Picture this. You are standing before Lottenborg Kro. Its history whispers from the very stones.
Lottenborg Kro isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a living testament to centuries of Danish history. Located near Sorgenfri Palace it began life as a gatekeeper’s house. This humble dwelling guarded the entrance to Virum’s pastures. It kept cattle off the main road.
The name Lottenborg itself is a royal story. It was named after Princess Charlotte. She was the daughter of Frederick Hereditary Prince of Denmark and Princess Sophie Frederikke. Charlotte was born in 1789. Her brother became Christian VIII. Charlotte later married Prince William of Hesse-Kassel. Their daughter Louise married Prince Christian of Glücksburg. He became Christian IX the first Danish king of the House of Glücksburg.
Lottenborg Kro transformed into a popular roadside restaurant. Imagine Hans Christian Andersen B S Ingemann and Hans Christian Ørsted enjoying meals here. They were among the many notable figures who frequented this place.
The road itself has changed. Frederiksdalvej became Hummeltoftevej in 1934. A new road was built to avoid demolishing Lottenborg. The old road section was renamed Lottenborgvej.
For many years Lottenborg Kro belonged to restaurateur Ernst Høegh-Hansen and his widow Agnete. Agnete left Lottenborg to Lyngby-Taarbæk Municipality when she died in 1993. The municipality later sold it in 2011.
Today Lottenborg Kro continues its legacy. It’s open for lunch Thursday through Sunday. It stands as a reminder of royal connections and historic crossroads. It’s a place where history and delicious food meet. A place worth savoring.