Gourmet Smørrebrød with a View

Skipperhuset in Fredensborg

Classic Danish smørrebrød (open-faced rye bread sandwiches) meets modern finesse on the shores of Esrum Sø. The service is warm, the food delicious, and the view can make you lose track of time.

Dianna Brinch

Gourministeriet

Discover Skipperhuset in Fredensborg, a lunch gem on the shores of Esrum Sø serving modern smørrebrød – Danish open sandwiches.

Jes has been to Skipperhuset a couple of times, but this was my first visit – a restaurant in the historic grounds behind Fredensborg Palace, right on the edge of Esrum Sø. When we finally had the chance to cycle down for lunch (yes, slightly sweaty), we were completely won over.

Atmosphere, location and service

The restaurant occupies old buildings dating from 1757, and the meeting of rustic charm and modern gastronomy works beautifully. You sit with a view of the lake – and feel both welcome and at ease. The service was warm and professional. We had been advised to book a table, and it really made the difference: we watched several people being turned away because they had arrived without a reservation.

What we ate

Going by the receipt and the lunch menu, we enjoyed:

Ruth’s curried herring – classic curry salad with a soft-boiled egg (120 kr.)
Plaice with prawns – deep-fried, with prawns, remoulade (the Danish sweet-pickled kind) and lemon (155 kr.)
Koldskål (Danish cold buttermilk dessert soup) – served with crumble and raspberry sorbet (115 kr.)
Signature: Løvemad – beef tartare, egg yolk, Baerii caviar & onion mayonnaise (195 kr.)
White wine, modestly placed on the list (750 kr. a bottle) – a perfect match for the food
Child-friendly: Kids’ fish – traditional fried fish with chips (300 kr. for two portions)
We also pinched a potato smørrebrød on the side (120 kr.)
Last but not least: chilled mineral water and soft drinks.

The home-made dishes hit the mark. The curried herring balanced the piquant salad with the mild flavour of egg, and the plaice was crisp in its coating, with a fresh squeeze of lemon and a rounded remoulade. The koldskål was light and refreshing – a perfect in-between course. The Løvemad was an elegant twist on tartare – and yes, it is a signature dish that tastes sinfully good, with a touch of luxury. The children’s fish was simple and well executed, and the potato was good in its simplicity. The view only made the food taste better.

Price and value

The bill came to 1,960 kr. including tip – a fair price for a gourmet lunch in historic surroundings by the water. Definitely five stars for value and experience.

The lunch menu at Skipperhuset

Skipperhuset celebrates classic Danish smørrebrød in a modern form – made from scratch with the finest produce and served on the shores of Esrum Sø. The lunch menu is both familiar and inventive, with signature dishes, snacks and child-friendly options.

Smørrebrød (120–195 kr., 2–3 pieces per person recommended):

Ruth’s curried herring – curry salad, egg (120 kr.)

Blackcurrant herring – quail’s egg, horseradish cream (120 kr.)

Salt-baked celeriac – truffle mayonnaise (120 kr.)

Potato – pancetta, truffle mayonnaise (120 kr.)

Deep-fried plaice – prawns, mayo, lemon (155 kr.)

Fish cake – tartare sauce (120 kr.)

Cold-smoked salmon – pickled cucumber, horseradish cream (120 kr.)

Veal brisket – Italian salad (Danish pea-and-carrot mayonnaise salad) (120 kr.)

Chicken salad – grilled broccoli, bacon (120 kr.)

Pickled white herring (120 kr.)

Signature dishes (195 kr.):

Skipper toast – lobster, prawns, herbs, brioche, Baerii caviar (5g)

Løvemad – beef tartare with egg yolk, caviar & mayo

Other:

Koldskål – crumble and raspberry sorbet (115 kr.)

Cheese & sweets – strawberry cake, sorbet or pancakes (115 kr.)

Highlights:

Skipper Allé 6, 3480 Fredensborg – on the loveliest stretch of shoreline along Esrum Sø.
What we ate: Ruth’s curried herring, deep-fried plaice with prawns, koldskål, Løvemad, kids’ fish, potato and original signature dishes.
Highlights: Modern smørrebrød with classic depth, Løvemad as the signature, historic setting, views over the water – exactly what you dream of.
Price & rating: 960 kr. – five stars for value and experience.
Atmosphere & service: Warm, professional and attentive. Very popular – book a table.
Photos: We have photos from earlier visits – unfortunately the ones from this particular visit were deleted, but the atmosphere still shines through in the older pictures.

Address

Skipper Allé 6
3480 Fredensborg

Website

Phone: +45 48 48 10 12
Web: www.skipperhuset.dk

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