Fredensborg Palace was built between 1719 and 1722 as a smaller pleasure palace for the king. When planning a visit, it is important to distinguish between the palace and the gardens: the palace is normally closed to the public, but opens for guided tours in summer. The public areas of Fredensborg Palace Gardens are open to visitors at all times. Check the current tour dates if you plan to visit the palace.
Palace Gardens, Sculptures and Art History
Fredensborg Palace Gardens are located in the Kongernes Nordsjælland National Park. Nordmandsdalen in the palace grounds features 70 sculptures of Norwegian and Faroese farmers, fishermen and other subjects of the king. Inside the palace, a Baroque dining room dates from its construction in 1722. Royal architecture is thus presented alongside depictions of people from the everyday lives of the king’s subjects at the time.
The Nivaagaard Collection offers a different perspective on art history. A foundation established on 30 September 1908 made it an independent institution open to the public. The collection features portraits from the Renaissance, Baroque period and Danish Golden Age. Among the works is Giovanni Bellini’s “Portrait of a Young Man,” dated to around 1490. Here, the different periods come to life through specific portraits.
The Fredensborg Museum in Avderød explores the people, objects and places of today’s Fredensborg Municipality. In the schoolroom, children and adults can experience how their great-grandparents wrote with pen and ink or used slate pencils on slate boards. Comparing these writing methods brings everyday history to the fore.
Trails, Mills and Crafts
The trails in Fredensborg form a connected network of more than five kilometres. They link local paths, passageways and historic road routes with the straight Baroque axes of the palace park. Brass plaques set into the ground along the routes tell stories of the royal family, architecture and notable figures from the town. The Queen’s Routes pass through Kokkedal, Nivå, Humlebæk and Fredensborg in the municipality.
Another trail option is the historic audio walk in NivĂĄ: it is about 2.5 kilometres long, takes approximately 1.5 hours and has nine stops. As digital availability may change, it is best to check before setting out.
Mills and crafts are also among the things to discover. In Fredensborg Municipality, Karlebo Mill is a Dutch-style windmill built in 1835. Højsager Mill is open on selected dates during the summer half of the year. Volunteers explain how the mill works and, if there is enough wind, demonstrate it in operation. Dates vary, so it is worth checking the latest visiting information.
The Nivaagaard Brickworks Ring Kiln was built in the municipality in 1870. A guided visit can be extended to include a visit and lesson in the blacksmith’s workshop, where the blacksmith explains and demonstrates the traditional craft. Confirm the specific arrangements before your trip.
Exploring Lake Esrum
Lake Esrum offers opportunities for swimming, walks, birdwatching, fishing and outings by kayak, canoe, SUP and boat. A five-kilometre walking trail through Fredensborg Palace Gardens starts in front of the palace, follows the lakeshore to the back of the palace, then passes Kancellihuset on the way back. The activities described range from time on the water to a circular walk along the lakeshore.
For boat trips, Bådfarten Esrum Sø offers views of Fredensborg Palace Gardens and Gribskov. One circular trip departs from Skipperhuset, passing Sørup, a bird sanctuary, and Nødebo Holt on the way to Dronningens Bøge; it returns to Skipperhuset along the palace park side. The season and departures may vary. Check the current timetable if you are planning a trip.
Discover More Destinations
Niverød, Humlebæk, Nivå, Kokkedal
Hørsholm Municipality, Helsingør, Albertslund, Brøndby Municipality
For the main travel overview: Hovedstaden.
