Just a short drive from Copenhagen is a region of stunning natural landscapes, sweeping coastlines, medieval castles and storybook villages.
Visit North Sealand to discover an ancient royal playground set within glorious natural surroundings. Explore centuries-old castles and quaint hamlets. Relax on unspoiled beaches, hike through woodland and enjoy watersports on glistening lakes. North Sealand is the northeastern section of Sealand, one of Denmark’s large islands, encircled by inlets, fjords and straits.
Starting just north of Copenhagen, North Sealand spreads out across a rolling green countryside dotted with historic castles. Kronborg Slot in Helsingør dates back to the 1420s and provided inspiration for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Walk amid Frederiksborg Slot’s Baroque gardens in Hillerød and visit the 18th-century Fredensborg Palace in Fredensborg. Ruined fortresses in Asserbo and Gurre date back to the 1100s.
North Sealand’s child-friendly beaches, forming part of the Danish Riviera, are clean and pristine, great for summer swimming and sunbathing. Join locals braving the cold water in winter too. Some of the best beaches are Gilleje, Hornbæk, Liseleje and Tisvildeleje on the north coast and Espergærde, Humlebæk and Nivå on the east coast.
Visit towns and villages characterized by half-timbered houses, thatched cottages and flower-filled gardens, including Frederiksværk and Helsinge. Experience the region’s fishing heritage in Hundested and Kikhavn.
Discover more of North Sealand’s natural beauty at its forests and lakes. Follow hiking trails through Gribskov to the shores of Esrum Sø. More trails traverse the woodland areas of Egebæksvang and Teglstrup Hegn. Try boating, ice-sailing and paddleboarding on Arresø, Denmark’s largest lake.
Arrive in July for the Smag på Nordsjælland (Taste of North Sealand) festival. Sample locally grown fruits, try traditional Danish snaps and watch beer-making demonstrations. In December, cozy Christmas markets brighten up the town centers. Warm up with a glass of gløgg, hot spiced wine.
Located in the Hovedstaden area of Sealand, North Sealand has an extensive network of public buses and trains. Rent a car and drive along Strandvejen, a coastal road between north Copenhagen and Helsingør. When the sun shines, experience this magnificent vacation region via miles of designated bike lanes.