7 Reasons to Travel Out of Copenhagen and Up to North Zealand for the Weekend
City life is great — but sometimes you just need fresh air, space, and new impressions. Forget flight tickets and long drives. Instead, head north to North Zealand — Denmark’s own Riviera with nature, culture, coastline, and vibrant towns right around the corner.
1. History, Castle Charm, and Culture
Experience magnificent Renaissance castles, royal gardens, and international art museums with sea views. It’s culture and beautiful architecture you can feel — without long travel times.
Visit Frederiksborg Castle, Fredensborg Palace, and Esrum Abbey
2. Ride Through Forests and Along the Coast
There are so many ways to get around — one of them is by bike. Cycle along the coast and breathe in the scent of salt and rose hips. Ride deep into the forests and follow the symmetrical paths of the Par Force Hunting Landscape — which is, by the way, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can bring your own bike or rent one when you arrive.
3. Art Connected to Nature
Yes, there are art museums in North Zealand — they just happen to be out in nature. If you don’t want to step straight from a museum onto a beach, stroll among red and purple rhododendron bushes, or take a photo with a sculpture in a rolling landscape, then you might as well stay home.
4. Beaches as Far as the Eye Can See
Isn’t there something wonderful about seeing a sandy beach? And then another? And another? In North Zealand, there are up to 100 kilometers of coastline where you can sunbathe, jump in the water, and even buy ice cream by the shore.
5. Sea Gulls, Fish & Chips, and Harbour Town Charm
Yes, you may have to tussle with the seagulls over your fish fillet — but honestly, would it really be a proper harbour without that? In Gilleleje and Hundested, you get the real harbour experience — fishing boats coming and going, locals on mopeds, and that unmistakable coastal atmosphere.
Visit Gilleleje Harbour and Hundested Harbour
6. Bring the Kids Along
Got kids with energy to burn? Take them to North Zealand — you can visit farm parks, roam among sand sculptures, get lost in a maze, or have fun creating in museum studios as artists or even as little kings and queens.
Things to Do with Your Kids in North Zealand
7. It Takes at Most an Hour and a Half by Train
…And all of this is less than two hours away. Of course, you can take your own car — or borrow one if you don’t have one — but it’s just as easy to go by train. Take the Coastal Line (Kystbanen) or the S-Train from Copenhagen and change to the yellow local train further north. You can even bring your bike for free — just remember to “press stop” when you’re getting off, just like on a bus.
Bonus Tip
Sure, it’s easy to get there and back in one day. But sometimes you want to stretch that holiday feeling a bit longer — so consider an overnight stay. Sleep at charming seaside hotels, let the fresh air lull you to sleep in a shelter, or how about a glamping tent with real beds instead? And when it’s time to eat… North Zealand also has lots of farm shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore.
Not convinced yet? Here’s more inspiration
