Discover the Danish Riviera: Denmark's North Zealand Coast

Maria DiCicco
Jan 10, 2023
6 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

North Zealand, not to be confused with New Zealand, is the name given to Denmark's northern section of the island "Zealand". Within an hour of Copenhagen, North Zealand is rich with Danish history, charming thatched roof houses, waterfront vistas, restaurants, and several palaces and castles from Denmark's past. Earning the name of "Danish Riviera", relaxed time can easily be spent here as a day trip from Copenhagen or a long weekend full of fun.

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Driving along the North Zealand coast near Tisvildeleje

Wander Gardens at Frederiksborg Castle

Frederiksborg Castle sits mighty beside the town of Hillerød in Denmark, some 30 minutes south of North Zealand's ocean towns. Here you will find sprawling gardens, fountains and renaissance views.

Frederiksborg Castle Gardens in North Zealand, Denmark

There is also a boat ride you could take to and from the town, instead of parking in the primary parking lot near the castle entrance, and for a small fee would have been a lovely one mile ride on a less windy day.

A path winds visitors through ponds and hedgerows mazes, leading you along lengthy terraced grounds towards the castle's hidden cafe restaurant. With photo ops a-plenty, I was surprised not to see young couples bending the knee in proposals at every turn.

Dine in the Castle Garden's Restaurant at Cafe Havehuset

Nestled among the trees diners sit happily in the garden's hidden restaurant, Cafe Havehuset.

Smorsbrod offering in North Zealand, Denmark

The menu is simple and includes options for 2 or 3 open face "smorsbrod" sandwiches, which you choose from a set list.

For about $20 a glass of wine or beer is included, and save room for cake or pastries for dessert.

Counter service, you must go inside the thatched house that looks like Snow White may have lived in, and English is readily spoken.

Stroll an Open Air Museum in Lyngby

Like stepping back into the past, this museum was more of a nature park. Visitors walk along pebbled pathways and can see the homes, farms, gardens and barns of those who once lived there hundreds of years ago.

I greatly enjoyed the memorabilia from each family home, alongside the stunning painted walls and ceilings, and tiny beds they had to squeeze in. It felt like you were walking into town as barns and farm lands turned into a small village with timbered homes and more modern conveniences.

There were windmills, a horse and carriage ride (not in operation the day we went), and some lovely spots for children to have a bit of play time. All in all it was a wonderful few hours in the country.

Set Sail in Helsingor

Whether you are just visiting the infamous Kronborg Castle or you've got an itch to see Sweden, take the fast ForSea ferry to or from Helsingborg, Sweden while you're so close. A 20 minute ride is just enough time onboard to grab a signature hot dog covered in fried onions and enjoy views of Hamlet's Castle.

Classic hot dog in North Zealand, Denmark

Make it a round trip and just enjoy some drinks or, as time permits, I suggest adding a night in Sweden to visit the IKEA Hotel and Museum before circling back to Copenhagen by way of the Øresund Bridge.

The ForSea ferry from Sweden to North Zealand, Denmark

Spend The Night On The North Zealand Coast

With so much nature to explore, spending the night is a great way to see all of the small villages and things to do in the North Zealand area. Some of the popular towns to see include:

Gilleleje

The town of Gilleleje could be walked end to end in minutes, but within you can find boutiques, fish shops and restaurants, all with a magnificent view of the ocean.

What To Do

Take a walk along the waterfront
Stroll the town shops and boutique
Walk along the beach
Go for a bike ride

Where To Eat

We enjoyed "Far Til 4", a beautiful red-checkered tablecloth restaurant overlooking the ocean. With a nautical theme, they also pride themselves in being a family restaurant with affordable prices. The portions were large and absolutely delicious.

^ Far Til 4 has a killer view, great food and cozy vibes

Another popular spot in town, Adamsen's Fisk doles out fish market fare on picnic tables overlooking the marina and harbor.

Where To Stay

Gilleleje is a great choice for a two or three nights in North Zealand. With a walkable town full of shop and restaurants and a very convenient large grocery store along the main road, visitors can happily set up for a weekend of cooking al fresco, walking to the beach, or simply enjoying the seaside.

These properties in Gilleleje are oozing with charm:

This thatched roof home sleeps 2 and is a quintessentially decorated place to set roots for your time in Gileleje.

Enjoy everything on foot or on a pleasant bike ride from this adorable thatched home walking distance to town.

This modern rustic cottage sleeps 4 and is begging for overnight guests to whip up a backyard dinner.

Or, if you want something more contemporary and modern, this all white interior home screams of class and drips in luxury just 250 feet from the beach. Make a backyard feast and enjoy the typical black exterior painted home, common of the area to absorb the sun's warmth in the cold winter months.