Mette: Time Stands Still Among the Old Fishermen’s Houses

1. Frederiksborg Castle

Frederiksborg Castle, with its beautiful chapel and the Museum of National History, is undoubtedly the place closest to my heart. As a child, I dreamed myself back to grand celebrations in the Great Hall, and later I became fascinated by Leonora Christina’s original manuscript of Jammersminde, the decorated ceilings, the many original pieces of furniture, and the historical paintings.

I held my confirmation in the Castle Chapel and have celebrated parties in the rooms where Rabarbergården Slottet is now located.

2. Museum Nordsjælland

In Hillerød, Museum Nordsjælland is spread across two locations – the Town Museum and Elværket – and the intimate scale of the buildings helps make the experience feel personal and accessible for children too.

Here, you step back into the history of Hillerød and get a sense of what life was like in the past, and how industry and craftsmanship helped the town grow.

3. Hundested Harbour

As a child, I swam at Trekanten here with my grandmother, who came from a local fishing family, and jumped into the waves from the old Grenå ferry. Today, I return during summer with family and friends to eat fresh fish and play mini golf on the beautiful course close to the cosy restaurants.

4. Gilleleje

Whenever I need a breath of sea air and a proper wind through my hair, I drive to Gilleleje Harbour.

Time stands still among the old fishermen’s houses, which have witnessed Swedish girls crossing the sea to help at the harbour and later marrying Danish fishermen, not to mention the serious history of Jewish refugees being transported across the Sound during World War II.

Here, you can walk in the footsteps of history while enjoying the season’s first ice cream cone or freshly caught fish at one of the cosy restaurants.

5. Rudolph Tegner Museum

One of my favourite museums is out in the countryside near Dronningmølle, where sculptor Rudolph Tegner built his museum and sculpture park.

The dramatic sculptures are filled with symbolism and stories, and outside, they stand widely spaced apart, allowing you to wander alone through the wild landscape and enjoy the peace for reflection and contemplation.

6. A Living Town

When I’m looking for life and a cosy atmosphere, I go for a walk in Hillerød. Depending on my mood, I either seek the energy of the town or look up to discover art and history in the streetscape. Impressive mural paintings are hidden throughout the town, from Lena Heegaard’s two works in Helsingørsgade to Niels Macholm’s painting on Sdr. Jernbanevej and the old Carlsberg mural near Rosenhaven beside Frederiksborg Castle.