Hørsholm Municipality tells its story through gardens, buildings and landscapes. At Hørsholm Slotshave, the layout of the former Baroque garden at Hirschholm Slot has been preserved; there are also lime trees here that are more than 250 years old. The Arboretet in Hørsholm offers a different perspective: it includes around 2,000 species and is Denmark’s largest collection of trees and shrubs.
Hirschholm’s history in the garden
Hørsholm Slotshave is more than a testament to the art of gardening. It was also the setting for the relationship between Queen Caroline Mathilde and Struensee at Hirschholm Slot. Here, a recognizable Baroque garden layout meets a specific chapter of Danish history.
The Hørsholm Egns Museum explores this historical connection further. The museum is housed in an 18th-century building that originally served as the tenant farmer’s house on the royal Hirschholm estate. Its themes range from Hirschholm Slot and freedom of the press to a royal affair. Modern exhibitions and creative activities for children round out the offerings.
Trees, water and birdlife
At the Arboretet, you can discover a wide variety of trees and shrubs. Visits are scheduled daily from 7:30 a.m. until sunset; seasonal access arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check the latest visitor information in advance. Open days are held there twice a year, in early May and in September. Researchers, staff or students then talk about their research and the trees in the collection; the exact dates vary from year to year.
The Rungstedlund bird sanctuary also offers a different perspective on the landscape: its described habitats include wetlands, pastures and old woodland, as well as rich biodiversity. On guided tours of the sanctuary, the route passes Karen Blixen’s grave, the Bronze Age burial mound Ewalds Høj and Herregårdslunden. The availability of these tours may vary.
Kongens Dam is a large restored pond with an island. It benefits visitors to the forest as well as animals and plants. The water and island thus provide another aspect of the landscape alongside trees, woodland and open wetlands.
Prehistory and architecture
At Folehave, the past can be read in its striking monuments: there are 59 Bronze Age burial mounds. Two Neolithic long barrows have also been preserved. One is 32 metres long and 9 metres wide. The different structures bring the area’s long history of human use to life through their tangible dimensions and forms.
The Hørsholm Kirke offers an architectural contrast. C.F. Hansen designed the neoclassical church, which was inaugurated on 21 September 1823. It shares clear similarities with his Vor Frue Kirke in Copenhagen. Hørsholm Kirke is usually open both during the summer season and in calendar week 42. Check visitor opening hours before your visit.
Choose routes by length and theme
Three marked distances are available for hiking or running in the Folehave and Hørsholm Slotshave area: 2.4, 5.2 and 9.5 kilometres. The Hjertestien in Hørsholm Slotshave is an approximately 2-kilometre exercise walk. For a longer loop, try the 16-kilometre Blixenruten, which starts and ends at the Karen Blixen Museum. Check route information before your trip.
The Kløverstierne comprise four marked walking, running and cycling routes that start at the Kløverpælen in PH Park. Along the red route, you can listen to the horror story “Allikernes Arv” via a QR code. Route conditions and signage, as well as digital access to the audio story, may change, so check the latest information before setting out.
Industrial history and culture in town
Usserød Klædefabrik tells the story of the area’s industrial past: it was founded in 1791 and began producing uniform cloth in 1809. Its well-preserved buildings are an example of how a decommissioned industrial complex can be repurposed.
In the centre of Hørsholm, Kulturhus Trommen hosts changing exhibitions as well as a cinema, library, theatre and concert hall. The building’s distinctive design and carefully selected materials are also part of its story: since its inauguration in 1988, Trommen has been regarded as an attraction in Hørsholm. As exhibitions and programmes change, it is worth checking the latest schedule.
Other options have their own focus: Hørsholm Golf’s six-hole pitch-and-putt course is open to everyone and can be played without membership on a pay-and-play basis, with a green fee. Check booking and seasonal availability in advance. Free camping is permitted throughout Sjælsølund Skov; check the current camping rules before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Rungsted Kyst, Frederikssund, Albertslund, Allerød Municipality, Hillerød Municipality, Fredensborg, Halsnæs Municipality, Tårnby Municipality.
For the overview of the wider region: Hovedstaden.
