In 1720, King Frederick IV called his new hunting mansion Fredens Borg (Peace Palace) to celebrate the end of Denmark’s role in the Great Northern War. Today, Fredensborg Palace is the Royal Family’s seasonal residence and often called the Danish Versailles.
This long cobblestone pathway leading to the Fredensborg Palace is more than just an impressive approach. Historically, the slot was built on the 300 acre Østrup farm as a hunting reserve. Emulating from the royal building was a series of long shooting lanes. This configuration was called the hunting star or jagtstjeme. This southern passage was originally constructed during the 1770s.
Slottet 1B, 3480 Fredensborg, Denmark Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Frederick IV, the King of Denmark and Norway, commissioned his gardener Johan Cornelius Krieger in 1720 to build a recreational palace. He named it Fredens Borg, which means Peace Palace, after signing the Treaty of Frederiksborg with Sweden that ended Denmark’s involvement in the Great Northern War.
Slottet 1B, 3480 Fredensborg, Denmark Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
When the initial pleasure palace for King Frederick IV was finished in 1726, it was a modest building of one-and-a-half stories. His successor, King Christian VI, initiated a significant expansion in 1741 that would stretch through the reigns of two more Danish kings. By 1770, it had evolved into an elaborate, octagonal-shaped complex complete with riding stables and a huge garden. It became a favorite venue for monarchs to spend their holidays plus their spring and summer months.
Slottet 1B, 3480 Fredensborg, Denmark Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Denmark is blessed with several palaces and castles. Most are far more elaborate than the Fredensborg Palace. Yet, this seasonal royal residence can best be described as elegant. Many call it the Danish Versailles. The 89 foot dome is flanked by four copper-roofed pavilions. Stretching between them is a sandstone balustrade with a clock in the middle. The statue in the courtyard is only a hint of the 70 life-sized sculptures adorning the beautiful garden in back. Tours of the palace are only available in July but the garden is free to visit all year.
Slottet 1B, 3480 Fredensborg, Denmark Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
When Queen Margrethe is in residence at the Fredensborg Palace, the property is protected by the Royal Life Guards. The distinguished dark blue uniform of Den Kongelige Livgarde is accented by a white slash and the traditional bearskin hat. There is a changing of the guard ceremony every day at noon. For a special treat, plan your visit on Thursday when a drums and fifes regiment marches into the courtyard and conducts a concert.
Slottet 1B, 3480 Fredensborg, Denmark Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions