Experience the North Zealand coast: From Hornbæk to Asserbo Plantation

The coastline is one of Denmark's most beautiful, offering deep forests, charming coastal towns, open expanses and meadows, fantastic views, and not least some of the country's absolute best bathing beaches. So lace up your hiking boots or hop on your bike and explore North Zealand's beautiful landscape.

From Hornbæk to Ruslands Bakker

The route starts in Hornbæk, which offers a wealth of small local shops and restaurants. From here, the trip goes down to Hornbæk Beach, which is a wide, fine-grained sandy beach with good bathing conditions for both children and adults. It is not without reason that Hornbæk Beach is one of the North Coast's most popular bathing beaches.

From Hornbæk Beach, the trip continues along the coast up to Dronningmølle. Dronningmølle is an absolutely fantastic area with great opportunities for incredibly beautiful walks and runs along the water. In Dronningmølle, you will also find the protected heathland, Ruslands Bakker, where you can visit Tegners Museum or simply enjoy the view over Kattegat from the hills. In Dronningmølle, you will find several Landfolk holiday homes where you can stay overnight before continuing your journey. For example, you can spend a day or two in Carina and her family's beautiful holiday home with a view over Ruslands Bakker. In the holiday home, you can enjoy a cup of coffee on the large wooden terrace in the morning and recharge before going for a hike in the beautiful surroundings.

Follow Fyrstien to Gilleleje

From Dronningmølle, the trip continues north along the coast to Gilleleje. On the way to Gilleleje, you will pass Munkerup, where you will find Munkeruphus, which is a protected country estate showcasing various exhibitions of art, design, and architecture.

On the way to Gilleleje, you will also pass Nakkehoved Lighthouse, which is located on top of the approximately 30-meter-high cliff, Fyrbakkerne. From the lighthouse, there is a beautiful view over Øresund and Kattegat, and benches where you can enjoy your packed lunch. You can also stop by Fyrkroen, which serves food with local ingredients from the community. On Fyrbakkerne, you will also find several marked hiking trails in the scenic area, such as Fyrstien, which is an approximately 2 km long path that leads you directly to Gilleleje Hovedgade.

Gilleleje is one of the larger towns in the area, with a lively cultural scene, good restaurants, and plenty of activities for children. Gilleleje is an ideal place on the trip to take a few days' break. In Gilleleje, you will find several Landfolk holiday homes, all located a short distance from the beach. You will find, among others, Nicolai & Anette's scenic wooden holiday home with a private beach and private jetty or Ditte & Kasper's romantic log cabin with a lovely large terrace. From the terrace, you can enjoy the cold lunch buffet from the fishmonger in Gilleleje, who receives freshly caught fish every morning from the many fishing cutters in Gilleleje Harbor.

Along the North Zealand coast to Tisvildeleje

The next stretch is the longest on the route. Here, the trip goes south along the coast to the beautiful old holiday town, Tisvildeleje. It is a trip of just under 20 km. On the way to Tisvildeleje, you will pass Rågeleje Beach, which is known for its beautiful and lovely sandy beach, and not least for its iconic and extremely charming small striped bathing houses. The houses are private, but pleasant to walk past and take pictures of. Rågeleje Beach is also a suitable place for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Not far from Rågeleje Beach, you will also find the beautiful heather-clad hills, Heatherhill, from where you can enjoy the view over Hesselø Bay. The trip continues along the North Zealand coast until you reach Tisvildeleje. If you are into water activities, Tisvildestrand is suitable for both SUP and kayaking. If you prefer bike rides, you will not find a more beautiful place than Tisvildeleje. The trip through the forest and out to the water is unique, and there is an opportunity to make a good purchase along the way, at one of the many flea markets you encounter. In Tisvildeleje itself, there are plenty of lovely shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Tisvildeleje has so much to offer that it is an ideal place to stay for a few days. Explore our hand-picked holiday homes for your trip. For example, visit Jens Thomas' adventurous sanctuary, Raftehuset, whose lush natural plot offers apple trees, berry fruits, and herbs. Or stay in Tine's classic and modern Tisvildeleje house, only 350 meters from the beach.

Finish with a foraging trip in Asserbo Plantation

The last stretch of the route goes from Tisvildeleje to Asserbo Plantation. You can choose to walk along the coast, where you will pass the beautiful sandy beaches, Jyde Strand and Stængehus Strand, or you can choose to walk through Tisvilde Hegn. Tisvilde Hegn is Denmark's fifth-largest forest and a true troll forest with burial mounds, a castle ruin, and an old ancient road. Definitely worth a visit if you haven't been there before.

When you arrive at Asserbo Plantation, you are first greeted by the many beautiful pine trees, which provide shade and create a very special flora for insects, plants, and mushrooms. Asserbo Plantation is an ideal place for a foraging trip. Close to Asserbo Plantation, you will find Melby Overdrev, which is Zealand's largest heath and a truly unique area. The many nature experiences in Asserbo are a perfect break from the stress and hustle of everyday life. Here you can enjoy the deep, quiet calm of the forest in one of the many cozy Landfolk holiday homes you will find in the area. Experience the peace in Sophie & Kristian's retro holiday home or relax in Christian & Pernille's luxurious log cabin with a heated pool and covered wooden terrace.

Also read our guide to hiking trails in scenic surroundings elsewhere in the Danish countryside.