Christina Bendix: Since I Was a Child, the Sea Has Been My Ultimate Go-To

1. The Sea, The Light, and The Open Horizons

Ever since I was a child, the sea and the water have been my ultimate go-to places. It’s the sound of the waves, the scent of the sea, the sun reflecting on the water, the delicate patterns in the sand shaped by the movement of the tides, and the endless horizon that captivate me.

In Hundested, and especially along the stretch of coastline from Knud Rasmussen’s House towards Kikhavn, there is something truly unique. The landscape rises and falls gently, giving you stunning views across the Isefjord. The light here is extraordinary, and the sunsets can be absolutely breathtaking.

A walk along this coastline offers so much: peace, time for reflection, and pure visual beauty.

2. By The Water´s Edge – Bendix Copenhagen

Naturally, Bendix Copenhagen is one of my own hidden gems. I have always been fascinated by contrasts and the unexpected, and Hundested Harbour has exactly that.

In an old fishing town, surrounded by active boatyards, industry, pleasure boats, restaurants, and beaches, we present craftsmanship, design, and exclusive materials right by the waterfront. Gold, rare pearls, and sparkling gemstones create a striking contrast to the raw and authentic surroundings of Hundested Harbour.

High quality in a welcoming and down-to-earth atmosphere appeals to me, and, as we experience every day, also to the visitors who find their way into our shop and workshop.

3. Tothaven´s Handmade Ice Cream 

Authenticity at its very best – I am completely addicted to Tothaven’s handmade ice cream pops. A familiar scenario, and probably a little more often than is healthy, is that on a warm summer’s day, I close our shop at Hundested Harbour and head straight to the small visitor farm Tothaven. They are closed by the time I finish work, but thankfully, they have created a miniature self-service shop that stays open until 8 pm.

There you can buy their absolutely fantastic ice cream pops and other delicious products from their dairy. All the flavours are wonderful, but I often choose the Liquorice Gelato before making my way straight to the beach. There, I enjoy this little necessity before taking a swim in the sea and soaking up the evening sun. It really doesn’t get much better than that.

4. Café Flora in Gilleleje

The incredibly delicious blueberry pancakes, juices, bread, colourful dishes, and cakes at Café Flora on Vesterbrogade in Gilleleje are the reason for my frequent visits to the town. The chairs may be a little wobbly, and you may be sitting quite close to the other guests, but none of that matters when the food is this good. Everything feels completely homemade – and I actually think it is. It feels a bit like being at home. I have been visiting Café Flora for many years, and I fully intend to continue doing so.

5. My Mother´s Castle - Frederiksborg Castle

You can hardly call Frederiksborg Castle a hidden gem, but for me, the castle and its gardens are first and foremost connected to countless memories. For more than 30 years, my mother has created cultural events centred around the castle. Beyond the personal connection, Frederiksborg Castle is, objectively speaking, one of Denmark’s greatest cultural treasures. The site is steeped in history, and whenever I visit, I find myself imagining what life was like when noble families lived here.

There are countless fascinating facts and myths associated with both the castle and its surroundings, and I can highly recommend visiting the castle museum as well as exploring the beautiful landscape around it. The Baroque Garden, the lakes, and the surrounding woodlands create a wonderful oasis to wander through. I never grow tired of it.