Luise Gomard: The Most Important Thing on the Schedule Is an Afternoon Nap

1. The Esrum Å Trail and Dragstrup’s Wing

Around Dronningmølle, there are still places that haven’t yet become part of the mainstream story. One of them is the trail along Esrum Å.

It begins by the church in Villingerød, close to Tegner Museum, and winds through an open, peaceful landscape. From there, it continues towards Gilleleje Golf Club, where fields have been transformed into wildflower meadows, before ending in Dragstrup with views across the restored Lake Søborg.

The walk becomes especially exciting after June, when a beautiful sculpture by Gerda Thune Andersen called The Wing will be inaugurated on the hilltop in Dragstrup.

The unveiling takes place on Saturday, 6 June at 1 pm – everyone is welcome. Gerda herself never got to see the work installed, as she passed away during the winter, so it will stand as a final monument to a remarkable sculptor. Along the way to Villingerød, you’ll also find small roadside farm stalls.

2. Munkeruphus and Esrum Abbey

I would also recommend Munkeruphus and Esrum Abbey – places where art, history, and landscape blend beautifully together.

3. Food by the Coast

By the coast, Fyrkroen has the very best terrace views over the water, where you can enjoy a traditional open sandwich. Further east, it’s the atmosphere at Hornbækhus that draws me in. The place also has a special connection to Elna and Rudolph Tegner, who stayed there when they cycled out one summer day in 1916 and discovered Rusland.

4. Food and Shops in Tisvilde

Around Tisvilde, there are so many wonderful places to eat: Strandkiosken, Kroen, Von Edel, Kongernes, Badehotellet, Kildegården, Rabarbergården and Strandhotellet. The coffee is excellent at The Little Café and Kalla Kalla, and Roasted makes a really great breakfast roll.

The best shop on the main street is my friend Sussie’s store Fortællinger, Andrea Elisabet Rudolph’s pop-up Bobben, which carries both her own brand and vintage parasols and deckchairs from Worsaae, and of course Mille and H66.

5. Music and Summer Concerts in Tisvilde

I’m looking forward to the annual garden concerts with Thomas Koppel, especially the one with him and his son at Havesalonen, which also includes a lovely lunch and gatherings with wonderful people such as the iconic art historian Alice Fanø and others who spend their summers in the area. 
I miss the old location of Musik i Lejet, which I visited every year, but I’ll definitely stop by the new site again this summer.

6. Relaxation and Closeness in Tisvilde

What I love most about summers in Tisvilde is the intimacy of it all. A dinner on the terrace with my children and friends, or eating from a plate on the steps leading down to the water while looking at the sunset. Stopping by the neighbours for a chat and a drink before dinner. Morning swims in the sea or cycling trips to the fishmonger in Vejby and Kødsnedkeren.

7. Sauna Rituals on the Beach

Sauna rituals in one of the beautiful beach huts with Kim Fini, “The Sauna Troll,” who definitely talks too much ;). But that’s part of the charm, and this is where I once experienced swimming among bioluminescence at night. It was truly magical moving through the water while tiny lights illuminated with every movement.

8. Knud Wiedevelt Observatory

Knud Wiedevelt Observatory is a truly special place. The people working there are incredibly dedicated and deeply knowledgeable. It’s a small place with a huge telescope. Apparently, the sky above the observatory is especially suited for stargazing. Another fascinating place is Kagerup Sawmill, where we in the Gribskov Art Council arranged several performances last year.

9. Lynæs Surfcenter

But whether you surf or not, I can highly recommend spending a few hours in Lynæs. There’s a genuinely relaxed atmosphere at Strandbaren for lunch and at Madbaren in the evening. I visited several times last year. People are simply in a good mood there.

10. Lake Søborg and Vinderød Cemetery

On my to-do list this year is a walk across the footbridge over Lake Søborg, and I also want to visit Vinderød Cemetery, which is said to be the most beautiful cemetery in Denmark.