Discover Museum Nordsjælland – Five Museums, Five Unique Stories

Museum Nordsjælland brings history to life in the places where it happened. In Gilleleje, explore life in the old fishing village and learn about the Danish Jews' escape to Sweden. At Nakkehoved, historic lighthouses rise above the Kattegat, while Æbelholt Abbey takes you back to the world of medieval monks, medicine and monastic life. In Hillerød, the whole family can explore the town's history and thousands of years of North Zealand's cultural heritage.

Gilleleje Museum – Fishing Life, Seaside Holidays and the Escape to Sweden

In the heart of Gilleleje, this museum tells the story of the town through historic buildings, fishing traditions, seaside holidays and some of the most dramatic events in Danish history.

Explore several historic buildings and discover what life was like in the old fishing village. Step inside holiday homes from the 1950s and enjoy the atmosphere of the museum garden, with its old fruit trees and historic surroundings.

An important part of the museum tells the story of October 1943, when thousands of Danish Jews escaped across the Øresund to Sweden. Through eyewitness accounts, you can discover the experiences of those who fled and the local people who helped them.

Families will also find plenty of opportunities to explore, play and experience history in a way that appeals to children.

Nakkehoved Lighthouse – History with Views Across the Kattegat

Perched high above the coast east of Gilleleje, Nakkehoved Lighthouse is an ideal destination for combining history, nature and spectacular coastal views.

Nakkehoved actually consists of two historic lighthouses, the Western and Eastern Lighthouses. From the top of the Western Lighthouse, you can enjoy sweeping views across the Kattegat and, on clear days, see all the way to Sweden.

The former lighthouse keeper's residence is home to the Lighthouse History Museum, where stories of Danish lighthouses, seafaring and the many shipwrecks along the coast come to life. Discover why lighthouse beams could mean the difference between life and death for sailors throughout the centuries.

You can also combine your visit with a walk from Gilleleje. The coastal Lighthouse Trail leads from the town towards Nakkehoved, connecting the harbour atmosphere with the beautiful natural surroundings of the lighthouse.

Æbelholt Abbey – Monks, Medicinal Herbs and Medieval Mysteries

In the countryside west of Hillerød lie the ruins of one of Denmark's most important medieval monasteries.

Æbelholt Abbey was founded in the 12th century and, for several hundred years, was a place where people sought help, healing and spiritual guidance. Today, you can wander among the ruins and imagine the impressive monastery complex that once stood here.

Inside the small museum, skeletons and archaeological finds reveal fascinating stories of life – and death – in the Middle Ages. Discover how illnesses were treated and learn about the monks' knowledge of the human body and medieval medicine.

Take a stroll through the abbey garden, where more than 100 different medicinal herbs tell the story of how plants were used in medieval times. Some had healing properties, others were poisonous – and some could be both.

Hillerød Town Museum – Discover the Town's Past and Present

Close to Frederiksborg Castle Gardens, you can explore the history of Hillerød, from the age of kings to the modern town.

Hillerød Town Museum tells the story of a town that developed around royal power, trade, railways and industry. Large-scale models show how Hillerød has changed over the years, including the transformation brought about by the arrival of the railway.

You can also discover stories of the town's businesses and everyday life, including Nordsten Machine Factory, which was an important local employer for many years.

The museum is particularly well suited to families. Here, history is something children can touch, explore and play with. Young visitors can build, try hands-on activities and discover the museum in their own way. Museum Nordsjælland particularly recommends the museum for children aged approximately 2–12.

Elværket Hillerød – 10,000 Years of History Under One Roof

Where turbines once generated electricity for Hillerød, you will now find a museum filled with archaeology and fascinating stories from across North Zealand.

Built in 1909, Elværket's high-ceilinged turbine hall and distinctive red-brick building still reflect its industrial past. Today, the building hosts changing exhibitions exploring archaeology and cultural history.

In the exhibition North Zealanders Through the Ages – 100 Years of Museums, 10,000 Years of Stories, you can discover objects from many different periods, from archaeological finds and medieval treasures to more recent chapters of North Zealand's history.

Children can become archaeologists themselves in the museum's archaeology activity area, where they can try excavating a grave and uncovering the secrets of a skeleton. They can also dress up in historical costumes, try on chainmail, and explore the exhibitions through hands-on activities.