The par force hunting landscape in North Zealand
By Rebecca
What is the par force hunting landscape in North Zealand?
The par force hunting landscape in North Zealand is a large forest and nature preserve located north of Copenhagen. The forest area was designed in the 17th century for the Danish kings to practice par force hunting.
Par force hunting, also known as hunting with hounds, was a popular form of hunting in the 17th and 18th centuries, where deer were chased to exhaustion before being killed by the king.
The par force hunting landscape stretches over 11,120 acres (4,500 hectares), and officially there are nine parts of it, but the three main areas are:
Jægersborg Deer Park and Enclosure is the most well-known and most-visited part of this UNESCO-protected area in North Zealand.
You will mostly hear the par force hunting landscape referred to as “the Deer Park” or Dyrehaven in Danish, short for Jægersborg Dyrehave.
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Why is the par force hunting landscape in North Zealand a UNESCO World Heritage site?
The par force hunting landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage site because it’s a rare, well-preserved example of royal hunting landscapes.
According to UNESCO, this landscape “exceptionally exemplifies how the interchange of Baroque values in Europe influenced developments in landscape design in the 17th-18th centuries, as well as how the rise of scientific thought started to influence the European landscape design.”
The forest areas were laid out in a grid of star-shaped roads and paths that would improve the king and his court’s hunting experience, while also showcasing the monarch’s absolute power and mastery over nature. “The orthogonal geometry conceived for its design improved the octagon or circle-based star network used in French or German examples.”
What can you expect on a visit to this hunting landscape in North Zealand?
When you visit the Deer Park, you can expect to find a beautifully-planned landscape with dirt trails leading you through lush green forests and massive open fields.
In the center of the Deer Park, on a small hilltop overlooking a large open field, you’ll find the King’s old hunting lodge, the Hermitage Palace.
The stars of the show in the Deer Park are the free-ranging deer that you can meet throughout the forest. The deer population consists of around 300 red deer, 1,600 fallow deer, and 300 sika deer. The deer are cared for by professional caretakers who make sure they are fed appropriately throughout the year.
The park maintains a unique dual role as a world heritage site and a public park, where you can experience centuries-old oak trees alongside herds of free-ranging deer.
Is this area in North Zealand worth visiting?
Yes, it is worth visiting for a relaxing day trip from Copenhagen. Copenhagen’s Deer Park is still a bit of a unknown destination near Copenhagen for international travelers. It’s a great way to experience nature and Danish history at the same time.
What sorts of travelers would like the par force hunting landscape in North Zealand?
The par force hunting landscape is best for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and nature.
The best way to visit the Deer Park is by walking through the landscape on your own. It is also possible to explore the Deer Park on a guided bicycle tour, by renting a bike, or by taking a horse-drawn carriage tour through the forest.
Tips for visiting the par force hunting landscape
The best time to visit is during the autumn (September to October) when the deer are mating and more active.
The summertime is also beautiful, and perfect for a picnic under the old trees and a refreshing dip in the sea at the nearby Bellevue Beach. However, you are less likely to get to experience the deer.
You should definitely remember to bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the beautiful forest and, if you are lucky, the herds of deer. However, under no circumstances should you feed the deer or try to touch them.
For visiting the Deer Park, remember to put on comfortable clothes and walking shoes as the forest area is massive.
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You can easily combine your visit to the Deer Park with a visit to the world’s oldest amusement park, Bakken, located right inside the forest.
And while you’re in this part of Denmark, don’t miss the nearby UNESCO sites Kronborg Castle and Roskilde Cathedral.
Where is the par force hunting landscape in North Zealand?
The Deer Park is located around 9.3 miles (15 km) from Copenhagen city center.
The main entrance to the forest is a short walk from the Klampenborg train station.
You can get to the park by car or train:
- By car: From Copenhagen city center, it takes around 30 minutes by car to the main entrance of the Deer Park at Klampenborg Station. If you want to explore outlying parts of the forest, there are multiple other entrance points further away. At most of the entrances to the Deer Park, there are parking spaces available, and most are free of charge.
- By public transportation: From Copenhagen, take the local red S-train F-line or the regional train to Klampenborg Station. The train ride takes around 20 minutes. From there, it’s around a 10-minute walk to the main entrance of the Deer Park.
The Deer Park is open all year round, and admission is free of charge.
For more information about the Deer Park and the par force hunting landscape in North Zealand, its opening hours and admission fees, see its official website.
Have you been to this former royal hunting park? If so, do you have any additional information or advice about this UNESCO World Heritage site? Please add your comments below!