One thing I love about Denmark is its beautiful and magnificent castles and royal gardens. An easy favorite is Frederiksborg Slot located in Hillerød. It served as the royal residence of Christian IV, Scandinavia’s longest reigning king, in the 17th century. I visited the palace complex twice, first with my Danish language class and the second time with my sister.
I feasted my eyes with the sophisticated decorations and intricate designs of the Renaissance castle. Just like the Kronborg Slot, it caught fire in 1859, but was restored with the financial help of J. C. Jacobsen using old plans and paintings. Eventually, it was opened to the public as the Danish Museum of National History.
The castle had its beginning as a half-timbered building belonging to the noble family Gøyes. In 1540, it was transformed into a manor house, and in 1560, extensions began under the instruction of King Frederick II. It served as the king’s royal hunting lodge, becoming the first castle to be built for recreational purposes.
A beautiful fountain named Neptune, after the sea god, was installed in front of the castle and symbolizes the country as a leading Nordic power in the 17th century. It was built in the 1600s and designed by Adrien de Vries.
More about the history of the palace complex here: Frederiksborg Castle (Wikipedia). Now, let me share some photos of the beautiful and elegant interior. Remember that the castle houses the Danish Museum of National History, so expect lots of paintings of monarchs and early Danish society. 🙂
The castle is not only known for its interior. It also boasts the Baroque Park, a beautiful garden with trees and shrubs arranged symmetrically and a cascading water fountain or falls. ❤
My sister and I really enjoyed the visit! Although it is 101% impossible in reality, I felt like a royalty at Frederiksborg. We even had the chance to wear costumes!
Frederiksborg is totally a must-see attraction in Denmark! I would love to visit it again one day. 🙂 It feels amazing that I managed to visit these magnificent castles in real life! Had never imagined it when I was younger. But yeah, keep dreaming! It may take a while, but things can happen and they usually happen for the better. This is all for now! More about my escapades in the next entries. #spreadlove
PinayOdyssey 
Our house in Denmark is very near the Frederiksborg Slot. We love walking around the lake as well and we find it a joy to feed the swans and ducks. My favorite part of the castle is the ceiling of the church. Really grand yeah? I’ve written quite a few posts about my Denmark travels as well. Hope you can visit my blog. I’ll bookmark yours so I can read more.
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looks like a lot of history one can learn there! I love the architecture, it’s hard to find such beautiful buildings like that in the US. Happy for you to have the experience visiting the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia.
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This is amazing. I always wanted to visit scandinavia. I love the cold and I was always interested and curious about those countries and the culture there. This place reminds when I was a child visiting Versailles. It’s so impressive and when you think people were actually living there it even feels surrealist
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You are blessed to have visited this place! It’s one of my dreams to visit or see real a castle used by nobles. I think they are magical. It’s nice that you could also play dress up. 😉
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I lived in Denmark for ten months. Everyday was just magical to be able to explore castle, food and its nature side. Despite its obvious expensive lifestyle, one can still truly enjoy it. Hoping to be back and fix things what I have left there. Haha.
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Couldn’t agree more! Lived there for a little more than 2 years. To be honest, I like Norway better. haha
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European architecture! wow, just wow! It’s stunning and amazing! I would love to visit this place. However, I don’t know if that will ever happen! haha! I’ve never been anywhere outside the PH! lol!
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This looks just like the Danish version of England’s Hampton Court Palace. I love the decor and the view into the garden from the window, I love visiting castles, the history just oozes from the walls 😊
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Couldn’t agree more! My childhood wish of becoming a princess is far from coming true, but by visiting these castles, I feel more than a royalty.
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This are great photos and I hope I can see them in person. Nice architecture! It somewhat gave me a glimpse on what used to be on that castle
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What a beautiful castle! I’ve only visited Copenhagen for a day and didn’t have time to get out and see any castles, but I would like to. It looks so royal and it reminds me for some reason of the castle from Frozen, with that beautiful well in the yard. 🙂
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Hi Joanna! That’s sad to hear! There’s a beautiful castle within walking distance from Copenhagen — the Rosenborg Slot, or the Barbie castle as the Italian tourist called it. My bf and I spent 4 hours in CPH and we still managed to drop by Rosenborg. Perhaps next time you chance to be there. 😉
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The castle and other structures are so magnificently beautiful. The interiors are equally stunning. I didnt have an idea Denmark can be that beautiful. Surely you had a great day there.
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I always wish that I could visit a castle. Lucky you! European architectures are my favorite! I’d definitely visit Frederiksborg basing from your recommendation. 🙂
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Absolutely beautiful. Based on kwento, and especially on blogs and the photos I have seen, like the photos you posted, I truly believe Denmark is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It helps too that during the time I was active in scuba diving, all the Danish I met are really nice people!
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