Baroque Garden – Control, Art, and Royal Monograms
The Baroque garden, created in the 1720s by Frederick IV and recreated in the 1990s, is a masterpiece of symmetry and symbolism. The garden is designed in four terraces descending towards Slotssøen (the Castle Lake). Central to it flows an impressive cascade, surrounded by precisely clipped hedges, topiary, and royal monograms – all a depiction of mankind’s control over nature.
History in Detail
At the lowest terrace, four royal monograms are clipped into boxwood, each dedicated to a monarch who has shaped the garden’s history. These art pieces are surrounded by yew trees and historic flowers, including tulips, once so expensive they were traded as luxury goods.
Optical Illusion and Garden Architecture
Baroque garden architects skillfully used optical illusions to expand the perceived size of the garden. You can experience this for yourself from the top of the cascade, where grass slopes and paths narrow, creating a sense of depth and perspective.
Landscape Garden – A Romantic Tribute to Nature
The romantic part of the garden was created in the 19th century around the Little Bathhouse. Here, winding paths meander through forested areas, alongside small lakes, canals, and open grass fields. In the areas of Indelukket and Lille Dyrehave, you can discover hidden natural gems and abundant wildlife.
The Bathhouse and Louise's Island
In the heart of the landscape garden lies the historic Bathhouse, still used by the royal family, and Louise’s Island, with a romantic pavilion built by Frederik VII as a retreat for himself and Louise Rasmussen.
Practical Info and Mobile Guide
Frederiksborg Castle Gardens are open year-round, and the Baroque garden's cascades and fountains are active from spring through autumn. Use the mobile guide to learn more about the history and design of the garden, or book a guided tour for a more detailed experience.
A Green Haven – All Year Round
Regardless of the season, Frederiksborg Castle Gardens offers unique experiences. Stroll through romantic forest paths, enjoy a picnic on the grass, or stop by Café Havehuset, where you can also explore the garden's 400-year history through an exhibition and model of the Baroque garden.
Get a guided tour of the Baroque Gardens
It is also possible to order a tour of the Baroque Gardens with a professional guide from the Friends of the Baroque Gardens (Barokhavens Venner). Duration is approx. One hour and 15 minutes. The tour can be in Danish, English, German, Spanish, or French. Order a time for groups by writing to slotshave@slke.dk
Practical information
- Opening hours - the Baroque Gardens: Open all year round from 10:00 a.m. to sunset, however, not later than 9:00 p.m.
- Opening hours – the other Castle Gardens: Open 24/7, all year.
- Admission: Free admission to the Baroque Gardens and the other Castle Gardens
- Toilets: The toilets of the Castle Gardens are located by the café, Café Havehuset
- Parking: Parking subject to payment is found at Møntportvejen. There are free parking spaces at Batzkes Bakke and at the northern end of the castle park, with a drive from Holmegårdvej.
- Further information: The cascade and the fountain are in service from 1 May until and including the children’s autumn holiday in week 42. The waterfall, as well as the fountain, are active daily between 10:00 a.m. and 9 p.m. There is a pause of 15 minutes when the chimes strike the hour.
