Frederiksberg Gardens is a free, 32-hectare Romantic landscape park wrapped around a Baroque palace in central Copenhagen. It blends royal history, exotic follies, mute swans, and one of Europe’s most surreal views: elephants grazing just beyond a hedge.
Why Frederiksberg Gardens Belongs on Every Copenhagen Itinerary
I have lived in Copenhagen for years, and Frederiksberg Gardens still surprises me. It is the rare urban park that genuinely feels royal, wild, and lived-in at the same time. Locals call it Frederiksberg Have, and they treat it like a shared backyard.
The gardens sprawl across roughly 32 hectares on the western edge of inner Copenhagen. Combined with neighbouring Søndermarken, the green expanse reaches about 64 hectares. According to Wikipedia, that makes it one of the largest green spaces in the Danish capital.
Entry is free, the park opens early, and the atmosphere shifts dramatically with the seasons. If you want a single place to understand Danish landscape aesthetics, this is it. For more ideas, see our guide to things to do in Copenhagen.
A Short History of Frederiksberg Gardens
The story begins in the late 1690s with King Frederik IV. He wanted a summer residence outside the cramped, walled city. He chose the slope of Valby Hill for his Baroque showpiece.
From Baroque Showpiece to Royal Retreat
Construction of Frederiksberg Palace ran from 1699 to roughly 1735. The original garden followed the rigid Baroque style of the era. Straight axes, terraces, parterres, and a central fountain expressed royal control over nature itself.
The architect Ernst Brandenburger designed the palace, later expanded by Lauritz de Thurah. The royal family used it as a summer home until the mid-19th century. Today it houses the Royal Danish Military Academy, an unusual fate for a pleasure palace.
The English Landscape Revolution of the 1790s
By the 1790s, European tastes had shifted. The court commissioned landscape gardener P. Petersen to redraw everything. He delivered a new plan in 1795 inspired by the English Romantic movement.
The Baroque pavilion was demolished in 1799. Straight paths gave way to winding routes, irregular lawns, lakes, and serpentine canals. The new design hid views and then revealed them, copying the controlled wildness of Danish architecture trends of the period.
What to See in Frederiksberg Gardens
Most visitors do laps without realising how much they miss. The park rewards slow eyes. Here are the landmarks I always point friends toward.
Frederiksberg Palace on Valby Hill
The Baroque palace crowns the hill above the gardens. From its terrace, you get one of the best free panoramas in Copenhagen. Public guided tours are offered only on the last Saturday of each month, except July and December.
Tours start at 11:00 and 13:00 and run about 90 minutes. As reported by Storyhunt, this is a rare chance to see royal interiors still used by the military. Book ahead because slots fill quickly in summer.
The Chinese Tea House
Sitting on a small island in the canal, the Chinese Tea House is the park’s photogenic darling. It was built between 1800 and 1801 by court carpenter Andreas Kirkerup. The pavilion was completed in 1803 as a replacement for the demolished Baroque structure.
It reflects the European obsession with Chinoiserie at the time. According to Wikipedia’s entry on the Chinese Tea House, it served as a private retreat for the royal family. It occasionally opens to the public on summer Sundays.
Free Elephant Views from Copenhagen Zoo
This is the surreal part. The park borders Copenhagen Zoo, and the elephant enclosure is visible from a path inside the gardens. You can watch the elephants without paying zoo admission.
I have brought countless visitors here, and the reaction never gets old. The elephants stroll across the savannah designed by Norman Foster. It is one of Copenhagen’s best free attractions, hiding in plain sight.
Wildlife, Lakes and the Canal System
The waterways are the spine of Petersen’s design. Mute swans glide between the islands year-round. Grey herons stalk the shallows, and mallards beg shamelessly near the bridges.
In late spring, cherry blossoms bloom along the entrance avenue at Frederiksberg Runddel. The park is also a favourite among photographers, listed in our roundup of photography spots in Copenhagen. Bring a long lens for the herons.
Practical Guide to Visiting Frederiksberg Gardens
Planning matters here, especially in winter. The park is open daily, but the gates do close. Knowing the rhythm saves frustration.
Opening Hours and Admission
Entry to Frederiksberg Gardens is completely free. According to VisitCopenhagen, the park opens around 06:00. Closing times vary seasonally between 17:00 in winter and 22:00 in midsummer.
Always check current hours before a late evening visit. The gates lock on schedule, and there is no negotiating with the Frederiksberg Kommune. Early mornings are magical and almost empty.
How to Get There
The main entrance sits at Frederiksberg Runddel in the heart of Frederiksberg municipality. Take the Metro M1 or M2 to Frederiksberg Station, then walk about seven minutes. Fasanvej Station works for the western side near the zoo.
Bus lines 7A, 9A, and 31 stop close to various gates. Cycling remains my favourite option, as I explain in our guide to cycling in Copenhagen. For full transit details, see our Copenhagen public transport guide.
Best Time of Year to Visit
Late May to early July is the obvious sweet spot. Temperatures sit between 15 and 22 degrees Celsius, and the trees explode into green. The lawns fill with picnickers, students, and napping office workers.
September brings golden light and fewer crowds. Winter has its own quiet beauty when snow falls, which I cover in our piece on snow in Copenhagen. Bring waterproof shoes if the canals freeze.
An Expat’s Honest Take on Frederiksberg Gardens
Here is what tourist sites rarely tell you. Frederiksberg is the wealthiest pocket of greater Copenhagen, sometimes called the Beverly Hills of Denmark. The park reflects that, in good ways and slightly snobbish ways.
The crowd skews local, well-dressed, and quietly competitive about which corner has the best afternoon light. You will see prams that cost more than my first car. You will also see retirees feeding swans with the dedication of monks.
What I love is that despite all of this, the park feels democratic. Nobody charges you. Nobody rushes you. You can lie on the grass for four hours, and the only event will be a heron eyeing you suspiciously.
The park also pairs beautifully with other Frederiksberg gems. Cisternerne, the underground art space in Søndermarken, is two minutes away. For more local secrets, see our list of Copenhagen hidden gems.
Things to Do Inside Frederiksberg Gardens
The park works for every mood, from contemplative to social. Here are activities I recommend after years of testing them in different weather. Pick one or chain three together.
- Pack a Danish picnic. Grab smørrebrød from a nearby bakery and claim a lawn. Check our Copenhagen food markets guide for ideas.
- Rent a rowboat. Boats are available in summer near the main canal. The price is modest, the experience genuinely romantic.
- Climb to the palace terrace. The view over the lakes and city is the best free panorama in Frederiksberg.
- Spot the elephants. Walk the southern path until you see the savannah. Bring binoculars for a closer look.
- Combine with the Botanical Garden. Take the Metro across town to extend your green day, see our Botanical Garden guide.
- Catch a summer concert. Free open-air performances happen near the palace during peak season.
How Frederiksberg Gardens Compares to Other Copenhagen Parks
Copenhagen has many beautiful green spaces, and each has its own personality. Frederiksberg Gardens sits in a specific niche. It is the most cinematic of the lot.
Fælledparken is bigger at 58 hectares but feels more like a sports field. The King’s Garden behind Rosenborg Castle is grand but smaller and busier. The Botanical Garden is denser, more academic, and includes greenhouses.
If you want palace history, romantic canals, and the surprise of zoo animals, Frederiksberg Gardens wins. For more outdoor options, browse our list of outdoor things to do in Copenhagen. Each park serves a different mood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frederiksberg Gardens
Is Frederiksberg Gardens free to enter?
Yes, entry to Frederiksberg Gardens is completely free, all year, every day. Some special events or guided palace tours carry separate fees. The park itself never charges admission, which is rare for a former royal garden.
What are the opening hours of Frederiksberg Gardens?
The park opens around 06:00 every day and closes between 17:00 and 22:00. The exact closing time depends on the season. Summer hours stretch the latest, while winter gates close before dark.
Can you really see elephants from Frederiksberg Gardens?
Yes, you can. A path inside the gardens borders the Copenhagen Zoo elephant enclosure designed by Norman Foster. You can watch the elephants graze without paying zoo admission, making it Copenhagen’s strangest free attraction.
How do you get to Frederiksberg Gardens by Metro?
Take Metro line M1 or M2 to Frederiksberg Station. Walk about seven minutes south to the main entrance at Frederiksberg Runddel. Fasanvej Station on the same lines also works for the western entrances near the zoo.
Can you visit Frederiksberg Palace inside the gardens?
Yes, but access is limited. Guided tours run on the last Saturday of each month, except July and December. Tours begin at 11:00 and 13:00, last about 90 minutes, and require advance booking through the Royal Danish Military Academy.
What is the Chinese Tea House in Frederiksberg Gardens?
The Chinese Tea House is a small pavilion built between 1800 and 1801 by Andreas Kirkerup. It sits on a canal island and reflects European Chinoiserie. It served as a private retreat for the royal family and opens occasionally on summer Sundays.
Are dogs allowed in Frederiksberg Gardens?
Yes, dogs are welcome, but they must stay on a leash at all times. The rule protects the swans, herons, and ducks that live on the lakes. Local owners follow this strictly.
What is the best time of year to visit Frederiksberg Gardens?
Late May through early July is the peak. The trees are full, the flowers are blooming, and temperatures are comfortable. September is a strong second choice for autumn colour and lighter crowds.
How long should I spend in Frederiksberg Gardens?
Plan for 90 minutes to three hours, depending on your pace. A quick loop takes under an hour. Add time for the palace terrace, the Chinese Tea House, and the elephant viewpoint for the full experience.
Is Frederiksberg Gardens stroller and wheelchair accessible?
Yes, most paths are wide, paved or compacted, and gently sloped. Some smaller trails near the islands are uneven. Families with prams and wheelchair users can comfortably explore the main loops.
