Fredensborg Palace: The Danish Royal Family’s Living Legacy
Experience Danish royal heritage at Fredensborg Palace—a Baroque masterpiece with lush gardens, lakeside views, and centuries of living tradition near Copenhagen.
Fredensborg Palace, set on the tranquil banks of Lake Esrum, is a living piece of Danish royal history and the royal family’s spring and autumn residence. Known for its stately Baroque architecture and expansive, beautifully landscaped gardens, the palace delights visitors with lavish interiors (open in summer), historical banquets, and peaceful lakeside walks. It stands just north of Copenhagen, attracting guests seeking both grandeur and a serene, natural setting.
A brief summary to Copenhagen Contemporary
- Refshalevej 173A, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1432, DK
- +4529898087
- Visit website
- Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
- Thursday 11 am-9 pm
- Friday 11 am-6 pm
- Saturday 11 am-6 pm
- Sunday 11 am-6 pm
Local tips
- The palace interiors are only open to the public during summer (typically July); check seasonal dates before planning a visit.
- The extensive palace gardens are open year-round and are free to enter, offering a beautiful alternative even when the palace itself is closed.
- Join a guided tour for rare access to royal reception rooms and learn about state banquets and ceremonies.
- Picnic by Lake Esrum or explore the lush Norwegian Valley, featuring unique sculptures of 18th-century Norwegian peasants.
- The Orange Tree Garden and Royal Kitchen Garden are seasonal treats, typically open for special events or weekends.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Roskilde’s city center, travelers can board a regional train to Hillerød, a primary hub in North Zealand, where connections lead to Fredensborg town. The journey typically includes a change and takes around 50–70 minutes in total. From Fredensborg Station, it’s a pleasant walk through the town’s center, passing local shops and leafy squares, until the elegant towers of Fredensborg Palace rise into view near the edge of the lake. Single adult tickets for the journey average 84–108 DKK. Buses also run between the station and the palace entrance for those preferring not to walk.
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Taxi
A taxi from Roskilde to Fredensborg Palace covers a scenic cross-country route, passing rolling fields and forested stretches. The ride takes about 45–55 minutes depending on traffic, with typical rates ranging from 700–1,000 DKK each way. The palace is well signposted on approach, and taxis can drop guests at the visitor gate. Advance booking is recommended, especially on weekends.
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Driving
Travelers arriving by car will find free public parking areas near the palace’s main gates, situated just beside the landscaped gardens. The drive from Roskilde usually takes 45–60 minutes, skirting the northern fringe of Zealand’s lakes and forests. No tolls are required for this route, but parking spots can fill up quickly during peak visitor periods, especially in summer.
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