Experience North Zealand from horseback
North Zealand's rich natural landscape has much to offer, even for riders. So bring your horse on vacation and create a lot of new memories.
Horseback Riding in North Zealand
In North Zealand, it is possible to ride in a variety of natural areas. In many places, you can move directly from one area to another. Most of the forests in North Zealand are state-owned, allowing riders to access them free of charge. The landscape varies greatly from one area to another, making it possible to ride for several days and experience something new each day.
Both horse and rider can stay overnight at one of North Zealand's "horse hotels," and in many forests and along the riding routes, there are designated rest paddocks and hitching posts. It is also possible to rent a horse and join guided tours through the forest.
Bring your horse along for an overnight stay at Dyrehavehus in Hillerød and join guided horseback rides in the Parforce Woods near Store Dyrehave and Gribskov.
Discover the history of Gribskov, from wild woodland to royal hunting grounds and natural forest. Explore its heritage, wildlife and UNESCO landscape.
The Par Force Hunting Landscape is a UNESCO-World Heritage. Store Dyrehave (the Great Deer Park), Gribskov and Jægersborg Dyrehave (Jægersborg Deerpark) are designed as a stage for the great act unfolding when the scene for the absolute and powerful king engaged in his favourite type of hunting: The par force hunting.
Strengthen the bond between you and your horse at the new TREC course in Hillerød. An 800-meter-long course with 30 different tasks. Pack the trailer and get going!
The Best Places to Go Horseback Riding
In North Zealand, you'll find many large and beautiful natural areas for horseback riding. Forests like Tisvilde Hegn and Gribskov are especially rider-friendly. If you prefer shorter rides, you can explore several smaller forests, such as Valby Hegn near Helsinge or Græsted-Aggebo Hegn near Græsted. The large Parforce Hunting Landscape is also worth a visit. With its history and beautiful symmetry, it offers a fantastic area for riding.
Experience World Heritage on Horseback
In the forests of North Zealand, you can still see the straight hunting roads intersecting in regular star-shaped patterns, dividing the forests into large triangles. These roads were established by King Christian V in the 1600s for parforce hunting.
The historic, royal hunting landscape is an incredible area for horseback riding. Beautiful nature, fascinating cultural traces, excellent riding trails, and plenty of cozy rest areas make a ride through the Parforce Hunting Landscape in North Zealand a unique experience.
You can read more at parforce.dk, where you’ll also find descriptions of the various riding routes. The route descriptions are also available in the app "Parforce Rideruterne".
FAQ
Are you allowed to ride on open fields?
It is not allowed to ride on land and fields used for farming without the owner's permission. In open landscapes, riding is permitted on public paths and roads unless there is signage indicating that riding is prohibited.
Which side of the road should you ride on?
On public roads and in traffic, you should ride single file on the right side of the road. If you're riding a young and more nervous horse, you should ride alongside a rider on a more experienced and calm horse, with the experienced horse riding on the outside toward the traffic, and you riding closer to the road's edge. Always be aware of your surroundings, not only the traffic but also what is happening in gardens and driveways along the road.
Is it allowed to ride on the danish beaches?
According to the Nature Conservation Act, it is allowed to ride on the unvegetated beach from September 1st to May 31st, provided there is legal access via roads or paths. If cars are allowed on the beach, riding is also permitted there year-round. However, there are no beaches in North Zealand where cars are allowed!
During the summer period, it is generally not allowed to bring your horse to the beach. However, there are beaches where riding on the beach and bathing with your horse is permitted all year around. Read more and find additional information and guidelines for horseback riding on the Nature Agency's website.