The stunning Fredensborg Palace, also known as the “Palace of Peace”, is a sight to behold. Situated in the town of Fredensborg, on the island of Zealand in Denmark, it remains the Danish Royal Family’s most used residence during the spring and autumn seasons.
Boasting magnificent lawns and grand gardens outside, with gorgeous ornamental decorative pieces inside that, have drawn comparisons to France’s Palace of Versailles–this palace is a must-see! Tourists from all over the world travel to this historical landmark, to see the sights and to take in the centuries-old atmosphere. If you are interested in going to the palace read on for our helpful tips and tricks.
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The European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage was awarded to the Fredensborg Palace in 2021, for their magnificent Baroque-style gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fredensborg Castle Located?
Fredensborg Palace is situated on the banks of Lake Esrum, in the town of Fredensborg, on the island of Zealand in Denmark.
When was Fredensborg Castle Built? Who Build It?
This French-inspired Baroque palace was built from 1720 by King Frederick IV. Further expansion was completed throughout the 18th century.
When is The Best Time to Visit the Castle?
Between July 1st and August 7th–as this is the only space of time the palace is open for touring!
What Other Monuments are Located Nearby?
Other places to see nearby include Knud Rasmussens Monument, the Obelisk at Frederiksborg Barokhave, or the Genforeningsmonumen (a monument)–all are within a 30-minute drive of the palace.
FOR HISTORY | BEAUTIFUL IMAGES | INTERESTING FACTS | TRAVEL TIPS
Early History
This immaculately maintained Baroque-style palace is situated in the town of Fredensborg, on the eastern edge of Lake Esram on the island of Zealand, which is approximately 19 miles north of Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark.
King Frederick IV commissioned the construction of the site in the early 18th century. It was to be a country residence for the Danish Royal Family and to be utilized during the hunting season. The King wanted the palace to be built at the precise centre point at which all the intersecting, straight paths of a game hunting park converged. This was known as a “hunting star”, or in Danish a “jagtstjerne”. The architect, Johan Corenelius Krieger, was employed for the project, along with General Building Master Johan Conrad Ernst.
Construction started in 1720. The architect chose to design the palace in the opulent and decorative French-inspired Baroque style, popular in Europe during that period. Between 1724 and 1726, features of the Dutch Baroque and Rococo (both Late Baroque architectural styles) were also incorporated into the palace complex.
The palace building was petite and square-like in shape, with a dome measuring 49 feet in area and 89 feet tall. A hexagonal courtyard leading from the palace was enveloped by the single-story servants’ quarters, known as the “Red Wing”. A palace church was also built along with several other buildings. Beautiful palace gardens were cultivated. The palace complex continued to be extended throughout the 18th century.
A key structural change was made between 1741-1744 when the main palace building’s slanted roof was removed and replaced with an elevated flat roof. The architect who designed this change, Lauritz de Thurah, is believed to have been the King’s preferred architect.
Revisit More Historic Places Below or Read Further
Current Times
Today, the palace remains the Danish Royal Family’s most used residence in the autumn and spring. It is used by the Royal Family to host various state events and as well as important state guests.
The palace and private gardens are open to the public for guided tours only from July 1st to August 7th each year. The public gardens are open for visitors all year round. The palace has been exceptionally well preserved over the centuries and the structures, as well as the extensive gardens, are immaculate. It is truly a picturesque and charming palace to visit in Denmark!
Interesting Fredensborg Castle Facts
- Fredensborg was nicknamed “The Palace of Peace” because in the first year of its construction, Denmark-Norway and Sweden negotiated a peace treaty (signed on 3 July 1720).
- Queen Margrethe II of Denmark was crowned in 1972. She lives with other
members of the Danish Royal Family at Fredensborg Palace during autumn and spring.
- The vast, lush gardens of the palace are one of the largest of the historical parks and gardens in Denmark.
- The European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage was awarded to the Fredensborg Palace in 2021, for their magnificent Baroque-style gardens.
Visiting Fredensborg Castle – Tips and Tricks
Are you ready to start planning a trip to tour Fredensborg Palace? Here are some tips which can make your planning easier!
How to get to Fredensborg Castle?
There are flights into Copenhagen’s main international airport – Kastrup Airport – most days of the week. This is the airport to fly to as it is closest to the town of Fredensborg.
Rent a car at the airport – then drive to the palace is around 40-50 minutes, roughly between 25-30 miles distance and around 65.00 DKK ($10 USD) for fuel.
By train, the trip takes approximately one hour and twenty-four minutes, at 65.00 DKK ($10 USD). There is a station at Kokkedal Street, near Fredensborg. From here the bus takes around 25 minutes to get to the palace. From the bus drop-off point, the palace complex entrance is less than half a mile by foot.
You can travel by bus all the way in two hours and forty-two minutes at a cost of 65.00 DKK ($10 USD).
Ticket Prices, Visiting Hours & Travel Tips
Information was checked & updated on October 31, 2023.
Ticket prices are around 100 DKK ($15 USD) for adults. Children from ages 6-17 years will pay around 50 DKK ($7 USD). The tour is free for children 5 years old and under. There are guided tours available every 15 minutes between July 1st and August 7th, during the opening hours of 11am – 3pm.
The public gardens are accessible all year round, without a tour guide. The palace complex is wheelchair accessible, however, the Castle Chapel and the Great Hall are not wheelchair accessible.
How Long Will It Take to Tour Around?
The guided tour inside the palace takes around 45 minutes, followed by a guided tour of the private gardens and orangery which takes another 45 minutes. You may take your time strolling through the public gardens at your own pace–overall, plan on 2-3 hours for your visit.
Up to Date Information
For up to date ticket prices and visiting hours visit the official website: https://kongeligeslotte.dk/en/palaces-and-gardens/fredensborg-palace-and-palace-gardens/visit-us.html
Some words of advice and tips:
- Be sure to check whether the castle is open to the public on the date/s you wish to visit.
- Dress appropriately as part of your visit will be outdoors.
- COVID: Check for any regulations, opening hours, and restrictions on the official Fredensborg Castle website, as rules have been changed and adapted several times since the pandemic started.
