Frederiksborg Castle, Denmark

To the north of Copenhagen, on the shores of the lake in the midst of which, on three islands, is the town of Hilarede, majestically rises one of the most perfect palaces in Denmark. This is Frederiksborg Castle, or Frederiksborg Palace, in front of which are perfectly arranged baroque gardens.

Frederiksborg Castle was originally erected as the official royal residence of King Christian IV. It was converted into a castle by King Frederick II, after whom it was named, and the oldest surviving parts of Frederiksborg Castle date from 1560. Today the castle is no longer a royal palace, but functions as a National History Museum.

However, its link with the monarch has not been severed. This is done through the palace chapel and the baths at the palace. All monarchs, except Christian VII, were anointed and crowned in the chapel of Frederiksborg Castle. Christian V was the first to take the crown in the chapel and in fact the one who built it.

The small building, called the Bath House, was built in 1580 and is notable for its elaborately decorated portal, complemented by wrapped Ionic columns. Among masks of lions stands a coat of arms, or rather a shield, with the motto "I hope to be alone with the Lord". Today this building is used by the Queen, who often lunches here.

Frederiksborg Castle is also famous for the interiors of its Throne and Knight's Halls. Throughout the walls can be seen coats of arms from battles over the years, portraits of the family and interesting tapestries.