If you're seeking a peaceful escape from the bustling streets of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Gardens (Frederiksberg Have) is the perfect destination. Located just west of the city center, this historic royal park blends romantic landscapes, classical architecture, and lush greenery, making it one of Denmark’s most beautiful public gardens.
As your travel guide, I’ll walk you through everything from its royal heritage to the best picnic spots, perfect photo angles, and hidden gems within this enchanting park.
Location: Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
Main Entrance: Frederiksberg Runddel
Nearby: Frederiksberg Palace, Copenhagen Zoo, Søndermarken
🚇 Easily accessible by metro—just a few minutes from Frederiksberg Station.
Frederiksberg Gardens was established in the late 1690s as a Baroque-style garden to accompany Frederiksberg Palace, a summer residence for King Frederik IV. Over the decades, it was transformed into an English-style Romantic landscape garden, reflecting trends in 18th-century park design.
Highlights:
1699: Palace and original garden completed
1795–1804: Redesigned into a Romantic garden with lakes and canals
1865: Opened to the public
📜 The garden is now protected as a historical monument and cherished green space.
Perched on a hill overlooking the park is Frederiksberg Palace, a yellow Italian Baroque structure built in 1699.
Originally a royal summer residence
Today, home to the Royal Danish Military Academy
Not open for regular tours, but the exterior is stunning for photos
Offers panoramic views over the gardens below
📸 Great photo spot from the staircase leading down to the park!
Winding paths, rolling lawns, and peaceful lakes define the garden’s layout. Inspired by English-style landscape design, it feels like stepping into a living painting.
What to explore:
Meandering canals and small bridges
Open lawns perfect for picnics or sunbathing
Secluded wooded areas and flower-lined paths
Wildlife, including ducks, swans, and free-roaming peacocks
🛶 In summer, you can rent small rowing boats to explore the canals.
Tucked away along the canal is the Chinese Pavilion, a decorative 18th-century folly.
Built in 1803 in Chinese-inspired architectural style
A symbol of the Romantic fascination with the “Orient”
Often surrounded by water lilies and chirping birds
Ideal spot for quiet reflection and photographs
🌸 One of the most photographed features in the garden.
As you wander through the park, you’ll encounter numerous neoclassical sculptures and monuments.
Highlights include:
The Obelisk – a nod to ancient architecture
Statue of King Frederik VI – who loved the gardens dearly
Several mythological and allegorical figures placed throughout the park
🗿 These elements add a touch of grandeur to your walk.
Frederiksberg Gardens is home to free-roaming peacocks, which are a delight for visitors.
Often found near the palace hill or shady groves
Known for their vibrant colors and loud calls
Children and photographers love spotting them
🐦 Please admire from a distance and avoid feeding the wildlife.
Frederiksberg Gardens is a favorite among locals for picnics, jogging, tai chi, and yoga. Here’s how to make the most of your leisure time:
Bring a picnic blanket and basket
Relax by the main lake or under a grove of trees
Enjoy ice cream from nearby vendors
Sunbathe on the lawn near the canal bridges
🍦 There’s a cozy café by the entrance and seasonal snack stands throughout the park.
Open daily all year round
6:00 AM – 9:00 PM (spring/summer)
7:00 AM – sunset (autumn/winter)
Free entry to all visitors
Public restrooms located near the main entrance
Benches and trash bins throughout the garden
Water fountains and occasional food stalls
Frederiksberg Gardens is perfect for families:
Large grassy areas for playing
Wildlife watching opportunities
Boat rentals (in season)
Close proximity to Copenhagen Zoo and Søndermarken playgrounds
🎡 Combine your visit with a trip to the adjacent Copenhagen Zoo, accessible through a special garden gate.
Frederiksberg Station (M1, M2): 7-min walk
Fasanvej Station (M1, M2): 10-min walk
Bus lines 7A, 31, and 4A stop near the entrance
Plenty of bike parking at the main gate
Rent bikes through Bycyklen or Donkey Republic
📷 From the palace hill, looking down over the canal
🪞 Chinese Pavilion framed by willow trees
🌅 Golden hour at the main bridge over the lake
🦚 Close-up of a peacock against classic architecture
🏞️ Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the full grandeur of the landscape.
After your garden stroll, grab a bite at:
Mielcke & Hurtigkarl – fine dining in a garden setting
Frederiksberg Chokolade – perfect for dessert and gifts
Café Sokkelund – cozy bistro-style dishes
Ipsen & Co. – popular for brunch and coffee
🥐 Many options for both casual snacks and elegant dining nearby.
Combine your visit to Frederiksberg Gardens with other top spots:
🦁 Copenhagen Zoo – Right next door!
🌳 Søndermarken – A wilder park with walking trails and cisterns museum
🏛️ Frederiksberg Palace – Iconic exterior view and garden history
🎭 Royal Danish Theatre’s Aveny-T Stage – For performances and cultural events
The gardens were once reserved for royalty, and guards would remove "undesirable" visitors
The underground cisterns in nearby Søndermarken have been turned into a contemporary art space
The canal layout was inspired by gardens in Versailles and English estates
The Chinese Pavilion was originally a teahouse
Frederiksberg Gardens is far more than a city park—it's a living blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re taking a romantic stroll, picnicking with friends, or photographing the elegance of 18th-century design, this park offers a peaceful escape from the urban bustle.
It’s one of Copenhagen’s most beloved green spaces, a place where locals and travelers alike come to breathe, explore, and reconnect with nature.