Seven avenues radiate from Fredensborg Palace. The garden combines the formal Baroque design of the 18th century with woodland and lakes in a more romantic landscape. Clean lines and more natural areas sit side by side here. The main garden is open to the public year-round; check before your visit whether any temporary access restrictions apply.
Paths through the landscape and city
The Tisvilde Trail is approximately 70 kilometres long. It begins at Esrum Abbey, ends in Tisvildeleje and runs through the Royal North Zealand National Park, with its deep forests, open fields and lakes. The national park also has designated walking and cycling routes through varied landscapes. The Castle Route, also known as Route 48, is a cycling tour of around 75 kilometres and of moderate difficulty. The two routes are therefore similar in length; the Castle Route is also specified as being of moderate difficulty.
The Harbour Circle around Copenhagen Harbour offers a different perspective: this walking and cycling route is 13 kilometres long and can also be covered in sections of 2, 4 or 7 kilometres. This lets you choose a distance to suit your plans. The sweeping Bicycle Snake cycling bridge also crosses Copenhagen Harbour, adding a distinctive feature to the city’s cycling network.
Nature by the water and inland
Arresø is home to a protected bird area where you may spot white-tailed eagles or ospreys. Along the coast of Royal North Zealand National Park, there are opportunities for sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Trails on land, birdwatching and activities on the water appeal to different interests, without requiring you to follow a set itinerary.
Bornholm also offers practical inspiration for active exploration: the island has more than 230 kilometres of signposted cycling routes, and Almindingen has two mountain bike trails. Sea kayaking tours follow the varied coastline and visit the skerries on the east coast. The many signposted cycling routes and the two mountain bike trails are different options: the choice depends on whether you are looking for a ride on marked routes or a mountain bike trail.
A 13-kilometre path around Lake Søborg runs along gravel tracks, some paved sections and a distinctive pedestrian bridge. These changing surfaces are part of the route description; the path is not designated as a cycling route. If you would rather visit a place with a historical story, the ruins of Søborg Castle offer a glimpse into the past: they once formed one of Denmark’s strongest medieval fortresses.
Castles, architecture and history
The Par Force Hunting Landscape in North Zealand preserves a grid of hunting avenues, numbered stone posts and hunting lodges. The grid, the numbering and the buildings are distinct elements of this designed landscape. At Fredensborg Palace, the garden adds to the picture of courtly design through its combination of Baroque elements, woodland and lakes. A boat trip from the Fredensborg side of Lake Esrum takes you to a forest café near Dronningens Bøge. If this trip is important to your plans, check the current timetable in advance.
Frederiksborg Castle stands on three islands surrounded by a lake and gardens. Amalienborg, meanwhile, consists of four separate Rococo palaces arranged around a square; two of the palaces are open to the public. The changing of the guard takes place there daily at noon. Check the current schedule when planning your visit. Another major historical site is Hammershus, the largest castle ruin in Northern Europe. The visitor centre offers panoramic views of the castle and an exhibition about its history; you can check the current visitor arrangements in advance.
City culture, crafts and theatre
Grønt Marked is a regular non-profit food and culture market held at various locations in Copenhagen. As seasonal dates and locations may change, it is worth checking the specific details before visiting. Bornholm offers Nordic cooking classes, wild herb walks, master chef classes and communal meals, as well as workshops on ice cream, smoking and traditional Bornholm dishes. These activities bring food, crafts and the landscape together in different ways.
Bornholm is recognised as a World Craft Region. Its theatre tradition also has a distinctive linguistic character: Rønne Theatre has been in daily use since 1823. Its programme includes dialect comedies and plays written and performed in Bornholm’s original language. The specific performances on offer may change. Ferry services to Rønne operate from Ystad and Køge, among other places; check current routes and travel times for your trip.
The Capital Region offers a range of starting points for planning your trip: you can choose a route by length or stated difficulty, explore a landscape through its paths and waterways, or visit a palace, market or theatre tradition.
Discover more destinations: Asserbo, Dalby Huse, Dronningmølle, Evetofte, Frederiksværk, Gilleleje, Græsted, Hornbæk, Hørsholm, Høsterkøb, Jægerspris, Kikhavn, Kregme, Kulhuse, Landerslev, Liseleje, Melby, Lynæs, Munkerup, Over Dråby, Rågeleje, Skibby, Skuldelev, Slangerup, Tikøb, Udsholt, Vedbæk, Vejby, Vejby Strand, Ålsgårde, Ølsted, Smidstrup, Vellerup, Copenhagen, Store Havelse, Tibirke, Ramløse, Annisse, Birkerød, Frederiksberg, Hillerød, Glostrup, Frederiksberg, Fredensborg, Dragør, Brøndbyøster, Ballerup, Valby, Helsinge, Hvidovre Municipality, Albertslund Municipality, Kongens Lyngby, Ishøj Municipality, Herlev Municipality, Frederikssund, Gribskov Municipality, Albertslund, Furesø Municipality, Brøndby Municipality, Tisvildeleje, Halsnæs Municipality, Tårnby Municipality, Gentofte, Rudersdal Municipality, Helsingør, Fredensborg, Hillerød Municipality, Høje-Taastrup Municipality, Copenhagen, Gladsaxe, Hørsholm Municipality, Vallensbæk, Rødovre Municipality, Allerød Municipality, Lyngby-Taarbæk Municipality.
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