Frederiksborg Castle

Frederiksborg Slot

Europe's largest castle by floor area, located in Hillerød and featuring stunning Renaissance architecture surrounded by elaborate Baroque gardens and lakes. It houses the Museum of National History with significant collections of Danish cultural heritage.

Things to do

• Museum of National History — Explore Denmark's cultural heritage through portraits, furniture, and decorative arts spanning from the Renaissance to modern times across the castle's 80 rooms.
• Baroque Gardens — Stroll through the meticulously landscaped gardens featuring geometric patterns, ornamental lakes, and Renaissance fountains that frame the castle's façade.
• Chapel — Visit the ornate castle chapel where Danish royalty was married and crowned, featuring original Renaissance altar decorations and royal monuments.
• Castle Photography — Capture the castle's distinctive red-brick Renaissance architecture reflected in the surrounding lakes and gardens, particularly stunning at sunset.
• Spirelounge Café — Enjoy refreshments overlooking the castle gardens and lakes from this on-site café located in the castle complex.
• Hillerød Town Centre — Walk through the charming historic town center of Hillerød just beyond the castle gates for local shops and traditional Danish architecture.

Food to try

• Smørrebrød — Sample traditional Danish open-faced rye bread sandwiches with toppings like herring, roast beef, or egg available at castle cafés and nearby Hillerød restaurants.
• Danish Pastries — Taste authentic wienerbrød and other butter-layered Danish pastries at local bakeries in Hillerød, best enjoyed fresh with coffee.
• Frikadeller — Try these Danish meatballs made from ground pork and beef, typically served with pickled cucumber and mustard sauce at traditional restaurants nearby.
• Local Brewery Beer — Sample craft beers from Hillerød's local breweries, a popular complement to Danish cuisine in the region's restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Respectful Photography — Ask permission before photographing in the chapel and avoid flash photography in museum galleries to preserve the artwork and maintain the solemn atmosphere.
• Guided Tours Recommended — Join an English-language guided tour to fully appreciate the castle's architectural significance and the stories behind its royal history and national collections.
• Danish Royal Etiquette — Remember the castle remains significant to Danish royalty; be respectful of any royal ceremonies or official events that may occasionally close sections to the public.
• Seasonal Visiting — Visit in spring or early summer when the Baroque gardens are in full bloom and the extended daylight hours allow for leisurely exploration of the extensive grounds.