Frederiksborg Castle

My third full day in Denmark — October 19th — started early as I headed to the Copenhagen Mail train station to go to Hillerød and Schloss Frederiksborg.   

Since 1878, the castle has housed the Museum of Danish History, which "represents 500 years of Danish history with a collection of portraits, history paintings, furniture, and applied art."   Another gorgeous day, sun shining brightly, and not too cold.   Back to Copenhagen Station to catch the train to  Hillerød.   

A couple having their wedding pictures taken at the castle's fountain

Princess Hedvig of Sweden (1681-1708), daughter of King Charles XI. She married Duke Friedrich IB of Holstein-Gottorp.  Her only son, Karl Friedrich, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, married Grand Duchess Anna Petrovna of Russia.  Their son was Emperor Peter III of Russia.  He married Princess Sophia of Anhalt-Zerbst  (Catherine the Great)

Ulrikke Eleonore of Denmark, consort of King Karl XI of Sweden

The Grand Hall is undergoing restoration, with scaffolding and ladders in place.

Prince Henrik of Denmark

Alexander III of Russia and Dagmar of Denmark (Marie Feodorovna)

                             and their son, Nicholas II 

Christian X

Edward VII

Queen Alexandra

Frederick VIII

Queen Louise, Consort of Frederik VIII

Christian IX

Queen Louise, consort of Christian IX

Queen Alexandra

Frederik VIII and Louise 

A smaller version of the Tuxen portrait of Christian IX and his family.  The original is on display at Christiansborg Palace/

Princess Thyra, who married Prince Ernst August of Hannover, Duke of Cumberland & Teviotdale

Queen Alexandrine and King Christian X

After making my way through nearly all the rooms, I headed to a special exhibit on Louise Rasmussen, Countess Danner, who was Frederik VII's morganatic wife.   King Frederik VII (1808-1863) was the last Danish sovereign in the House of Oldenburg.  Both of his royal marriages (Princess Vilhelmine of Denmark and Princess Caroline of Mecklenburg-Strelitz).  Louise would be recognized for having a stabilizing effect on her husband.  When he died in 1863, the throne went to Prince Christian of Schleswog-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg.

Louise had a profound role in women's rights in Denmark.

Ring of Thoughts.  Countess Danner always wore this ring

Frederik VII as a child

96 pamphlets attacking and defending Countess Danner

Countess Danner's order portrait photograph of Frederik VII c 1850

King Frederik VII and Countess Danner in the King's study at Christiansborg Palace

Karl XV of Sweden & Frederik VII of Denmark

The final part of the exhibit focused on womens' rights

Time to sit down and watch a video of Queen Mary talking about Countess Danner

After I exited the exhibit, I headed to the shop.  One disappointment in Denmark:  good guidebooks about the castles are rare!   Gorgeous day .. and now time to find a place to eat!!!

Time to explore the gardens as I head to a restaurant within the castle's park.

Never fails - always scaffolding when I visit a castle!

Found the perfect place to eat - Cafe Havehuset, where I had a delicious open-faced sandwich, coffee, and a slice of chocolate cake!   The cat is very friendly!!!

Cafe Garden House 

when the bird poses for you 

Back down the hill toward the Castle. The sun is going down, so less light now on the back of the castle.

 I caught a bus at the train station to the Castle, but due to roadworks, getting the bus was difficult.  One of the women in the shop called a taxi for me.   

It is about a 40-minute train ride.  Coming back, I got off at Oesterport and caught the subway to Kongens Nytorv, the closest stop to my hotel.  It was still light so I explored the plaza and then headed back to hotel, drop things off and then dinner!!!