Island of Imagination: A Royal Retreat
Discover a hidden gem in Hillerød's forest: the Island of Imagination, a tranquil retreat with royal history and natural beauty, perfect for a peaceful escape.
Escape to the Island of Imagination, a historical landmark nestled in the Præstevang forest near Hillerød. Once a secret sanctuary for King Frederik VII and Countess Danner in the 19th century, this small island offers a tranquil retreat with remnants of a royal past. Explore the ruins of the King's pleasure palace, wander through the serene woodland, and discover the island's fascinating history through informational stands. Despite the passage of time and some signs of disrepair, the Island of Imagination remains a charming oasis, perfect for a peaceful walk, a family picnic, or a quiet moment surrounded by nature. Enjoy the available picnic tables and barbecue facilities, and let your imagination wander amidst the historical echoes and natural beauty of this unique location. It's a place where history and nature intertwine, offering a unique glimpse into Denmark's royal past and a refreshing escape from the everyday.
A brief summary to Island of imagination
- I, Præstevang, Hillerød, 3400, DK
- +4548242626
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays or early mornings to avoid potential noise from nearby kindergartens/schools.
- Bring your own food for a picnic by utilizing the available picnic tables and fireplaces.
- Combine your visit with a trip to Frederiksborg Castle to explore more of Hillerød's rich history.
- Check local events or guided tours that may provide more insights into the island's history.
Getting There
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Walking
From Hillerød Station, the Island of Imagination is approximately a 30-40 minute walk. Head north on Slotsgade, passing Frederiksborg Castle on your right. Continue onto Frederiksborgvej, following signs for Præstevang. Once in Præstevang forest, follow the marked paths to Breddam Lake, where the Island of Imagination is located. The walk is scenic, passing through the town and into the forest. Note that the path within the forest may be uneven in places.
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Public Transport
From Hillerød Station, take bus 301 or 302 towards Ullerød or Sophienlund. Get off at the 'Præstevangen' bus stop. From there, it's approximately a 10-15 minute walk into the Præstevang forest, following the marked paths to Breddam Lake and the Island of Imagination. A single bus fare costs approximately 23 DKK. Check the 'Rejseplanen' app or website for the most up-to-date schedules and fare information.
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Driving
If driving, enter 'Præstevang, 3400 Hillerød' into your GPS. Free parking is available near Præstevang, but ensure to check local signage for any restrictions. From the parking area, it's a short walk into the forest to reach the Island of Imagination. Parking is free.
Discover more about Island of imagination
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hillerød St.
0.8 km
North Zealand's essential transport hub connecting Copenhagen, regional destinations, and Frederiksborg Castle.
Hillerød Rectory
1.2 km
Discover the Befrielsessten in Høgsholt, Vejle—a serene memorial park honoring Denmark's journey to freedom amidst lush landscapes.
Old town hall
1.3 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
1.3 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
2.5 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
7.9 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
12.5 km
A baroque garden where Scandinavia's lost palace still echoes through ancient linden trees.
Furesø
15.5 km
Denmark's deepest lake offers pristine waters, historic heritage, and year-round outdoor adventures just 20 km from Copenhagen.
Auderødlejren
16.3 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.
Henriksholm
16.4 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.
Søborg Slotsruin
18.6 km
Medieval fortress ruins reflected in a restored lake, where Danish history meets nature restoration.
The Open Air Museum
18.6 km
Discover Denmark's captivating rural history at the Open Air Museum in Kongens Lyngby, where authentic buildings, traditional crafts, and engaging exhibits transport you to centuries past.
Danish Museum of Science and Technology
18.6 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.
Stendysser
18.9 km
Bronze Age burial chambers hidden within ancient forest, connecting modern visitors to Denmark's prehistoric past.
Unmissable attractions to see
Lille Hestehave
1.0 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.
Hillerød Church
1.1 km
A light-filled modern parish church in the heart of Hillerød, carrying centuries of local worship history in a calm, contemporary Danish setting.
Genforeningssten i Hillerød
1.2 km
Experience intimate encounters with rescued animals in the serene Japanese gardens of Monkey World Hillerød.
Gavlkunst
1.3 km
A string of vivid murals along Helsingørsgade that turns central Hillerød into a small, free open‑air gallery of local stories and color.
Parforcejagtlandskabet i Store Dyrehave UNESCO World Heritage
1.3 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.
AdventurePark
1.3 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.
Royal Stage
1.4 km
North Zealand's premier multi-purpose arena hosting concerts, sports, and cultural events for up to 2,000 guests.
Hillerød City Museum & Graphic Museum
1.4 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
1.4 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.
Elværket Hillerød - Museum Nordsjælland
1.4 km
A beautifully preserved 1909 power station turned museum, where industrial architecture and changing exhibitions illuminate 10,000 years of North Zealand history.
Batzke's Hill
1.5 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.
Posen
1.6 km
A small, leafy pause between Hillerød’s bustling Slotsgade and the storybook views of Frederiksborg Castle and its lake.
Fisketorvet
1.7 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where history, shopping, and culture converge in North Zealand's premier market square.
Frederiksborg Castle
1.8 km
Denmark's Renaissance jewel on three islands, where royal grandeur meets national heritage in gardens of baroque precision and romantic beauty.
The Museum of National History
1.8 km
A grand Renaissance castle on an island lake, housing Denmark’s Museum of National History with 500 years of portraits, power and palace splendor.
Essential places to dine
Cafe Station Pizza Bar
0.8 km
Casual, station‑side pizza and café classics in the heart of Hillerød’s transport hub, ideal for quick bites, easy dinners and relaxed, no‑frills stopovers.
You Sushi
0.8 km
Casual Japanese-inspired sushi spot by Hillerød station, blending open-kitchen theatrics, ad libitum feasts and easy takeaway for locals and visitors alike.
Lpm Restauranter v/Lars Peter Mølvang
1.0 km
Contemporary Nordic dining in the heart of Hillerød, open daily for lunch and dinner.
Hong Kong Bistro & Grill
1.1 km
Unfussy Chinese‑Thai grill and wok spot in Hillerød serving hearty noodles, curries, steaks and spareribs in a simple, relaxed neighborhood setting.
Gourmet Sushi
1.1 km
Compact sushi specialist by Hillerød station, serving fresh rolls and generous gourmet platters with a relaxed, takeaway‑first vibe and a few informal seats.
Thai 4 You - Thai Restaurant og Take Away
1.2 km
Authentic Thai flavors prepared by professional chefs in central Hillerød.
Duero
1.2 km
Spanish-inspired tapas, grilled meats and Iberian wines in a warm, multi-level restaurant overlooking Hillerød’s central square, perfect for both dates and group gatherings.
Tô Tô Kitchen
1.2 km
Cozy Vietnamese flavors and casual evening dining on Østergade, bringing fresh herbs, noodles and warm atmosphere to the heart of Hillerød.
Piccola Italia Pizzaria 3400
1.3 km
Busy neighborhood pizzeria in central Hillerød serving hearty pizzas, pastas and quick takeaway just a short stroll from Frederiksborg Castle and the lake.
Patats Kebab & Grill
1.3 km
Casual Turkish-style kebab and grill in central Hillerød, serving generous, inexpensive plates, pitas and durums just a short walk from the town’s main sights.
Unkai
1.3 km
All-you-can-eat, made-to-order sushi and Japanese bites in a modern, laid-back setting on Hillerød’s central Helsingørsgade.
Indian Spice
1.3 km
Cozy Indian restaurant on Hillerød’s main square, serving classic curries, tandoori dishes and vegetarian options in a warm, homely atmosphere.
Chicken BROS
1.3 km
Crispy fried chicken burgers and quick bites in casual Hillerød comfort.
Montalbano
1.3 km
Authentic Sicilian pizzeria run by an Italian family in the heart of Hillerød.
Samurai sushi
1.3 km
Contemporary sushi excellence in the heart of Hillerød's central square.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Lumi Op Shop
1.3 km
Cosy Hillerød charity thrift store and café where vintage furniture, second-hand finds and lakeside castle views meet to support meaningful mission projects.
Shoppen
1.3 km
A local tattoo studio woven into Hillerød’s main pedestrian street, where custom ink sessions sit just steps from cafés, shops and everyday Danish life.
Mothers' Aid Op Shop
1.3 km
Bright, family‑focused charity shop on Hillerød’s main square, where gently used children’s clothes and toys support vital work for parents and kids in Denmark.
Rodes
1.3 km
Two floors of toys, gear and airsoft in an 800 m² megastore that turns central Hillerød into a playground for kids, teens and grown‑up hobby enthusiasts.
Vinbutikken
1.4 km
Cosy wine and delicacies shop on historic Slotsgade in Hillerød, pairing castle-side charm with handpicked bottles, gourmet treats and friendly, expert advice.
GEjSER ApS
1.4 km
Expert vape shop on Slotsgade offering quality e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and accessories for all experience levels.
Normal
1.4 km
Bright, budget-friendly high-street shop in the heart of Hillerød, ideal for topping up toiletries, snacks and quirky small finds between castle-town explorations.
NEW YORKER
1.4 km
Contemporary fashion trends and accessible style in Hillerød's shopping heart.
JeansStore
1.4 km
Denmark's premier denim specialist offering authentic Lee and Wrangler collections with expert guidance.
Gine
1.4 km
A compact, Scandinavian-inspired womenswear boutique on historic Slotsgade, perfect for a relaxed browse between castle views, coffee stops and city-center strolls.
Spejder Sport
1.5 km
Denmark's largest outdoor chain where expert staff and quality gear prepare you for every adventure.
Søstrene Grene
1.5 km
Cozy Danish design universe in central Hillerød, filled with affordable Nordic home décor, crafts, toys and stationery in a warm, maze-like interior.
Jan Ehlers
1.5 km
Established family-run jeweler and watch specialist on Hillerød’s Slotsgade, blending modern boutique style with goldsmith craftsmanship and curated Danish design.
Glitter
1.5 km
Bright, trend-focused jewelry and accessories shop in Hillerød’s SlotsArkaderne mall, ideal for quick gifts, style updates and affordable everyday sparkle.
Idé nyt
1.5 km
Contemporary fashion boutique inside Hillerød’s covered Slotsarkaderne arcade, blending everyday Scandinavian style with a relaxed, browse-friendly atmosphere.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Jernstangen
0.8 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
1.2 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
1.3 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
1.4 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
1.6 km
A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.
Oddies Beach Bar
14.7 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
18.9 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
12`er Pubben
21.0 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
21.0 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
Head/Foam
21.6 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
21.8 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Banana joe
21.9 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
21.9 km
Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.
Axelhus Udeservering
21.9 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.
Pitten Sport Bar
22.0 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Socialz
1.7 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.
Walther's grillkylling og svuppeklub
17.8 km
Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.
Den Dansende Viking
19.1 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
Rustik
21.6 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Retro
21.9 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.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
28.1 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
SIGURD CPH
28.5 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
29.4 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
RUST Natklub
29.8 km
Discover the pulsating heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at RUST Natklub, where eclectic beats and vibrant energy come together for an unforgettable experience.
Temple Bar
29.9 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Haven - Events
30.5 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Moon Club
30.7 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
Culture Box
31.1 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mirage
31.1 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
31.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.