Fredensborg Palace: The Royal Retreat by Lake Esrum
Historic Baroque royal palace by Lake Esrum, celebrated for its lavish gardens, regal interiors, and deep connection to Denmark’s modern monarchy.
Fredensborg Palace, nestled on the serene shores of Lake Esrum in North Zealand, is a stunning Baroque masterpiece famed as the Danish royal family's spring and autumn residence. Built in the early 18th century, visitors can discover lavish interiors, stroll through meticulously manicured gardens, and witness the changing of the Royal Life Guards—an immersive glimpse into Danish royal tradition set in an idyllic landscape.
A brief summary to Workers Museum
- Rømersgade 22, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1362, DK
- +4533932575
- 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 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- The palace interior is only open to the public during July and selected holiday periods—check access dates in advance.
- The palace gardens are open year-round and are free to enter; guided garden tours run in the summer.
- Photography is permitted outdoors but restricted inside the palace during tours.
- The Royal Life Guard's daily march and ceremonial changing is a highlight for visitors, usually around noon.
- Café facilities are limited on-site; nearby Fredensborg town offers cozy restaurants and bakeries.
Getting There
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Public Transport
Travelers from Roskilde’s city center can board a regional train toward Hillerød, enjoying views of the Danish countryside. From Hillerød Station, connecting trains run to Fredensborg, with the palace visible as you approach the lakeside town—its green domes rising above the treetops. The walk from the Fredensborg station to the entrance is pleasant and short, typically taking around 10–15 minutes through the town’s main green. A single adult train fare ranges from 84–108 DKK, depending on ticket type, with the segment from Hillerød to Fredensborg included.
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Taxi
A taxi from central Roskilde to Fredensborg offers comfort and speed, especially for groups or those with luggage. The journey is a scenic drive northward, passing Lakes Søndersø and Furesø, before arriving in the center of Fredensborg; the palace stands grandly by the lake edge. Expect the fare to range from 750 to 900 DKK, with travel times averaging 50–60 minutes depending on traffic.
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Driving
Driving from Roskilde to Fredensborg is straightforward, traversing a blend of motorways and country roads with countryside views. As you draw near Fredensborg, follow signs toward the palace, which is a prominent landmark near Lake Esrum and hard to miss from the town center. Public parking is available around the palace grounds but can be limited during peak tourist seasons; expect parking fees to be in the region of 10–20 DKK per hour, with some free options further from the entrance.
Discover more about Workers Museum
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