Fredensborg Palace

Why it is renowned

In the 19th century Christian IX and Queen Louise, known as Europe's parents-in-law, gathered their children and their spouses from many of Europe's royal houses here every summer.¹ It is the royal family's most used residence and the setting for state visits, weddings and birthdays.²¹ In 2021 the restoration of its palace garden received the European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award.¹

The story

Frederik IV had the architect J.C. Krieger build the palace as a country seat; work began in 1719, the main building was first used in 1722 and the chapel in 1726.¹ The peace that ended Denmark's part in the Great Northern War was signed on the site in 1720, and the palace was named for it.² Lauritz de Thurah, Nicolai Eigtved and C.F. Harsdorff rebuilt and enlarged it under Christian VI and Frederik V.¹ Krieger laid out the garden of nearly 120 hectares with avenues fanning out from the palace; Nicolas-Henri Jardin rearranged it in the 1760s with sculptures by Johannes Wiedewelt.¹ Brede Allé and the parterre were restored from 2009 and reopened in 2013.¹

What to know it by

• The Dome HallThe central hall of the main palace
• Brede AlléJ.C. KriegerThe garden's main axis, restored 2009–2013
• Valley of the NorsemenJ.G. Grund68 sandstone figures of Norwegian and Faroese farmers and fishermen
• Chancellery House1731J.C. KriegerResidence of the royal family