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
Sønderborg Castle
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