North Zealand Castles & Coastal EscapesExperience the history and romance of Denmark's royal North Zealand area with this itinerary. Explore three of Northern Europe’s most beautiful castles, as well as the King's Hunting Lodge, set in the heart of a stunning landscape. Then relax at a seaside spa hotel and try delicious Danish cuisine. AuthorsSteller
DestinationsDenmarkItinerary

Castles

Frederiksborg Castle
Explore one of Denmark's most famous castles! This picturesque castle in Hillerød, which was first constructed in the early 17th century, is the largest Renaissance complex in the Nordic region. It sprawls across three islets in Castle Lake and includes The Museum of National History within its walls, which means you'll be able to experience 500 years of Danish history in addition to seeing all the royal furnishings and art collections. Spend the day exploring the castle interiors, from the impressive Knights' Hall, where people once held an audience with the king, to the Castle Chapel and its jaw-dropping floor-to-ceiling golden accents. Outside, make sure to see the grand Neptune Fountain and linger in the fairytale-esque Baroque Garden and dreamy Castle Park, or enjoy a stroll around the lake. Tip: A guided tour will help you get the most out of your experience.
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Private Tour to Frederiksborg Castle
This is how you'll get the most out of your experience... Take a private tour of the castle to really soak in its history and have all your questions answered.
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Fredensborg Palace
Set in the peaceful woodland adjacent to scenic Esrum Lake, Fredensborg Palace fittingly translates to "Palace of Peace." The palace is still used by the royal family occasionally during the spring and fall therefore, not all of the interior is accessible. Yet it's still very much worth a visit to see this Baroque masterpiece's striking (and imposing) white facade and green copper rooftops, as well as the lake, the Palace Gardens, and the charming castle town of Fredensborg. The Palace Gardens feature wooded paths, a Baroque garden with sandstone sculptures called The Valley of the Norsemen, and the Private Gardens (only open in July and August). Tip: On some dates during the summer, you can take a guided tour of parts of the palace, the chapel, the Private Garden, and the Orangery.
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Kronborg Castle
You absolutely cannot miss the castle where Shakespeare set his play, "Hamlet." Besides being the real-life "Hamlet" setting, this world-famous castle in Elsinore is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and it's only about an hour's drive from Copenhagen. This castle is less opulent than Frederiksborg, as it was once a military fortress, but that doesn't make it less interesting. Explore the King's Chamber, the enormous Ballroom/Throne Room (once the largest in Northern Europe!), the well-preserved Chapel, and the creepy Casemates underneath the castle. Make sure you climb up the narrow steps to the rooftop for beautiful views (you can see all the way to Sweden!). A guided tour (some are even free!) will help you get the full experience of this castle. Tip: Watch live theater performances of "Hamlet" here in the summer from June until August!
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Kronborg (Hamlet Castle) & Frederiksborg Castles: PRIVATE TOUR
With entrance included, this guided tour of some of the most famous castles in Denmark is a MUST! Learn from knowledgeable and entertaining guides about the culture of the Danes, both past and present.
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Half Day Exploration of Helsingør and Kronborg
Explore the maritime history of Helsingør, as well as its iconic place in "Hamlet," on this half-day exploration of the town. Hearing the stories from a local guide only make the experience more special.
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The Hermitage Palace
The Hermitage, constructed from 1734 to 1736, is a royal hunting lodge that is still used today by the king to host official lunches. The hunting lodge, which sits on a hill in a UNESCO-listed hunting landscape, is considered to be one of the best works of late Baroque architecture in Denmark. The interiors feature a grand dining hall with extravagant marble fixtures and wallpaper made with gold, silver, and silk. The dining hall famously had a mechanical table that could be raised and lowered from the kitchen below. (Unfortunately, the table is no longer there.) The Hermitage Hunting Lodge is only open to visitors from June through August, and you must join a guided tour. However, the park surrounding it, Dyrehaven, is open year-round.
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Jægersborg Dyrehave
Dyrehaven, officially Jægersborg Dyrehave, is the beautiful park surrounding the Hermitage Hunting Lodge. Once used by Danish royalty for hunting, Dyrehaven (which translates to The Deer Park) is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly 2,000 free-roaming deer. Because the park was designed for hunting with dogs, the wooded trails here are arranged in a unique star-shaped system, great for strolling through nature. Enjoy a picnic on the grounds, go biking, or even horseback riding. (You can also tour the park in a romantic horse-drawn carriage.) You're almost guaranteed to see grazing deer! Tip: Every year, on the first Sunday in November, the park hosts a famous hunting event called the Hubertus Hunt, featuring as many as 160 horseback riders and 40,000 spectators.
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Romantic Getaways

Helenekilde Badehotel
This luxurious beachfront hotel in Tisvildeleje has stunning views of the Kattegat Sea and is set in the perfect location for sunset strolls along the beach or quiet moments on the hotel terrace overlooking the water. Recharge with a Sauna & Sea Bath at the spa, go mountain biking in the enchanting forest nearby, or spend some time on the water in a sea kayak or canoe. Staying as a couple? Check out the romantic stay package at this idyllic hotel.
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Marienlyst beach hotel
This historic hotel (originally founded in 1861) is set in a magical location right on the shores of the Øresund Strait. The hotel has a private beach, outdoor terraces with sea views, and a turquoise-blue infinity pool with Kronborg Castle in the background—the castle is just a half-mile away. Enjoy the beach sauna, a glass of Champagne during a soak in the hot tub, wine and cheese tasting or afternoon tea in the hotel, rent bikes for romantic rides along the sea, or just unwind with the sand beneath your toes.
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Kokkedal Castle Copenhagen
Live out your fairytale dreams at this luxury castle hotel in Hørsholm. Built in 1746, this charming country escape is modern yet rustic, making for a cozy stay...especially with a partner. Enjoy gourmet dining in the candle-lit restaurant, which still has its original wine cellars. Get pampered at the spa with a luxury facial, a massage, or a salt stone treatment. Plus, every night, the spa opens to one couple for a romantic wellness evening.
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Skodsborg Spa Hotel
Get ready for stunning sea views and a stay full of pampering at this traditional spa hotel in Skodsborg. Set between the sea and the forest, this hotel offers simple yet elegant rooms that make you feel at home, especially since you can choose from a variety of options to virtually customize your stay. Relax and refresh with a Spa Stay, get energized with an Active Stay, or excite your taste buds with a gastronomic experience during a Gourmet Stay!
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Hotel Bretagne
This luxurious hotel, founded in 1939, is set in the charming coastal resort town of Hornbæk and has been lovingly restored to the glory of its seaside holiday heyday. All 23 ensuite rooms are decorated in timeless Gustavian style and have stunning views—most looking out over Hornbæk Lake and the Øresund Strait. In the evenings, dine on French and Nordic cuisine as you watch the sunset through the panoramic windows, or get cozy with a cocktail in the Fireplace Room, the Orangery, or the charming Bar.
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Gilleleje Badehotel
Set majesticly atop a 98-foot-high cliff, this 3-level hotel offers incredible views where the Øresund Strait meets the Kattegat Sea. This stunning hotel in a peaceful location has been a guesthouse since 1895. The main building was added in 1908, and the hotel strives to maintain the atmosphere from that time. It's worth noting that you won't find TVs here, and many of the cozy rooms have ocean views. Relax at the traditional spa, unwind with an aroma steam bath, or stroll the scenic Gilbjerg Path nearby. For couples, the hotel offers a romantic wellness stay or a gourmet romantic stay with a 4-course dinner served right in your room. In the morning, enjoy a delicious breakfast of Danish and French specialties.
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Private Copenhagen Boat cruise in Scandinavian mahogany boat
Cruise along the sparkling shores of Copenhagen in a picturesque boat for an evening!
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Restaurants

Fredensborg Store Kro
The Fredensborg Store Kro was built in 1723 at the same time as Fredensborg Palace, putting it at the center of many royal events. Since then, the inn here has served as a luxurious place to stay for notable guests visiting for royal celebrations and state dinners. You don't have to stay to enjoy the bistro, which serves up incredible gourmet food inspired by Nordic cuisine with a touch of French flair (that, frankly, is almost too beautiful to eat). Enjoy lunch or dinner, or just stop by for a glass of wine in royal surroundings.
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Skipperhuset Fredensborg
Don't let the storybook setting distract you from the luxurious dining experience you will have at Skipperhuset Fredensborg. This restaurant is set in a historic building that sits on the banks of Esrum Lake and is practically in the backyard of Fredensborg Palace. The charming ambiance and peaceful setting give way to a menu featuring local ingredients sourced from the palace gardens. Everything here is made from scratch. The lunch menu includes a variety of contemporary open-faced sandwiches. For dinner, watch the sunset as you indulge in a gourmet dining experience inspired by Danish and Italian cuisine.
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Raadvad Kro
Set inside a stately historic inn right next to the famous Dyrehaven (the royal Deer Park surrounding the Hermitage Hunting Lodge), Raadvad Kro features peaceful forest and lake views from inside the restaurant. The cozy atmosphere makes this a popular place for celebrations. For lunch, try traditional smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches). For dinner, enjoy both French and Danish cuisine.
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Restaurant MOS
Step inside this casual gourmet restaurant for a complete culinary experience in a cozy and unpretentious setting. The menu here changes every day (they love to surprise their guests!) with a focus on local ingredients and the unique flavors of each season. The restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. Choose from two different dinner menus: the MOS Menu featuring a 5-course culinary journey or the MOS Experience offering a unique tasting adventure. Tip: MOS stands for "Mad Og Sjæl" (or Food and Soul in Danish).
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Den Gule Cottage
This very cozy and charming historic yellow cottage is set just outside of Dyrehaven (the Deer Park) and overlooks Øresund. Enjoy fine Danish cuisine and seasonal ingredients for lunch and dinner—the menu is always changing! You can use their set menu or create your own from the a la carte menu. They also have an extensive wine list to choose from.
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Torvets Café og Vinbar
Stop in here for the cozy atmosphere and an incredible wine list—they feature more than 150 wines from 11 different countries! Sit back with a glass of rosé, sparkling, white, red, or even a dessert wine as you snack on a tapas board featuring local ingredients.
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Rungsted Harbour
Stroll Denmark's third-largest yacht harbor (there are about 850 boats docked here) on the Øresund coast and take in the picturesque views as you shop or grab a bite to eat. This is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood, sip a refreshing glass of chilled white wine, or cool off with an ice cream cone. There are nine restaurants to choose from here—you'll find everything from upscale gourmet dining to quick take-away meals.
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The Foodie Tour of Copenhagen
Immerse yourselves into the foodie scene of Copenhagen on this guided food tour. Try monring treats, local delicacies, and finish it off with local snacks and brews! You'll be stuffed.
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