Guide to a cottage holiday in Gilleleje

Gilleleje is a haven where you can eat fresh fish at the harbour, lose yourself on the fishing village's beaches, and catch a glimpse of Kullen through the sea mist. We've gathered a selection of gems and recommendations from our local Landfolk hosts for your next cottage trip.

Breathe in the sea air at the fishing harbour

Recommended by Alice and Jakob.

Alice and Jakob often visit Gilleleje to browse the town's shops, seek shelter from rainy days at the cinema, and visit Gilleleje's bustling fishing harbour. Here, the cutters chug in with the day's catch, and if you continue up through the narrow streets, old fishing houses line the way. Take a stroll along the boatyard and the fish auction, and visit one of the local fishmongers like Adamsens Fisk, which serves sushi, seafood, and crispy fried plaice with a view of the harbour's lively atmosphere.

Hunt for treasures in the local area

Recommended by Søren and Henriette.

Søren and Henriette often stop by Gilleleje to find forgotten second-hand treasures. Especially during the summer months, there are good opportunities to find second-hand gold at flea markets, but all year round you can visit local second-hand shops like Loppegården, which sells trinkets and furniture of all kinds.

Follow in Kierkegaard's Footsteps

Recommended by Lotte.

Head west of Gilleleje and follow Gilbjergstien all the way to the top of Gilbjerg Hoved. Lotte enjoys walking here during her cottage holidays, and so did the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard many generations ago. Follow the path to the steep cliff Gilbjerg Hoved, where a memorial stone for Kierkegaard stands, offering the finest view of the sea. Gilbjerg Hoved is also a popular stop for bird enthusiasts in spring and autumn, when flocks of migratory birds round Sjælland's northernmost point.

Drink coffee under the fruit trees

Recommended by Lars.

Café Flora is Lars's absolute favourite spot in Gilleleje. The café serves freshly baked buns, cakes, and freshly roasted coffee in its cozy courtyard under rice paper lamps and fruit trees. It's especially lovely here in spring, when the lilacs and apple blossoms are in full bloom.

Experience the view from Nakkehoved Lighthouse

Recommended by Jane and Thomas.

Jane and Thomas often follow the Fyrstien (Lighthouse Path) into Gilleleje, and just a few kilometres east of the town, Nakkehoved Lighthouse towers among the dunes. The two lighthouses are open to everyone and free to visit. For 40 kroner, you can also explore the exhibition about the lighthouse's 450-year history, complete with old sea charts and foghorns. If you climb the narrow stairs, a very special view opens up. From the tower, 54 metres above sea level, you can see the nature of the north coast, Gilleleje Harbour, the Kattegat, and even glimpse Kullen in Sweden through the sea mist.

Feast on langoustines at Fyrkroen

Recommended by Jakob and Vibeke.

If you've worked up an appetite with a brisk walk or bike ride from Gilleleje to Nakkehoved Lighthouse, Jakob and Vibeke recommend stopping at Fyrkroen. The inn is just a stone's throw from the lighthouse and has been inviting guests to dine in its taverns since 1772. Here, Jakob and Vibeke enjoy a delicious meal during their cottage holidays, with Gilleleje's finest view over the water. The langoustines, fresh from Gilleleje Harbour, are particularly popular.

Say hello to the dairy cows at Kollerødgaard

Visit Kollerødgaard farm and greet the farm's 120 dairy cows. Here you can pet cats and calves, but the main attraction is the farm's ice cream dairy, which makes ice cream with milk from its own cows. If you're just passing by for a quick visit, the self-service freezer is open all day, and payment is via MobilePay. The visit also offers something for adults. Kollerødgaard presses its own natural wines, so you can take home a locally produced bottle of white or orange wine for your terrace.

Explore the unique coastline

Recommended by Rasmus.

When Rasmus is at his cottage, he especially loves walks along the sea where the Kattegat and Øresund meet. Explore the coastline with the Nordkyststien's many special, child-friendly routes. For example, take your bikes for free on the train to Tisvildeleje, and cycle the 20 kilometres back to Gilleleje through the heather-clad hills of Heatherhill – and don't miss out on an ice cream at the ice cream parlour in the hills. You can also hop on the train to Hornbæk and follow the path 12 kilometres back to Gilleleje along beaches and stately villas. The route is marked with blue signs and easy to follow.

See a map of the various beautiful routes you can follow on the Nordkyststien here.

Stroll through Munkeruphus' art park

The delicate green wooden villa Munkeruphus is situated at the edge of a forest, flanked by tall beech trees. This exhibition venue was once home to multi-artist Gunnar Aagaard and his wife, and today it forms the setting for art, design, and architecture. Here you can see contemporary art, and if you need an art break, settle down in the café with a view over the Øresund or walk down to the water through the park, which is full of exotic trees and sculptures.

Wild nature in Ruslands bakker

A short drive from Gilleleje lies Ruslands bakker (Russia's Hills), named after its rugged nature. The landscape alternates between heather-covered hills, juniper bushes, and dune landscapes, somewhat reminiscent of the West Jutland heath. Nearby is Rudolf Tegners Museum and Sculpture Park with the artist's bronze sculptures scattered across the ridge. If you need a refreshment, Traktørstedet Sørens Café offers ice cream and coffee during the summer months.