Frederiksborg Castle: Day Trips and Tours from Copenhagen

Frederiksborg Castle is a Renaissance masterpiece, located just a stone’s throw from Denmark’s capital city — Copenhagen.

The home of several notable monarchs and the site of a national museum dedicated to Danish history, the palace is brimming with culture, as well as intricate murals, and portraits of some of the country’s most celebrated figures.

A day trip to Frederiksborg Castle from Copenhagen is not to be missed if you’re interested in history, architecture or the arts.

Read on for what you need to know about Frederiksborg Castle, one of the most exciting day trips from Copenhagen.

How to travel to Frederiksborg Castle from Copenhagen?

Frederiksborg Castle is located in the town of Hillerød in eastern Denmark. The site is approximately 40 kilometers from the capital city of Copenhagen.

From Copenhagen to Frederiksborg Castle by car

The journey to Frederiksborg Castle by car takes approximately 40 minutes and travels in a northwesterly direction out of Copenhagen. You’ll follow Route 16 all the way, which links the two destinations.

From Copenhagen to Frederiksborg Castle by public transport

In order to make the jaunt to Frederiksborg Castle by public transport, you can take a train from Vesterport Street to Hillerød Station.

From there, it’s an easy 17-minute walk to the castle. The entire journey takes just under an hour and trains run several times an hour throughout the day.

Guided tour to Frederiksborg Castle from Copenhagen

Another option is to participate in a guided excursion to Frederiksborg Castle. These day trips typically last between 4 and 9 hours, and start between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM.

Most tour providers offer a convenient accommodation pickup from any hotel in the city, making your experience seamless and easy.

How much are the entrance tickets to Frederiksborg Castle?

Frederiksborg Castle tickets are extremely reasonable, making it a worthwhile landmark to visit while on vacation in Denmark.

• Adults: DKK90 (€12)
• Children aged 6-15: DKK25 (€3)
• Children under 6: Free
• Students: DKK70 (€9)
• Seniors aged 65 and over: DKK80 (€11)
  

You can also purchase family tickets, which cost DKK180 and include two adults, as well as up to three children between the ages of 6, and 15.

What is the typical itinerary for a trip to Frederiksborg Castle?

After meeting your guide either at your accommodation or at an easy-to-reach location in Copenhagen, you’ll travel to Frederiksborg Castle either by private car, coach or train.

Once you arrive on-site, you may participate in a guided tour of its interior and exterior, as well as the castle’s Museum of National History.

Alternatively, some tours provide you with free time so that you can discover the parts of the castle that interest you at your own leisure.

Once you’ve seen all of the main attractions, you may travel back to Copenhagen. However, some Frederiksborg Castle day tours continue on to other key destinations in the country, including Kronborg Castle and Roskilde Cathedral before journeying back to the capital city.

What kinds of tours are there to Frederiksborg Castle?

There are several different types of Frederiksborg Castle day trips to choose from based on your individual preferences.

Guided tour to Frederiksborg Castle from Copenhagen

Day trips to Frederiksborg Castle begin by boarding a train and traveling through the Swedish countryside to the town of Hillerød.

You’ll wander through the medieval streets to the castle, where you’ll embark on a guided tour around the complex.

Discover the perfectly-manicured gardens, intricate paintings and dazzling tapestries that make this site so remarkable, as well as the opulent chapel, and historic rooms of the castle before returning to Copenhagen.

Private tour to Frederiksborg Castle from Copenhagen

A private Frederiksborg Castle day tour enables you to have a more personalized experience and gain a deeper insight into the Renaissance building.

As you amble through the myriad of lavish rooms and flawless gardens, you’ll learn about the long line of Danish monarchy from your knowledgeable guide.

They’ll also show you around the Museum of National History, providing you with fascinating information on some of the most exquisite paintings in the gallery.

Day trip to Frederiksborg Castle plus Roskilde and Kronborg from Copenhagen

Alternatively, combine your day trip to Frederiksborg Castle with several other beloved Danish attractions for a wide-angled view of the Scandinavian nation.

Architecture and history buffs will love wandering the grand halls, and galleries of Frederiksborg and Kronborg Castles, both of which were built during the lifetime of King Christian IV.

You’ll also make your way to Roskilde Cathedral, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Finish your excursion with a visit to the Viking Ship Museum, where you’ll discover the history behind the Nordic warriors who conquered several European nations throughout the Middle Ages.

How much should you expect to pay for a day trip to Frederiksborg Castle from Copenhagen?

Basic day tours to Frederiksborg Castle from Copenhagen cost approximately €60 per person. However, train tickets and entrance to the castle are at your own expense.

If you opt for a day trip that includes Frederiksborg Castle, as well as Kronborg Castle and Roskilde Cathedral, you’ll pay just over €150 per person.

You can expect to pay around €550 each for a private Frederiksborg Castle day tour, which covers roundtrip transportation, entrance fees and the services of a professional guide.

What will you see and do at the castle?

Frederiksborg Castle was built as a royal residence for King Christian IV, who ruled between 1588 and 1648, in the early 17th century.

This castle was built to replace an older complex, which Christian IV was born in, and it became a status symbol for the king as the largest Renaissance residence in the entire region of Scandinavia.

The castle was sieged during the Second North War in the middle of the 17th century, and many of its original artworks were stolen.

Following a fire in the 19th century that destroyed much of the site, Frederiksborg Castle was reconstructed using original plans to ensure the residence kept its historic charm.

Since its rebuild in 1882, the castle ceased to serve as a royal dwelling and instead opened its doors to the public.

Part of the money provided for this rebuild was by J.C. Jacobsen — a well-established philanthropist — who offered a substantial sum in order to open a museum of national history on site.

This exhibition features the largest collection of portraits in Denmark and showcases the history of the country over the last 5 centuries. The majority of these portraits are of Danish monarchs or nobility, including artists and politicians.

Also housed in the museum are historical paintings, depicting important events, such as the murder of King Erik Klipping in 1286. Visitors can also see a display of ornate furniture and interior decor that stems from the Renaissance, and Baroque periods.

One notable characteristic of the building is its three wings, each of which features a lofty spire. Woven into the architecture of the palace are statues depicting astrological symbols, mythical beings and historic figures.

These renowned figures include the famed ancient Roman emperors, Julius Caesar and Augustus the Great.

What are the opening times?

Frederiksborg Castle is open to visitors between 11 AM and 3 PM throughout the winter season, which stretches from November to March. During the summer, the site offers extended opening hours, from 10 AM to 5 PM.

What time of year is best for visiting Frederiksborg Castle?

While the site is open throughout the year, the best time to plan a day trip to Frederiksborg Castle is during the summer months, between June and August.

At this time of year, you can expect balmy temperatures that hover around 20 degrees Celsius.

Bear in mind that this is the peak tourist season and as such, the site can become overrun with visitors.

If you’d rather have a more peaceful experience while at Frederiksborg Castle, consider planning your trip during the shoulder months of May or September instead.

Travel tips

• Check which Frederiksborg Castle day tours include the entrance fee before booking in order to secure the best deal.
• Flash photography is prohibited within the castle, as are tripods and selfie sticks.
• Consider carrying a small bag with you on your day trip to the castle. Large bags are not permitted during your tour and you’ll need to check them into the onsite cloakroom.
• The gardens that surround Frederiksborg Castle are enchanting and the perfect place to sit, and admire the view. Consider packing a lunch and enjoying it on one of the picnic tables provided.