Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Christian IV sure knew how to build a castle. Hillerød, 30km north of Copenhagen, is a
pleasant modern market town, whose glorious palace elevates it to 'must visit' status. Fre-
deriksborg Slot, sitting on a nest of islands in the middle of an attractive lake, is a vision of
copper turrets and baroque gardens, and one of the most impressive attractions in the re-
gion.
Hillerød is also a transport hub for north Zealand, with train connections for the beaches
on the north coast. The train station is about 500m from the town centre.
Sights
Frederiksborg Slot
CASTLE
(
;
www.frederiksborgmuseet.dk
;
adult/child Dkr75/20;
10am-5pm Apr-Oct,
GOOGLE MAP
11am-3pm rest of yr)
The impressive Dutch Renaissance-styled Frederiksborg Slot spreads across three islets on
the castle lake, Slotsø. The oldest part of the castle dates from the reign of Frederik II,
after whom it is named. His son Christian IV was born here and most of the present struc-
ture was built by Christian in the early 17th century. With its gilded ceilings, tapestries and
fine paintings, the castle's interior is magnificent. Especially dazzling is the Slotskirken
(Coronation Chapel), which retains the original interior commissioned by Christian IV.
Spared serious damage in the fire that ravaged the castle in 1859, the chapel is a deli-
ciously ornate confection of curling gold and pink-cheeked cherubs, kept in fine company
by a silver pulpit and altarpiece. A setting fit for royalty, Danish monarchs were crowned
in the chapel from 1671 to 1840. You can hear the sound of the 17th century each
Thursday between 1.30pm and 2pm, when the priceless
Compenius organ
(1610) is
played, or at free concerts every Sunday at 5pm in July and August.
Also fairly intact is the
Audience Chamber
, an eye-boggling room containing trompe
l'oeil details, a self-indulgent portrait of big-nosed Christian V posing as a Roman emper-
or, and best of all, a 17th-century elevator chair, which enabled the king to rise graciously
through the floor!
Other rooms in the castle were restored to their original appearances in the 19th century.
The richly embellished
Riddershalen
(Knights Hall), once the dining room, is particularly
striking - check out the stucco friezes of deer, embedded with real antlers. Also impressive
