Frederiksberg: Culture, Parks and Special Experiences

Palace history, contemporary art, gardens and animal experiences shape the ways to explore Frederiksberg. Options range from guided tours of historic rooms to exhibitions in former water reservoirs. There are also various ways to enjoy green spaces or spend an active day. Which ones suit your stay depends on whether your focus is culture, nature or exercise.

Palace History and Art Underground

Frederiksberg Palace was built between 1699 and 1735 and served at times as a summer residence for the royal family until the mid-19th century. The palace is normally closed; guided tours take place on the last Saturday of each month, except in July and December, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The tour includes, among other places, the Knights’ Hall, the flag balcony, the marble bath and the Baroque church. Ceremonial or military activities may affect the route, so check the tour information before your visit.

Cisternerne offers another glimpse into the area’s history: Copenhagen’s former water reservoirs lie beneath the green space of Søndermarken Park, opposite Frederiksberg Palace. Cisternerne is situated on Frederiksberg Hill, 31 metres above sea level. In 2013, the site reopened as an exhibition space for site-specific art experiences; today, it is an underground venue for contemporary art. Historic buildings and an unusual setting for art thus offer different ways to engage with culture.

Frederiksberg Church also combines a distinctive architectural form with a historic building: Designed by Felix Dusart, the church is octagonal and was built between 1732 and 1734. It is also used for concerts.

Art, Satire and Literary History

At STORM, visitors can explore the significance of Danish humour and satire, both past and present. Møstings presents changing exhibitions of contemporary art in a classic old villa in Frederiksberg, at one of the entrances to Frederiksberg Garden. Its changing programme offers a different artistic focus from the site-specific experiences at Cisternerne.

Bakkehuset was a central meeting place during Denmark’s Golden Age. Its visitors included Hans Christian Andersen as well as other writers, artists and scholars. Today, its programme includes changing exhibitions and readings, as well as workshops, talks and long-table dinners. Bakkehuset’s orangery serves coffee, homemade rolls and croissants from its own bakery. As opening hours may change, it is advisable to check the details before planning your visit.

You can also explore history on the walks offered by the Frederiksberg City Archives. They present the history of Frederiksberg through texts, audio or in the company of an archivist. This lets you explore historical topics by reading or listening at your own pace, or with an archivist as your guide.

Gardens and Green Views

Haveselskabets Have is open to everyone and divided into many smaller garden rooms, each with its own character. A lawn, reflecting pool and numerous benches are among its visible features; the individual spaces offer peaceful places to rest and reflect. Responsibility for operating the garden was transferred to the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces in 2025.

Frederiksberg Garden is Copenhagen’s third-largest park. A colony of relatively tame grey herons lives there, and the park offers a view of Norman Foster’s Elephant House at the ZOO. Whether you are interested in wildlife watching, parkland or architecture, there are different reasons to visit this same garden.

Exercise and Animal Experiences

The Frederiksberg Routes comprise three routes measuring 3, 5 and 10 kilometres. They follow wide paths with comfortable surfaces and pass outdoor strength-training areas, with opportunities for challenging hill runs and sprints. A cycling map produced by Frederiksberg and Wonderful Copenhagen features three additional routes for exploring Frederiksberg by bike. Before setting off, check whether the map and routes are available for your plans.

For families, the ZOO’s Children’s Zoo offers the chance to see pigs, horses, llamas and cows up close. Visitors to the ZOO can also see animals from around the world and learn more about nature and conservation through activities and educational programmes. The ZOO is accessible by train to Valby Station or by metro to Fasanvej or Frederiksberg Allé. Check connections before your journey.

Discover more destinations: Albertslund, Herlev Municipality, Gribskov Municipality, Gentofte, Tårnby Municipality, Rudersdal Municipality, Fredensborg, Halsnæs Municipality.

Back to the regional travel overview: Capital Region.