On 1 July 1560 there was an exchange of real property between Frederik II and Herluf Trolle, the naval hero. The King acquired Trolle's manor Hillerødsholm, while the naval hero acquired the King's manor Skovkloster in South Zealand. Both properties were renamed: Hillerødsholm became Frederiksborg and Skovkloster became Herlufsholm.
Frederiksborg Castle was situated on three islets in the Castle Lake. The main building on the third islet consisted of two long houses with twin towers like those of Roskilde Cathedral. The castle was not quite big enough for a king, so Frederik II began to make additions. Herluf Trolle stayed on for another two years, holding the estate in fief to the King, and he was in charge of the construction of some of the buildings on the first islet.
The round towers
The two round towers from 1562 and the building called Herluf Trolle's Tower just inside the town gate have survived from that time. The King erected a number of additional buildings on the islet that are still to be seen today, including the two wings flanking Staldgaden. Frederik II also built the elegant little palace, the Bath House, in the Castle Gardens.
Read more about Christian IV's castle here
Last updated:: Monday, December 05, 2011
