Background

Hørsholm Slotshave

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

4.6

A historic baroque garden in North Zealand that once surrounded Hirschholm Slot, one of Scandinavia's grandest royal palaces. Today, this verdant park preserves the original layout with tree-lined avenues, walking trails, and remnants of its ornamental past. Open year-round and free to visit, it offers peaceful walks through centuries of Danish royal history, complemented by the nearby Hørsholm Egns Museum's exhibition on the vanished castle.

A brief summary to Hørsholm Slotshave

  • Folehavevej 15, Hørsholm, 2970, DK
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Follow the marked Hjertestien route for a structured 2-kilometer walk that highlights the garden's most historically significant areas; the trail begins from the parking area near the church avenue.
  • Visit Hørsholm Egns Museum (open Saturday–Sunday 11:00–16:00 outside school holidays, Wednesday–Sunday during school holidays) to view the exhibition on Hirschholm Slot and understand the palace that once dominated this landscape.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for varied terrain; the park's stony paths and uneven surfaces require stable footwear, especially in wet conditions.
  • Bring binoculars or a camera to capture the towering linden trees and garden vistas; early morning or late afternoon light enhances photography and provides quieter walking conditions.
  • If visiting with a dog, take advantage of the off-leash dog area; however, remain aware of other visitors and keep your dog under voice control.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Car

    Drive to Folehavevej 15, Hørsholm, where a dedicated parking area serves the garden. From central Copenhagen, the journey takes approximately 30–40 minutes via the E47 motorway northbound toward Helsingør, exiting toward Hørsholm. Parking is free and available year-round. The parking area connects directly to the garden's main entrance and the beginning of the Hjertestien marked trail.

  • Train and Local Bus

    Take the S-train (S-tog) from Copenhagen Central Station toward Hillerød, alighting at Hørsholm Station (approximately 25–30 minutes). From the station, local bus routes serve the area; confirm current routes with Movia transport authority. The walk from Hørsholm Station to the garden entrance is approximately 1.5–2 kilometers and takes 20–25 minutes on foot through residential streets.

  • Bicycle

    Cycle from central Copenhagen via the North Zealand cycle routes, a journey of approximately 20–25 kilometers taking 45–60 minutes depending on your starting point and route choice. Hørsholm is well-connected by regional cycle paths. Secure bicycle parking is available near the garden entrance. The flat terrain of North Zealand makes cycling a practical and popular option for reaching the site.

  • Guided Tour

    Museum Nordsjælland periodically offers guided cultural walks through Hørsholm Slotshave led by local historians and authors, typically lasting 1–2 hours. These walks are bookable through the museum and include entry to Hørsholm Egns Museum. Check the museum's event calendar for scheduled dates and pricing, which typically ranges from 50–100 Danish kroner plus any booking fees.

Hørsholm Slotshave location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

Unlock the Best of Hørsholm Slotshave

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Hørsholm Slotshave

A Lost Palace and Its Enduring Garden

Hørsholm Slotshave stands as a living memory of Hirschholm Slot, once called the Versailles of the North. This magnificent royal residence was constructed in the early 18th century under the vision of Queen Louise, who began the garden's design around 1700. When she died in 1721, Queen Sophie Magdalene and King Christian VI inherited her ambition and transformed the estate into a baroque masterpiece. Over the following two decades, architects Lauritz de Thurah, J.C. Krieger, and Nicolai Eigtved created a harmonious union of palace and garden that represented the pinnacle of Danish royal splendor. The slot itself no longer stands, demolished in the 19th century, yet the garden remains largely intact—a testament to baroque landscape design and royal ambition.

The Baroque Garden Layout and Historic Features

The garden's original baroque character survives in its carefully planned geometry and mature plantings. Towering linden trees, some centuries old, line the avenues and whisper of the grandeur that once surrounded them. The garden originally featured elaborate ornamental elements including a labyrinth, bird aviary, carousel grounds, theater, bowling green, and games area—all designed to entertain the court and its distinguished guests. Today, visitors walk the same paths that once connected these pleasure grounds. In the southern section lies a modest garden installation featuring a fountain and six cement pillars known locally as the Apoteker-pillerne, erected in 1913 as an attempt to recreate elements of the lost baroque landscape. The Hjertestien, a marked 2-kilometer walking route, guides visitors through the park's most significant areas, beginning from the parking area near the church avenue.

A Modern Green Space for All

While its royal past defines its character, Hørsholm Slotshave functions today as a beloved community green space accessible to everyone. The park remains open throughout the year, day and night, welcoming walkers, joggers, and families. Well-maintained trails wind through the entire estate, with paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, making the garden accessible to visitors of varying mobility. The park is designated as one of several off-leash dog areas in Hørsholm, where dogs can roam freely—a feature that has made it a favorite among local pet owners. The combination of historical significance and practical accessibility creates a unique space where Danish heritage and contemporary leisure seamlessly coexist.

Connection to Hørsholm Egns Museum

The nearby Hørsholm Egns Museum, located at the garden's edge, deepens the visitor experience by providing context for what once stood here. The museum's primary exhibition focuses on the vanished Hirschholm Slot, offering artifacts, historical records, and interpretive displays that bring the palace back to life in visitors' imaginations. Beyond the slot exhibition, the museum presents local history, regional collections, and rotating special exhibitions. For families with children, the museum offers costume dress-up opportunities and creative workshops. The museum shop sells books and postcards related to local history. Guided cultural walks through the garden, led by local historians and authors, are periodically offered to those seeking deeper engagement with the site's historical narrative.

Seasonal Rhythms and Visitor Experience

The garden's appeal shifts subtly through the seasons. Spring brings renewal to the ancient trees and flowering plantings; summer offers full canopy shade and lush greenery; autumn displays the warm colors of mature foliage; and winter reveals the skeletal structure of the baroque layout beneath bare branches. The open-air setting means weather plays a significant role in the experience—clear skies enhance the sense of space and history, while rain and wind add atmospheric drama to the tree-lined avenues. The site's lack of commercial development preserves its contemplative quality, allowing visitors to focus on the landscape itself and its historical resonance rather than on contemporary distractions.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Hørsholm Slotshave

Popular Hotels near Hørsholm Slotshave

Select Currency