Fredensborg Palace (Castle of Peace)

Fredensborg Palace (Castle of Peace) Review

Fredensborg Palace, was built by Frederik IV to commemorate the 1720 peace treaty in which Denmark relinquished much of southern Sweden. Originally inspired by French and Italian castles, its style was diluted by later reconstructions, but it has long been a place where the royals actually enjoy living. Today, it's one of the most-used residences of the Danish royal family, particularly in the spring and fall. Crown Prince Frederik and his Australian-born wife Princess Mary make their full-time home in the castle's Chancellery House, and little prince Christian goes to a local public school. When the Queen is present, the Royal Life Guards sound taps at 10pm. At noon every day there's the changing of the guard. The palace is open to the public in July only.

Open year-round is the stately Slotshave (castle garden), inspired by the French gardens of Versailles. Denmark's largest historical garden is well worth a stroll. A small section called den reserverede have (the reserved garden) is used privately by the royal family but open to the public in July. The reserved garden includes a flower garden, a vegetable garden that supplies the castle, and the orangerie where Denmark's oldest myrtles, which date from the 1750s, are preserved.