Zealand: Untold side of Denmark

Have you ever wanted to step back in time and walk the streets of a Viking city? Welcome to Roskilde, the first capital of Denmark. This city is a treasure trove of centuries-old stories waiting to be discovered.

Located just a half-hour away from the hustle and bustle of Copenhagen, Roskilde offers a unique blend of history and culture. If you’re looking for an experience that’s a bit different from the typical big city vibe, Roskilde is the place to be.

Roskilde is a city with a rich Viking heritage that is well-preserved. As a former hub of Viking activity, Roskilde offers visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the history and culture of these seafaring people.

Upon arrival, you can head straight to the harbor, where the Viking legacy is on full display. Here, you’ll find a workshop that continues the traditional craftsmanship of building Viking ships and boats, all of which are docked along the harbor’s edge. This allows you to get up close and personal with these impressive vessels, which date back over a thousand years.

For a more in-depth exploration, the Viking Ship Museum is a must-visit. This museum houses several well-preserved Viking ships, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the Vikings’ shipbuilding prowess and their seafaring way of life.

Beyond the museum, the harbor area itself has a captivating ambiance, inviting you to soak in the maritime atmosphere. On a pleasant day, you can take a boat trip in one of the Viking-style boats, an experience that truly transports you back in time.

Next, head over to the breathtaking Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This cathedral is the final resting place of more than 40 Danish kings and queens. As you explore the cathedral, you’ll be captivated by the intricate decorations of the chapels and the grandeur of the ancient rulers’ sarcophagi.

One of the hidden gems inside the cathedral is the statue of ‘Grief’, which bears a striking resemblance to the Little Mermaid of Copenhagen. Both statues were created by the same sculptor, Edvard Eriksen, and modeled after his wife, Eline Eriksen. You can find ‘Grief’ in front of the sarcophagus of Christian IX, alongside two other statues named ‘Memory’ and ‘Love’.

Take some time to enjoy the medieval charm of the city. The cobblestone streets and the old buildings will transport you back to ancient times. If you visit in autumn, you’ll be treated to a stunning display of red and golden hues.

Before you leave, make sure to check out the Roskilde Mansion. This yellow building with red roof tiles is a fine example of Danish Baroque design. Once a bishop’s palace, it was later transformed into a royal residence. Today, it houses a museum of contemporary art.

The city offers charming coffee shops and eateries. We would highly recommend checking out Café Fjordliv. This establishment showcases the simplicity and quality of traditional Danish cuisine, with a menu featuring delectable open-faced danish sandwiches and pastries made from locally sourced ingredients. The coffee is also noteworthy, making it the perfect spot to refuel and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Your next must-visit destination in Zealand is Hillerød, a charming city nestled north of Copenhagen. Perfect for a day trip, Hillerød offers a soothing small-town vibe, a rich cultural scene, and delightful shopping experiences. But the crown jewel of Hillerød is undoubtedly the Frederiksborg Castle.

Perched on a small islet in the lake, Frederiksborg Castle is a sight to behold. As the largest Renaissance castle in the Nordic region, it’s a genuine fairy tale brought to life. The castle’s construction began in 1560 and was rebuilt between 1600 and 1620, serving as a royal residence for about a century. Despite being largely destroyed in an 1859 fire, the castle was restored and now houses a royal collection of portraits.

The only part of the castle that survived the fire in its original form is the Chapel, a breathtaking space where kings were crowned from 1660 to 1849. You can view the chapel from the balcony, provided no ceremony is taking place during your visit.

The castle’s interior is just as breathtaking as its exterior. With exquisite furniture, décor, and exhibits, you’ll likely need a whole day to fully appreciate everything. One of the highlights is the Great Hall, an architectural masterpiece that often goes unnoticed due to its hidden entrance. Stepping into the hall feels like a scene from the movie Anastasia, as if you’re transported back to the royal gatherings of old times.

The castle’s courtyard is equally marvelous, with a stunning fountain greeting visitors at the entrance. But the real highlight is the garden. Nestled across the lake, the garden offers a perfect view of the castle. On a sunny day, take a leisure stroll around the garden, sit on the grass, and gaze to the castle. You might even spot squirrels darting around. Walking or biking along the lake offers different perspectives of the castle, making it a perfect way to spend a leisurely day.

Continuing our journey through the regal landscapes of northern Zealand, we arrive at the tranquil Fredensborg Palace. This stunning destination, often overshadowed by the more renowned Frederiksborg Castle, offers a serene retreat for those seeking to immerse themselves in Denmark’s royal countryside.

Nestled in the picturesque region of northern Zealand, Fredensborg Palace is a stone’s throw away from the serene waters of Lake Esrum, Denmark’s second-largest lake. This 18th-century Baroque-style palace serves as the Danish royal family’s primary residence during spring and autumn. Originally built as a hunting retreat for King Frederik IV, the “Palace of Peace” derives its name from the 1720 Peace of Fredensborg treaty that marked the end of the Great Northern War. Its proximity to the lake adds an extra touch of enchantment to the already captivating setting.

Visitors to Fredensborg Palace can admire its French Baroque influences, evident in its meticulously landscaped gardens and long, straight avenues extending from the main building. As you explore the tranquil palace grounds, you’ll be transported to a bygone era, imagining horse-drawn carriages winding their way through the serene countryside towards this regal destination.

Fredensborg Palace is the setting for many significant royal events, frequently hosting state visits, royal weddings, and other family celebrations. While the palace’s main buildings are only open to the public during select summer holidays, the surrounding gardens are accessible year-round. This allows visitors to immerse themselves in the regal splendor of this Danish royal retreat at any time of the year.

If you’re on the hunt for a hidden gem to grab a delicious meal, Skipperhuset is the place to be. This charming spot was a delightful discovery for us. You can enjoy a leisurely lunch there before you continue your exploration of the stunning Fredensborg gardens. Conveniently, there’s a direct route from the café to the palace.

What makes Skipperhuset truly special is its location – right by the lake. The ambiance and the views are simply unforgettable. And while you’re there, don’t miss out on their Danish open sandwiches. Each restaurant in Denmark has its own unique twist on this classic dish, and Skipperhuset is no exception.

Nestled in the northeastern tip of Zealand, Helsingør, also known as Elsinore, is a quaint town that sits at the narrowest part of the Øresund strait. Just across the water, a mere 4km away, lies its Swedish twin, Helsingborg. With regular ferries connecting the two, you could easily find yourself in Sweden in no time.

Once a major harbor city where passing ships paid tax to the crown, Helsingør has a rich history that spans from the 15th to the 19th century. Today, it remains a bustling harbor city, serving as a major transportation hub for goods, a fishing port, and a popular summer resort.

Helsingør is more than just a charming city with colorful buildings and a historic center. It’s a vibrant community where the energy of the city and its locals will leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re exploring the city, chatting with locals, or hanging out in one of the bars until the late hours, you’ll find that Helsingør has a unique energy that’s worth experiencing.

Now, let’s talk about Kronborg Slot, also known as Hamlet’s Castle. This castle, which Shakespeare used as the prince’s residence in his immortal play “Hamlet”, is hard to miss. Located right at the shores of the Øresund strait, the castle dates back to the 15th century. It was transformed from a medieval fortress to a Renaissance castle in the 16th century and became a royal residence.

There’s so much to see and do within the castle that you could easily spend 3-5 hours exploring it. From the partially furnished royal apartments to the Chapel, which is still in its original condition, every corner of the castle is steeped in history. The Great Ballroom, once the largest hall in Northern Europe, and the spooky, dark, and cold dungeons are particularly impressive.

Don’t forget to check out the statue of the Danish king Holger Danske in the dungeons. Legend says that he sleeps in those dungeons until he’s needed to save his homeland.

Tickets to the castle cost 145 kr (12 EUR) per adult and are free for children under 18. If you have a few days to spare and are looking for additional adventures, consider staying overnight in Helsingør to fully explore the city and this famous castle.

Helsingør’s culinary scene is another highlight. The city boasts an incredible range of restaurants and gastro-bars that will leave you spoilt for choice. We had the pleasure of dining at two exceptional restaurants, Strejf and Appetit. Each offered a culinary experience that was nothing short of fantastic. We wholeheartedly recommend them for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience in Helsingør.

Not far from the harbor, you’ll find Værftets Madmarked, a street food market that’s one of the most beautiful and organized markets you’ll ever see. With great music, a relaxed vibe, and a variety of seating arrangements, it’s the perfect place to chill, especially since it’s a covered market, allowing you to enjoy it even when it’s raining outside.

Also, if you’re looking to sample local pastries and enjoy some coffee, we found that Bagt is the best bakery in town. It offers a wide variety of delicious pastries and the coffee is simply irresistible.

Zealand isn’t just about cities and towns. You’ll discover that the island’s natural beauty is equally captivating. Its serene natural landscapes offer a refreshing change of pace. Here are some scenic spots you might want to check out for a delightful break from the city hustle.

One of my favorite activities outside of Copenhagen was embarking on the hunt for the Six Forgotten Giants. These colossal wooden sculptures, scattered across the landscape, are the brainchild of Danish artist Thomas Dambo, brought to life with the aid of local volunteers and repurposed scrap wood.

These six large and unique giants are nestled in fields, forests, and other natural settings within a stone’s throw of Copenhagen. Each giant, with its distinct features and expressions, exudes a unique personality and character:

1. Little Tilde in Vallensbæk
2. Sleeping Louis in Rødovre
3. Oscar Under the Bridge in Ishøj
4. Teddy Friendly in Høje Taastrup
5. Thomas on the Hill in Albertslund
6. Hilltop Trine in Hvidovre

As you embark on your adventure to discover these Forgotten Giants, you’ll be enveloped by a sense of wonder and mystery. Despite their towering size, there’s a graceful delicacy to their form, as if each has been meticulously sculpted to encapsulate the essence of the natural world.

This project aimed to bring art out of the museum, showcase local nature spots, and provide an exhilarating treasure hunt for visitors. Indeed, armed with a map and a sense of adventure, you’ll spend an enjoyable day walking or cycling around the area, seeking out these well-hidden giants. By the end of the day, you’ll realize that not only have you had fun, but you’ve also had a great workout! This project was designed to encourage outdoor activities, family time, and fun for children.

The Six Forgotten Giants are part of a larger exhibition by Thomas Dambo, featuring various other trolls and giant sculptures worldwide.

Tucked away in the lush forests of Zealand, Denmark, stands the Forest Tower – a remarkable 45-meter-high observation tower. This architectural marvel offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the region’s natural wonders from a breathtaking vantage point.

The tower’s got this cool hourglass shape that’s not just for looks. As you climb up, the ramps get closer and further apart, giving you this feeling of moving forward, of getting closer to something amazing. And right in the middle of the tower? Three towering beech trees that make you feel like you’re part of the forest.

When you get to the top, that’s when the magic really happens. You’re 140 meters above sea level, and you’ve got a 360-degree view that goes on for miles. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Copenhagen and Malmö, over 50 kilometers away.

When planning a summer vacation focused on beach activities, Denmark may not be the first destination that comes to mind. However, the Nordic country offers a variety of beautiful coastal destinations worth exploring, particularly on the island of Zealand.

Tisvildeleje Beach

Tisvildeleje Beach, located on the northern coast of Zealand, is a picturesque and family-friendly seaside destination. The beach features an expansive sandy shoreline and clear, inviting waters, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and other coastal activities. The quaint town of Tisvildeleje has a rich history, once serving as a gathering place for fishermen and pilgrims.

Marielyst Beach

Marielyst Beach, situated on the southern coast of Zealand, is another must-visit destination. Visitors can enjoy the sandy shoreline, calm waters, and scenic dunes, which provide a perfect backdrop for activities like paddleboarding, windsurfing, and kiting. The nearby town of Marielyst offers a range of post-beach entertainment, including ice cream shops, local restaurants, and a Golf & Fun Park.

Gudmindrup Beach

Tucked away on Zealand’s northwest coast, Gudmindrup Beach offers a tranquil seaside escape along the shores of Sejero Bay. This wide, sandy stretch is perfect for swimming, strolling, or simply relaxing amid the gentle dunes and grassy areas, providing a quintessential Danish “hygge” experience by the sea.

Hornbæk

The picturesque town of Hornbæk, located in northern Zealand, is a beloved Danish coastal destination. Situated along the coast, the town boasts quaint harbors, sandy beaches, and a vibrant summer atmosphere, offering visitors a quintessential seaside escape. With its charming ambiance and array of seaside attractions, Hornbæk has become a popular getaway for both locals and tourists.

Next time you visit Zealand during the summer – or any other time of year when you’re craving a trip to the beach – consider checking out one of the destinations listed above. You’re likely to be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.

As we’ve seen, there is so much more to Zealand beyond just the capital city of Copenhagen. While Copenhagen is undoubtedly a world-class destination, the rest of Zealand offers a wealth of incredible sights, experiences, and natural beauty that are equally worthy of a visit.

From the stunning beaches, to the charming historic towns like Roskilde and Helsingør, to the peaceful forests and lakes that cover much of the island – Zealand has something to offer every type of traveler. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or simply soaking in the peaceful ambiance of the Danish countryside, you’ll find it all on this delightful island.

So, the next time you’re planning a trip to Denmark, don’t limit yourself to just Copenhagen. Venture out and explore the incredible diversity that the rest of Zealand has to offer. I can guarantee you’ll be glad you did!