7 Reasons Denmark's North Zealand Is the Perfect City Break
With its cosmopolitan atmosphere, breathtaking landscapes, historical cultural sites, and long sandy beaches, North Zealand also known as Danish Riviera is the place to head to if you’re looking for the perfect city break in Denmark.
See some of Denmark’s most spectacular castles
Kings and queens have ruled the Kingdom of Denmark since the 10th century, making the Danish monarchy the oldest monarchy in Europe and one of the oldest in the world. Three of the country’s most impressive castles; Frederiksborg Castle, Kronborg Castle, and Fredensborg Castle are all located in North Zealand making it an ideal place for royal enthusiasts. While Frederiksborg Castle is the largest Renaissance Castle in Scandinavia, Kronborg Castle, best known from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, is King Christian IV’s favourite residence. Fredensborg Castle, which is equally impressive is Queen Margrethe’s spring and summer residence.
Explore Denmark’s museums
You can take a quick dive
A summer city break is even better when the city you’re visiting is surrounded by water allowing you to leave the urban scenery behind and head to a sunny beach in no time. North Zealand takes pride in being home to fishing villages and seaside towns where some of the country’s top beaches span for miles. Gilleleje, Tisvilde, Hornbæk and Espergærde Beach are among the most popular.
Or take a romantic walk in the forest
Even those who like city breaks can’t resist a walk in nature, and North Zealand is the ultimate place to combine both. Take a stroll in the middle of Gribskov forest and get a glimpse of the spectacular Esrum Sø, the second-largest lake in Denmark, as it unfurls in front of your eyes. To the east of Esrum lake, you’ll also find Arresø, the country’s largest lake. Hike one of the heather-covered hills and enjoy a spectacular view.
The cosmopolitan Helsingør
Helsingør is North Zealand’s cosmopolitan city. Here you’ll find gourmet restaurants, all kinds of shops and numerous classy hotels set against the city’s medieval scenery. In Stengade, the town’s main shopping street, visitors can locate fashion boutiques, Denmark’s oldest patisserie, and wine stores. As you continue to walk further down, you’ll discover design stores and delicatessen shops. Try the local recipes at Rådmand Davids Hus food or enjoy the view of the harbour at Kulturværftets Spisehus.
Experience the region’s past in its scenic alleys with colourful houses
North Zealand has always attracted the elite of Denmark society, but at the same time, the cities still preserve the half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets that show the region’s past when the scenic seaside towns were vibrant fishing centres. Walk down the streets of Gilleleje, the area’s gem, visit the home of the late polar explorer Knud Rasmussen at Skansen, discover the preserved thatched houses in Kikhavn and explore some of the least-known parts of the country’s history.
Take a one-day trip to Copenhagen
Another reason North Zealand is a great destination for a city break is its location. It takes no more than one hour by car or train to get to Copenhagen from Helsingør, and on the route to the capital of Denmark, you’ll pass by beautiful landscapes including the forest park Jægersborg Dyrehaven, which is one of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Denmark.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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