the woods.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Most visitors coming from North Zealand’s key hubs, like Hillerød, can reach Store Dyrehave by regional S-train or bus, alighting in the southern districts near the forest’s edge. It’s typically a 10–15-minute journey from Hillerød Station—a main local rail hub—to the closest bus stops bordering the woodland. A single-zone adult ticket costs around 24-36 DKK. From these stops, the main entrances are reached on foot across open grassland or through smaller parks framing the vast woods.

  • Car

    Visitors arriving by car find parking areas near the main access points on the outskirts of the forest, with easy signage as you approach from central Hillerød. Parking is usually free or modestly priced. The journey from the heart of Hillerød is a short drive of 5–10 minutes, with no tolls or congestion charges. Be aware that parking can fill up on sunny weekends or public holidays.

  • Cycling

    Cyclists can enjoy well-maintained paths from Hillerød’s castle district or neighbouring villages, traveling along signposted bike routes that run through expansive farmland before merging into forest trails. The ride through these scenic corridors typically takes around 15–20 minutes from Hillerød center, offering a gentle approach amid fields and tree belts. Bike parking racks are located at several forest entry points.

  • Walking

    For those on foot, Store Dyrehave is easily accessible from the outskirts of Hillerød or Ny Hammersholt, with forest edges visible as you pass residential neighborhoods and local gardens. Expect a pleasant 20–30-minute stroll from the center, moving through open parkland and following broad greenways into the ancient trees.

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Discover more about Tidens Tunnel

Store Dyrehave, translating to 'Great Deer Park', is a centuries-old royal hunting forest that sprawls just south of Hillerød, marking one of North Zealand’s most atmospheric green spaces. Once the privileged reserve of Danish kings, Store Dyrehave is shaped by an iconic network of eight star-shaped avenues, designed in the 17th century for elaborate par force hunting—where the chase and kill of deer was as much about spectacle as sport. This unique geometric system is so intact and historically significant that it, along with its neighboring Gribskov and Jægersborg Dyrehave, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Store Dyrehave is a beloved retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. Ancient beeches, dense conifers, and tranquil meadows form a mosaic of landscapes ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The forest is particularly celebrated for its resident fallow deer, which can often be spotted grazing among sun-dappled clearings—a living echo of its hunting past. In spring, wildflowers carpet the floor, while autumn lights up the woodlands with a fiery array of yellows and golds. Visitors will also find remnants of royal history, such as the old stone markers and hunter’s huts that punctuate the grounds, and the rare opportunity to experience one of Europe’s most perfectly preserved baroque hunting landscapes. With over 14 km² of terrain, Store Dyrehave caters equally to quiet picnic seekers and serious trail cyclists, each likely to encounter both solitude and spectacular biodiversity. The space remains open at all hours, free of fences and admission charges, and is easily accessible from the lively center of Hillerød—a forested counterpoint to the grand Frederiksborg Castle nearby. Its popularity peaks on weekends, yet the forest’s expanse always offers a patch of peace. Whether you’re coming for nature, history, or a simple breath of fresh Danish air, Store Dyrehave stands apart as one of North Zealand's most treasured and unique landscapes.

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