National History Museum (Frederiksborg Slot)

The Basics

Built in the 17th century by the Danish King Christian IV, Frederiksborg Castle (Frederiksborg Slot) offers visitors a fairy-tale escape into Denmark’s royal past. At the National History Museum, stroll through the castle’s lush Renaissance interiors and admire more than 70 rooms featuring gilded ceilings, magnificent tapestries, paintings, and antiques. Highlights include the ornate Knight’s Hall, with its intricate golden paneling; the Coronation Chapel, which was used to anoint Denmark’s kings from 1671 to 1840; and the castle’s expansive gardens.

You can visit the National History Museum on a hop-on hop-off bus tour to experience the attraction at your own pace, or opt for a private half-day tour of the castle and grounds. History buffs can delve into royal history on a castle-themed day trip featuring Frederiksborg Castle and Kronborg Castle, or head out on a grand tour from Copenhagen to see the museum along with the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Roskilde Cathedral, the Viking Ship Museum, and other nearby attractions.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Entrance to the National History Museum is free with a Copenhagen Card.

• An on-site restaurant offers traditional Danish lunch and outside seating with views of the lake.

• Two public parking lots are located within walking distance of the castle.

• The museum is accessible to wheelchair users, and you can borrow wheelchairs from the ticket box on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to Get There

The National History Museum is located roughly 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of Copenhagen, or 40 minutes by road. To get there via public transportation, take the S-train to Hillerød and walk 15 minutes to the museum. Or take a local bus from Hillerød station and get off at the Frederiksborg Castle stop.

When to Get There

The museum is open year-round, but summer (May through August) is the best time to visit, when the days are at their longest, temperatures are warm, and the countryside is in full bloom. Opt for an early-morning visit to avoid crowds, especially in July and August.

History of the Museum

In 1859, Frederiksborg Castle burned down, leaving only the Castle Church and Audience Hall unscathed. The structure was remodeled soon after, and brewer J.C. Jacobsen—the founder of the famous Carlsberg brewery—founded the Museum of National History in 1878.