9.5km (6 miles) W of Helsingør; 40km (25 miles) N of Copenhagen
The great time to visit is in July, when the queen graciously opens the doors of Fredensborg Slot (palace) to visitors from around the world. Elizabeth II of England has a lot more money, a lot more paintings, and much more precious furnishings, but the Danish queen's summer abode is impressive as well, though not as grand as Frederiksborg Slot, with which it is often confused.
On the southeast shore of Esrum Sø, the country's second-largest lake, Fredensborg is more than a royal palace. Many visitors rush through, visiting the palace and then departing immediately. However, you can stay and dine in the area and enjoy a number of other attractions as well.
The first inhabitants of the town were people who helped serve the royal court. But over the years others moved in, and today the town is a lively little place even when the Queen isn't in residence. To Denmark, it occupies a position somewhat similar to Windsor in England. The town is home to some 40 specialty shops.
The palace is a major backdrop for events in the life of the royal family -- weddings, birthday parties, and the like. Heads of states from many of the countries of the world are received here when they pay state visits. And foreign ambassadors present their credentials to the monarch here as well.
