Frederiksborg Castle

At the end of the 16th century, King Christian IV ordered the construction of a large palace in northern Denmark, Frederiksborg, which would soon become the largest castle in all of Scandinavia.

This beautiful Renaissance fortress located in Hillerød, 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Copenhagen, took almost seventy years to complete. After serving as a royal residence for a couple of centuries, Frederiksborg Castle suffered a devastating fire in 1859 that forced the reconstruction of much of the palace's interior.

Today, Frederiksborg Castle houses the Danish National History Museum. The palace houses Denmark's most important collection of portraits and historical paintings among the museum's treasures.

What to See in Frederiksborg

Alongside the royal chambers, guest accommodations, and administrative offices, some of Frederiksborg's most important rooms are the following:

• The Gentlemen's Hall: Also known as "the rose," this refined hall served as a banquet venue for hosting court nobles. The ceiling of this room has been meticulously reconstructed to mimic its appearance during the time of Christian IV.
• The Audience Hall: This space was where the king held audiences with nobles and international dignitaries. Occasionally, guests would be made to wait for hours in a chair-less anteroom before being escorted through a lavishly decorated corridor to the audience room.
• The Ceremonial Room: Reflecting the ornate style of Danish absolutism, this room features historical portraits, eighteenth-century furniture, and crystal chandeliers.
• The Chapel: The only part of the castle that remained intact after the fire, the chapel is the most impressive section of Frederiksborg.
• The Baroque Garden: The primary attraction of Frederiksborg Castle, the baroque gardens were recreated in 1996 based on the original designs. This labyrinthine French-style garden boasts artificial waterfalls, hedge paths, and the royal monograms of several Danish monarchs.

How to Get to Frederiksborg Castle

• Bus: Buses 301 and 302 go to Frederiksborg Slot, the closest stop to the castle.
• Train: from Copenhagen Central Station, you can take train line A to Hillerød and walk about 15 minutes to the castle.
• Day trip from Copenhagen: the best way to visit this incredible monument is to book an excursion to Frederiksborg Castle from Copenhagen for around € 60 (US$ 63.20). You'll learn about the castle's exciting history with an English-speaking guide.