Excursions on Zealand

The island of Zealand (Sjælland) offers far more than Copenhagen. Three day trips are absolute musts:

Kronborg Castle — Hamlet's Castle (UNESCO)

In Helsingør (45 min. by train from Copenhagen), Kronborg Castle towers over the Øresund — the UNESCO World Heritage Site that Shakespeare used as the setting for Hamlet's castle "Elsinore." The mighty Renaissance castle (1585) with its casemates, knight's hall, and the sleeping Viking hero Holger Danske in the cellar is one of the most impressive castles in Northern Europe. In summer, "Hamlet" is performed in the castle courtyard. Admission: 145 DKK.

Roskilde — Cathedral & Viking Ships (UNESCO)

Roskilde (25 min. by train from Copenhagen) was the medieval capital of Denmark and hosts two UNESCO sites: The Roskilde Cathedral (1170) is the burial church of Danish kings — 40 monarchs rest here in ornate chapels and sarcophagi. The Viking Ship Museum on the fjord displays five original Viking ships from the 11th century, salvaged from the seabed in 1962. In summer, you can sail on a replica and try Viking crafts. Cathedral: 70 DKK, Museum: 160 DKK.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

In Humlebæk (35 min. by train) lies Louisiana — one of the most beautiful art museums in the world. The connection of art and nature is unique: modern pavilions wind through a sculpture garden on the steep shore of the Øresund. The collection includes Giacometti, Warhol, Bourgeois, Kusama, and Kapoor. The view from the café over the Øresund to Sweden is worth the visit alone. Admission: 145 DKK.

North Zealand — Castles & Coast

North of Copenhagen stretches the Danish Riviera: beach towns like Hornbæk, Tisvilde, and Gilleleje with wide sandy beaches and summer houses. In addition, there are two magnificent castles: Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød (the "Versailles of the North" with the National History Museum, admission: 90 DKK) and Fredensborg Palace (the Queen's summer residence, garden freely accessible). All this is accessible by S-Tog and regional train.