Wanderings: Frederiksborg Castle

February 14, 2026

My wife and I both had 6 days in a row off, and a cheap flight was on offer to Athens (with an overnight layover in Scandinavia). We have been to Copenhagen before, so we hopped on A train for the 45 minute ride to Hillerød, home of the Frederiksborg Castle. The Castle was built in the 1600s for King Christian IV. After a fire tore through the Castle complex in 1859, the Castle was opened to the public as a museum and the Danish National Portrait Gallery (1).

Strolling through the town on this winter day, the Castle was visible across what appeared to be a field, but was actually a frozen lake. A small bridge formed the Castle entryway, where we strolled through courtyards and past fountains to the Castle entrance. While a central heating system (radiators) was installed in more modern times, the temperature varied widely as we progressed through the three-story complex. Signage provided good context of both the historical uses of the various rooms (e.g., the waiting room, the audience room, &c.) and the artwork displayed.

An exhibit in the basement displayed statuary based on the ancient Greek and Roman themes (2), with statues in various states of repair. The organ in the Chapel was being played as we entered, the music emenating from the ornate piping. The Great Hall, on the topmost floor, had an elaborately detailed ceiling, and portraits of the various Monarchs of Denmark (3).

(1) Much of the funding for the renovation and conversion to a museum was provided by J.C. Jacobsen, owner of the Carlsberg Brewery. The ubiquitous Carlsberg beer has the marketing slogan seen on table umbrellas throughout Denmark (in English): "Probably the best beer in the world." The Museum is today run by the Carlsberg Foundation.

(2) Reference to Ancient Greek and Roman Themes was common after the renaissance as rulers sought to tie themselves the the glories of ancient Western Civilization. Many official buildings in Washington have architectural details (e.g., Doric columns) inspired by antiquity.

(3) Denmark retains a ceremonial constitutional Monarch, King Fredrik. He ascended the throne in 2024 when his mother, Queen Ingrid, retired/abdicated in favor of her son.

Castle entranceway

Ceiling in entrance foyer

Statues of Hercules in Basement Exhibit

Wood inlay

In the Castle Chapel

Heraldic shields abound at the Castle, mostly faded shields from the 1,600s.

This one (late 20th century) in the chapel celebrates Nelson Mandela.

"Africae Australis" is South Africa in Latin.

Chapel Organ detail

Zodiac ceiling

The Great Hall

Queen Ingrid abdicated in January, 2024 in favor of her son, now King Fredrik, pictured to her left in the official portrait in the Great Hall. Her grandson Prince Christian is to her right.