Exploring Denmark

Notice Maren in the lower right corner which helps show the size of the massive castle.

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 Today was another free day so of course we took full advantage.  We (Maren, Melissa, Stephanie, Alissa, and Molly) ventured out to the town of Hillerod which was a 45 minute train ride. It's a town of about 46,000 people with a nice pedestrian street shopping area and the main attraction is Frederiksborg Castle.

     The shopping area had thrift stores, a fresh flower and produce market, street vendors, the typical clothing stores, and my favorite part......the chocolate shop. The only downfall being that, of course, the signs in the shop were in Danish. It was like picking chocolates from a box, you don't know for sure what you have until you take your first bite. They were delicious though and I didn't have any trouble getting rid of one that didn't suit my taste.  During our visit to Hillerod the locals' friendliness shined through. They are all very helpful to us non-Danish speakers.  They point us in the right direction and have often helped to translate.

In the courtyard of the castle.

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     At the end of the pedestrian street was Frederiksborg Castle. The castle was built on several small islands in the middle of a lake leaving little sign of the islands. As we entered the courtyard, the castle towered over us. It makes you wonder how they ever built such a magnificent structure back in the 1600's. Sadly, in 1859 a fire ruined much of the inside. The only existing part that dates to the original construction is the chapel. The chapel's functioning organ is from 1610, which we were lucky enough to hear being played.

     When the fire occured, the royal family was unable to afford the costly repairs. At that time donations were made to turn it into The Museum of National History, which it still functions as today. The doors to the museum were opened in 1878 thanks to generous contributions by JC Jacobsen, the owner of the local Carlsberg brewery. Three of the floors contain exhibiits, paintings, and furnishings dating from the 1500's to modern day.

     While the exhibits are much more memorable and fascinating to see in person, I hope you enjoyed your little history lesson as much as we did today.

Molly