Skipperhuset Fredensborg
Waterfront Danish elegance where royal gardens meet refined smørrebrød and lake views.
A refined waterfront restaurant nestled on the shores of Lake Esrum within Fredensborg Palace Gardens, Skipperhuset specializes in classic and creative open sandwiches paired with carefully selected wines. The dining room offers panoramic views across the lake, with outdoor seating available during warmer months. The setting evokes the elegance of Tuscan landscapes, inspired by King Frederick IV's own vision for the palace grounds.
A brief summary to Skipperhuset Fredensborg
- Skipperalle 6, Fredensborg, 3480, DK
- +4548481012
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 11:30 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 11:30 am-4 pm
- Thursday 11:30 am-4 pm
- Friday 11:30 am-4 pm
- Saturday 11:30 am-4 pm
- Sunday 11:30 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Reserve a table in advance, especially for weekends and summer months. Request waterfront seating or outdoor terrace availability when booking to maximize the lake views.
- Visit during lunch service for better value and a more relaxed atmosphere than dinner service. The daily lunch menu offers excellent quality at moderate prices.
- Combine your meal with exploration of Fredensborg Palace Gardens and the royal boathouse nearby. Allow time before or after dining to walk the grounds and appreciate the landscape that inspired the setting.
- Plan your visit for late afternoon or early evening during summer to experience the sunset over the lake from the outdoor terrace, which offers superior acoustics and ambiance compared to the interior.
- Ask staff for wine pairing recommendations with your chosen dishes. The wine list is thoughtfully selected and staff demonstrate genuine knowledge of complementary pairings.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
Skipperhuset Fredensborg location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Skipperhuset Fredensborg
A Royal Setting by the Lake
Skipperhuset occupies one of Denmark's most enchanting locations, perched on the waterfront of Lake Esrum within the grounds of Fredensborg Palace. The restaurant's name—literally "The Skipper's House"—reflects its historical connection to the royal boathouse and the maritime heritage of the lake. Every table commands panoramic views across the water, with unobstructed sightlines to the sunset over the lake's eastern shore. The setting was deliberately chosen by King Frederick IV himself, who reportedly found the landscape reminiscent of Tuscany when he designed and selected the location for Fredensborg Palace, completed in 1720. This royal pedigree infuses the dining experience with a sense of historical significance and timeless elegance.Culinary Focus on Open Sandwiches
The restaurant excels in both classical and contemporary interpretations of smørrebrød, the traditional Danish open-faced sandwich. The kitchen demonstrates particular skill with creative preparations that honor tradition while introducing refined variations. Signature dishes include the "Løvemaden" (Lion's Food), which has earned particular acclaim for its ingenious composition. The menu balances hearty, well-executed lunch offerings with more elaborate dinner presentations. Ingredients are treated with respect, though presentation receives careful attention to ensure each plate reflects the restaurant's refined ambitions. The wine selection is thoughtfully curated to complement the food, with staff knowledgeable in pairing recommendations.Atmosphere and Service Standards
The dining room's interior creates a sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere, with large windows framing the lake views. Service is generally attentive and professional, though the restaurant's popularity during peak hours can create acoustic challenges—conversations at neighboring tables may be audible, and the flow of diners through the space can occasionally interrupt the dining experience. The outdoor terrace, available during summer months, offers a more intimate and tranquil alternative, allowing guests to dine directly beside the water with minimal acoustic interference. Staff demonstrate genuine hospitality and cultural knowledge about the palace grounds and local history.Seasonal Rhythms and Historical Context
The restaurant operates with distinct seasonal personalities. Summer transforms the experience through outdoor waterfront dining, while winter service focuses on the interior's warmth and views. The location's historical connection to the royal household—including a colorful anecdote about King Frederick IV's laundry being washed here centuries ago—adds narrative depth to the meal. The proximity to Fredensborg Palace Gardens and the royal boathouse creates natural opportunities to combine dining with exploration of the palace grounds, boat tours on the lake, or walks through the formal gardens.Practical Considerations
The restaurant's moderate pricing reflects its refined positioning without excessive luxury premiums. Lunch service offers excellent value, particularly the daily menu offerings. Dinner service commands higher prices but maintains reasonable proportions for the quality and setting provided. The location requires intentional travel from Copenhagen or other regional centers, making it best suited for dedicated day trips or weekend excursions rather than casual drop-in dining. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend service and during summer months when outdoor seating becomes available.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Country Market
1.1 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.
Kulsvierstenen
3.5 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.
Hillerød St.
7.3 km
North Zealand's essential transport hub connecting Copenhagen, regional destinations, and Frederiksborg Castle.
Hillerød Rectory
7.4 km
Discover the Befrielsessten in Høgsholt, Vejle—a serene memorial park honoring Denmark's journey to freedom amidst lush landscapes.
Old town hall
7.4 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
7.5 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.
Kirppu Hillerød
8.0 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.
Kingo Houses
13.5 km
Pioneering social housing where modernist design meets human dignity and natural landscape harmony.
UNDER THE ROOF
13.7 km
A poetic mural where sunflowers become shelter and nature merges with human aspiration.
Hørsholm Slotshave
13.8 km
A baroque garden where Scandinavia's lost palace still echoes through ancient linden trees.
Hornbæk Batteri
13.9 km
WWII coastal fortress commanding the Øresund strait from Denmark's dramatic northern cliffs.
Arboretum
14.4 km
Discover a world of trees and shrubs at the Arboretum in Hørsholm, a tranquil escape offering botanical exploration and natural beauty just north of Copenhagen.
Rungsted Harbour
14.7 km
Discover Rungsted Harbour: Denmark's charming coastal gem with boutique shops, diverse dining, and the Karen Blixen Museum, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and culture.
Udsigtspunkt
15.1 km
A tranquil Danish viewpoint garden offering panoramic vistas and peaceful contemplation in historic Helsingør.
Elsinore Cemetery
15.2 km
Historic burial ground where 16th-century roots meet artistic legacy in Denmark's literary heartland.
Unmissable attractions to see
Fredensborg Palace
0.9 km
Experience the serene beauty of St Alban's Church, a Gothic Revival masterpiece in Copenhagen's Churchillparken.
Falkonergården
2.7 km
Intimate falconry shows in rural North Zealand, where eagles, hawks and falcons soar within arm’s reach and centuries of raptor lore come vividly to life.
Gribsø
4.9 km
Explore Stendysse's ancient burial mounds in Hillerød, Denmark, and connect with prehistoric history amidst serene natural beauty.
Parforcejagtlandskabet i Store Dyrehave UNESCO World Heritage
6.5 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.
Frederiksborg Castle Gardens
6.7 km
Sweeping Baroque terraces and romantic woodland paths framing a lake island castle, Frederiksborg Castle Gardens blend royal theatre with everyday green escape.
Batzke's Hill
6.8 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.
Hillerød City Museum & Graphic Museum
6.9 km
Step behind Frederiksborg Castle into an intimate town museum where historic shops, crafts and letterpress printing bring everyday Hillerød vividly back to life.
The Museum of National History
7.1 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
7.1 km
Denmark's Renaissance jewel on three islands, where royal grandeur meets national heritage in gardens of baroque precision and romantic beauty.
Gavlkunst
7.1 km
A string of vivid murals along Helsingørsgade that turns central Hillerød into a small, free open‑air gallery of local stories and color.
Frederiksborg Castle Chapel
7.1 km
Experience LEGO magic at LEGOLAND Hotel & Conference in Billund, offering themed rooms and top-tier conference facilities.
Esrum Kloster & Møllegård
7.2 km
A 12th‑century Cistercian abbey where red-brick history, herbal gardens, VR experiences and forest trails meet beside Esrum Lake in North Zealand.
Hillerød Church
7.3 km
A light-filled modern parish church in the heart of Hillerød, carrying centuries of local worship history in a calm, contemporary Danish setting.
Pøleå bæver
7.3 km
Small riverside viewpoint in North Zealand where reintroduced beavers, wetlands and birds turn an everyday path by Pøle Å into a quietly wild nature stop.
Kongernes Nordsjælland
7.3 km
Explore Hornbæk Batteri: Denmark's WWII coastal defense site amidst scenic North Zealand landscapes.
Essential places to dine
Skipperhuset Fredensborg
0.0 km
Refined Nordic cuisine and panoramic sunsets on the shores of Lake Esrum.
Skovgrillen
5.8 km
Classic Danish grill bar near Frederiksborg’s forests, serving hearty burgers, flæskestegsburgers and the legendary Taxa burger at budget-friendly prices.
Latini Hjørnet
5.9 km
Casual corner pizzeria and burgerhouse in suburban Hillerød, serving hearty pizzas, pastas and fast‑food favourites for easy eat‑in or takeaway meals.
Hong Kong Bistro & Grill
6.4 km
Unfussy Chinese‑Thai grill and wok spot in Hillerød serving hearty noodles, curries, steaks and spareribs in a simple, relaxed neighborhood setting.
Lpm Restauranter v/Lars Peter Mølvang
6.6 km
Contemporary Nordic dining in the heart of Hillerød, open daily for lunch and dinner.
Lakeside Restaurant
6.8 km
Casual dining on the edge of Simons Golf Club, where generous Danish-inspired dishes meet wide green views and a calm North Zealand countryside setting.
Patats Kebab & Grill
7.2 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.
Rabarbergaarden Slottet
7.2 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.
Piccola Italia Pizzaria 3400
7.2 km
Busy neighborhood pizzeria in central Hillerød serving hearty pizzas, pastas and quick takeaway just a short stroll from Frederiksborg Castle and the lake.
Tô Tô Kitchen
7.2 km
Cozy Vietnamese flavors and casual evening dining on Østergade, bringing fresh herbs, noodles and warm atmosphere to the heart of Hillerød.
Thai 4 You - Thai Restaurant og Take Away
7.3 km
Authentic Thai flavors prepared by professional chefs in central Hillerød.
Unkai
7.3 km
All-you-can-eat, made-to-order sushi and Japanese bites in a modern, laid-back setting on Hillerød’s central Helsingørsgade.
Montalbano
7.3 km
Authentic Sicilian pizzeria run by an Italian family in the heart of Hillerød.
Big Mamma Gastronomia
7.3 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.
Chicken BROS
7.3 km
Crispy fried chicken burgers and quick bites in casual Hillerød comfort.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Lumi Op Shop
7.3 km
Cosy Hillerød charity thrift store and café where vintage furniture, second-hand finds and lakeside castle views meet to support meaningful mission projects.
Shoppen
7.4 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.
Red Cross Op Shop
7.4 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
7.5 km
Curated vintage and retro treasures near Frederiksborg Castle since 1996.
Mothers' Aid Op Shop
7.5 km
Bright, family‑focused charity shop on Hillerød’s main square, where gently used children’s clothes and toys support vital work for parents and kids in Denmark.
Boutique Munck
7.5 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Hillerød, blending curated Nordic fashion, warm styling advice and a relaxed, local neighborhood feel.
HL Mode Hillerød
7.5 km
Neighbourhood-style women’s fashion and lingerie on historic Slotsgade, offering Scandinavian everyday elegance a short stroll from Hillerød’s castle and lake.
Vinbutikken
7.5 km
Cosy wine and delicacies shop on historic Slotsgade in Hillerød, pairing castle-side charm with handpicked bottles, gourmet treats and friendly, expert advice.
GEjSER ApS
7.5 km
Expert vape shop on Slotsgade offering quality e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and accessories for all experience levels.
Holm Hillerød
7.5 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
7.5 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.
Gine
7.5 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
7.5 km
Denmark's premier denim specialist offering authentic Lee and Wrangler collections with expert guidance.
Spejder Sport
7.5 km
Denmark's largest outdoor chain where expert staff and quality gear prepare you for every adventure.
Rodes
7.5 km
Two floors of toys, gear and airsoft in an 800 m² megastore that turns central Hillerød into a playground for kids, teens and grown‑up hobby enthusiasts.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Jernstangen
7.4 km
Old-school Hillerød pub opposite the station, with billiards, darts, dice games and live music nights in a laid‑back, locals-first atmosphere.
Crane Brothers
7.5 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
7.5 km
Intimate tiki-style lounge bar off Hillerød’s central square, blending cocktails, small-stage events and private parties in a cozy tropical hideaway.
The Old Irish Pub
7.5 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.
Møllen
7.5 km
A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.
Kardusen
12.6 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
12`er Pubben
14.4 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
14.4 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
Oddies Beach Bar
14.9 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.
Head/Foam
15.3 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
15.4 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Axelhus Udeservering
15.5 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.
Hold-An
15.6 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.
Banana joe
15.6 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
15.6 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Socialz
7.5 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
11.1 km
Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.
Rustik
15.3 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Retro
15.6 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.
Den Dansende Viking
26.5 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
32.5 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
SIGURD CPH
32.6 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
34.0 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
RUST Natklub
34.0 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
34.1 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Moon Club
35.0 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
Culture Box
35.0 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Haven - Events
35.1 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Mirage
35.3 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
35.3 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
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Senior Friendly