Frederiksborg Castle

Frederiksborg Castle is the largest Renaissance palace in Scandinavia and one of Denmark's most spectacular buildings, spread across three small islets in a lake at Hillerød, north of Copenhagen. It was built in the early 17th century as a royal residence for King Christian IV, replacing an older castle on the site, and its red-brick towers, spires and sandstone detailing rise straight out of the water in a way that still stops visitors in their tracks.

A serious fire in 1859 gutted much of the interior, but the castle was carefully rebuilt from old plans and paintings, thanks in large part to the support of brewer J. C. Jacobsen of Carlsberg. In 1882 it reopened as the Museum of National History, which it remains today. Inside, five hundred years of Danish history unfold through the country's largest collection of portrait paintings, alongside furniture and fine art. Highlights include the richly decorated castle chapel — largely spared by the fire — with its celebrated Compenius organ from 1610, as well as grand state rooms such as the Great Hall.

Outside, the reconstructed Baroque garden falls away in symmetrical terraces and is free to enter, even if you don't visit the museum. Admission to the castle is 90 DKK for adults and 25 DKK for children aged 6–15. Come in spring or summer to see the garden at its finest, and early in the day to beat the crowds. For the classic view, walk around the lake and look back at the castle mirrored in the water. Take the S-train to Hillerød, then walk about fifteen minutes.