Frederiksberg Gardens: Find Peace (and Elephants!) in Copenhagen (2026)

TLDR: Frederiksberg Gardens is a sprawling, historic English-style park in Copenhagen, offering serene walks, royal history, picturesque follies like a Chinese Summerhouse, and the unique chance to spot zoo elephants. It's a free, tranquil escape perfect for nature lovers and families.

As a local in Copenhagen, I often find myself drawn to Frederiksberg, a charming area with a quieter pace. Nestled here is Frederiksberg Gardens, a green oasis that feels miles away from city life, even though it's easily accessible. 

This article will guide you through what I discovered, from its regal past to practical tips for your visit, helping you decide if this enchanting park is a must-see on your Danish itinerary.

What is the story behind Frederiksberg Gardens?

Stepping into Frederiksberg Gardens felt like walking through a living history book. Its origins trace back to the late 1690s, when King Frederik IV, inspired by grand European estates, envisioned a majestic summer retreat. He built Frederiksberg Palace and initially laid out the grounds in a formal, symmetrical Baroque style, reflecting the era's controlled elegance. Imagine crisp lines and perfectly manicured hedges!

However, tastes changed, and by the 1790s, the park transformed. It embraced the naturalistic English landscape style we see today, with its winding paths, tranquil lakes, and charming architectural whims like the Chinese Summerhouse. 

King Frederik VI, a beloved monarch, adored this romantic new design. I heard tales of him sailing the canals in a gondola, often greeting his subjects. While public access was gradually allowed, it wasn't truly unrestricted until 1865, making it a place where royal heritage now openly mingles with everyday life. 

For a deeper dive into these royal anecdotes, use an app like StoryHunt to get audio tales about Frederiksberg Gardens as you walk.

Where is the main entrance to Frederiksberg Gardens?

You'll find the main entrance to Frederiksberg Gardens at Frederiksberg Runddel, a lively intersection in Frederiksberg. When you arrive here, the first thing you'll notice is the impressive gate, which has stood in its current form since 1755, and a welcoming statue of King Frederik VI. It’s a regal start to your visit.

While it's now completely open to everyone, for centuries, public entry was quite restricted. Guards once turned away "people in poor clothing or carrying large bundles" until 1865. Thankfully, those days are long gone! 

During winter, this area transforms into a festive ice-skating rink, adding another layer of charm. From here, you’re perfectly positioned to begin your journey through history and nature.

Where is Frederiksberg Gardens?

Frederiksberg Gardens is located in the Frederiksberg municipality, on the western edge of Inner Copenhagen - you can learn all about it here. It's incredibly easy to reach from the city center, feeling like a natural extension of Copenhagen's green spaces. This expansive park spans approximately 32 hectares, making it one of the capital’s largest and most attractive natural escapes.

As you wander through its gentle slopes and around its reflective canals, you'll feel the romantic English landscape style. It's a stark contrast to the initial Baroque design commissioned by King Frederik IV in the late 1690s, which originally surrounded Frederiksberg Palace. You'll even find delightful features like the Chinese Pavilion, dating back to 1803, which once served as a royal tea house. 

Its location truly makes it a convenient and beautiful spot to unwind.

What to see in Frederiksberg Gardens?

Frederiksberg Gardens is brimming with sights, offering a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. Start with a glance at Frederiksberg Palace, majestically overseeing the park from its hilltop position. The charming Chinese Summerhouse, built in 1803 on its own small island and accessible by a matching Chinese Bridge, is a particular highlight. It feels like a peaceful, faraway retreat.

You can also discover the Roman-style Apis Temple, tucked away near the Copenhagen Zoo border, and the quaint Swiss Cottage. A truly unique and heartwarming sight is the "Pacifier Tree" (Suttetræet), where Danish children symbolically leave their pacifiers when they outgrow them. 

Keep your eyes peeled for the resident large herons and proud peacocks strutting across the lawns. The winding paths lead to serene canals, which you can even explore on boat tours during warmer months.

Can you see elephants from Frederiksberg Gardens?

Yes, you absolutely can see elephants from Frederiksberg Gardens! This was one of the most delightful surprises during my visit. The park cleverly borders the Copenhagen Zoo, and the design intentionally allows for glimpses of the animals, particularly the magnificent elephants, without needing a zoo ticket.

The Copenhagen Zoo's modern Elephant House, designed by the acclaimed architect Sir Norman Foster, features an outdoor paddock. The boundary where this enclosure meets Frederiksberg Gardens has been thoughtfully opened up. This means you can often see the elephants enjoying their space, sometimes even splashing in their 3-meter deep, 60-meter long pool! 

While there’s no strict schedule for when they're out, they were frequently visible, especially on sunny days. It’s a genuinely unique and free bonus to your park experience.

When does Frederiksberg Gardens open?

If you're an early bird, you'll be pleased to know Frederiksberg Gardens opens daily at 7:00 AM, making it perfect for a peaceful morning stroll or run before the crowds. I often find myself enjoying the quiet dawn light there. The closing time, however, varies seasonally, generally falling between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM. 

This expansive, free-to-enter English-style romantic garden truly invites you to linger. As I mentioned earlier, you might even catch a glimpse of the zoo elephants. Beyond that, the charming Chinese Pavilion, once a royal teahouse, and a small artificial waterfall are always accessible during opening hours, adding to the park's allure.

Is it worth visiting Frederiksberg Gardens?

Absolutely, Frederiksberg Gardens is a worthwhile visit if you seek a tranquil escape within Copenhagen. Its picturesque English-style landscape, complete with winding canals, serene lakes, the charming Chinese Pavilion, and even those surprising glimpses of the zoo elephants, offers a genuinely relaxing experience. It's ideal for leisurely strolls, enjoying a picnic on the vast green lawns, or simply finding a peaceful spot to unwind.

However, if you're chasing high-octane city excitement, its calm atmosphere might feel too subdued. While Frederiksberg Palace is on site, direct public access to its interior is quite limited, which can be a minor disappointment. Parking nearby can also be tricky, and seasonal amenities, like boat rentals, aren’t always available. 

Late spring to early autumn (May to September) is the best time, with pleasant weather and the gardens in full bloom. It appeals most to nature lovers, families, and anyone looking for a quiet, budget-friendly retreat. It’s free to enter, and you can comfortably spend 1.5 to 3 hours exploring its beauty.

What else can I do in Frederiksberg?

Beyond the serene beauty of Frederiksberg Gardens, the Frederiksberg area itself is rich with attractions - you can read our full guide to the top attractions here. 

• Right beside the gardens, you can delve deeper into history at Frederiksberg Palace. You can often find guided tours of its former royal apartments, offering a peek into its 18th-century Italian Baroque style. 
• For a unique and slightly mysterious experience, venture underground into the Cisterns in Søndermarken, a former reservoir now transformed into an atmospheric art exhibition space – it's incredibly cool and damp down there. 
• Animal lovers will find Copenhagen Zoo just a short walk away, known for its airy Norman Foster-designed elephant house and Arctic habitat. 

You could easily spend a full day exploring this charming part of Copenhagen - and it's even better with StoryHunt, which you can download for iPhone and Android here.