Bernstorff Palace
Castle 18th-century Danish palace with landscaped English gardens
North of Copenhagen, Bernstorff Palace dates to the 18th century and sits in an English-style park. Visitors use the grounds for walks, picnics and seasonal cultural events in the Charlottenlund area.
Bernstorff Palace is an 18th-century country house and estate in the Capital Region of Denmark, set within a large landscaped park. It was constructed for the Bernstorff family as a rural residence outside Copenhagen.
The estate comprises the palace building and surrounding parkland laid out in an English landscape style, with tree-lined avenues and open lawns suitable for walking and seasonal events. The grounds are a common recreational area for residents and visitors and are used for concerts and public gatherings when scheduled.
The palace was built in the mid-18th century for Count Johann Hartwig Ernst von Bernstorff and has remained a notable example of Danish country house architecture from that era. Over time the property has changed ownership and use but has retained its park and manor-house character.
The palace and park sit in Gentofte municipality on the northern outskirts of Greater Copenhagen, approximately 10 kilometres from the city centre and within the suburban belt north of the capital.
- Distance from Copenhagen: Located in Gentofte municipality about 10 kilometres north of central Copenhagen, making it easily reached from the city by car or public transport.
- Period and type: The palace dates to the 18th century and stands as one of several country houses built for aristocratic families north of Copenhagen during that period.
What to See #
- Bernstorff Park: A landscaped English-style park laid out around the palace grounds with mature trees, walking paths and open lawns that are accessible to the public.
How to Get to Bernstorff Palace #
Bernstorff Palace (Bernstorff Slot) is in Charlottenlund just north of Copenhagen. From central Copenhagen take regional or S‑train services toward the northern suburbs (Klampenborg/Charlottenlund area) and then walk through Bernstorff Park to the palace (around a 10-20 minute walk from the nearest suburban station). By car it’s a short drive north from Copenhagen along the coastal Strandvejen (the main coastal road), roughly a 10 km transfer depending on your start point.
Tips for Visiting Bernstorff Palace #
- Check opening times before you go: the palace itself has limited public access but the surrounding Bernstorffparken is open year‑round and hosts the best sights for most visitors.
- Visit in late April-May to catch the park's rhododendron displays at their peak.
- Use public transport (S‑train to Hellerup or nearby stations) and follow the marked paths from the station into the park to avoid limited on‑site parking.
Best Time to Visit Bernstorff Palace #
Late spring through summer is best for Bernstorff Palace if you want the gardens and grounds at their most attractive.
Weather & Climate near Bernstorff Palace #
Bernstorff Palace's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -2°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (608 mm/year).
January
January is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 65 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.