Background

Frederiksborg Castle Gardens: Baroque Splendor in Hillerød

Denmark’s premier Baroque gardens with lakes, terraces, and castle views—a masterpiece of royal landscape design at Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød.

4.7

Unfolding beside the grand Frederiksborg Castle, these gardens are Denmark's finest example of formal Baroque landscaping, featuring symmetrical terraces, water features, and richly detailed parterres. Built for King Christian IV, the gardens offer sweeping castle views and tranquil lakeside paths, blending magnificent horticultural artistry with centuries of royal history—a picturesque and evocative escape just north of Copenhagen.

A brief summary to Frederiksborg Castle Gardens

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light and calmest atmosphere, perfect for photos.
  • The gardens are free, but the castle itself charges admission if you wish to combine your visit.
  • Look for seasonal flower beds in spring and early summer—the parterres are especially colorful.
  • Some sections of the Baroque terraces are quite steep; wear comfortable footwear for uneven ground.
  • Bring a picnic for the lawns or lakeside benches, but note that there are limited food concessions within the gardens.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Arriving from South Zealand, trains from Næstved or Vordingborg connect to Copenhagen, followed by a northbound S-train or regional train toward Hillerød. The journey typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours, with a standard adult ticket costing around 140–190 DKK one-way (zones permitting). Once in Hillerød, the castle and its gardens are visible above the city center; a gentle 10–15-minute stroll brings you through the historic pedestrian shopping streets, past cafés, and the lakeside promenade leading directly to the garden entrance.

  • Car

    Driving from South Zealand involves crossing Zealand’s scenic heartlands toward Hillerød, bypassing Copenhagen via the ring roads. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. Parking is available near the castle and gardens in marked municipal car parks, which charge approximately 12–18 DKK per hour. Castle towers are visible on arrival; the formal garden gates are directly adjacent to the main parking area, making approach easy for those with limited mobility, although spaces can fill during weekends and holidays.

  • Taxi

    A direct taxi from Næstved or nearby South Zealand towns to Frederiksborg Castle Gardens is convenient if traveling in a group or with luggage. The journey, about 80–100 km, generally costs 1200–1700 DKK, with travel time ranging from 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic and route chosen. Taxis can set you down at the main entrance, where the gardens unfold alongside the picturesque lakes.

Unlock the Best of Frederiksborg Castle Gardens

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Frederiksborg Castle Gardens

Frederiksborg Castle Gardens stretch out in grandeur from the iconic Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød, a masterpiece of Danish Baroque landscaping and the very image of royal elegance. Established in the early 18th century at the behest of King Frederik IV, the gardens were designed by architect J.C. Krieger to complement the Renaissance splendor of the castle itself and showcase the wealth, power, and aesthetic taste of the Danish monarchy. Today, visitors to the gardens are treated to a harmonious blend of geometry and nature: terraces step down toward shimmering lakes, reflecting both stately clipped hedgerows and the ornate palace facade. The centerpiece is the formal Baroque section, with meticulously shaped boxwood, ornate parterres, and a central water axis that draws the eye toward the distant castle towers. Beyond the formal symmetry, the gardens open up to romantic landscapes, leafy avenues, and quiet ponds, providing both grand vistas and hidden nooks for contemplation. The shimmering lake is graced by swans and ducks, while classic statues and regal fountains punctuate the grounds. Paths wind past old trees, a romantic English-style garden, and within sight of the castle's iconic turrets. In spring, the tulip beds burst with color; summer brings vibrant greens and floral fragrances, and autumn lends fiery hues to the trees. Although these gardens stand as a symbol of royal order and mastery over nature, they also offer moments of serenity and freedom for modern visitors—whether one comes for a peaceful lakeside stroll, a family picnic, or to marvel at the palace mirrored in still waters. Highlights include the Neptune Fountain, the marble statue of Mercury, and sweeping photographic opportunities at every turn. Entry is free, and the gardens provide accessible paths for most visitors, though some steeper terraces may challenge those with limited mobility. Throughout the year, the grounds are both a living connection to Denmark's regal past and a beloved green haven for locals and travelers alike.

Popular Experiences near Frederiksborg Castle Gardens

Popular Hotels near Frederiksborg Castle Gardens

Select Currency