Plan a trip to North Zealand Island

Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark, is in North Zealand Island (Nordøen Sjælland), a region that is a popular touristic destination and although small in size, it has much to appeal to visitors. The city's geographical location and the way the city was planned, make it easy to explore on foot, by bicycle, or by sea.

To the west of Copenhagen is the one thousand-year old city Roskilde, situated by the fjord, known throughout Europe for its music festival, home to a fascinating Viking Ship Museum and the Roskilde Cathedral (Roskilde Domkirke) which has been the mausoleum of the Royal family of Denmark since the fifteenth century. The 12th century gothic cathedral was one of the first buildings to be built of brick and is on the UNESCO Heritage Site list as well as being a member of the European Route of Brick Gothic (EuRoB).

Note: The EuRoB is an association which protects and authenticates medieval brick buildings throughout Europe, especially Denmark, Poland and Germany (where the organization was founded). The cultural route of the EuRoB is about 1500 km linking 39 (mostly coastal) villages and towns in the Baltic Sea area. 

Then there is the most popular art museum in Denmark, the Louisiana Museum. To get to it just follow the exciting route leading north of the island along the Strait Øresund to the town of Humlebæk.  Besides the fascinating art exhibits and collections, people come to admire the architecture of the museum building itself. Further along is the charming city of Helsingør (Elsinor), where you will find the 15th-century Kronborg Castle – also on the UNESCO Heritage Site list. If the castle seems familiar,  but you’re not quite sure as to why – think Shakespeare and you’ll have the “aha moment” - the Elsinor Castle which has been immortalized in the play Hamlet.”

Small towns play an important role in the North Zealand region. The picturesque fishing village Gilleleje is one. Another charming town is Hillerød, with the 17th century castle, Frederiksborg which is surrounded by beautiful baroque gardens and houses the Museum of National History since 1878. For nature lovers there is Gribskov Forest, one of the largest forests in Denmark and is part of the the Kongernes Nordsjælland. It has an almost 10 km loop trail that passes through Esrum Lake. More, much more - there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy in North Zealand!