Copenhagen
Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

Compact, sexy, culture-rich and charismatic, this most stylish, progressive and tastiest of all the Nordic capitals never disappoints.
Bucket list experience:
Frederiksborg is one of Europe’s most magnificent Renaissance castle-palaces, its iconic russet and mint-green frontage rising up above immaculate formal gardens.
It was built in the 17th century by King Christian IV, to show off and enhance Christian’s reputation as a powerful European monarch.
Rich in art and unusual decorative touches, the building now houses the Museum of National History, which traces the nation’s history through portraits, paintings, furniture and decorative arts, with a section aimed at children.
Outside the expansive gardens surround a vast boating lake, with regular concerts held in the baroque castle church.
The castle is located in Hillerod, a 40-minute train journey north of Copenhagen. Take the S-train line E to Hillerod station. From there it’s a ten-minute walk through the town centre. Tickets can be purchased online in advance (dnm.dk) and free audio guides in multiple languages are available at the ticket office or as a free download via the iTunes store.
The museum is open daily all year round, and the palace is enjoyable at any time of the year. The gardens are at their most beautiful in late spring and summer, but in the winter months there are less tour groups and cruise crowds.
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
Compact, sexy, culture-rich and charismatic, this most stylish, progressive and tastiest of all the Nordic capitals never disappoints.
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The great civilisations of the past have left a legacy of constructions that still stand out and inspire. Built without the wonders of 20th-century technology, many are also monumental feats of engineering; others offer such grace and beauty, that they’ll literally take your breath away.