The palatial hunting lodge Eremitagen (The Hermitage) lies at the highest point in Dyrehaven (the Deer Park) on the edge of Copenhagen. The park was established as a hunting domain in 1670 by King Christian V. Eremitagen was built in 1734-36 for Christian VI, replacing a previous more modest and dilapidated hunting lodge. It is beautifully situated and can be seen widely across the park from both west and east. The view to the east from the house looks across the sea to Sweden (last picture above).

The house was designed by Laurids de Thurah with Rococo motifs of the Late Baroque period. The ground floor is plain except for the horizontal grooving and the entrance on the main facade, with its columns supporting a balcony. Broad steps lead up to the entrance. Also on the main facade, projecting end bays with round pediments. Pilasters in pairs across the first floor and free-standing corner columns. Composite capitals (i.e. Corinthian-Ionic). Many Rococo decorations on the facades, and on the chimneys. Mythological hunting figures in niches and on the copper-covered mansard roof. A portrait in relief of Christian VI over the balcony doors.

The pilaster pairs continue around all sides together with the corner columns. Stags heads under the balcony on the east facade. King Christian V died in 1699 of injuries received while fighting a stag outside the previous hunting lodge.

The name Eremitage came from France. It  referred to the idea that the lodge be a retreat after the hunt for a meal, undisturbed by other people (a hermitage). The servant stayed in the kitchen in the cellar where they prepared and set a table to be hoisted up to the dining room through a hatch in the floor.