Things To Do
in Hillerød

Hillerød is a historic town in North Zealand set among lakes and green spaces. It is best known for Frederiksborg Castle, a renaissance masterpiece that houses a national museum surrounded by picturesque gardens. The charming town center offers shops, cafés, and easy access to nearby forests and lakes.

With direct rail links to Copenhagen, Hillerød makes for a convenient, family-friendly base for exploring northern Zealand.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Frederiksborg Castle
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the stunning Frederiksborg Castle, a Renaissance masterpiece surrounded by beautiful gardens. Wander through the richly decorated rooms and admire the impressive art collections. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you stroll around the castle grounds.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a nearby café offering traditional Danish cuisine. Afterward, visit the Museum of National History housed within the castle to learn about Denmark’s past through engaging exhibits. Take time to explore the castle's surrounding park, filled with sculptures and serene lakes.

evening
:

Dine at one of Hillerød’s charming restaurants featuring local and seasonal ingredients. Later, take a leisurely walk through the quaint streets of the town center to soak in the cozy evening ambiance. Consider stopping by a local pub for a taste of Danish craft beer.

day 2
Stroll through Hillerød Town Center and Shopping
morning
:

Begin with a relaxing morning walk around Hillerød’s town center, discovering quaint shops and bakeries. Grab a fresh pastry and coffee to fuel your day of exploration. Explore local boutiques offering Danish design, crafts, and souvenirs.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a cozy spot with outdoor seating, watching the town’s daily life unfold. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique Danish items such as ceramics and textiles. Visit the local farmers’ market if available to sample fresh regional produce.

evening
:

Experience a traditional Danish dinner at a popular local restaurant. Afterwards, enjoy a casual stroll along the Gribskov forest pathways near town, an ideal way to unwind before bedtime. If you enjoy live music, check out any performances occurring in town that evening.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$15-25
🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$40-70
Coffee$3-5
🚆Local transport ticket (one-way)$3-5
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$120-180

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact, walkable town with a castle and nature access
  • Family-friendly with easy rail links to Copenhagen
  • Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
  • Dining and accommodation can be pricey in peak season
  • "Hej" - Hello
  • "Tak" - Thank you
  • "Hvor er ...?" - Where is ...?
  • "Hvordan har du det?" - How are you?
  • "Ja/Nej" - Yes/No
  • "Tal langsomt, tak." - Please speak slowly.

Places to Visit in Hillerød

Visit one of these nice places.

Frederiksborg Castle and Slotssøen

The castle's Renaissance architecture reflected in the surrounding lake and formal gardens makes for stunning reflections and portraits.

Nytorv and the old town center

Colorful brick facades, narrow streets, and charming storefronts provide classic Danish street photography opportunities.

Grib Forest viewpoints

Dense pine and beech forest with elevated vantage points and tranquil trails ideal for nature photography.

Hillerød Canal by the town edge

Waterways and soft lighting along the canal create scenic, peaceful photo subjects.

Culinary Guide

Food in Hillerød

Danish cuisine emphasizes seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. In Hillerød you’ll find classic Danish comfort food as well as modern Nordic menus, with plenty of café culture and bakery delights.

Hillerød Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Smørrebrød

Open-faced rye bread topped with items like herring, smoked salmon, roast beef, or eggs and shrimp.

Must-Try!

Frikadeller

Crispy Danish meatballs typically served with potatoes, red cabbage, and gravy.

Stegt flæsk med persillesovs

Crispy pork served with parsley sauce and potatoes—Danish comfort food favorite.

Rødgrød med fløde

Berry pudding served with cream, a seasonal dessert often enjoyed in summer.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Nytorv Market

Weekend market offering local produce, cheeses, bread, and seasonal snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Hillerød has a temperate maritime climate with cool winters and mild summers. Expect regular rainfall throughout the year with average winter highs around 0–5°C and summer highs around 20–23°C.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Being on time is valued in both social and professional settings.

Handshakes and greetings

A handshake is common when meeting someone; maintain polite eye contact.

Queueing and personal space

Queue in an orderly fashion; bikes belong on dedicated paths with respect for pedestrians.

Safety Guide

Safety

The town is generally very safe for visitors. Standard travel precautions apply: stay aware of surroundings in crowded areas and secure valuables, especially in tourist hotspots.

Tipping in Hillerød

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not required; rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip for excellent service is common.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards and mobile payments (e.g., MobilePay) are widely accepted; cash is also fine.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long days with mild temperatures; good for castle gardens, lakefront strolls, and outdoor dining. Expect occasional showers; carry a light layer.

Autumn

Colorful foliage in Gribskov and park areas; cooler evenings; great for photography and countryside walks.

Winter

Short daylight hours and potential frost or snow; interiors and cafés are cozy refuges, but outdoor activities can be chilly.

Spring

Mild weather and budding greenery; pleasant for castle grounds, parks, and light hikes.

Nightlife Guide

Hillerød at Night

Hillerød offers a relaxed nightlife with cozy bars, cafés, and occasional live music; the scene emphasizes craft beers, wine, and good conversation rather than late-night clubs.

Hiking in Hillerød

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Grib Forest Trails

Extensive, well-marked trails through Denmark's largest forest with varied scenery.

Furesø Lake Loop

Scenic loop around a nearby lake with gentle terrain, suitable for casual hikers.

Castle Park and Lakeside Paths

Scenic routes around Slotssøen and the castle park with seasonal views.

Airports

How to reach Hillerød by plane.

Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

Major international hub about 40-60 minutes by train from Hillerød; frequent connections worldwide.

Billund Airport (BLL)

Smaller but accessible; around 2.5-3 hours by train/car from Hillerød.

Aalborg Airport (AAL)

Northern Denmark option; longer travel time from Hillerød but viable for connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Hillerød's town center is compact and highly walkable, with most attractions within easy reach. The castle and park are reachable on foot from the railway station, and bike lanes make it simple to explore around town. Some surrounding areas and forests are best explored by bike or car for longer distances.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families live in Hillerød due to schools, parks, and safety.

Students and commuters

Students and workers use the train network to reach Copenhagen and other towns.

Local and international visitors

Tourists come for Frederiksborg Castle and Grib Forest, as well as day trips to Copenhagen.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular local clubs and community leagues.

Handball

A traditional Danish sport with local participation.

Cycling

A common means of transport and recreation; many residents ride daily.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport via DSB trains to Copenhagen is reliable; local buses cover neighborhoods. Car traffic is moderate, and parking is available but can be tight in the town center. Biking is widespread and well-supported by infrastructure.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Hillerød.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many restaurants offer vegetarian options; look for seasonal vegetable dishes, salads, or veggie specials, and ask about daily vegetarian offerings.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Denmark has universal healthcare. In Hillerød, residents access GP services and hospitals through the public system. The regional hospital, Nordsjællands Hospital in Hillerød, serves the area; many clinics and dentists are in town.

Discover Denmark

Read more in our Denmark 2025 Travel Guide.

Denmark Travel Guide