Frederiksberg Have is a large, historic garden in Copenhagen’s Frederiksberg district, surrounding Frederiksberg Palace. Winding paths connect lawns, woodland, canals, lakes and small bridges, with sights including a Chinese summerhouse, a waterfall and a colony of blue herons. Walk beside the water, settle on the grass for a picnic or look across the zoo boundary for elephants. In summer, boats travel along the canals; in winter, an outdoor ice rink provides another reason to visit. The garden is a calm place to spend time outdoors in any season.
A royal garden reshaped over time
Frederiksberg Have began as a private garden for Frederiksberg Palace. It was laid out as a Baroque garden during the reign of King Frederik IV, from 1699 to 1730. The garden was later reshaped into a romantic landscape park, with changes made during the reign of King Frederik VI, from 1808 to 1839. Remains of the earlier Baroque design sit alongside the later landscape style.
The palace overlooks the grounds, linking the garden’s history to the royal residence at its centre. The result is a large public park with broad lawns, wooded areas and water threaded through the landscape. Its paths and planting give the garden a varied character as you move between open spaces and quieter corners.
Canals, woodland and garden landmarks
Waterways and lakes are central to a walk here. Small bridges cross the canals, and paths lead past lawns, trees and birdlife. Look for the Chinese summerhouse, which dates to 1799, as well as the Apis Temple, a grotto and a waterfall in the wooded part of the garden. The Chinese summerhouse and bridge add distinctive features to the route, while the waterfall is tucked among trees.
Birds are another reason to pause by the water. Ducks and swans can be seen around the lakes and canals, and the garden is home to a colony of blue herons. Open lawns provide space for picnics, while the network of paths makes it easy to choose a short stroll or keep exploring.
Boats, elephants and seasonal visits
During summer, a boat service runs along the garden’s lakes and waterways. The route gives a different view of the bridges and grounds, and recalls the boat trips King Frederik VI took while living at Frederiksberg Palace in the 1800s. The service is seasonal, so plan around a summer visit if you want to see the garden from the water.
The park borders Copenhagen Zoo, and a path along the zoo side gives a view of its elephants from outside the zoo. The garden also draws people for walks, runs and family outings, with playgrounds among its facilities. Winter brings the possibility of outdoor ice-skating. Early morning and late evening are suggested times for a quieter visit; at other times, the lawns and paths can be a popular place to spend time outdoors.
FAQ
Where is Frederiksberg Have?
It is in the Frederiksberg district of Copenhagen, at 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
Can you see elephants from Frederiksberg Have?
Yes. A path beside Copenhagen Zoo offers views of the elephants from outside the zoo.
Can you take a boat through Frederiksberg Have?
A boat service runs along the garden’s lakes and waterways during summer.
