Frederiksborg Slot

About the museum

The castle stands on three small islands in the Slotssø in Hillerød. King Frederik II acquired the manor of Hillerødsholm in 1560 and had a first building erected; his son Christian IV replaced it between 1600 and 1620 with today's Renaissance complex, regarded as the largest of its kind in northern Europe. In the 18th century the Baroque garden was laid out in place of a pleasure palace, while Frederiksborg lost importance as a residence and increasingly housed the royal portrait collection.

A great fire destroyed large parts of the interior in 1859; only the castle church and the Audience Hall were largely spared. The reconstruction was financed through a nationwide collection and a lottery. The brewer J. C. Jacobsen, founder of Carlsberg, subsequently proposed a museum of national history modeled on the historical museum at Versailles and covered the costs of its development and operation.

Since its opening in 1878, Det Nationalhistoriske Museum has been an independent department of the Carlsberg Foundation (Carlsbergfondet). In the reconstructed halls and furnished rooms, the history of Denmark from the late Middle Ages to the present is told through portraits, history paintings, furniture and decorative arts; the portrait collection is considered the largest in the country. On the fourth floor, works of the 20th and 21st centuries and a photo gallery opened in 2009 continue the story.

The castle church, with the altarpiece by Jacob Mores and the Compenius organ of 1610, served as the coronation church of the kings during the age of absolutism and has been the chapel of the royal orders of chivalry since 1693; it is still a parish church today.

Highlights

• Magnificent Riddersalen and Audienssalen
• Denmark's largest portrait collection, including the first official painting of King Frederik X
• Castle church with the Compenius organ of 1610 and coats of arms of the orders of chivalry
• History painting, including works by Otto Bache and Laurits Tuxen
• Baroque garden and landscape garden on the Slotssø

Permanent exhibitions

• 500 års danmarkshistorie – Tour through the furnished halls and rooms of the castle, where portraits, history paintings, furniture and decorative arts tell the history of Denmark from the late Middle Ages to the early 20th century.
• Det 20. og 21. århundrede – On the fourth floor, modern portraits, history paintings and furniture carry the story up to the present; a photo gallery with portrait photography is attached.

Founded

1878

Operated by

Carlsbergfondet

Director

Ulla Tofte

Visitors per year

approx. 285,000 (2015)

Admission & discounts

The ticket is valid for the entire museum, including all special exhibitions. Free admission with the Copenhagen Card. Tickets bought online are non-refundable and valid for three months from the chosen date. School classes without a program free; educational program DKK 500 per class.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Wheelchair-accessible entrance to the right of the main entrance (doorbell for assistance). Elevator to all floors; not accessible without steps are the castle church, Riddersalen (10 steps, a wheelchair is available there) and the special exhibition room in the former wine cellar. Accessible restroom in the basement of the Prinsessefløjen. Two loan wheelchairs at the ticket office. Two accessible parking spaces in the outer castle courtyard. Member of the "God Adgang" accessibility labeling scheme.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Children's guide and family rally "Fantastiske Frederiksborg" (stations in the castle or via the Smartify app). Creative workshop on the first floor with weaving and embroidery; additional children's activities during school holidays. Strollers allowed, buggies and baby carriers available to borrow at the ticket office; changing facility in the accessible restroom.

Getting there & parking

The small ferry ("Den lille færge") runs on the Slotssø between Hillerød Torv and the Baroque garden (about 30 minutes, DKK 40 adults, DKK 10 children).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Organic restaurant Rabarbergaarden Slottet in the former coach house; Café Fadeburet opposite the main castle (daily 10:00–17:00). Large bags, backpacks, umbrellas and water bottles must go into the lockers in the foyer. Wi-Fi in the foyer. Food you bring yourself is allowed under the arcades in the inner castle courtyard and in the castle garden.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Corporate events outside opening hours, such as special tours and receptions in the historic halls.

Plan your visit