Just a short trip north of Copenhagen, you’ll find Frederiksborg Castle, the largest Renaissance-style castle in Scandinavia. Built in the early 1600s, this majestic royal residence was commissioned by King Christian IV, who ruled Denmark and Norway. Interestingly, the king decided to tear down his father’s manor house, where he was born, to make way for this grand Dutch Renaissance-style castle. Today, Frederiksborg Castle stands as a remarkable symbol of the Nordic region’s rich architectural history.
In 1859, Frederiksborg Castle was nearly destroyed by a devastating fire, leaving much of the structure in ruins. To rebuild it, a national collection and lottery were organized, gathering funds from across the country. Fortunately, the chapel was mostly spared and still stands in its original condition. After years of restoration, the castle reopened in 1878 as the Museum of National History. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of art and artifacts from Danish history, including the country’s largest portrait collection, which takes you on a journey through time. Visitors can also explore the beautifully restored staterooms, like the Great Hall above the chapel, offering a fascinating glimpse into royal life in Denmark centuries ago.
The castle complex is a stunning piece of architecture, gracefully spread across three small islands in the peaceful Slotssøen, or “Castle Lake.” During the construction of the castle, King Christian IV lived in a charming Italian-style “pleasure palace” on the other side of the lake. Although this palace was torn down in 1720, it was replaced by the beautiful baroque gardens that you can enjoy today. A visit to the castle wouldn’t be complete without taking a leisurely stroll through these meticulously landscaped English gardens, where vibrant flowers and neatly trimmed hedges offer perfect views of both the castle and the serene lake.
The castle is just a 40-minute drive from Copenhagen, with several public parking options nearby. If you prefer public transport, you can take a regular train from Copenhagen Central to Hillerød, and if you have a Copenhagen Card, your travel is free. Look for the S-trains on line E and get off at Hillerød station. From there, it’s an easy 10- to 15-minute walk to the castle, with clear signs guiding the way.
