Hotel Frederiksminde
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality |
| Founded | 1870 |
| Headquarters | Præstø , Denmark |
Key people | Jonas Mikkelsen (head chef since 2010) |
| Products | Hotel, restaurant |
Hotel Frederiksminde is a hotel and dining establishment located within a park area in Præstø, Vordingborg Municipality, Denmark. Since 2016, its restaurant has been recognized with one star in the Michelin Guide.
History
The site originally hosted an Anthonian priory founded in 1470, which was seized during the Reformation and subsequently demolished in 1563.
For much of the following period, the land was primarily agricultural until the early 1700s when a military facility was constructed. The current hotel location once accommodated officers’ quarters, while barracks and stables for 100 to 150 dragoons were situated near what is now Præstø Private School. The military vacated these premises by the late 18th century.
By the mid-1800s, Klosterhaven was transformed into a leisure park featuring approximately 1,500 plants sourced from royal nurseries. In 1868, with backing from the Craftsmen's Guild (Håndværkerforeningen), the community issued shares to finance a pavilion intended as both a social and entertainment venue. Opened on 2 May 1870 and named Frederiksminde after a bust of Frederick VII installed two years earlier, the facility faced financial difficulties and was sold to the Craftsmen's Guild at auction after five years.
Subsequent improvements included park renovations and building expansions completed in 1901. In 1926, the main hall was extended to accommodate seating for 200 guests along with an additional 60 seats on the balcony.
The property was later converted into a hotel and experienced several ownership changes until 2003, when Hong Kong entrepreneur Hans Michael Jepsen, noted for restoring historic Danish estates, purchased it. He leased it to Silje Brenna, and after significant refurbishment, Hotel Frederiksminde reopened its doors in 2007.
Restaurant
In 2010, Jonas Mikkelsen took over as head chef. The restaurant earned its first Michelin star in February 2016 with the launch of the Michelin Guide for Nordic countries, maintaining this distinction through 2017 and 2018.