Auderødlejren – Former Naval Barracks on Arrenæs
Once a busy Danish Navy barracks, today a quiet, semi‑abandoned camp on Arrenæs where stark military architecture meets lakeside nature and recent history.
Auderødlejren is a former Danish Navy training camp on the Arrenæs peninsula by Arresø, just outside Frederiksværk. Once home to the Navy’s basic school from 1958 until its closure in 2007–08, the expansive complex of barracks, teaching blocks and training grounds sits amid lakeside woodland and rolling fields. Today, parts of the site are used for nature camps, group stays and events, while other buildings stand almost untouched, offering a powerful glimpse into recent military and social history in scenic North Zealand.
A brief summary to Auderødlejren
- Auderødvej 90, Frederiksværk, 3300, DK
- +4540733700
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes: surfaces around the former barracks and training grounds can be uneven, with gravel roads, steps and rough paths leading into the surrounding landscape.
- Check in advance if parts of the site are in use for courses or group stays, and respect any closed buildings or signed-off areas during your visit.
- Combine a stop at Auderødlejren with a walk or bike ride on the Arrenæs peninsula for lake views, birdlife and a better sense of the camp’s natural setting.
- Bring snacks and water, as on-site services can be limited and buildings may not always be staffed or open to casual visitors.
- Photography is possible outdoors, but avoid pointing cameras into windows of in-use accommodation or facilities to protect the privacy of guests.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Regional train and local bus from Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take a regional train toward Hundested and get off in Frederiksværk; the journey usually takes about 1 hour. From Frederiksværk station, use a local bus toward Auderød or Arrenæs and ride for roughly 15–25 minutes, checking current schedules as services can be less frequent outside peak hours. A standard adult train ticket costs in the range of 80–120 DKK one way, with an additional 20–40 DKK for the bus segment.
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Train and taxi via Frederiksværk
Travel by regional train to Frederiksværk station, then continue by taxi directly to Auderødlejren. The rail part takes around 1 hour from Copenhagen, while the taxi ride usually lasts 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay approximately 80–120 DKK for the train and 120–200 DKK for the taxi, with higher prices in evenings or weekends.
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Car from North Zealand towns
Arriving by car from nearby North Zealand towns such as Hillerød or Hundested typically takes 25–40 minutes, using regional roads across the countryside. The final approach follows Auderødvej toward the peninsula, where speeds are lower and occasional agricultural traffic is common. There is usually informal parking space near the former camp, but surfaces are unpaved in places and larger events can make it busier than usual.
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Cycling within the local area
Confident cyclists can reach Auderødlejren from Frederiksværk or surrounding villages by following minor roads and local cycle routes across Arrenæs. The ride often takes 20–40 minutes depending on the starting point, with gentle hills and stretches exposed to wind from the lake. Surfaces vary from smooth tarmac to compact gravel, so hybrid or touring bikes are more comfortable than narrow‑tyre racing models.
Auderødlejren location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Auderødlejren
Military footprints on the shores of Arresø
Auderødlejren stretches across the tip of the Arrenæs peninsula, framed by forest, open meadows and Denmark’s largest lake, Arresø. Built as a barracks complex in the late 1950s, it became home to the Navy’s basic training school, where generations of conscripts and sailors took their first steps into military life. Parade grounds, classrooms and accommodation blocks were laid out in a functional grid, backed by firing ranges and training areas tucked into the surrounding landscape. For decades this was a self-contained world of drills, lessons and night exercises, with the lake and nearby woods forming a natural backdrop to daily routines. Today the large scale of the site is still palpable: long, low buildings, broad internal roads and austere open spaces instantly signal its former role as a major training facility.From naval school to quiet, semi-abandoned enclave
At the end of 2007 the Navy school here closed and training was gradually moved to Frederikshavn, bringing an era to an end. Shortly afterwards the barracks were decommissioned as an active military camp, leaving much of the complex frozen at the moment of departure. In the following years, parts of Auderødlejren were repurposed as an asylum centre and later as a reception facility, layering new stories onto an already rich recent history. Wander between the blocks and you may notice details that speak of rapid withdrawal: old signage on walls, institutional colours in stairwells and occasional hints of former offices and dormitories. Some zones remain in use and modernised, while others have a raw, almost time-capsule character that makes the site unusually evocative for fans of 20th‑century history and architecture.Nature, lake views and traces of training grounds
What makes Auderødlejren distinctive is how closely the built environment is interwoven with the surrounding countryside. Step just beyond the outer buildings and you are quickly among mixed woodland, open grass and glimpses of Arresø’s broad waters. Old training routes now serve as informal walking paths, linking the former camp with the wider Arrenæs landscape. The area around the camp is also known for birdlife and lakeside scenery. While Auderødlejren itself is primarily a cultural and historical site, it sits on the edge of a wider nature-rich peninsula with good opportunities for walks, informal picnics and quiet lake views. This combination of stark military geometry and soft, recovering landscape is a large part of its appeal.Group stays, courses and changing futures
In recent years, parts of the former barracks have been adapted for nature camps, group accommodation and courses, making use of the canteen buildings, dormitory blocks and large indoor halls. Meeting rooms, simple bunk-style lodging and outdoor spaces lend themselves to school camps, retreats and training events, especially for groups that appreciate a rough‑edged, institutional setting with lots of room to spread out. Plans for the long‑term future of Auderødlejren have shifted over time, including proposals for holiday facilities and further redevelopment. As a visitor you experience a place in transition: no longer a restricted base, not yet fully transformed, but somewhere in between – a living example of how large Cold War‑era sites can slowly find new civilian roles.Exploring respectfully in a living landscape
A visit to Auderødlejren is as much about atmosphere as about specific sights. There are no grand monuments; instead you explore façades, courtyards and corridors where everyday history unfolded. It is important to respect any active uses, signage and fenced‑off areas, and to remember that parts of the complex may host guests or events at any given time. Outside the perimeter, Arrenæs and the shores of Arresø invite further exploration on foot or by bike, turning a stop at the camp into part of a wider day out in North Zealand. Between the quiet buildings, the calls of birds and the expansive sky over the lake, Auderødlejren offers a layered encounter with Denmark’s recent past in a striking natural setting.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Auderødlejren
0.0 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
13.8 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
15.0 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
15.1 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
15.1 km
Discover the Befrielsessten in Høgsholt, Vejle—a serene memorial park honoring Denmark's journey to freedom amidst lush landscapes.
Hillerød St.
15.5 km
North Zealand's essential transport hub connecting Copenhagen, regional destinations, and Frederiksborg Castle.
Kulsvierstenen
15.6 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.
Country Market
19.7 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.
Kongedyssen
21.1 km
A 5,400-year-old passage grave nestled in ancient forest, connecting modern visitors to Neolithic burial traditions.
Falkonergården
21.3 km
Explore the enchanting Falkonergården Zoo in Fredensborg, a captivating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families seeking adventure in nature.
Ølstykke bypark - Bebyggelsen Søhøj Park ligger nord for byparken, fjern ALT med Søhøj også naturlegeplasen
21.9 km
Discover Ølstykke Bypark, a green haven offering tranquility and recreation in the heart of Ølstykke, perfect for families, nature lovers, and community events.
Nakkehoved Fyr - Museum Nordsjælland
22.3 km
Explore the historic Nakkehoved Lighthouse near Gilleleje, offering stunning coastal views, a lighthouse museum, and a glimpse into Denmark's maritime past.
Drive in Put and Take
22.8 km
Discover a serene fishing escape at Drive in Put and Take in Lynge, Denmark, boasting clear waters, family-friendly facilities, and a tranquil atmosphere just a short drive from Copenhagen.
Hornbaek beach
26.1 km
Discover Hornbæk Beach, the gem of the Danish Riviera, offering pristine sands, clear waters, and a charming seaside atmosphere perfect for relaxation and unforgettable summer memories.
Farum Lake
26.5 km
Explore the serene beauty of Farum Lake in Furesø Municipality, a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Denmark.
Unmissable attractions to see
Asserbo Charterhouse
5.0 km
Grass-covered castle and monastery ruins hidden in North Zealand’s forest, where medieval power, monastic silence and drifting sands shaped a quiet historic clearing.
Tisvilde Hegn
6.0 km
Coastal forest, drifting-sand history and a twisted “troll” woodland combine in Tisvilde Hegn, a protected North Zealand landscape of easy trails and hidden ruins.
Stængehus Beach, Nude Area
7.0 km
A relaxed clothing-optional stretch of North Zealand’s wild Kattegat coast, where clear water, soft dunes and heathland scenery create a quietly liberating escape.
Havtyren
7.8 km
A forest-fringed nature playground where a mythical Sea Bull, wooden climbing frames and coastal air turn simple playtime into a North Zealand adventure.
Liseleje Strand
8.0 km
Wide, dune-backed sands, clear shallow waters and a cosy seaside village make Liseleje Strand a gentle Danish Riviera escape for families and nature lovers.
Tisvildeleje Beach
8.3 km
A long, dune-fringed slice of the Danish Riviera where clear shallows, nostalgic bathhouses and nearby pine forests create a classic North Zealand beach escape.
Helene Grave
8.5 km
A quiet stone enclosure in the dunes of Tisvildeleje where legend, healing folklore and North Zealand’s coastal light meet at the symbolic tomb of Saint Helene.
Esthers Have
8.6 km
Provence‑inspired lavender slopes, woodland paths and a rustic hilltop barn create a tranquil countryside garden escape just outside Hillerød.
Monkey World
9.0 km
Intimate mini zoo and rescue garden near Hillerød, where playful monkeys, colourful parrots and peaceful Japanese-style greenery create a close-up family wildlife escape.
Æbelholt Abby ruins
9.1 km
Evocative monastery ruins, a vivid small museum and a flourishing herb garden reveal centuries of healing, faith and everyday life in rural North Zealand.
Mangholm økologisk besøgsgård og gårdbutik
9.1 km
Regenerative farm-to-table dining and woodland retreats in North Zealand's countryside.
Helene Spring
9.1 km
Denmark's legendary healing spring hidden within an ancient twisted-pine forest.
Tisvildeleje
9.2 km
A classic Danish Riviera strand where pale sand, colorful bathhouses and pine forest meet a relaxed seaside town of cafés, cottages and slow summer days.
Æbelholt Kloster - Museum Nordsjælland
9.3 km
Medieval monastery ruins where saints healed the sick and archaeology reveals the secrets of monastic life.
The King Oak
9.8 km
An ancient royal oak hidden in Jægerspris Forest, where centuries of history, legend and woodland life meet in one gnarled, hollow giant.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Ellegården
11.1 km
Cosy Danish familierestaurant in a historic country-house setting, serving set menus, hearty classics and unhurried dinners on the quiet outskirts of Hillerød.
Bauhaus Grill
12.3 km
Unpretentious Danish burgers and flæskesteg sandwiches at budget-friendly prices in central Hillerød.
Big Mamma Gastronomia
14.3 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.
Jensens Bøfhus
14.4 km
Casual Danish steakhouse on Hillerød’s main street, offering family-friendly comfort food and easy castle-side convenience from lunchtime through evening.
9-Ni Sushi
14.5 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.
Rabarbergaarden Slottet
14.6 km
Organic farm-to-table dining in Frederiksborg Castle’s former carriage house, where seasonal North Zealand produce meets calm Scandinavian design and royal surroundings.
Royal Taste
14.6 km
Generous sushi ad libitum and colourful Asian plates in a relaxed, modern setting on Hillerød’s historic Slotsgade, ideal for cosy dinners and sociable feasts.
Restaurant Royal Style
14.6 km
Casual Asian comfort food with dim sum, bao and ramen just steps from Frederiksborg Castle in the heart of Hillerød’s historic Slotsgade.
Ninos Pizza
14.6 km
Casual pizzeria serving Italian, Mexican, and American fare in central Hillerød with friendly service and extended hours.
Rib House
14.6 km
Hearty ribs and steaks in a relaxed, family-friendly steakhouse just steps from Frederiksborg Castle on historic Slotsgade in central Hillerød.
Roberto's 51
14.6 km
Straightforward pizzas and burgers on Hillerød’s main street, serving solid comfort food from lunchtime until late on weekend nights.
Café Valentin
14.7 km
All‑day Danish café on Hillerød’s main street, blending generous brunches, comfort food and cocktails with a lively terrace near Frederiksborg Castle.
Gonzales Cantina
14.7 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.
Café Kaiser
14.8 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
14.8 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Frederiksborgcentret's Restauranter ApS in Hillerød.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Plantorama Hillerød
13.0 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
14.6 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.
Red Cross Op Shop
14.6 km
Hyggelig Røde Kors genbrugsbutik i Hillerøds hovedgade, hvor du finder billige fund til garderobe og hjem – og samtidig støtter lokalt og internationalt hjælpearbejde.
Tingstedet
14.7 km
Curated vintage and retro treasures near Frederiksborg Castle since 1996.
Søs Tre
14.7 km
A cosy women’s fashion boutique on Hillerød’s historic Slotsgade, blending Scandinavian style, curated clothing and accessories with a relaxed, personal atmosphere.
Boutique Munck
14.7 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Hillerød, blending curated Nordic fashion, warm styling advice and a relaxed, local neighborhood feel.
Holm Hillerød
14.7 km
Locally owned menswear boutique on Hillerød’s main shopping street, offering curated smart-casual clothing and accessories just a short stroll from Frederiksborg Castle.
Frk. Fie
14.7 km
Cosy women’s fashion boutique on Hillerød’s atmospheric Slotsgade, offering curated Scandinavian-inspired styles in an intimate, friendly setting near the historic town centre.
NORMAL
14.8 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
14.8 km
North Zealand's premier shopping destination where modern retail meets royal heritage in the heart of historic Hillerød.
HL Mode Hillerød
14.8 km
Neighbourhood-style women’s fashion and lingerie on historic Slotsgade, offering Scandinavian everyday elegance a short stroll from Hillerød’s castle and lake.
Tøjeksperten
14.8 km
Straightforward men’s style in Hillerød’s main mall, offering wearable brands, practical basics and smarter looks in a compact, weatherproof setting.
VERO MODA
14.8 km
Central Hillerød fashion stop in SlotsArkaderne, offering accessible Scandinavian women’s style, seasonal collections and easy indoor browsing in a modern mall setting.
Karmen & Kamelia
14.8 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.
Pilgrim Hillerød Slotsarkaderne
14.8 km
Handcrafted Danish jewellery celebrating personal style, quality, and Scandinavian design.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Møllen
14.7 km
A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.
The Old Irish Pub
14.9 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
15.1 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
15.1 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
15.5 km
Old-school Hillerød pub opposite the station, with billiards, darts, dice games and live music nights in a laid‑back, locals-first atmosphere.
Kardusen
30.8 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
Oddies Beach Bar
31.0 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.
Gefion Bodega
32.1 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
12`er Pubben
32.1 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Helsingør with billiards, sports on TV and cold beers, offering an authentic slice of Danish local bar life.
Joker Bar
33.2 km
Relaxed Danish bar offering casual drinks and friendly conversation in historic Helsingør.
Head/Foam
33.3 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
33.4 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Axelhus Udeservering
33.4 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.
Hold-An
33.5 km
Unfussy beer hall and local bar in central Helsingør, pouring cold brews, simple bites and everyday Danish hygge from late morning to late night.
Axelhus
33.5 km
Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Socialz
14.6 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.
Den Dansende Viking
24.8 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
Walther's grillkylling og svuppeklub
28.9 km
Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.
Rustik
33.3 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Retro
33.5 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.
Club El Diablo
34.9 km
Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.
Danseriet
38.1 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Garbos Roskilde
38.2 km
Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.
Dansebar Roskilde
38.2 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead
39.4 km
Dynamic live music venue in Roskilde, specializing in jazz and contemporary genres, with an intimate setting and vibrant community engagement throughout the year.
Klubhuset
40.7 km
Low-key local clubhouse turned disco-style nightspot, where a simple bar, small dance floor and regulars’ vibe create relaxed, unpretentious nights in Roskilde.
Tropicana DC
40.8 km
Compact Latin-flavoured nightclub on Roskilde’s industrial edge, delivering loud beats, simple drinks and a late-night dancefloor focused purely on partying.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
42.2 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
SIGURD CPH
42.8 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
43.2 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Industrial
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Business Friendly