Frederikssund is a station town in North Zealand with 16,337
inhabitants (2020), located by Roskilde Fjord. The city is located
in Frederikssund Municipality and belongs to the Capital Region. In
1652, Frederikssund was named after the sitting king, Frederik III,
and later received market town rights in 1810. Frederikssund was
previously a charging station for Slangerup.
The city is
known for the annual Viking Play, which is a large outdoor theater,
as well as J.F. Willumsens museum. Connected to Hornsherred via
Crown Princess Mary's Bridge and Crown Prince Frederiks Bro,
inaugurated in 2019 and 1935. S-train to Copenhagen from 1989. Until
the municipal reform of 2007, the city was part of Frederiksborg
County.
Frederikssund Viking Settlement on Kalvøen
One of the standout
attractions is the Frederikssund Viking Settlement, an outdoor museum
reconstructing life from the Viking Age on the island of Kalvøen by the
fjord. Visitors can explore five sunken-floor houses, a grand longhouse,
a plank road, and a landing bridge, all built using authentic Viking
techniques to showcase daily life, architecture, and craftsmanship from
over a thousand years ago. The site emphasizes hands-on experiences,
allowing guests to try traditional Viking crafts or browse market stalls
during events. It's open year-round with free admission, making it
accessible for families and history enthusiasts alike. The settlement
comes alive with seasonal activities, including family days and Viking
markets in April and October, guided tours and performances in June and
July, children's programs during summer and autumn holidays, and a
Festival of Light with a winter market in December. A highlight is the
annual Frederikssund Viking Play in summer, an open-air theater
production involving over 150 participants that dramatizes Viking
legends and folklore next to the settlement. This tradition dates back
decades, blending education with entertainment in a scenic fjord-side
setting. The longhouse is even available for rent for private events,
offering a unique venue immersed in history.
J.F. Willumsens
Museum
Art lovers flock to the J.F. Willumsens Museum, a dedicated
space housing the complete collection of Danish artist J.F. Willumsen,
who donated his works in 1947 to create this retrospective. The museum
features paintings, sculptures, and drawings spanning his career,
highlighting his Symbolist and Expressionist styles influenced by
travels across Europe. What makes it unique is its focus on one artist's
lifelong output, providing an intimate look at his evolution and themes
like nature, mythology, and human emotion. The building itself is
architecturally striking, with modern extensions blending into the
landscape. Located in central Frederikssund, it's easily reachable by
public transport, though parking can be limited. Admission is typically
around 100 DKK, and it's praised for its engaging exhibits suitable for
all ages, with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 from visitors who appreciate the
serene atmosphere and knowledgeable staff.
Jægerspris Castle and
Slotspark
Jægerspris Castle (Jaegerspris Slots Museum) is a historic
royal residence turned museum, focusing on the life of King Frederik VII
and his morganatic wife, Countess Danner—a former ballet dancer who rose
from commoner status. The interiors include opulent audience chambers,
state apartments, and personal artifacts that tell the story of their
unconventional romance and the king's charismatic rule in the mid-19th
century. Unique elements include preserved royal furnishings and
exhibits on Danish monarchy during a pivotal era of reform. Adjacent is
the expansive Jaegerspris Slotspark, a free public park perfect for
walks, jogging, or picnics, featuring manicured gardens, ancient oaks,
and scenic paths. The castle admission is about 65 DKK, while the park
is open daily for exploration. Both receive high praise (around 4.3 out
of 5) for their historical depth and natural beauty, especially in
spring and summer.
Selsø Castle (Selsoe Manor)
Selsø Castle, a
beautifully preserved manor house in the Danish countryside, offers a
glimpse into aristocratic life from the 16th to 18th centuries. Built in
the Baroque style, it features elegant rooms with period furniture,
artworks, and gardens that reflect the estate's agricultural heritage.
Its history ties to prominent Danish families, and it's unique for its
role in local folklore and as a filming location for period dramas.
Nearby, the associated Selso Church adds a serene, spiritual element
with its well-maintained grounds and generational family connections.
Open for guided tours (admission around 80 DKK), it's ideal for those
interested in architecture and history, though less crowded than urban
sites. Visitors rate it 3.9 out of 5, noting its peaceful rural setting
and authentic charm.
Other Notable Sights
Beyond these
highlights, Frederikssund boasts natural gems like Nordskoven, the
largest forest on Zealand island, with ancient oaks, wildlife trails,
and King Frederik VII's historic hunting cabin for a touch of royalty
amid nature. Svanholm Gods is an organic collective farm run by nearly
100 residents, where you can buy fresh produce and learn about
sustainable living— a modern twist on communal history. For relaxation,
Gerlevparken's rose garden offers fragrant blooms and picnic spots,
while Kulhuse Harbour provides cozy waterfront vibes with beaches and
ferry connections. The Frederikssund Museum at Færgegården delves into
fjord-side life through the ages, and the Crown Prince Frederik's Bridge
affords stunning views, though it can get congested. These sites
collectively paint Frederikssund as a destination where history,
culture, and nature intertwine seamlessly.
By plane
The nearest airport is Kastrup Airport.
By rail
Frederikssund is reached by one of the S-tog (city rail) lines.
By car
Frederikssund is an important road junction.
Frederikssund was a loading dock for the market town of Slangerup and
arose when Frederik II on 14 May 1578 gave the citizens, who according
to legend must have been connected to the Isefjord through the cove and
later ran past Græse Mølle, a connection that had gradually become
blocked, freedom to to store their goods on the hill at Udesundby or, as
the place was called, Sundby Ferry. The place was used a lot by Frederik
II, as he let a large part of the materials for Frederiksborg Castle be
taken to Sundby Færge, from where they were further supplied by the
farmers. Later, the town must have been called Falkenberg, but where
this name comes from is not known.
Under the dictatorship
The
name Frederikssund must originate from the time of Frederik III, when
the town was granted customs office rights and market town rights in
1665, and it gradually began to compete with its mother town, Slangerup.
Under Christian VI in 1744, the town was assigned to Udesundby church
instead of Slangerup church. In 1809, Slangerup, under whose bailiff
Frederikssund had been until now, was abolished as a separate market
town municipality, and Frederikssund got its own bailiff. From a few
hundred inhabitants at the beginning of the 19th century, it grew
steadily, a significant expansion was achieved by the union with
Udesundby, and the construction of the bridge to Horns Herred in the
same year, the improvement of the harbor and finally the construction of
a railway have all contributed to its emergence.
The early
industrialization
By Law of 12 April 1867, the majority of the
village of Udesundby (500 to 600 inhabitants) was placed under
Frederikssund city (the boundaries were set by the Ministry of the
Interior by decree of 3 August 1867). The other part of Udesundby Parish
in Lynge-Frederiksborg Herred, the so-called "Udesundby Landdistrikt",
belonged to Frederikssund with regard to the poor and school system, to
whose church the inhabitants still applied, but had its own district
council in other municipal matters.
In 1868, instead of the ferry
connection between Horns Herred and Frederikssund, a pontoon bridge was
built over Roskilde Fjord, Crown Prince Frederiks Bro, opened on 3 June
1868.
The Frederikssund Railway was opened on 17 June 1879.
In the second half of the 19th century, the harbor underwent several
changes and improvements.
Frederikssund's population was
increasing in the late 1800s and early 1900s: 612 in 1850, 679 in 1855,
763 in 1860, 1,306 in 1870, 1,506 in 1880, 1,828 in 1890, 2,302 in 1901,
2,425 in 1 906 and 2,514 in 1911.
Around the middle of the 19th
century, Frederikssund had nine brandy distilleries and two tanneries.
In 1869, the town had factories and industrial facilities: 4 brandy
distilleries, 2 tanneries, 1 cloth factory with wool spinning, dyeing
and stamping works. Around the turn of the century, the city of
factories and industrial plants had 1 wool spinning mill, 1 sawmill, 1
cooperative pig slaughterhouse, 1 mineral water factory. The town had 2
hotels and several guesthouses.
According to occupations, the
population in 1890 was divided into the following groups: 659 lived from
crafts and industry, 515 from trade and turnover, 293 from intangible
activities, 90 were farmers, 35 fishermen, 11 seafarers, 4 gardeners,
104 lived from other professions, 82 from their means, 29 enjoyed alms,
and 6 spent in prison. According to a census in 1906, the population was
2,425, of which 197 supported themselves by non-material activities, 104
by agriculture, forestry and dairying, 37 by fishing, 1,127 by crafts
and industry, 547 by trade and more, 209 by transport, 88 were
shopkeepers, 64 lived on public support and 52 on other or unspecified
business.
The interwar period
Throughout the interwar period,
Frederikssund's population grew: in 1921 2,967, in 1925 3,117, in 1930
3,186, in 1935 3,243, in 1940 3,246 inhabitants. But at the same time,
there was growth in the suburbs of Oppe Sundby in Oppe Sundby
Municipality and Engbæk in Ude Sundby Landdistrikt, where a number of
people with work in Frederikssund settled.
At the census in 1930,
Frederikssund had 3,186 inhabitants, of which 250 supported themselves
by non-material activities, 1,302 by craft and industry, 607 by trade
etc., 328 by transport, 159 by agriculture, forestry and fishing, 196 by
housework, 287 were out of business and 57 had not stated the source of
income.
The post-war period
After the Second World War,
Frederikssund continued its population growth. In 1945 there were 3,557
inhabitants in the market town, in 1950 4,143 inhabitants, in 1955 5,213
inhabitants, in 1960 5,722 inhabitants and in 1965 6,805 inhabitants.
The suburban municipality Ude Sundby rural district had been so
developed that it was incorporated in its entirety on 1 April 1951.
Urban development led to the establishment of an urban development
committee, which drew up an urban development plan for the Frederikssund
area, including both the market town, the suburban municipality and
several rural municipalities.
The city's library is part of the association Frederikssund Libraries.