Decided to get out and absorb some more Danish culture today and went to Frederiksborg Castle, the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia. It is situated on three small islands within Castle Lake in the city of Hillerod, about a 30 minute drive from where we are staying. King Frederik 11 was looking for a summer residence with a hunting forest to be able to escape Copenhagen and its overwhelming stench during the summer months. In 1560 he obtained the property in Hillerod and created Frederiksborg Castle. However, it was his son, Christian 1V, who was born at the castle in 1577 that created most of what we see today between 1602 - 1620. After Christian 1V passed away in 1648 the castle was only used for ceremonial events until 1850 when it was once again used as a residence by King Frederik V11. On December 16, 1859 s fire destroyed a large part of the main palace interior. The fire was considered a national disaster and renovations were started in January, 1860 and were funded by public contributions with large sums coming from the King and State. J.C. Jacobson, the founder of Carlsberg Brewery, also contributed substantial funds as well as being instrumental in the founding of the National History Museum Trust that now occupies and runs Frederiksborg Castle.
Frederiksborg Castle with the lake and part of its Baroque Gardens originally built in 1720. In 1995 the restoration of the gardens was started using the original architectural drawings
The Bath House built by Frederik 11in 1570 is about 250 meters from the castle in part of the hunting forest sitting along side a small lake and was usually used after a hunt. The bath room is the largest room on the ground floor and its ceiling, walls and floor were lined with pewter so the whole room could be filled with steam. The building also has a kitchen, dining room and bedrooms.
View of the Castle from the walkway that goes around Castle Lake
Approaching Fredriksborg Castle from the Castle Lake entrance
View of Fredriksborg Castle from the outer courtyard with Neptune's Fountain built in 1614 in the foreground. The Chapel with it's Bell Tower is on the left, the King's Wing in the center and the Princess's wing on the right. There is also accommodation for visiting emissaries and government staff who would have to accompany the King when he left Copenhagen to continue running the country
The Bath House built by Frederik 11in 1570 is about 250 meters from the castle in part of the hunting forest sitting along side a small lake and was usually used after a hunt. The bath room is the largest room on the ground floor and its ceiling, walls and floor were lined with pewter so the whole room could be filled with steam. The building also has a kitchen, dining room and bedrooms.
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