The Royal North Zealand: Experiences at castles and in monasteries

Esrum Monastery's red brick building is located at the end of a large grassy field.

A Royal Refuge

North Zealand has served as a refuge for the Danish monarchs for hundreds of years. Here the royals would go hunting, relax and just enjoy themselves. It is clear to see this royal foundation when you visit Denmark's second largest national park, National Park Royal North Zealand, and the kings geometric hunting grounds, which have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.

The royal roots are also clear to see in all of the grand castles in Hillerød, Fredensborg and Elsinore. Denmark's cultural heritage and its 500 years of history from the time of absolute power to its modern monarchy and democracy, truly comes to life when visiting the many castles of North Zealand. North Zealand is still considered a royal refuge today and remains a favourite summer residence of the Danish Royal Family.

Frederiksborg Castle - 500 Years of Danish History at the Museum of National History

Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød is a fairy tale-like experience that no children or adults should miss. The beautiful Renaissance castle is built on ...

Fredensborg Palace

Fredensborg Palace is the regents most used residence. The beautiful 18th-century baroque palace was built as a hunting palace for Frederik IV and is ...

Esrum Abbey & Millyard- Experience the Magic of History and Scenic Surroundings.

Esrum Abbey is a beautiful destination in green surroundings, offering space for reflection, learning, and play. Here, you can feel the tranquillity i...

Kronborg Castle

Kronborg is one of Northern Europe's finest Renaissance castles. It is world-renowned as Hamlet's and Shakespeare's castle and designated as a UNESCO ...

The beautiful castle gardens

The castle gardens are like green cultural breath holes, open to all, with fantastic garden art and inspiration for all garden enthusiasts.

Frederiksborg Castle Gardens

Frederiksborg Castle Gardens are an important part of the experience you get when visiting Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød. The Castle Gardens consist of two very different gardens: The Baroque Gardens and the Landscape Gardens.

Fredensborg Palace Gardens

Fredensborg Castle Garden is Denmark's most magnificent, unique royal baroque garden. You will find a unique insight into Danish history, architecture, gardening, and sculptural art in the castle garden, which merge into one cultural gem.

The Norsemans' Valley - Simple farmers in the King's garden

Sculptures in royal gardens often depict gods and goddesses of antiquity. But in Fredensborg Castle Garden you can see a unique attraction: 70 sandstone sculptures of regular fishermen and farmers, as they looked in 18th century Norway and the Faroe Islands. The sculpture group is called N...

Experience the Middle Ages in North Zealand

The Carmelite monastery with the Sct. Mariæ church is one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in Northern Europe. The monastery was founded in 1430 when King Erik of Pommern invited the Carmelite monks to Elsinore.

Esrum Abbey was founded by the Cistercian Order in 1151 and was of great importance as their spiritual centre in Denmark. Nowadays, Esrum Abbey is a cultural centre featuring various exhibitions, among other things. Æbelholt Monastery was founded around 1175 by Augustinian friars. Rumours about miracles at his grave spread far, and through the Middle Ages, ailing people poured into Æbelholt.

Dronningholm Castle Ruin

Dronningholm Castle was a Danish medieval castle. Originally begun by Valdemar the Great, it was completed by Valdemar the Victorious around the year ...

Asserbo Castle Ruin

Inside between the trees in Tisvilde Hegn is Asserbo Castle Ruin. The remaining walls and moat bear witness to a former magnificent castle and are tod...

Æbelholt Abbey Museum

Explore the historical ruins of Æbelholt Monastery, where travellers and the poor received food and medical aid in the Middle Ages. The museum houses ...

Søborg Castle Ruin

When cycling along Cycling Route No. 33, which runs between Gilleleje and Hillerød, you’ll pass Søborg Castle Ruin.

A national park for nature and culture lovers

There is plenty of beautiful nature to explore in North Zealand. Two of the main nature experiences include the National Park Royal North Zealand and Par Force Hunting Landscape, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage.

National Park Royal North Zealand

With its breathtaking nature areas and unique cultural history, the National Park of Royal North Zealand is a treasure trove of experiences for nature lovers. The deep forests, large lakes and bogs, salt marshes and dunes invite you to a wealth of activities.

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 unfolding when the scene for absolute and powerful king engaged in his favourite type of hunting...

The Royal North Zealand