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Castle · Hillerød, Região da Capital
Castelo de Frederiksborg (Frederiksborg Slot)
The Renaissance palace of Cristiano IV on three islets in the lake of Hillerød, with the coronation chapel, the Compenius organ from 1610 and the Museu de História Nacional, which houses the country's largest collection of portraits.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Castelo de Frederiksborg (Frederiksborg Slot)
Frederiksborg was built by Cristiano IV between 1600 and 1620, on the site of a castle belonging to his father, Frederick II. The architects Hans van Steenwinckel the Elder, and later his sons, erected the complex in red brick and sandstone, in the Dutch Renaissance style, on three islets in the lake, connected by bridges. It is the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia.
A fire in 1859 destroyed almost the entire interior. The reconstruction was funded in part by brewer J. C. Jacobsen of Carlsberg, who proposed housing the Museu de História Nacional there, opened in 1882. The rooms display five centuries of Danish history in portraits, furniture and objects: it is the country's largest collection of portraits.
The chapel, consecrated in 1617, escaped the fire and is the best-preserved part. There the absolutist kings were crowned from 1671 to 1840, and the Compenius organ, from 1610, is the oldest in the country, still played in concerts. In the outer courtyard, the Neptune Fountain is an 1888 copy of the original by Adriaen de Vries, taken by the Swedes in 1659.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours for the museum and the chapel; plus 30 minutes for the Baroque garden.
Best time
In the morning, to see the rooms before groups arrive. The chapel may close for ceremonies. In winter opening hours are reduced; check before you go. The boat trip across the lake usually runs in summer.
How to get there
A 15-minute walk from Hillerød station, crossing the town centre along the pedestrian street Slotsgade to the lake. By car there is parking by the lake.
Tip
Start with the chapel and the Salão dos Cavaleiros on the first floor, then proceed through the portrait rooms in chronological order. Exit through the back gate to the Baroque garden for the best view of the castle over the lake.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Castelo de Frederiksborg (Frederiksborg Slot)
What is the Museu de História Nacional?
The museum housed in the castle since 1882, with portraits, furniture and objects spanning five centuries of Danish history.
Is the chapel the original?
Yes. The chapel from 1617 escaped the fire of 1859 and houses the Compenius organ, from 1610, the oldest in Denmark.
How to get there from Copenhagen?
By S-tog to Hillerød, in about 40 minutes, and a 15-minute walk to the castle.
How much time to allow?
2 to 3 hours for the castle and another half hour for the baroque garden.