“A well-visited restaurant for forest guests already in the mid-1700s?” That’s what people were saying about Fortunen. It stands as a portal to Jægersborg Dyrehave. For over 300 years, it has been a favorite destination for kings and Copenhageners.
Let’s explore the rich history of Fortunen, a neighborhood north of Copenhagen, in Lyngby-Taarbæk Municipality. It’s south of Hjortekær and east of Lundtofte and Kongens Lyngby. Jægersborg Dyrehave lies to its east.
Fortunen’s story stretches back to at least 1670. In 1766, it gained royal permission to operate an inn. But its significance goes back even further.
Christian V, who reigned from 1670 to 1699, erected the first Fortunen as a forester’s residence in 1696. Inspired by parforce hunting at the court of the Sun King in France, Christian V enclosed what is now Jægersborg Dyrehave. He used Fortunen as his base for these hunts. The forester’s house was converted into a restaurant. In 1766, Fortunen received its Royal Charter as an inn.
The original building has seen many changes. It has been rebuilt and expanded after fires. The buildings you see today date back to 1937.
Fortunen’s location is strategic. It sits about 50 meters above sea level. This high position made it a key point in Copenhagen’s fortifications in the late 1800s. In 1893, Fortunfortet was completed. It still stands today. The fort’s purpose was to protect Copenhagen from attacks from the north. The plan included flooding the area south of Fortunen. Water from Mølledammen at Lyngby Sø would flow through a dug trench. It would inundate the area across the current Klampenborg racecourse to Øresund.
From many of the hotel’s windows, you can see the peaceful world of red deer and fallow deer. At Hotel Fortunen, you’re surrounded by nature. Yet, you are only 15 km from the center of Copenhagen.
Today, Bettina Andersen and Hanne Pedersen run Fortunen. They welcome guests to enjoy its historical charm. They also offer culinary delights like flambéed veal tenderloin tartar, butter-steamed cod with leeks, and pickled melon with burnt white chocolate.
As you stand here at Fortunen, imagine the kings. Imagine the Copenhageners who have sought refuge and pleasure here for centuries. Feel the history beneath your feet. Breathe in the fresh air of Jægersborg Dyrehave. Fortunen is more than just a place. It’s a living story, a testament to Denmark’s rich past and enduring connection to nature.