Danish Learning Community and Resources

Things to do on the Island of Zealand

Denmark is a small and beautiful country. Even though this is the case, it still feels like there is so much to see and too little time to do it all. I thought to share with you some of the favourite activities to do outside of the capital city and places to see on the island of Zealand (Sjæland) when you have the time to explore. 

Nature spots to explore in Zealand: 

Dyrehaven is the national deer park, north of Copenhagen. A natural resort filled with lush forests, small lakes, and wide, open landscapes, home to more than 2000 free deer, as of 2015 it has been named a UNESCO world heritage site since this park was used by the royal family to hunt deer throughout the ages. 

Kronborg castle is located in Helsingør and built in the 1500s. It is named Elsinor in Shakespears’ Hamlet and is the main stage for where this play takes place. It has been a royal residence, as well as an impenetrable fortress during the war. A large property at the entrance of the Øresund, the Sound between Denmark and Sweden, that if the weather permits, allows you to see all the way to Sweden. 

Camp Adventure Treetop Experience is a new observation tower located in Gisselfeld Klosters Skove (one hour south of Copenhagen). Besides the beautiful view, this camp also offers many climbing obstacle courses throughout the forest with various levels of hardship. A perfect day time activity outside of busy Copenhagen

The Forgotten Giants. If you want to go on a hunting adventure, then these Giant Troll Sculptures are for you. Scattered in various forest locations in Zealand, you will discover these art installations in Albertslund, Hvidovre, Høje-Taastrup, Ishøj, Rødovre, and Vallensbæk. They are made from recycled wood by artist, Thomas Dambo, and are meant to encourage locals and visitors alike to explore their natural surroundings and the beautiful countryside.

Biggest Attractions on Zealand:

Louisanna Modern Art Museum is located in a large park in Humlebæk. One of Scandanavia’s largest collections of modern art and it contains more than 4000 artworks within all genres and costs about 130 dkk for entry. A cultural must see while in Zealand. 

Frederiksborg Castle is about 40 minutes from Copenhagen in the city of Hillerød. This is the castle where the royals are anointed and is often referred to as Nordic Versailles. Make sure to see the baroque garden on your visit as it is a thing of beauty and worldly renowned.

Møns’ Klint is 2 hours south of Copenhagen, and is an estimated 70 million years old. It’s chalk cliffs are slowly crumbling into the Baltic Sea, and because of this, the water is very clear and Danes from all over come here to visit. You can see the cliffs by a boat tour with locals, by horseback with Icelandic ponies, from a hot tub with champagne, sleeping under the stars or even by bike. Møns’ Klint is famous amongst the Danes as a romantic getaway for the weekend or summer. The Klint is recognised as a UNESCO biosphere reserve but also has the reputation as Scandinavia’s first Dark Sky Park.  

Roskilde City 

Just 20 minutes from Copenhagen, Roskilde city has many cute attractions including the Roskilde Cathedral which is the last resting place of nearly 40 Danish kings and queens as well as being labelled a UNESCO world heritage site. This city is also famous for the Viking Museum where you can experience and discover 1000 years of real Viking history that was found at the bottom of Roskilde Fjord. 

The Danish Riviera

These Sea-Side villages are perfect for a weekend or summer getaway. Villages such as Hornbæk, Gilleleje, and Tisevilde used to be fishing villages but has in recent years become an exclusive holiday destination with an array of history attractions in nearby areas.                        

Odense is not actually on Zealand but I wanted to mention it in either case because it is a city situated on the third largest island of Denmark called “Fyn”, it is also the birthplace of world-famous author Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of The little mermaid. This fairy tale like city has super characteristic old streets, inspiring museums, and strong cycling culture and takes only an hour train ride to get to from Copenhagen. Visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, the house where he grew up, or just explore the city’s castles and attractions with a hike or bike ride.