Skipperhuset

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Skipperhuset

Skipperhuset is a small group of historic buildings in Fredensborg, Denmark, by Lake Esrum. Today it houses the Lake Esrum Boat Service and a year‑round restaurant called Skipperhuset.

History
- In the 1720s, King Frederick IV planned a new Fredensborg Palace nearby and ordered a royal boat for use on Lake Esrum. The boat was built in Copenhagen and had two masts, a royal cabin, flags, and small cannons; it was crewed by a naval lieutenant and eight rowers.
- The boathouse was built around 1725–26, designed by Johan Cornelius Krieger, who also designed the palace.
- The king’s boat was retired in 1790. The complex later became a laundry (from 1866), because Lake Esrum water was good for whitening clothes. The laundry closed in 1954. The buildings were used for storage until renovation in 1990–93.

Buildings
- Chaluphuset (The Shaloop House) is the boathouse. It has timber framing and a tall water gate wide enough for the royal yacht. A matching gate was built on the opposite end so Frederick IV could enjoy the view on arrival. Chaluphuset was listed as a heritage site in 1918.
- The Leaning Tower, Det Skæve Tårn, was the navigator’s residence. At the rear is Beghuset (The Pitch House), used for preparing pitch and tar for ships.

Use today
- Bådfarten Esrum Sø operates boat trips on Lake Esrum from Skipperhuset.
- Skipperhuset restaurant is open all year for lunch and dinner. The site is also used for exhibitions and can be booked for events.

Image gallery
- The article includes photos of the boathouse and chaluphuset.

Further reading
- Hartmann, Godtfred, and Rasmussen, Jørgen B.: Skipperhuset. Frederik IV’s bådhus ved Fredensborg Slot. 1994.

External links
- Restaurant Skipperhuset
- Bådfarten Esrum Sø