The third largest city in North Zealand is most commonly associated with its main attraction, the Frederiksborg Castle. But there is definitely more to Hillerod than this historic site. The city itself is a thriving cultural and commercial hub, the capital of Region Hovedstaden which is one of the five regions of Denmark. From a sleepy settlement in the Middle Ages, Hillerod became an important town under the rule of Christian IV when the Frederiksborg (which was built in the 16th century by Frederik II) was redesigned in the Renaissance style and all the Danish kings had their ceremonial anointment in the castle’s church.
Hillerod residents enjoy the best of all worlds – a city with enough historic charm, natural beauty and progressive life. Surrounding the city are forests and woodlands – there is the Gribskov forest to the north and the Store Dyrehave to the south. Aside from being home to deer and other wild game, Gribskov is also the site for one of the largest lakes in the country, Esrum So. And aside from the Frederiksborg Castle, there are also the ancient ruins of the Aebelholt Abbey and the Esrum Abbey, both dating from the 12th century. The Aebelholt Abbey used to be an Augustinian monastery and now houses a museum that displays the order’s artifacts. The Esrum Abbey on the other hand is a Cistercian monastery which has been turned into a museum and a restaurant. And close to the Frederiksborg Castle is the shopping arcade SlotsArkaderne which is recognized as one of the most beautiful shopping places in Europe because of its distinctive interiors.
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