Fredensborg Palace: The Royal Residence by Lake Esrum
Fredensborg Palace: Denmark’s royal baroque residence by Lake Esrum, famed for its manicured gardens, royal events, and centuries of regal history.
Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence nestled beside tranquil Lake Esrum, surrounded by elegant baroque gardens and ancient woodlands. Known as the ‘Danish Versailles,’ it has served as the spring and autumn residence for the Danish royal family since 1720. Guests can admire the palace's stately exterior, stroll the manicured gardens, and glimpse grand halls used for regal events and official state visits, making it one of Denmark’s most cherished historical landmarks.
A brief summary to Museum of Copenhagen
- Stormgade 18, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1555, DK
- +4521764366
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-8 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Guided tours of the palace interiors are usually available only in July and August; book ahead as slots fill up quickly.
- Don’t miss the Nordmandsdalen statuary garden with its impressive collection of figures, best visited in spring or summer.
- Photography is permitted in the gardens but not inside the main palace rooms during guided tours.
- The palace gardens are wheelchair accessible, but some gravel paths and slopes may present challenges for those with limited mobility.
- Plan for at least two hours to explore both the palace grounds and the lakeside surroundings, especially during good weather.
Getting There
-
Public Transport
From Roskilde’s main railway station, regional trains connect to Hillerød or Helsingør, both key hubs for North Zealand. At Hillerød, travelers can transfer to a local S-train or bus toward Fredensborg; buses leave regularly and the journey along leafy countryside roads brings you close to the palace park's north entrance. The total journey by train and bus typically takes 60–80 minutes, with ticket prices around 100–130 DKK (one-way, adult fare; covered by a standard Zone 7 ticket). Service is frequent during weekdays, with slightly reduced frequency on weekends and holidays.
-
Taxi
A taxi from Roskilde’s city center to Fredensborg is a comfortable and flexible option, covering roughly 50 km across Zealand. Expect a drive of about 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. Fares for the full journey average 850–1100 DKK each way. Taxis can drop guests right at the main palace entrance, which is useful during special events or when traveling with luggage.
-
Driving
For those with a rental car, Fredensborg Palace is most easily reached by following the motorway toward North Zealand. As you near the palace, look for signs marking the approach through Fredensborg town and the park perimeter, with the palace’s spires visible above the treetops. Visitor parking is available near the palace gardens; municipal fees apply, generally about 12–16 DKK per hour. No tolls are required on the final segment.
Discover more about Museum of Copenhagen
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.2 km
Discover 'Heracles and the Hydra'—a captivating modern sculpture that unites Greek mythology and Danish artistry beside historic Kronborg Castle in Helsingør.
Lur Blowers
0.2 km
Aarhus University Park: Where Danish architectural elegance meets lush urban nature, offering tranquil lakes, stately trees, and a vibrant academic atmosphere.
Nytorv
0.4 km
Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Rutschebanen
0.4 km
Iconic 1914 wooden roller coaster in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, offering nostalgic thrills and hands-on history amid the city’s legendary amusement park.
Nytorv 2
0.4 km
Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter blends medieval lanes, bohemian charm, vibrant cafés, and local boutiques, making it the creative soul of Denmark’s second-largest city.
The Stable Boy's House
0.4 km
Historic seat of Danish royalty and government, Christiansborg Palace dazzles with royal halls, ancient ruins, stables, and unmatched views in central Copenhagen.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's industrial past at Industrimuseet in Horsens, an interactive museum with working machines, workshops, and personal stories from Denmark's iron and steam era.
Gammeltorv
0.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox Church, renowned for its gilded domes, lavish icons, and evocative ties to Denmark's royal and multicultural heritage.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
0.5 km
A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
The War Museum
0.5 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Copenhagen Central Station
0.5 km
Copenhagen Central Station is the vibrant gateway to Denmark’s capital, blending historic architecture, bustling platforms, and local flavor at the heart of Zealand.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
0.5 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
The Danish Parliament
0.5 km
Experience Skagen’s rich maritime and industrial heritage, with vintage engines, interactive exhibits, and a harbor-inspired café in a welcoming community setting.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.5 km
Explore Denmark's industrial evolution at Horsens' Industrimuseet, featuring authentic exhibits and interactive displays for all ages.
Frihedsstøtten
0.6 km
Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Unmissable attractions to see
National Museum of Denmark
0.1 km
Discover baroque elegance and tranquil natural beauty at Ledreborg Park, a historic estate garden near Roskilde, famed for its grand landscapes and palace views.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
0.2 km
Explore the evolution of Danish design at Copenhagen's Designmuseum Danmark, housed in a historic 18th-century building.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.2 km
Historic canal harbor with colorful facades, atmospheric quayside dining, vintage wooden ships, and the timeless spirit of Copenhagen’s maritime heritage.
Rainbow Square
0.2 km
A vibrant waterfront district in Copenhagen, Islands Brygge offers harbor views, greenery, public swimming, modern architecture, and a lively local scene year-round.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.2 km
Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.2 km
Experience Copenhagen’s blend of urban cool and waterside relaxation at Islands Brygge, where harbor views, bathing, and local life come together in a thriving central district.
Statue of Andersen
0.2 km
Discover the extraordinary at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Copenhagen, where over 500 exhibits challenge reality and ignite the imagination.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.3 km
A world-famous museum of the bizarre and extraordinary, Ripley's Believe It or Not! offers interactive exhibits and fascinating oddities in central Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.3 km
Discover masterpieces from the Danish Golden Age and European classics to contemporary art in Denmark’s largest art museum, set by Copenhagen’s serene city park.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
0.3 km
Explore Denmark's rich design heritage at Designmuseum Danmark, featuring iconic furniture, interactive exhibits, and a blend of historical and contemporary design.
City Hall Square
0.3 km
Explore over 3,000 animals in historic enclosures at Copenhagen Zoo, a blend of wildlife conservation and architectural innovation in Frederiksberg.
Marmorbroen
0.3 km
Explore Langelinie: Copenhagen's historic waterfront promenade featuring iconic landmarks, scenic views, and vibrant cultural attractions.
Tivoli Gardens
0.3 km
Experience close encounters with exotic animals in the heart of Hillerød's Monkey World.
Magstræde
0.3 km
Explore Magstræde, Copenhagen's historic cobblestone street adorned with colorful 17th-century buildings and rich cultural heritage.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.3 km
Discover over 4,000 animals and world-class exhibits in one of Europe’s oldest and most innovative zoos, blending Danish tradition with modern wildlife experiences.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Karla
0.1 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Restaurant Puk
0.2 km
Discover the essence of Danish cuisine at Restaurant Puk in Copenhagen – where tradition meets flavor in every dish.
Restaurant Noi
0.2 km
Discover the fusion of modern and traditional Danish flavors at Restaurant Noi in Copenhagen's vibrant culinary scene.
Restaurant 1733
0.3 km
Historic canal-side setting in Copenhagen’s center serving creative Danish classics and regional specialties with genuine hygge and a modern twist.
Spisestedet FEED
0.4 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.4 km
Discover authentic Danish smørrebrød and timeless hospitality in a centuries-old cellar, set in the historic heart of Copenhagen’s lively city center.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.4 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Husmanns Vinstue in Copenhagen – where tradition meets taste in a cozy atmosphere.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
0.4 km
La Baracca Tivoli serves fresh Italian fare with flair inside Copenhagen’s iconic amusement park, blending Mediterranean hospitality and contemporary style steps from the city center.
Marv & Ben
0.4 km
Discover Marv & Ben: A premier destination for fine Danish dining blending tradition with modernity in the heart of Copenhagen.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Københavner Cafeen – a cozy spot in Copenhagen's heart offering delicious meals for every palate.
Restaurant Tight
0.5 km
Discover creative dishes and exceptional service at Restaurant Tight in Copenhagen’s Indre By district.
Krebsegaarden
0.5 km
Discover Krebsegaarden: A premier seafood restaurant in Copenhagen offering exquisite dishes in a charming atmosphere.
Vækst
0.6 km
Experience modern European cuisine at Vækst - where fresh ingredients meet innovative culinary artistry in Copenhagen's vibrant Indre By.
Wining and Dining
0.6 km
Experience the essence of Danish cuisine at Wining and Dining in Copenhagen - where fresh ingredients meet culinary creativity.
Det Lille Apotek
0.7 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Det Lille Apotek in Copenhagen - a perfect blend of tradition and flavor.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Viking Souvenirs
0.3 km
Discover authentic Viking keepsakes and Danish-designed gifts at Viking Souvenirs, perfectly placed on Copenhagen’s historic shopping street for a unique Nordic shopping adventure.
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.3 km
Discover unique souvenirs and Danish crafts at the Tivoli Gift Shop, capturing the magic of Copenhagen's historic amusement park.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.5 km
Nestled on a lively Copenhagen shopping street, Det Gamle Apotek enchants visitors with nostalgic Danish gifts, festive decor, and whimsical home accessories year-round.
Wasteland
0.5 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures at Wasteland in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter.
Quirky Lane
0.5 km
Discover unique vintage treasures at Quirky Lane, Copenhagen's eclectic boutique for sustainable fashion enthusiasts.
Læderstræde
0.6 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Strøget
0.6 km
Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
0.6 km
A stylish Vesterbro boutique filled with curated Nordic fashion, contemporary gifts, and Danish design treasures for visitors seeking authentic Copenhagen keepsakes.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.7 km
Explore Danish history and craftsmanship at Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store, an iconic destination for hand-painted porcelain, elegant collectibles, and Nordic design.
Studio Arhoj
0.7 km
Studio Arhoj fuses Scandinavian and Japanese influences into vibrant, hand-crafted ceramics, making it a unique design destination in central Copenhagen.
ILLUM
0.8 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Time's Up Vintage
0.8 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Magasin du Nord
0.9 km
Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Storm - design art fashion
1.0 km
Avant-garde design, progressive fashion, niche perfume, and rare art books unite at Copenhagen’s Storm—an iconic concept store in the city’s creative core.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.0 km
Henrik Vibskov Boutique: Explore boundary-pushing Danish design and avant-garde fashion in a gallery-inspired setting in central Copenhagen.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.0 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Rooftop Bar
0.1 km
Experience panoramic views and a relaxed atmosphere at The Rooftop Bar atop Hotel Danmark in Copenhagen.
Southern Cross Pub
0.1 km
Discover the lively Southern Cross Pub, a charming sports bar in Copenhagen, perfect for sports enthusiasts and social gatherings.
Taphouse
0.2 km
Enjoy Copenhagen’s widest choice of craft beers and lively bar culture, all in the inviting, convivial atmosphere of Taphouse—Denmark’s draft beer destination.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.2 km
A welcoming, eclectic Copenhagen wine bar dedicated to natural wines, lively hygge, and curated experiences for curious locals and travelers.
Godt Øl
0.4 km
Discover a welcoming cellar sanctuary for craft beer enthusiasts in Copenhagen, offering expertly curated Danish and international selections in a cozy, sociable atmosphere.
Ruby
0.4 km
Ruby is Copenhagen’s iconic cocktail bar, where historic townhouse charm meets world-class mixology in a uniquely atmospheric setting near the city’s heart.
Musen & Elefanten
0.4 km
Discover true Danish hygge and vintage bar culture at Musen & Elefanten, a local favorite nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s vibrant Latin Quarter.
The Shamrock Inn
0.4 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of The Shamrock Inn, Copenhagen's premier Irish pub with live music and sports entertainment.
Floss Bar
0.5 km
Historic LGBTQ+ bar in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter blending warm hospitality, affordable drinks, and eclectic locals in a welcoming, community-driven setting.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Library Bar
0.5 km
Experience Copenhagen's luxurious Library Bar, where sophisticated cocktails meet an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.5 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Luke's Bar
0.6 km
Luke’s Bar is a beloved vintage-inspired haunt in Copenhagen’s Indre By, celebrated for creative cocktails, retro ambience, and welcoming, quirky bartenders.
The Dubliner
0.6 km
Classic Irish pub atmosphere with live music, hearty food, sports broadcasts, and local camaraderie on lively Amagertorv square in central Copenhagen.
