Hillerød | Frederiksborg Castle, Shopping & Things to Do

Hillerød – A Royal Town with History, Shopping and Nature

Hillerød is a historic royal town in the heart of North Zealand, best known for Frederiksborg Castle, its beautiful gardens and the scenic Castle Lake. For centuries, Danish kings used the surrounding forests for royal hunts, and today the town's royal heritage is still an important part of its identity.

Frederiksborg Castle is the town's most famous landmark and home to the Museum of National History. Explore the magnificent Renaissance castle, stroll through the Baroque Garden or enjoy a walk around the Castle Lake with views of the castle.

Hillerød also has a lively town centre with pedestrian streets, shops, cafés and restaurants. Browse the shops along Slotsgade and Helsingørsgade, visit the SlotsArkaderne shopping centre or take a break at one of the cafés overlooking the lake.

Surrounded by forests and nature, Hillerød is a great starting point for walking, cycling and exploring North Zealand. The town is also easy to reach by train from Copenhagen, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a longer stay.

Frederiksborg Slot og den smukke barokhave

Attractions and Things to Do in Hillerød

Frederiksborg Castle is Hillerød's most famous landmark, but the royal town has much more to offer. Explore the historic castle gardens, admire views of the town and castle from the Castle Lake, visit local museums or discover Hillerød's royal history.

Photo: VisitNordsjælland

Frederiksborg Castle – Danish royal history

Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød is one of Denmark’s most impressive Renaissance castles and is home to the Museum of National History. Set on three small islands in the Castle Lake, it tells more than 500 years of Danish history through art, architecture and royal stories.

Frederiksborg Castle Gardens – Formal Baroque and Romantic Landscape

Frederiksborg Castle Gardens are an important part of the experience you get when visiting Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød.

Photo: VisitNordsjælland

Hillerød Town Museum - Museum Nordsjælland

Hillerød Town Museum is an atmospheric and cosy museum which tells the story of Hillerød throughout 500 years: from medieval village to royal borough and until today.

Æbelholt Abbey Ruins – step into medieval life and history

Explore the historical ruins of Æbelholt Monastery, where travellers and the poor received food and medical aid in the Middle Ages. The museum houses fascinating archaeological finds, including medical instruments and skeletons, providing insight into life and diseases before modern medicine.

Elværket - Museum Nordsjælland

Elværket - The Power Station is part of Museum Northzealand in Hillerød.

The Little Ferry M/F Frederiksborg on The Castle Lake

Go on a delightful mini-cruise on the Castle Lake, with one of North Sealand's most charming tourist attractions, The little Ferry M/F Frederiksborg.

Frederiksborg Castle with the castle lake in front, as seen from the Square in Hillerød on a summer day.

7 Things to Experience at Frederiksborg

Photo: Daniel Overbeck

Discover Museum Nordsjælland

Restaurants and Cafés in Hillerød

In Hillerød's town centre, you will find restaurants, cafés and places to eat close to the pedestrian streets, the town square and Frederiksborg Castle. Combine your castle visit with lunch or dinner, enjoy coffee and cake in the castle gardens, or find a cosy spot in town.

Rabarbergaarden at Frederiksborg Castle

Rabarbergaarden Slottet restaurant at Frederiksborg Castle is located in the former coach house behind the manor and offers dining experiences in historic surroundings.

The Pantry at Frederiksborg | Inspiration for Experiences Between Castle and Nature

Located at Frederiksborg’s gateway to the Nationalpark Royal North Zealand, The Pantry (Fadeburet) serves as a natural meeting point for visitors. Here, you can find inspiration for local experiences, gain an overview of the area, and take a break and a coffee to-go before continuing your journey.

Restaurant krydderiet | Hotel Hillerød

Restaurant krydderiet is part of Hotel Hillerød, located in the heart of North Sealand within walking distance of the top attraction Frederiksborg Castle.

Torvets Café & Vinbar

Enjoy a good glass of wine, champagne, beer, a G&T or juice, and eat some delicious tapas or cake at the Vinbaren on Torvet in Hillerød.

Café Havehuset – A Cosy Oasis in Frederiksborg Castle Gardens

Visit Café Havehuset in Frederiksborg Castle Gardens and enjoy a charming café with a lovely terrace overlooking the historic grounds. Savour a delicious lunch platter or a cup of coffee with homemade apple pie – either outdoors or inside the atmospheric old house.

Restaurant Teddy | By Bjørn

When you visit the restaurant Teddy By Bjørn in Hillerød, there is social dining on the menu.

Restaurant Thai 4 You Hillerød

At Thai 4 You in Hillerød, professional Thai chefs prepare healthy, flavorful, and authentic Thai food using fresh, exotic ingredients.

Shopping in Hillerød – Shops, Pedestrian Streets and SlotsArkaderne

Hillerød is North Zealand's largest shopping town, with shops, independent retailers, cafés and restaurants gathered in the town centre. Explore the shops along Slotsgade and Helsingørsgade, browse the stores around the town square, or visit the SlotsArkaderne shopping centre in the heart of town.

Here, you will find both well-known brands and smaller specialist shops offering fashion, homeware, delicacies and lifestyle products. The shopping area is within walking distance of Hillerød Station and Frederiksborg Castle, making it easy to combine shopping with the town's other attractions.

Hillerod.nu

Explore the many exciting shops in Hillerød. Here you will find information about all the shops ( in danish)

SlotsArkaderne – Shopping in Hillerød’s cultural and historic centre

SlotsArkaderne in Hillerød blends shopping, architecture, and culture. With over 60 stores, new eateries, and year-round events, it’s a perfect city stop.

Shopping in Hillerød

Do you have a "shopping gene" that loves to be aired? Then Hillerød is the perfect destination to set the course for. Small unique shops mingle with popular chain stores and offer EVERYTHING for the family.

Nature and Outdoor Activities Around Hillerød

Hillerød is close to both Gribskov and Store Dyrehave, making it a great starting point for walking and cycling. In the forests, you can explore parts of the Par Force Hunting Landscape in North Zealand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You do not even need to leave the town to enjoy nature. Walk or cycle along the Søstien trail around the Castle Lake, with views of Frederiksborg Castle, or head into the surrounding countryside on one of the area's walking and cycling routes.

The Royal trails: Discover Hillerød on an 12 km Bike ride

Experience a royal adventure on this 12-kilometre bike ride from Hillerød. Explore the beautiful Parforce landscape and be fascinated by the majestic compass stone in Store Dyrehave. This is the bike tour that takes you on a royal adventure.

The Par Force Hunting Landscape in North Zealand

The Par Force Hunting Landscape is a UNESCO-World Heritage. Store Dyrehave (the Great Deer Park), Gribskov and Jægersborg Dyrehave (Jægersborg Deerpark) is designed as a stage for the great act…

Royal Gardens - A walk through the King's landscapes

Take a royal stroll around Hillerød's castle lake, where you'll be guided through the historic Baroque garden adorned with royal monograms, and into Frederiksborg Castle Gardens with its charming "wild" nature.

Kulsvierstien - 3.5 km through the varied landscape near Hillerød

The Kulsvierstien near Hillerød is a 3.5 km footpath through a varied North Sealand landscape, created with hills and small lakes. Most people can join this walk.

Store Dyrehave Forrest

Store Dyrehave was the forest of kings. It was used for hunting and horse stud and was surrounded by a stone dike, which kept deer and horses inside.

Fantasiens Ø - The Island of Imagination

The Island of Fantasy is a secretive place that appeals to imagination. The island is located in a lake in a forest near Hillerød - and it is full of good stories.

The Lake Path in Hillerød

By bike or foot along the lakeshore between castle and town. Søstien offers a scenic bike - or walk around Slotssøen, with magnificent views of Frederiksborg Castle. You are close to both Hillerød's city centre, a unique renaissance castle and lovely nature with lots of water, trees and birdlife.

Culture and Events in Hillerød

Hillerød offers cultural experiences and events throughout the year. Enjoy concerts, shows and events at Royal Stage, live music at smaller venues, art exhibitions and events around Frederiksborg Castle and the town centre.

Explore the current events calendar to find concerts, exhibitions, markets, guided tours and other experiences during your visit to Hillerød.

What's On in Hillerød

Discover what's happening in Hillerød throughout the year. Explore concerts, exhibitions, markets, guided tours and events for the whole family. Find upcoming events and plan your next visit to the royal town in North Zealand.

Galleries, artisans & art galleries in Hillerød

Take a trip into the world of art in Hillerød. Experience exhibitions and visual art in the beautiful listed art house Annaborg, which is located in the middle of the city by Frederiksborg Castle. Look inside at one of the small artisans, to a talk about art and the creation of art.

What's Happening at Royal Stage in Hillerød | Concerts and Events

Royal Stage in North Sealand offers a diverse range of music experiences. The arena hosts world-class concerts whether you love pop, rock, or jazz.

Frederiksborg Castle Chapel

Frederiksborg Castle Chapel, the western wing of the castle, is a magnificently decorated and impressive room, planned and built as the private chapel of the royal family.

Accommodation in Hillerød

Stay a little longer and use Hillerød as your base for exploring North Zealand. Choose accommodation close to Frederiksborg Castle and the town centre, enjoy camping in the royal town or stay near the surrounding forests and nature.

Best Western Hotel Hillerød

Best Western Hotel Hillerød is within walking distance of the top attraction Frederiksborg Castle and Hillerød's cosy town centre with lots of shops and cafes.

Photo: Hillerød Camping

Hillerød Camping – Mediterranean atmosphere in the heart of the castle town

Discover a charming campsite surrounded by flowers and greenery in the heart of Hillerød, close to Frederiksborg Castle, shops and cafés. Enjoy peaceful surroundings, excellent facilities and an ideal base for exploring North Zealand.

Danhostel Hillerød: Unique location near Frederiksborg Castle

Danhostel Hillerød, Nordic School Camp, and Conference Center are uniquely located in the large forest and nature area, Store Dyrehave.

Bed and Breakfast

Here you can stay overnight with the castle as a neighbour, right in the city centre or further out in the country.

Plan Your Visit to Hillerød

Hillerød is located approximately 40 km north of Copenhagen and is easy to reach by train or car. Hillerød Station is within walking distance of the town centre, shopping area, Castle Lake and Frederiksborg Castle.

If you are travelling by car, parking is available at several locations in and around the town centre. Always check local signs for current parking restrictions and regulations.

You can also find information about public transport, visitor information, bike hire and other practical details to help you plan your visit to Hillerød.