Ledreborg Castle and Baroque Park

A lived-in baroque manor surrounded by terraces, forests and national park scenery on the edge of historic Lejre in Zealand’s gentle countryside.

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Ledreborg Castle

Ledreborg Castle (Ledreborg Slot) is an elegant 18th-century baroque manor and landscaped park on the outskirts of Lejre, not far from Roskilde. Still home to the Holstein-Ledreborg family after more than eight generations, the estate combines a stately yellow palace, formal terraces, fountains and woodland walks within Denmark’s Skjoldungernes Land National Park. Visitors come for grand architecture, manicured gardens and peaceful forest paths rather than a traditional museum-style castle tour.

A brief summary to Ledreborg Castle

Ledreborg Alle 2, Lejre, 4320, DK
+4546480038
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
Mid ranged
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Check seasonal opening hours for both the castle and park, as public access and interior tours are limited and may change during events or private functions.
Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear; paths range from gravel terraces to uneven forest tracks if you explore beyond the formal gardens.
Bring water and snacks or a picnic blanket if you plan to linger; on non-event days on-site food options can be very limited.
Allow extra time to walk or drive the long lime-tree avenue leading to the estate, as it is a memorable part of the Ledreborg experience.
In summer, consider insect repellent and sun protection; large open lawns and woodland edges can mean both strong sun and biting insects.

Getting There

Regional train and bus from Copenhagen

From central Copenhagen, take a regional train towards Roskilde and Lejre; the journey to Lejre Station typically takes 35–45 minutes. From there, local buses or a taxi complete the trip to Ledreborg in about 10–15 minutes, depending on connections. A combined one-way ticket for train and bus generally costs around DKK 70–110 per adult, with reduced fares for children and off-peak travel. Services run regularly during the day, but frequencies drop in the evening and on weekends, so checking departure times in advance is important.
Train and walking from Lejre

If you are comfortable with a longer walk, you can travel by regional train to Lejre Station and continue on foot along country roads and paths through the landscape. The walk usually takes 30–40 minutes at a moderate pace and involves gentle inclines rather than steep hills. Surfaces are a mix of pavement and compacted tracks, which can be muddy after rain and less suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. This option is free beyond the train fare and offers a scenic approach through the countryside around Lejre.
Car from Roskilde or Copenhagen

Driving from Roskilde to Ledreborg typically takes about 15–20 minutes, while the journey from central Copenhagen usually takes 35–45 minutes, depending on traffic. The route follows main roads through semi-rural surroundings before you turn onto the long lime-tree avenue that leads to the estate. Parking is generally available near the castle and park areas, but spaces may be restricted or redirected during major events. Fuel and potential parking fees make this a mid-range cost option, but it offers the greatest flexibility in timing, especially if you are exploring other sites in the area the same day.

Ledreborg Castle location weather suitability

Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Any Weather
Cold Weather

Discover more about Ledreborg Castle

A baroque vision in the Lejre countryside

Ledreborg Castle sits at the end of an exceptionally long lime-tree avenue, unfolding in a sweep of pale-yellow baroque façades that immediately signal aristocratic ambition. Built in the mid-18th century by Johan Ludvig Holstein, an influential minister at the Danish court, the former farmhouse was transformed into a refined manor with symmetrical wings and a dignified central courtyard. The setting in gently rolling Zealand countryside adds to the sense of arrival: fields, forest and historic burial mounds surround the estate, placing it firmly within Denmark’s cultural heartland. What makes Ledreborg especially atmospheric is that it remains a lived-in home. The Holstein-Ledreborg family has occupied the property for more than 280 years, preserving much of the original character. On selected days, guided access to interiors reveals rooms hung with hundreds of paintings, tapestries and 17th–18th century furniture, along with the old castle kitchen and even a small dungeon space. At other times, the experience is more about appreciating the castle’s exterior silhouette against the landscape and imagining life behind the shuttered windows.

Gardens shaped by symmetry and scenery

The park at Ledreborg is as central to its identity as the house itself. Spread across terraces that step gently down from the main façade, the formal baroque garden is all about order and perspective: clipped hedges, axial paths and sightlines that frame the castle and the surrounding forest. This structured foreground then dissolves into a more naturalistic landscape of lawns, ponds and mature trees, blending French formality with English-inspired romantic planting. Paths lead away from the main parterre into wooded sections of the estate, where you can follow broad tracks under tall beech and oak. The wider grounds encompass part of Skjoldungernes Land National Park, Denmark’s first national park on Zealand, so birdsong and the rustle of leaves are constant companions. Small viewpoints over the valley and glimpses back to the castle towers make this a rewarding place for slow exploration, photography or a quiet picnic on the grass.

Living heritage and seasonal events

Ledreborg is more than a static historic site; it also functions as a venue for conferences, fairs and cultural events. Seasonal openings of the park typically run from spring to late autumn, sometimes with a modest entrance fee, while special occasions such as lifestyle fairs or light festivals bring an additional layer of activity. During such events, stalls, food vendors and temporary installations can fill parts of the park, changing the atmosphere from tranquil retreat to lively country gathering. Because the estate remains privately owned, public access to the castle interiors varies and parts of the grounds may be closed during major events. On regular open days, though, you can expect a calmer rhythm: people strolling the terraces, families wandering the forest paths and the occasional group tour disappearing into the house. The mix of privacy and openness gives Ledreborg a distinctive character, inviting you to step into a working estate rather than a purely museum-like attraction.

Details that bring the past into focus

Look closely and Ledreborg rewards you with small historic details. Stone balustrades and staircases bear the patina of centuries of footsteps, while sculptural elements and urns punctuate the garden geometry. The long lime-tree avenue that approaches the estate, planted centuries ago, still frames the axis and underlines the baroque obsession with controlled vistas. Nearby, traces of prehistoric graves in the surrounding landscape hint at human presence here since the Stone Age, long before the first bricks of the manor were laid. On certain guided visits, the interior collection adds further depth: rows of portraits mapping out noble alliances, decorative arts from different European traditions and utilitarian spaces such as the kitchen, with copper pots and heavy stoves, that once serviced great banquets. Even if you only experience the exterior, knowing this layered history helps bring the scene to life as you cross the courtyard or stand at the edge of the terraces looking back towards the house.

Planning a rewarding visit

A visit to Ledreborg can be as brief or as lingering as you choose. Many travelers combine a walk through the park with time in the surrounding forests, using the estate as a gateway to the wider national park, while others focus on the architectural ensemble and formal gardens alone. Information panels or printed guides available on site help explain the history and layout, making it easy to appreciate the design even without a formal tour. Because opening periods and access to specific areas vary through the year, it is worth checking current arrangements before you arrive, especially if you hope to see the interiors or attend a particular event. Comfortable shoes are useful for the mixture of gravel, grass and forest paths, and the largely open setting makes the estate particularly appealing in clear, mild weather. However you structure your time, Ledreborg offers an evocative blend of baroque elegance, lived-in heritage and gentle Danish countryside.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Sct Hans Have

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Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde

9.2 km

Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.

Skänk Beer & Wine bar

9.5 km

Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.

Roskildekrukkerne

9.5 km

Three colossal ceramic jars rising from a mirrored basin transform Roskilde’s station square into an open-air monument to a thousand years of city history.

Masterhøj udsigtspost

12.3 km

Bronze Age mound commanding 360-degree views of Roskilde, fjord, and medieval heritage.

Køge Nord

18.3 km

A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.

Gammel Køgegård

21.2 km

Discover the enchanting world of teddy bears at Skagen Bamsemuseum, a must-visit attraction in Denmark's northernmost town.

Bronzestien - Køge Ås

21.3 km

Stroll through ancient landscapes along Køge Ås, where prehistoric burial mounds and glacial history meet serene Danish woodlands near Køge.

Zealand

21.4 km

Explore Zealand, Denmark's largest island: Discover royal castles, Viking history, modern art, and stunning coastlines just a short trip from Copenhagen.

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Historic lighthouse and bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with panoramic sea views, interactive nature exhibits, and a vibrant café in wild coastal surroundings.

KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces

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A must-visit in Skagen, Denmark, the Bamsemuseum enchants visitors with a vast collection of teddy bears and playful exhibits, celebrating nostalgia and Danish culture.

Køge Church

21.9 km

Medieval tower, Denmark's first lighthouse, baroque treasures in a historic port town.

Mindesten for Træskoslaget

22.0 km

A modest memorial stone in central Køge marking the 1807 “Clogs Battle,” where local militia faced British troops during the turbulent Gunboat War.

VisitKøges selvbetjente turistbureau

22.0 km

An iconic 19th-century lighthouse at Denmark’s northern tip, famed for panoramic views, migrating birds, and immersive maritime and nature exhibits.

Køge Torv

22.0 km

Denmark's largest medieval town square, where seven centuries of history unfold on cobblestones.

Unmissable attractions to see

Ledreborg Park

0.1 km

Sweeping baroque terraces, wooded hillsides and long lime avenues create a serene historic landscape around one of Denmark’s finest private castles at Ledreborg.

Land of Legends | A Land to Explore

1.2 km

Step into 13,000 years of Danish history at an immersive open‑air archaeology park of Viking halls, ancient villages, wild landscapes and hands‑on experiments.

Viking Kings Hall

1.2 km

Step into Denmark’s largest reconstructed Viking royal hall, where carved oak beams, sagas, and archaeology meet on a glacial hill in the heart of Lejre.

Sacrificial bog

1.4 km

A quiet hollow of water and peat where Iron Age beliefs surface again, the Sacrificial Bog at Lejre turns archaeology into an evocative ritual landscape.

Skjoldungestien

3.4 km

A historic Danish hiking trail weaving through forests, fjord views and royal landscapes between Roskilde and Lejre in National Park Skjoldungernes Land.

Trolden Runde Rie

4.9 km

A friendly wooden giant by Roskilde’s lakeside, Trolden Runde Rie pairs recycled art with open skies, easy walks and a touch of Nordic fairytale magic.

Lynghøj Lake

5.0 km

A reclaimed gravel pit turned blue-lake playground, Lynghøj Lake blends clear water, trails and a friendly wooden troll into Roskilde’s easiest nature escape.

Lynghøjsøerne Runde Rie

5.6 km

Former gravel pits turned opal-blue lakes, winding trails and a wooden troll named Runde Rie make Lynghøjsøerne Roskilde’s playful pocket of wild nature.

Kornerup Å Trækfærge

5.8 km

A hand-powered cable ferry in the Kornerup River Valley, turning a simple stream crossing into a playful pause amid open meadows, big skies and quiet Danish nature.

Ledreborg Allé (Ringstedvej), 4000 Roskilde, Dania

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A long, tree-lined Baroque avenue stretching through rural Zealand, guiding travellers in stately symmetry towards the distant silhouette of Ledreborg Palace.

Ledreborg Allé (Ringstedvej), 4000 Roskilde, Dania

National Park Skjoldungernes Land

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Rørmosen sti

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A small, tranquil nature path with pond, reeds and everyday birdlife, tucked behind Roskilde’s Hørhusene homes for easy, close-to-town walks.

Boserup skov

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Ancient beech forests, spring anemones, and fjord views in Denmark's most enchanting woodland sanctuary.

Helligkors Kilde

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Museum of Contemporary Art

8.6 km

Denmark’s nomadic museum for performance, sound and time-based art, transforming Roskilde’s spaces into ever-changing stages for contemporary creativity.

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Scandinavian home inspiration in the heart of historic Roskilde's shopping district.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Roskilde Bodega

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Classic Danish corner bar on Holbækvej with pool, darts, slot machines and a lively local crowd, offering an unpolished, authentic bodega atmosphere from day to late night.

28 Live

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A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.

Musicon Mikrobryggeri

8.7 km

Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.

Vinbaren Muicon

8.8 km

An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.

PAUSE

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Ruder Konge Bodega

8.8 km

A timeworn Danish bodega in central Roskilde, offering cheap beer, pool tables and unpretentious pub life just off the city’s main pedestrian street.

Teatercaféen

8.9 km

Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.

Gullanden

9.0 km

An unpretentious Roskilde pub with darts, DJ nights, cold beer and a loyal local crowd, where evenings stretch easily into the early hours.

PROP Vin og Tapasbar

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Intimate Roskilde wine bar pairing curated bottles with Mediterranean-inspired tapas in a candlelit room and sheltered courtyard, strictly for a relaxed 25+ crowd.

Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar

9.3 km

Craft-focused neighbourhood beer bar in central Roskilde, combining eight rotating taps, a cosy wooden interior, jukebox tunes and billiards in a relaxed local atmosphere.

Klosterkælderen

9.5 km

Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.

Georges Bodega

9.5 km

Old-school Danish bodega at Roskilde’s Hestetorvet, pouring cold beer from morning to late night with indoor smoking, local regulars and station-square views.

Copé Lounge

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Urban lounge bar by Roskilde’s main square, blending backyard summer vibes, easygoing cocktails and cosy Danish hygge late into the night.

Charlie Chaplin

9.6 km

An unfussy neighbourhood bar in Roskilde, Charlie Chaplin pours cold beers and warm conversation in a relaxed local bodega setting far from the city’s tourist crowds.

Mulligans Irish Pub

9.6 km

Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Ledreborg Castle and Baroque Park

A brief summary to Ledreborg Castle

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Regional train and bus from Copenhagen

Train and walking from Lejre

Car from Roskilde or Copenhagen

Ledreborg Castle location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Ledreborg Castle

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Ledreborg Castle

A baroque vision in the Lejre countryside

Gardens shaped by symmetry and scenery

Living heritage and seasonal events

Details that bring the past into focus

Planning a rewarding visit

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Sct Hans Have

Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde

Skänk Beer & Wine bar

Roskildekrukkerne

Masterhøj udsigtspost

Køge Nord

Gammel Køgegård

Bronzestien - Køge Ås

Zealand

Visit

KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces

Køge Church

Mindesten for Træskoslaget

VisitKøges selvbetjente turistbureau

Køge Torv

Unmissable attractions to see

Ledreborg Park

Land of Legends | A Land to Explore

Viking Kings Hall

Sacrificial bog

Skjoldungestien

Trolden Runde Rie

Lynghøj Lake

Lynghøjsøerne Runde Rie

Kornerup Å Trækfærge

Ledreborg Allé (Ringstedvej), 4000 Roskilde, Dania

National Park Skjoldungernes Land

Rørmosen sti

Boserup skov

Helligkors Kilde

Museum of Contemporary Art

Essential places to dine

Svogerslev Kro

Disotto

An No

Restaurant That's Amore

Bella-Capri Restaurant-Pizzaria

Nua Mama's Secret

Leo’s Wok Café

Café Korn - Roskilde

Marcella Pizza & Pasta - Restaurant Roskilde

Halifax Burgers Roskilde

Basilico

Gusto Giusto

Restaurant Mumm I/S

Primo Piano

Namaste - Restaurant Roskilde

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Hobbii

Friluftsland

Guldfuglen A/S

Normal

Copenhagen Luxe Roskilde

Den franske vinhandel

Boutique Dedenroth v / Helle Dedenroth

Bog & Idé

Perssons Roskilde

Ros Bazar

NORII Roskilde

PURE Copenhagen