Frederiksborg Castle

About

Frederiksborg Castle is a stunning renaissance palace perched on three picturesque islands in the castle lake of Hillerød, Denmark. Originally erected in the early 17th century as a royal residence for King Christian IV, the castle survived a devastating fire in 1859 and was meticulously rebuilt over the following decades thanks to a generous donation from brewer J. C. Jacobsen. Today it houses the Musée du National History of Denmark, boasting the country’s largest portrait collection and a wealth of intricate state rooms that date back to the 12th century. Visitors to the museum wander through six grand rooms on the king’s and princess’s wings, including the richly decorated Valdemar Room, the soaring Great Hall (Riddersalen), the fragrant Rose Room, the serene Chapel, and the elegant Audience Chamber. Each room tells a distinct chapter of Danish history, from scenes of royal court life to pivotal moments in the nation’s past. Beyond the museum’s galleries, the castle’s Baroque park surrounds the complex with winding paths, cascading waterfalls, and carefully curated gardens. The iconic Neptune Fountain, a bronze masterpiece dating from the early 17th century, sits at the heart of the grounds, while the Cascades—an elegant water feature created in the 1990s—draw visitors into a tranquil, painterly landscape that echoes the original baroque design.

Highlights

• Neptune Fountain
• Valdemar Room
• Great Hall
• Chapel
• Rose Room
• Audience Chamber
• Baroque Gardens

Must-See Areas

Good to Know

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 3 hours 30 minutes