Fredensborg Palace is frequently called Denmark´s Versailles. The elegant Baroque palace was named by King Frederik IV, whose mind was occupied by peace at that time, and who wanted to commemorate the ending of the Great Northern War in 1772 (Fredensborg Slot literally means the Place of Peace). The peace accord ending hostilities between Sweden and Denmark was signed while the place was being built.The palace was extended and improved during the 18th century by the likes of Danish architect Nicolai Eigtved, who also was responsible for a large part of inner Copenhagen. The palace has frequently been used as the setting for important events in the life of the Danish Royal Family – wedding receptions, silver wedding anniversaries and birthday parties. State leaders from around the world have been received in the palace during official state visits, and foreign ambassadors submit their official credentials to the Danish Queen at the palace. It has been a long held tradition for visiting state leaders to inscribe their names in one of the palace Windows using a diamond pen.
A popular attraction is the changing of the guard taking place every day at noon. The guard turns here but only when the royal family is there.
