Guide to Accommodation and Attractions in North Zealand

Kronborg Castle in Helsingør (Elsinore) is one of Denmark’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known worldwide as Hamlet’s Castle from Shakespeare’s play, it is a must-see attraction on any trip to North Zealand or a day trip from Copenhagen. Step inside and explore the impressive 63-metre Knights’ Hall – the largest banquet hall in Northern Europe – and admire the stunning Renaissance architecture, royal chambers, and exquisite tapestries. Outside, you can stroll through the manicured castle gardens and enjoy views of the Øresund Strait, which separates Denmark and Sweden.

Deep below the castle, you will meet the legendary Holger Danske, the sleeping warrior who, according to Danish folklore, will rise to protect Denmark in times of need.

Location tip: Kronborg Castle is just a short walk from Danhostel Helsingør, making it the perfect base if you want to stay overnight by the coast. Right next door, you can also visit the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark, built into a former dry dock.

Learn more about Kronborg Castle and plan your visit while staying in Helsingør.

Fredensborg Castle – The Versailles of Denmark

Fredensborg Castle, located in North Zealand, is one of the most important royal residences in Denmark and is often called the "Versailles of Denmark" due to its copper spire, grand architecture, and beautiful Baroque gardens. The castle is the spring and autumn residence of Queen Margrethe II and often hosts official state visits and royal events.

Visitors can enjoy walks in the magnificent Baroque castle gardens, which are among the largest historical gardens in Denmark. Highlights include the formal parterre, the tree-lined avenues, the private royal garden, herb garden, and the charming orangery. The gardens are open to the public most of the year, while guided tours of selected castle rooms are available during the summer season.

Plan your visit to Fredensborg Castle and discover why it is one of Denmark’s most elegant royal landmarks.

 

The city of Roskilde, just 30 minutes west of Copenhagen, is one of Denmark’s most historic destinations. Once the country’s capital, Roskilde is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed cathedral and its unique Viking heritage.

Roskilde Cathedral is the royal burial place for more than 40 Danish kings and queens, including Queen Margrethe I and King Christian IV. The Gothic cathedral, built in the 12th century, is a masterpiece of brick architecture and a must-see for history and culture enthusiasts.

Another highlight is the world-renowned Viking Ship Museum, located by Roskilde Fjord. Here you can see five original Viking ships recovered from the fjord, which tell the story of life, trade, and warfare in Scandinavia over 1,000 years ago. Visitors can even try sailing in reconstructed Viking ships during the summer season.

Location tip: Danhostel Roskilde is located right next to the Viking Ship Museum, in the heart of Roskilde harbour. Staying here gives you easy access to the cathedral, the fjord, and local cafés, as well as Roskilde’s famous music festival grounds.

Plan your visit to Roskilde to explore Denmark’s Viking history and royal heritage all in one place.

 

Tisvildeleje & Surrounding Areas – Beach, Nature & Seaside Towns

Tisvildeleje, located on the north coast of Zealand, is a charming seaside town known for its wide sandy beach, unspoiled natural surroundings, and relaxed summer atmosphere. It is one of Denmark’s most popular holiday spots, attracting visitors looking for a mix of nature, culture, and coastal charm.

The area is perfect for outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, and cycling. Tisvilde Hegn, one of Denmark’s largest forests, stretches all the way to the coast and offers scenic walking trails, historic burial mounds, and peaceful picnic spots.

Nearby, you can explore the lively fishing village of Gilleleje with its harbour, restaurants, and cafés, or visit Hundested Harbour, famous for its glassblowers, art galleries, and fresh seafood. The many small speciality shops in the area make for a cosy shopping experience during the summer season.

Frederiksborg Castle – Renaissance Jewel in Hillerød

Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød is the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia and one of Denmark’s most impressive royal landmarks. Built in the early 1600s by King Christian IV, the castle is surrounded by a beautiful lake and extensive Baroque gardens, making it a highlight for visitors to North Zealand.

Inside, you will find the National History Museum, which showcases centuries of Danish history through portraits, paintings, and royal artifacts. The castle church, with its ornate interior, is still used for services and royal ceremonies today. The castle’s grand halls and exhibitions provide a unique insight into Denmark’s cultural and political past.

Outside, visitors can stroll through the magnificent Baroque garden with its terraces, fountains, and perfectly manicured hedges. At the bottom of the gardens, a cosy café invites you to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. On the outskirts of Hillerød, you can also explore the UNESCO-listed par force hunting landscape – a royal hunting ground designed in the 17th century.

Location tip: Stay at Danhostel Hillerød, just a short distance from Frederiksborg Castle, and enjoy easy access to both the castle, the town of Hillerød, and the surrounding North Zealand attractions.

West of Isefjord – Nature, Culture & UNESCO Geopark Odsherred

The area west of Isefjord in West Zealand is a hidden gem full of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and exciting attractions. Just a short trip from North Zealand and Copenhagen, it is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

Start your journey in Røsnæs, a peninsula known for its scenic landscapes and the iconic Røsnæs Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the Great Belt. Visit the medieval city of Kalundborg to explore its charming streets and admire the unique five-towered Church of Our Lady. After sightseeing, enjoy local cuisine at Restaurant Bispegården.

The coastline offers plenty of opportunities for swimming and fishing, especially at Nyrup Bay, while Sjællands Odde, a 15 km-long peninsula, stretches dramatically into the Kattegat Sea. The region of Odsherred is home to Denmark’s only UNESCO-protected Geopark, where landscapes shaped by the Ice Age create a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience.

For hikers, the Danish Monastic Route (Den Danske Klosterrute) winds through historic monasteries, castle ruins, small villages, and Gribskov – Denmark’s fourth-largest forest. Cyclists will find a well-developed network of cycling routes through scenic countryside and cultural attractions. End your trip with a unique experience: horseback riding on Icelandic horses along the shores of Lake Tissø, one of Denmark’s largest freshwater lakes.

Plan your adventure west of Isefjord and discover one of Denmark’s most diverse and authentic regions.