Hillerød – Tuesday 7th July 2026
It’s often said that you should save the best until last. Whether that was my plan or not, that’s exactly how my week in Denmark ended.
With just one day left before flying home, I caught the train from Taastrup to Hillerød to visit Frederiksborg Castle. I’d heard it described as the ‘Versailles of Denmark’, but I wasn’t entirely convinced. After all, I’d already visited the magnificent Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, and I wasn’t sure another castle could top it. How wrong I was.
Crossing the bridge towards the castle, I was greeted by soaring green copper spires, elegant Renaissance towers and shimmering reflections across the surrounding lake. It was one of those moments that makes you stop, take a photograph, then simply stand and admire the view for a while.
I expected to spend perhaps a couple of hours there before heading back to Copenhagen. Instead, the entire morning disappeared.
Built by King Christian IV between 1602 and 1620, Frederiksborg Castle was intended to be a spectacular display of Denmark’s wealth and power during the Renaissance. Christian IV left his mark all over Denmark, but this was undoubtedly his masterpiece.
Unlike many royal palaces that contain little more than lavishly decorated rooms, Frederiksborg also houses Denmark’s Museum of National History. Every room tells part of the country’s story through portraits, paintings, furniture and royal artefacts, taking visitors from the sixteenth century right through to modern Denmark.
The Great Hall was simply breathtaking. Its richly decorated ceiling, enormous size and colourful coats of arms lining the walls made it easy to imagine lavish royal banquets and celebrations taking place there four hundred years ago.
Equally impressive was the Castle Chapel. Remarkably, it survived the devastating fire of 1859 that destroyed much of the castle. Walking inside felt like stepping back in time, with its beautifully carved wooden pews, gilded decorations and sense of quiet grandeur. It’s still used by the Danish Royal Family for special ceremonies today.
One of the most interesting parts of the castle’s story came after that fire. Rather than allowing it to become a ruin, brewer J.C. Jacobsen, founder of Carlsberg, financed much of its restoration. Thanks to his generosity, the castle was rebuilt and transformed into the museum visitors enjoy today.
After exploring the countless rooms, I wandered through the beautifully landscaped Baroque gardens. The perfectly clipped hedges, ornamental fountains and colourful flower beds provided a peaceful contrast to the grandeur of the castle itself, while the views back across the lake were simply stunning.
Looking back over my week in Denmark, Frederiksborg Castle was the biggest surprise. Kronborg may be world-famous thanks to Shakespeare’s Hamlet, but for me, Frederiksborg edged it as my favourite castle of the trip. It combines magnificent architecture, fascinating history and beautifully curated exhibitions in a way that keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
As I boarded the train back to Taastrup that afternoon, I realised it had been the perfect way to round off my Danish adventure. Denmark had given me Viking ships, medieval cathedrals, colourful harbours, royal palaces and warm, welcoming people. Frederiksborg Castle was the final jewel in the crown—and a place I would happily return to one day.
Travel Tip: If you’re visiting Copenhagen for a few days, don’t overlook Hillerød. Frederiksborg Castle is less than an hour away by train and, in my opinion, is an essential day trip. Allow at least three to four hours—you’ll almost certainly need them.
