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Frederiksborg Castle

A Dutch Renaissance palace on three islands in a lake - the grandest in Scandinavia, with formal baroque gardens and the national history museum.

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Frederiksborg Castle

Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.

Typepalace
WhereCapital Region
Nearest cityHillerod
Best seasonMay to September; year-round
Time to allowHalf a day
Getting thereIn Hillerod north of Copenhagen; train, about forty-five minutes
EntryCharged

Frederiksborg rises from three islands in a lake at Hillerod, a soaring red-brick and copper Dutch Renaissance palace built by King Christian IV, the grandest in Scandinavia. Now the Museum of National History, its richly decorated halls, chapel and portrait galleries tell the story of Denmark, set off by formal baroque gardens across the water.

What you actually see

  • The palace - the ornate red-brick Renaissance palace on its lake islands.
  • The great hall and chapel - the lavish state rooms and the coronation chapel.
  • The national history collection - the portraits and history of Denmark.
  • The baroque garden - the terraced formal garden across the lake.

When to go

Summer for the gardens in bloom and the lake setting; the palace and museum are worthwhile year-round. A clear day flatters the reflections.

Honest expectations

It is a large museum as well as a palace, so allow time for the halls and galleries. The baroque garden is across the lake, a walk from the palace. It is an easy train trip from Copenhagen, paired well with Kronborg.

Nearby

Kronborg Castle is nearby on the coast; Copenhagen is a short train ride south.

What to pack for Frederiksborg Castle

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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