Things to do along the canal in Frederiksværk

With over 100 events a year, Gjethuset is one of North Zealand’s largest culture centres. For over 30 years, the old cannon foundry has been the scene of concerts, shows, theatre, art and conferences. The building is an architectural jewel, with thick stone walls, visible beams and a unique atmosphere. Gjethuset is a place to visit—events for the whole family. Check out Gjethuset’s programme to get inspiration for your next cultural experience.

Over the past year, Gjethuset has hosted many different artists, and 2023 will be no exception. The culture centre will open its doors to well-known Danish names. The famous Frederiksværk Music Festival returns in July with classical chamber concerts, and Jazznæs, the new jazz festival, will be on the programme for September. You will also find theatre, talks and events for kids here.

The Powder Works Museum is worth a visit. Here you can learn about the manufacture of gunpowder and see what it was like to work in this dangerous occupation. The risk of explosions was considerable, so the surrounding area has protective walls and tall trees, whose macabre function has been to catch debris and torn limbs when things went awry.

Discover the gunpowder mills alongside the canal or look into one of the old buildings where you can see the old machines at work - some driven by water power, others by electricity. The entire Powder Works area is exceptionally well preserved - so much so that Frederiksværk was awarded the status of one of Denmark's 25 finest industrial monuments
in 2007.

In addition to the Powder Works area, the museum includes the Ironmaster's Mansion, 'Palæet', on the town square Torvet in Frederiksværk, which houses the museum administration and where visitors are welcome to use the library and archive. On the other side of Torvet (the town square) is Arsenalet - the old military depot, with a shop and exhibition space, where you can find an introduction to the Royal North Zealand National Park.

Sand drift during the 1500s flooded local farmers’ fields, so King Frederik IV had a canal dug to alleviate it. This led to the founding of Frederiksværk, where trade and industry soon blossomed. Today, Frederiksværk has over 130 shops - from preowned fashion in Loppehjørnet and the Red Cross shop for interior design to the latest styles in the iNoord shopping centre Nørregade, the town’s attractive pedestrian street.

There are also plenty of appealing cafes and restaurants to choose from. Why not book a table at the Ban Phai Thai restaurant in a pretty half-timbered house, just a stone’s throw from the Gjethuset culture centre. It’s easy to while away the hours in Frederiksværk. '

The town has several lovely squares where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere, and if you have children with you, the large playground just by the main square (Torvet), where the kids can play their way through the town’s fascinating history, is an absolute must. Bring a picnic with you or a takeaway from one of the many eateries.

The last Friday in June is party time! This is the legendary Cannon Friday, where young and old can be entertained with music and fun.

Parking is easy in Frederiksværk. There are 1,400 parking spaces - all free and only a short distance from the pedestrian area, culture and forest.