Hill House Museum: Where H.C. Andersen Found His Golden Age

TLDR: A visit to Hill House Museum (Bakkehuset) in Frederiksberg offers an intimate peek into Denmark's Golden Age, where Hans Christian Andersen found inspiration. Expect period rooms, a beautiful English garden, and a deep dive into 19th-century Danish intellectual life - best for history and literature enthusiasts.

Stepping into Frederiksberg, you might seek out something beyond the grand palaces. That's where Hill House Museum, or "Bakkehuset" as the locals know it, comes in. It's a preserved home that whispers tales of a vibrant intellectual past.

This article will guide you through its story, its famous visitors, how to plan your visit, and whether it's the right stop for your itinerary.

What is the story behind Hill House Museum?

Imagine a building that has seen centuries unfold. The Hill House Museum is Frederiksberg's oldest house, with parts tracing back to the 1670s when it first welcomed weary travelers as an inn on the old Roskilde road. But its true fame blossomed between 1802 and 1830. During this period, it became the heart of Copenhagen's intellectual scene, all thanks to the remarkable couple, Kamma and Knud Lyne Rahbek.

They transformed their home into a renowned literary salon, where the sharpest minds of Denmark's Golden Age converged. Picture Hans Christian Andersen, the poet Adam Oehlenschläger, and the scientist H.C. Ørsted, engaged in lively discussions within these very walls.

Kamma Rahbek, with her quick wit and gracious hospitality, fostered an environment where great ideas flourished. You can still see her romantic English-style garden, which she cultivated with scientific precision, and her intricate artistic cardboard boxes inside. To truly appreciate these layers of history, enhance your visit with audio stories available on StoryHunt.

Who lived in Hill House?

Many luminaries graced the drawing rooms, including the celebrated storyteller Hans Christian Andersen, the renowned poet Adam Oehlenschläger, and the pioneering scientist H.C. Ørsted.

Kamma herself was quite the artist, crafting delicate cardboard boxes, a popular pastime for bourgeois women around 1800; many of these are still displayed for visitors to admire.

While the Rahbeks left an indelible mark, the house itself boasts a long lineage, dating back to the 1520s, serving as a farmhouse and an inn before its Golden Age prominence.

Did H.C. Andersen live in Hill House?

No, Hans Christian Andersen did not live in the Hill House Museum. Instead, it served as a deeply significant meeting place and a source of inspiration for him and many other prominent Danish intellectuals and artists during the 19th century.

Andersen, still a young man at the time, frequently visited Bakkehuset, seeking both intellectual stimulation and friendship. It's often said that Kamma Rahbek was among the first to recognize his prodigious talent, encouraging his early literary career and famously calling him a "poet".

Today, the museum keeps his spirit alive with a "Fairy Tale Academy" where you can try your hand at crafting your own stories, a direct nod to Andersen's enduring connection.

How to visit the Hill House?

Finding the Hill House Museum, or Bakkehuset, is straightforward. Make your way to Rahbeks Allé 23, 1801 Frederiksberg. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by its charming, ochre-hued exterior. The museum generally operates on a varied schedule, so planning ahead is wise.

It closes its doors on Mondays. From Tuesday through Friday, you can explore the house and garden between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM. On weekends, Saturday and Sunday, the hours are slightly shorter, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Don't miss Kamma Rahbek's beautiful, pioneering English-style garden; it’s completely free to wander through and truly spectacular in May and June.

If you're looking for a refresh, a new Orangery offering coffee and homemade pastries is expected to open from March 2026.

When is Hill House Museum open?

To avoid a wasted trip, mark these times for your visit to Hill House Museum (Bakkehuset):

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Unfortunately, the building is closed for the moment because of renovations and inspections. Keep up to date with the opening here.

Remember, while the indoor exhibits have specific opening hours, Kamma Rahbek's tranquil English-style garden is generally accessible and free to enjoy even if you don't go inside the museum. It’s a wonderful spot for a quiet moment, regardless of whether you're paying for museum entry.

How much does it cost to enter the Hill House in Copenhagen?

The Hill House Museum has a clear pricing structure.

• For adult visitors, the entrance fee is DKK 75.
• If you're a student or a young person between 18 and 27 years old, you'll receive a reduced admission at DKK 60.
• Children and teenagers under 18 years old enjoy free entry, which is a great bonus for families.

Got a Copenhagen Card? Your admission is also free!

It's worth noting that while the museum building requires a ticket, exploring the delightful garden is always free of charge. This charming, ochre-hued house, with its long history stretching back to the 1520s, has seen many transformations, from an inn to a psychiatric hospital, before becoming the cultural hub it is today.

Is it worth visiting Hill House Museum?

Deciding if Hill House Museum (Bakkehuset) is worth your visit largely depends on your interests. If you have a deep curiosity for Danish cultural history, literature, or 19th-century domestic life, particularly the Danish Golden Age, then it offers a truly unique and intimate experience. You'll step directly into the authentic home of Kamma and Knud Lyne Rahbek, seeing period furnishings and the very rooms where literary giants gathered.

However, be aware that it's an intimate house museum, not a grand, expansive institution. Some visitors, expecting a large display, have felt the DKK 75 admission fee was a bit high for the number of rooms, with visits sometimes completed in as little as 20 minutes. It's not suited for those seeking interactive displays or a broad historical overview.

Parking nearby is paid street parking, and while restrooms are available, the accessibility within the historic building itself can be limited. If you're prioritizing your sightseeing in Frederiksberg, consider using an app like StoryHunt to discover attractions that best fit your personal interests - download for free here.

What else can I do in Frederiksberg?

After immersing yourself in the intellectual world of Hill House Museum, Frederiksberg still has plenty more to captivate you. You can read our full guide to the top attractions here.

• Just a short, pleasant walk away are the expansive Frederiksberg Gardens. These stunning English-style gardens invite peaceful reflection along tranquil canals and lakes, with the impressive palace as a backdrop.
• For a truly unique experience, head to The Cisterns in Søndermarken. This subterranean museum, located in former water reservoirs, offers an atmospheric and often haunting setting for contemporary art exhibitions.
• Naturally, the Copenhagen Zoo is also close by, featuring diverse habitats and an airy elephant house.
• If you enjoy greenery, seek out Landbohøjskolens Have, the Horticultural Gardens, a serene oasis filled with diverse plant collections and a beautiful rose garden.
• And for beer enthusiasts, the Home of Carlsberg offers a fascinating look into the history of the renowned brewery.

To navigate these and other hidden gems with ease, download the StoryHunt app for a guided audio tour.