Frederiksborg Castle Gardens
A sweeping blend of Baroque geometry and romantic woodland, Frederiksborg Castle Gardens turn royal history, water, and greenery into one unforgettable landscape.
Wrapping around the fairy-tale silhouette of Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød, Frederiksborg Castle Gardens blend razor‑sharp Baroque geometry with a soft, romantic landscape. Terraced parterres, clipped hedges and royal monograms sweep down to the castle lake, while winding forest paths, small lakes and the Bathhouse Castle offer quieter corners. Open year‑round with free admission, this expansive park invites unhurried walks, picnics and classic castle views in all seasons.
A brief summary to Frederiksborg Castle Gardens
- Frederiksborg Slot, Hillerød, 3400, DK
- +4533954200
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan at least 1–2 hours if you want to experience both the Baroque terraces and the romantic landscape garden without rushing.
- Climb to the top of the Baroque cascade for the best overview of the garden’s geometry and the castle perfectly aligned on the main axis.
- Bring comfortable shoes; paths are mostly level but distances are considerable if you explore the full grounds and lakeside walks.
- Combine your visit with a break at the garden café near the exhibition model, a good place to understand the garden’s design story.
- If possible, time your visit in the warmer months when the cascades and fountains are operating, adding sound and movement to the Baroque layout.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train from Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take S-train line A toward Hillerød; the journey typically takes about 35–40 minutes and runs several times per hour throughout the day. A standard adult single ticket within the Copenhagen greater area usually costs in the range of 40–60 DKK, depending on zones and ticket type. From Hillerød Station it is roughly a 15–20 minute walk on generally level, paved paths to reach the castle gardens, manageable for most visitors but less convenient for those with very limited mobility.
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Regional bus within North Zealand
If you are already in North Zealand, several regional buses connect nearby towns such as Helsingør or Fredensborg to Hillerød in about 25–45 minutes, depending on the starting point and route. Local bus fares are typically around 25–40 DKK for an adult single journey purchased via ticket machines or travel apps. Buses usually stop within walking distance of the castle area; expect a 10–20 minute walk from central Hillerød to the gardens, mostly on urban pavements and park paths.
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Car from Copenhagen region
Driving from the Copenhagen area to Frederiksborg Castle Gardens generally takes 35–50 minutes via major roads, depending on traffic. Several parking areas are available near the castle and gardens; some require payment, often in the range of 10–20 DKK per hour, while others further out can be free but may fill on busy days. Once parked, allow 5–15 minutes to walk into the garden area along well-marked routes; surfaces vary from asphalt to gravel, so consider this if you use a stroller or wheelchair.
Frederiksborg Castle Gardens location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Frederiksborg Castle Gardens
Royal scenery on the shores of the castle lake
The gardens of Frederiksborg Castle spread out from the red-brick Renaissance castle like an outdoor theatre set, framed by the still waters of the castle lake. Standing on the main axis, the view lines up perfectly: terraces stepping down the slope, clipped hedges enclosing patterned beds, and the castle rising behind fountains and statues. It feels purpose-built for spectacle, a green extension of royal power and pageantry. Yet despite the formal layout, the atmosphere is remarkably relaxed. Locals use the paths for everyday walks and runs, and visitors linger on benches facing the water. The combination of monumental design and easy accessibility makes this one of Denmark’s most engaging historic landscapes.Baroque precision and royal monograms
The star of the ensemble is the Baroque Garden, first laid out in the 1720s under King Frederik IV and painstakingly recreated in the 1990s using historic plans. Four broad terraces descend towards the lake, anchored by a central cascade whose rushing water draws you down the slope. From above, the geometry is strikingly clear: straight alleys, cross axes, and mirrored parterres forming a living tapestry. On the lowest level, hedges clipped into intricate patterns shape the monograms of the monarchs who defined the garden’s story, including Frederik IV and Queen Margrethe II. Here, garden art becomes biography, turning royal initials into sculpted greenery. The strict layout is a textbook example of Baroque ideas about controlling nature, yet seasonal plantings and changing light keep it from feeling static.A romantic counterpoint in the landscape garden
To one side of the formal terraces, the mood changes completely in the romantic landscape garden. Instead of straight lines and symmetry, you find curving paths, mixed woodland and small clearings that frame continually shifting views of the castle and lake. Designed to evoke feeling rather than display order, this area invites slower wandering and quiet pauses beneath mature trees. Hidden within is the small Bathhouse Castle, a charming structure reflected in its own pool of water. Here the castle appears more like a country retreat than a symbol of power. The play between open lawns, water, shrubs and scattered trees echoes the ideals of 18th- and 19th-century English garden design, where carefully composed “natural” scenery replaced strict formality.Seasonal rhythms and everyday pleasures
The gardens reward repeat visits through the year. In spring, new foliage and early flowers soften the sharp edges of the parterres. Summer brings high hedges, flowing cascades and long days when the terraces glow in the evening sun. Autumn layers the landscape garden in gold and copper, while the castle seems to float above misty water on cool mornings. Even in winter, the bare geometry of the Baroque layout becomes more pronounced, its patterns etched in frost. Facilities are thoughtfully placed rather than intrusive. Near the gardens’ café, an exhibition and model explain the history and layout of the Baroque design, useful if you want to understand the thinking behind what you see. Lawns and discreet seating areas make easy picnic spots, and the long, mostly level paths are well suited to unhurried circuits around the grounds.Views, details and quiet corners to seek out
Beyond the big set pieces, much of the appeal lies in smaller discoveries. From the top of the cascade, perspective tricks make parts of the garden seem longer and grander than they are, a deliberate visual illusion. Along the side paths, clipped trees, statues and stone balustrades create ready-made photo compositions. From the lakeside, you can frame the castle’s towers through arching branches or catch their reflections in calmer stretches of water. Whether you treat the gardens as an open-air art gallery of historic design, a peaceful green escape from Copenhagen, or a backdrop for castle photographs, they offer enough variety to fill anything from a brief stroll to a long, contemplative afternoon.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Old town hall
1.0 km
A dignified brick landmark on Hillerød’s main square, the Old Town Hall anchors the town’s civic heart between cobbled streets, cafés and castle views.
Skänk øl, vin & madbar Hillerød
1.0 km
Experience Danish craft beers, global wines, and tasty tapas at Skänk in Hillerød, a cozy spot with castle views and a welcoming atmosphere on Torvet square.
Hillerød Rectory
1.0 km
Discover the Befrielsessten in Høgsholt, Vejle—a serene memorial park honoring Denmark's journey to freedom amidst lush landscapes.
Hillerød St.
1.2 km
North Zealand's essential transport hub connecting Copenhagen, regional destinations, and Frederiksborg Castle.
Kirppu Hillerød
1.4 km
Discover unique vintage finds and support sustainable shopping at Kirppu Hillerød, Denmark's largest flea market supermarket, offering a treasure trove of pre-loved goods and community spirit.
Kulsvierstenen
6.5 km
A modest forest boulder in Gribskov that marks a dramatic World War II resistance firefight, blending North Zealand’s tranquil woodland with powerful memory.
Country Market
7.4 km
Experience the charm of Fredensborg at Country Market, a vibrant marketplace offering local delicacies, artisan products, and a cozy café atmosphere in the heart of town.
Hørsholm Slotshave
14.1 km
A baroque garden where Scandinavia's lost palace still echoes through ancient linden trees.
Auderødlejren
14.8 km
Once a busy Danish Navy barracks, today a quiet, semi‑abandoned camp on Arrenæs where stark military architecture meets lakeside nature and recent history.
Furesø
17.5 km
Denmark's deepest lake offers pristine waters, historic heritage, and year-round outdoor adventures just 20 km from Copenhagen.
Henriksholm
18.1 km
A quiet Vedbæk hillside where Stone Age burials, villa culture and Cold War command history meet in a leafy coastal neighbourhood north of Copenhagen.
Tisvilde Hegn
18.8 km
Discover Denmark's enchanting Tisvilde Hegn: A coastal forest where history whispers through ancient pines and scenic trails lead to breathtaking Kattegat views.
Geels Skov
18.9 km
Discover Geels Skov: An enchanting forest near Copenhagen with scenic trails, historical sites, and abundant wildlife, perfect for hiking, biking, and nature lovers.
Ølstykke bypark - Bebyggelsen Søhøj Park ligger nord for byparken, fjern ALT med Søhøj også naturlegeplasen
18.9 km
Discover Ølstykke Bypark, a green haven offering tranquility and recreation in the heart of Ølstykke, perfect for families, nature lovers, and community events.
Hornbaek beach
19.5 km
Discover Hornbæk Beach, the gem of the Danish Riviera, offering pristine sands, clear waters, and a charming seaside atmosphere perfect for relaxation and unforgettable summer memories.
Unmissable attractions to see
Batzke's Hill
0.4 km
A gentle grassy rise above Frederiksborg’s gardens, Batzke’s Hill offers quiet views, local park life and a softer, slower perspective on royal Hillerød.
The Museum of National History
0.5 km
A grand Renaissance castle on an island lake, housing Denmark’s Museum of National History with 500 years of portraits, power and palace splendor.
Frederiksborg Castle
0.5 km
Denmark's Renaissance jewel on three islands, where royal grandeur meets national heritage in gardens of baroque precision and romantic beauty.
Frederiksborg Castle Chapel
0.5 km
Experience LEGO magic at LEGOLAND Hotel & Conference in Billund, offering themed rooms and top-tier conference facilities.
Hillerød City Museum & Graphic Museum
0.6 km
Step behind Frederiksborg Castle into an intimate town museum where historic shops, crafts and letterpress printing bring everyday Hillerød vividly back to life.
Gavlkunst
0.8 km
A string of vivid murals along Helsingørsgade that turns central Hillerød into a small, free open‑air gallery of local stories and color.
Posen
0.8 km
A small, leafy pause between Hillerød’s bustling Slotsgade and the storybook views of Frederiksborg Castle and its lake.
Fisketorvet
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where history, shopping, and culture converge in North Zealand's premier market square.
Hillerød Church
1.0 km
A light-filled modern parish church in the heart of Hillerød, carrying centuries of local worship history in a calm, contemporary Danish setting.
Slotsgade
1.0 km
Hillerød’s colourful Slotsgade links castle views, everyday shops and cosy cafés in a compact, walkable street at the heart of Denmark’s classic castle town.
Genforeningssten i Hillerød
1.0 km
Experience intimate encounters with rescued animals in the serene Japanese gardens of Monkey World Hillerød.
Elværket Hillerød - Museum Nordsjælland
1.2 km
A beautifully preserved 1909 power station turned museum, where industrial architecture and changing exhibitions illuminate 10,000 years of North Zealand history.
Royal Stage
1.9 km
North Zealand's premier multi-purpose arena hosting concerts, sports, and cultural events for up to 2,000 guests.
Island of imagination
1.9 km
A tiny forest island on Breddam Lake where a king’s romantic retreat has crumbled into suggestive ruins, inviting you to complete the fairy tale with your own imagination.
Parforcejagtlandskabet i Store Dyrehave UNESCO World Heritage
2.7 km
A royal forest where straight, star-shaped hunting roads, old stone walls and quiet woodland trails reveal how Danish kings once turned nature into a stage for power.
Essential places to dine
Rabarbergaarden Slottet
0.6 km
Organic farm-to-table dining in Frederiksborg Castle’s former carriage house, where seasonal North Zealand produce meets calm Scandinavian design and royal surroundings.
Big Mamma Gastronomia
0.7 km
Casual Italian pizzeria and pasta spot in central Hillerød, serving generous, ingredient-led comfort food for eat-in or takeaway in a relaxed local setting.
Royal Taste
0.7 km
Generous sushi ad libitum and colourful Asian plates in a relaxed, modern setting on Hillerød’s historic Slotsgade, ideal for cosy dinners and sociable feasts.
Restaurant Royal Style
0.7 km
Casual Asian comfort food with dim sum, bao and ramen just steps from Frederiksborg Castle in the heart of Hillerød’s historic Slotsgade.
Ninos Pizza
0.8 km
Casual pizzeria serving Italian, Mexican, and American fare in central Hillerød with friendly service and extended hours.
Rib House
0.8 km
Hearty ribs and steaks in a relaxed, family-friendly steakhouse just steps from Frederiksborg Castle on historic Slotsgade in central Hillerød.
Jensens Bøfhus
0.8 km
Casual Danish steakhouse on Hillerød’s main street, offering family-friendly comfort food and easy castle-side convenience from lunchtime through evening.
Roberto's 51
0.8 km
Straightforward pizzas and burgers on Hillerød’s main street, serving solid comfort food from lunchtime until late on weekend nights.
Patats Kebab & Grill
0.8 km
Casual Turkish-style kebab and grill in central Hillerød, serving generous, inexpensive plates, pitas and durums just a short walk from the town’s main sights.
Piccola Italia Pizzaria 3400
0.8 km
Busy neighborhood pizzeria in central Hillerød serving hearty pizzas, pastas and quick takeaway just a short stroll from Frederiksborg Castle and the lake.
Unkai
0.9 km
All-you-can-eat, made-to-order sushi and Japanese bites in a modern, laid-back setting on Hillerød’s central Helsingørsgade.
Tô Tô Kitchen
0.9 km
Cozy Vietnamese flavors and casual evening dining on Østergade, bringing fresh herbs, noodles and warm atmosphere to the heart of Hillerød.
Montalbano
0.9 km
Authentic Sicilian pizzeria run by an Italian family in the heart of Hillerød.
Café Valentin
0.9 km
All‑day Danish café on Hillerød’s main street, blending generous brunches, comfort food and cocktails with a lively terrace near Frederiksborg Castle.
Thai 4 You - Thai Restaurant og Take Away
0.9 km
Authentic Thai flavors prepared by professional chefs in central Hillerød.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
0.8 km
Hyggelig Røde Kors genbrugsbutik i Hillerøds hovedgade, hvor du finder billige fund til garderobe og hjem – og samtidig støtter lokalt og internationalt hjælpearbejde.
Tingstedet
0.8 km
Curated vintage and retro treasures near Frederiksborg Castle since 1996.
Lumi Op Shop
0.9 km
Cosy Hillerød charity thrift store and café where vintage furniture, second-hand finds and lakeside castle views meet to support meaningful mission projects.
Boutique Munck
0.9 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Hillerød, blending curated Nordic fashion, warm styling advice and a relaxed, local neighborhood feel.
Shoppen
0.9 km
A local tattoo studio woven into Hillerød’s main pedestrian street, where custom ink sessions sit just steps from cafés, shops and everyday Danish life.
HL Mode Hillerød
0.9 km
Neighbourhood-style women’s fashion and lingerie on historic Slotsgade, offering Scandinavian everyday elegance a short stroll from Hillerød’s castle and lake.
Holm Hillerød
0.9 km
Locally owned menswear boutique on Hillerød’s main shopping street, offering curated smart-casual clothing and accessories just a short stroll from Frederiksborg Castle.
Frk. Fie
1.0 km
Cosy women’s fashion boutique on Hillerød’s atmospheric Slotsgade, offering curated Scandinavian-inspired styles in an intimate, friendly setting near the historic town centre.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
1.0 km
Colorful Danish design on a budget, Flying Tiger Copenhagen in SlotsArkaderne Hillerød offers playful gifts, stationery and homeware in a bright, easygoing mall setting.
Idé nyt
1.0 km
Contemporary fashion boutique inside Hillerød’s covered Slotsarkaderne arcade, blending everyday Scandinavian style with a relaxed, browse-friendly atmosphere.
Men's Shop
1.0 km
A straightforward menswear stop inside Hillerød’s SlotsArkaderne mall, ideal for quick wardrobe updates during a castle-side shopping day in North Zealand.
Jan Ehlers
1.0 km
Established family-run jeweler and watch specialist on Hillerød’s Slotsgade, blending modern boutique style with goldsmith craftsmanship and curated Danish design.
Spejder Sport
1.0 km
Denmark's largest outdoor chain where expert staff and quality gear prepare you for every adventure.
Gine
1.0 km
A compact, Scandinavian-inspired womenswear boutique on historic Slotsgade, perfect for a relaxed browse between castle views, coffee stops and city-center strolls.
JeansStore
1.0 km
Denmark's premier denim specialist offering authentic Lee and Wrangler collections with expert guidance.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Møllen
0.9 km
A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.
The Old Irish Pub
1.0 km
Lively Irish-style bar and late-night dance venue on Hillerød’s central square, pouring pints, playing hits and catering to a sociable, mature party crowd.
Crane Brothers
1.0 km
Cosy cocktail bar on Hillerød’s main square, blending inventive drinks, warm design and a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere with access to the adjacent Tahonga Lounge.
Tahonga Lounge
1.0 km
Intimate tiki-style lounge bar off Hillerød’s central square, blending cocktails, small-stage events and private parties in a cozy tropical hideaway.
Jernstangen
1.3 km
Old-school Hillerød pub opposite the station, with billiards, darts, dice games and live music nights in a laid‑back, locals-first atmosphere.
Oddies Beach Bar
16.2 km
Relaxed beach bar on the sand at Rungsted Havn, blending Nordic coastal charm with a hint of tropical island mood and sweeping Øresund sea views.
Kardusen
18.9 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
12`er Pubben
20.9 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Helsingør with billiards, sports on TV and cold beers, offering an authentic slice of Danish local bar life.
Gefion Bodega
20.9 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
Head/Foam
21.6 km
Modern neighbourhood bar near Helsingør’s historic centre, pouring craft beer and cocktails from midday to the early hours in a lively, social setting.
Helsingør Musikteater
21.8 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Axelhus Udeservering
21.9 km
Open-air corner bar on Bjergegade, where simple food, cold beer and Axeltorv’s street life come together in the historic heart of Helsingør.
Banana joe
21.9 km
Compact late-night bar above Helsingør’s nightlife strip, serving straightforward drinks, warm lighting and a relaxed local vibe long after the streets quieten.
Pitten Sport Bar
21.9 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Hold-An
21.9 km
Unfussy beer hall and local bar in central Helsingør, pouring cold brews, simple bites and everyday Danish hygge from late morning to late night.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Socialz
0.8 km
Intimate cocktail bar and nightclub in the heart of Hillerød, blending shisha lounge vibes, late-night DJ sets and a compact dance floor on lively Slotsgade.
Walther's grillkylling og svuppeklub
17.6 km
Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.
Den Dansende Viking
20.3 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
Rustik
21.6 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Retro
21.9 km
High-energy weekend nightclub in central Helsingør, mixing big-room beats, bright lights and a young crowd in what calls itself the largest club north of Copenhagen.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
30.1 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
SIGURD CPH
30.4 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at SIGURD CPH, where vibrant dancing, fine wines, and pachinko gaming come together for an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
31.3 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
RUST Natklub
31.8 km
Discover the pulsating heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at RUST Natklub, where eclectic beats and vibrant energy come together for an unforgettable experience.
Temple Bar
31.8 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Haven - Events
32.4 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Moon Club
32.7 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
Culture Box
33.0 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mirage
33.0 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
33.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Romantic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
