Fredensborg Palace: The Danish Royal Family’s Lakeside Retreat
Fredensborg Palace is Denmark’s tranquil royal residence, renowned for its 18th-century architecture, vast baroque gardens, and rare public access to living royal tradition.
Fredensborg Palace, set along the tranquil banks of Lake Esrum, is the Danish Royal Family’s favored spring and autumn residence, renowned for its classical architecture, vast 18th-century gardens, and exquisite baroque interiors. Visitors experience rich royal history in stately halls and sculpted parklands, while the palace’s changing guards and lake views offer a quintessential taste of Danish regal tradition. Admission to the palace’s private interiors is by guided tour, with the grounds open more broadly in summer.
A brief summary to Sønderborg Castle
- Sønderbro 1, Sønderborg, 6400, DK
- +4565370807
- Visit website
Local tips
- Check opening months ahead—palace interiors require a guided tour, and access depends on whether the Royal Family is in residence.
- The gardens are accessible free much of the year but guided tours of the private garden section are only offered in summer.
- Photography is allowed in the gardens but generally not inside the palace itself.
- Plan for at least two hours to enjoy both the palace tour and a walk through the ornamental avenues and kitchen gardens.
- Fredensborg Palace is a popular wedding and event venue—expect occasional closures around major royal celebrations.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Roskilde’s central area, travelers can reach Fredensborg Palace by regional train and onward local train connections. Expect a pleasant journey taking just over an hour through rolling Zealand landscapes, typically with a single change at a major junction. Standard adult tickets for the full trip range from 90 to 120 DKK. On arrival in Fredensborg, the palace is easily visible above the gentle town and can be reached on foot in about 10–15 minutes from the local train station. Do note: taxis are available at the station for a short, comfortable ride if needed, generally costing 60–80 DKK.
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Taxi/Private Transfer
A taxi from central Roskilde offers the fastest point-to-point connection, taking around 40–50 minutes depending on traffic and route. Fares are typically between 650 and 800 DKK for the full journey, with the approach culminating in the scenic drive past Fredensborg’s tree-lined avenues and lakeside parks. Parking is available in the designated palace lot, though on peak summer days spaces can be limited so consider arriving early.
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Car/Driving
Drivers will find the countryside route from Roskilde to Fredensborg peaceful and straightforward, passing through charming Zealand villages and forested stretches along the way. Public parking lots are well signposted near the palace entrance and cost around 20–30 DKK per hour, with no tolls encountered on typical routes. Be aware that during large royal events or high summer, parking demand can exceed supply.
Discover more about Sønderborg Castle
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Iskonditoriet
0.2 km
Byparkens Legeplads in Roskilde fuses creative play equipment and green park scenery for a free, family-friendly experience in the heart of the historic Danish city.
Windmill
0.3 km
Denmark's iconic windmill and national symbol of resilience, rebuilt after war and transformed into a living museum of history.
Papirgalleriet v/Gitte Kristjansen
0.4 km
A vibrant family-friendly playground in central Roskilde, Byparkens Legeplads offers open-air fun, creativity, and relaxation in the heart of the city’s beloved Byparken.
Memory stone
0.4 km
A modest monument on Sønderborg’s town-hall square, the Memory Stone offers a quiet pause for reflection amid the everyday bustle of this historic border town.
Sønderborg Kommunale Kommandocentral
0.8 km
Hidden beneath Kongevej lies Sønderborg’s former Cold War nerve center, an underground command bunker built to keep the city running in times of crisis.
Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer
1.8 km
Discreet harborfront memorial in Sønderborg honoring eleven young German sailors executed for mutiny in 1945, inviting quiet reflection on conscience and war.
Mindesten for Røde Kors
2.0 km
A quiet memorial to the world's first Red Cross observers amid Denmark's most historic battlefield.
Tysk skanse X
2.2 km
Stille jordvolde på Dybbøl Banke, hvor en tysk skanse fortæller om tiden efter 1864 og fæstningsringen, der engang omklamrede Sønderborg.
King's Redoubt
2.2 km
A preserved 1864 military fortress symbolizing Danish resilience and regional heritage.
Genforeningsmærke på Dybbøl Skanse II
2.2 km
Memorial marker honoring Danish reunification and the 1864 battle's fallen defenders on a historic fortification site.
Mindesten for korporal Hammerström og konstabel Frederiksen
2.2 km
A modest stone on Sønderborg’s former shooting range honouring two fallen wartime servicemen, inviting a brief but powerful pause for remembrance and reflection.
Befrielsessten i Vester Sottrup
6.9 km
A quiet stone marking Denmark's liberation and Vester Sottrup's wartime legacy.
Foundation country Schäferhaus
30.3 km
Explore the serene beauty of Foundation country Schaeferhaus, a nature preserve in Flensburg, perfect for relaxation, education, and wildlife observation.
Bregninge Kirke
33.7 km
Medieval island church on a gentle Ærø hillside, where whitewashed stone, quiet fields and seafaring stories meet in a calm, contemplative setting.
Forladt skorsten
34.4 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Genforeningssten i Sønderborg
0.1 km
A monumental tribute to Denmark's 1920 reunification, nestled near historic Sønderborg Castle.
Visselulles Have
0.2 km
Small in size but rich in stories, Visselulles Have is a tranquil memorial garden that honours Sønderborg’s legendary female dockworker in her old neighbourhood.
Historiske Vandringer – På sporet af 1. verdenskrig
0.3 km
A quiet harbour walk in Sønderborg that traces the invisible footprints of World War I through barracks, memorials and everyday streets in a former borderland town.
Sønderborg Beach
0.3 km
Pristine Danish beach with family-friendly waters, stunning sunsets, and a diving pier—perfect for seaside relaxation and photography.
Dybbøl Strand
0.3 km
A peaceful Danish strand where sandy shores meet centuries of history and heritage.
Fluepapiret
0.3 km
A compact, unspoiled urban beach where locals gather to swim in the Baltic's gentle waters.
Spanske trappe
0.3 km
A once-grey stairway turned into a colourful nature mural, the Spanske Trappe is Sønderborg’s playful urban shortcut and small-scale landmark between two city streets.
Rådhustorvet
0.4 km
Historic town square with a 16th‑century former town hall, Rådhustorvet is a compact, atmospheric hub in Sønderborg’s old quarter.
Vægmalerierne på Nørre Havnegade
0.4 km
Colorful gable murals on Sønderborg’s harborfront, where evolving large-scale artworks turn an everyday building into a vivid portrait of local life and heritage.
Ringridermuseet i Sønderborg
0.5 km
Danmarks eneste ringridermuseum i et bindingsværkshus fra 1643, hvor lanser, medaljer og lokale fortællinger bringer Sønderborgs festlige tradition til live.
Hønekilden
0.5 km
A tiny harbor-side spring where pure water, royal engineering and whispering legends blur into a tranquil urban nook of art and history.
Selfiebænken - Big yellow
0.7 km
Sønderborg's cheerful yellow bench—a playful symbol of local creativity and the perfect photo moment.
Sønderborghus
0.8 km
Cosy cultural house in central Sønderborg, blending live music, creative workshops and a welcoming café into one relaxed, community-focused venue.
Deutsches Museum Nordschleswig
0.9 km
Explore the rich cultural heritage of Sønderborg at Deutsches Museum Nordschleswig, where history and interactive exhibits come to life.
Rønhaveplads
0.9 km
A peaceful, local-favorite park offering tranquil ponds, leafy lawns, and family-friendly relaxation just outside Sønderborg’s city center. Free, welcoming, and authentic.
Essential places to dine
Grey Ghost ApS
0.1 km
Candlelit Danish brasserie in Sønderborg’s old town, blending hygge, seasonal cooking and carefully chosen wines in a warm, intimate setting.
Karikatur Restaurant og Bar i Sønderborg
0.1 km
Modern Nordic plates and inventive cocktails come together in a clean-lined, harbor-close restaurant that anchors Sønderborg’s contemporary dining scene.
Biehl
0.2 km
Honest Danish comfort food in the heart of Sønderborg's main street.
Restaurant Da Nico
0.2 km
Authentic Italian brick-oven pizza and homemade pasta in the heart of Sønderborg.
Fox And Hounds
0.2 km
Scottish-style gastropub in central Sønderborg, pairing hearty ribs, burgers and steaks with an expansive beer and whisky selection in a warm, wood-paneled setting.
Bistro Grand Mère
0.3 km
Harborfront French bistro in Sønderborg, blending classic Gallic comfort dishes, thoughtful wines and a cozy green-paneled setting with views of the lively marina.
Niso Sushi ApS
0.3 km
Lively running-sushi and Vietnamese restaurant in the heart of Sønderborg, serving endless plates of sushi and Asian bites in a relaxed, central setting.
Cafe Stjernen
0.3 km
Hearty Danish café classics, candlelit brasserie ambience and specialty beers in the heart of Sønderborg’s compact historic centre.
Restaurant Colosseum
0.3 km
Harbourfront Danish comfort food in a cosy, family-friendly setting with views over Sønderborg’s waterfront and a welcoming slice of Southern Jutland hygge.
Lazy Dog Burgers - Worldclass Burgers from Sønderborg
0.3 km
World-class burgers and cocktails in the heart of historic Sønderborg
Mongolian Barbecue
0.3 km
Create-your-own stir-fries on a sizzling grill at this lively Asian buffet in central Sønderborg, mixing Mongolian barbecue theatre with Chinese favourites and casual comfort.
Bella Italia
0.3 km
Cozy Italian restaurant and small hotel in Sønderborg’s historic heart, pairing brick-vaulted charm with classic pizzas, pasta, and relaxed evening dining.
Hotel Bella Italia
0.3 km
A cozy Nordic-style boutique stay with a lively Italian trattoria downstairs, set right in the historic heart of Sønderborg.
Restaurant Sundhalle V/Eva Iversen
0.3 km
Relaxed harborfront restaurant in Sønderborg serving hearty Danish comfort food and pub classics in a cozy, down-to-earth bar atmosphere by the water.
Promenaden - Is med udsigt
0.4 km
Casual harbourfront ice cream and hot dogs with wide-open views towards Sønderborg Castle, outdoor seating only and a playful, family-friendly seaside atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Mr Klausen Herre-og Drengetøj
0.5 km
Classic Danish mens- and boyswear on Sønderborg’s Perlegade, blending everyday essentials, occasion outfits and local Ringridning traditions in one friendly shop.
Twizt Fashion
0.5 km
Compact Danish fashion and lingerie boutique on Sønderborg’s main pedestrian street, combining everyday practicality with relaxed, personal service.
Jim P.
0.5 km
Curated fashion for discerning shoppers seeking distinctive style beyond the mainstream.
Viller
0.5 km
Independent women’s fashion boutique on Sønderborg’s main pedestrian street, blending Scandinavian style, curated brands and personal, one-to-one service.
JACK & JONES
0.5 km
Straightforward Scandinavian menswear in the heart of Borgen Shopping, ideal for denim, casual basics and smart-casual outfits under one convenient indoor roof.
Zizzi - Sønderborg
0.5 km
Modern plus-size fashion for women in the heart of Sønderborg’s Borgen Shopping centre, combining Scandinavian style, generous sizing and friendly fit-focused advice.
Normal
0.5 km
Bright, budget‑friendly beauty and everyday essentials in the heart of Borgen Shopping, perfect for quick top‑ups and casual browsing between Sønderborg sights.
Borgen
0.6 km
Sønderborg's complete shopping experience: 40 stores, dining, cinema, and culture under one roof.
Tøjeksperten
0.6 km
Denmark's largest menswear chain brings premium brands and accessible style to central Sønderborg.
NEYE Borgen
0.6 km
Modern Danish bag and luggage specialist in Borgen Shopping, offering quality brands, expert guidance and everyday purchases that help fund cancer research.
ONLY
0.6 km
Scandinavian high-street style, denim-focused collections and easy everyday fashion inside Borgen Shopping in the heart of Sønderborg.
Gundtoft Sønderborg
0.6 km
Classic women's fashion since 1957, nestled on Sønderborg's charming pedestrian street.
Kop & Kande
0.6 km
Welcoming Danish homeware and gift shop on Sønderborg’s main street, stocked with practical kitchen essentials, stylish tableware and thoughtful presents.
Noa Noa
0.6 km
A small Danish fashion boutique on Sønderborg’s main street, showcasing Noa Noa’s feminine, bohemian-inspired style in a calm, easy-to-browse setting.
Masai
0.6 km
Danish fashion boutique celebrating bold colors, unique prints, and Scandinavian design excellence.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Visselulles Vinbar
0.2 km
Intimate waterfront wine bar showcasing world-class vintages and French-inspired ambiance in historic Sønderborg.
Nebula.dk ApS
0.3 km
Atmospheric shisha lounge and cocktail bar in Sønderborg’s historic center, offering intimate lighting, cozy seating and slow-paced evenings for adults.
Rabalder Bar - Sønderborg
0.3 km
Tiny in size but big on volume, Rabalder Bar Sønderborg packs sing‑along hits, simple drinks and late‑night energy into one compact old‑town party den.
Penny Lane Sønderborg
0.3 km
Lively late‑night bar in central Sønderborg serving cocktails, beer and loud tunes from evening warm‑up to near‑club energy on weekend nights.
SKAAL Sønderborg
0.4 km
Modern craft beer bar and kitchen on Sønderborg’s main square, pouring rotating Danish brews and serving hearty comfort food in a stylish, urban setting.
Old Danish Pub
0.4 km
Classic hygge-filled pub near Sønderborg’s main square, with affordable drinks, games, sports on screen and lively karaoke evenings on two cosy floors.
Heidi's Bier Bar Sønderborg
0.4 km
Loud alpine-themed beer hall and late-night party bar bringing après-ski energy, big steins and sing-along hits to Sønderborg’s central Rådhustorvet.
Bar' Vinbar
0.4 km
Central Sønderborg’s relaxed corner wine bar, pouring around 50 wines by the glass plus cocktails, coffee and light bites in a warm, informal atmosphere.
Den Lille Vinbar
0.5 km
Cosy fromagerie-style wine bar on Perlegade, pairing carefully selected bottles with generous cheese tapas in an intimate, continental-feeling corner of Sønderborg.
the tea house
0.5 km
South Jutland's premier bubble tea destination with customizable flavors and signature boba varieties.
New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg
0.7 km
Intimate, association-run jazz club in central Sønderborg, serving up New Orleans–inspired live music, close-up performances and a friendly, community atmosphere.
Caféen
0.7 km
Lively, low‑priced bar inside Sønderborg’s Alsion complex, where students and locals meet for music, dancing and late‑night drinks by the harbour.
Freia Bar & Lounge
0.8 km
Harbourfront hotel bar with Nordic myth touches, crafted drinks and hygge-rich lounge seating overlooking Sønderborg’s Alssund and skyline.
Restaurant Viking - Pool and billiards Sønderborg
0.9 km
Authentic Danish neighborhood pub where locals gather for affordable drinks, billiards, and genuine community atmosphere.
Værtshus Chr. Iv
1.0 km
Classic brown beer hall on Sønderborg’s main street, serving simple drinks, local atmosphere and everyday Danish hygge from late morning into the evening.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Kaizen ApS
0.3 km
Compact disco-style nightclub in central Sønderborg, pulsing with late-night beats, colourful lights and a straightforward bar for an unpretentious night out.
Dance All Over
6.9 km
Sønderborg’s sociable dance hub, where fitness, swing and party-ready moves come together in energetic, community-driven classes across the city.
Ærø Whiskey Destilleri
40.2 km
Experience the artisanal charm of Ærø Whisky Distillery in Ærøskøbing, where local ingredients and traditional methods create unique island whiskies.
Ærø Jazzfestival
40.2 km
Experience the soul of Danish jazz at Ærø Jazzfestival, where international rhythms meet island heritage in the historic harbor of Ærøskøbing each summer.
Ela-Ela Schleswig
43.7 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Schleswig at Ela-Ela, where music and dancing come alive in an unforgettable disco experience.
VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig
44.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig, a lively night club perfect for dancing and socializing until dawn.
Ommel
45.1 km
A small, sociable island nightspot near Marstal where locals and travelers share quiet drinks, simple music and the easygoing charm of Ærø after dark.
TANZ-FABRIK / Tanzlokal
45.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Schleswig at TANZ-FABRIK, where music and dance create unforgettable memories every Saturday night.
Discothek Vineta
49.9 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Busdorf at Discothek Vineta, where vibrant music and dancing await in a welcoming atmosphere.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
55.5 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Al Capone
58.5 km
Tønder’s sole nightclub, Al Capone blends a rustic 1920s‑inspired mood, late‑night beats and strong drinks into an intimate speakeasy‑style party den.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
58.6 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Kasket karl
59.4 km
Discover authentic Danish hospitality and local color at Kasket Karl, Rudkøbing’s beloved bodega on Langeland—a lively gathering spot offering drinks, history, and community.
Langelands Jazzklub
60.2 km
Experience the vibrant local jazz scene at Langelands Jazzklub in Rudkøbing, where live music and island hospitality meet in one of Denmark’s most charming settings.
Carlsens Kvarter
66.1 km
Atmospheric pub in Odense C, offering unmatched hygge, an impressive selection of craft beers, and a welcoming local vibe in a characterful historic setting.
