I kid you not, I once heard Birmingham described as the Venice of Britain, so you can understand why I was a little bit dubious when my husband said he’d booked us a holiday to the Danish Riviera – North Zealand.

(Incidently, I wonder if anyone ever says ‘Ah, Venice : the Birmingham of Italy’!?)

However, my fears were short-lived. This relatively small area of North Zealand (or North Sealand) kept us going with ‘oos and ahhs’ (and a few snorts at the Danish road signs which translate hilariously into English) for our whole trip.

North Zealand – The Danish Riviera

If you’re thinking of a holiday to Denmark this summer, North Zealand offers a version of the country at its most effortless and inviting. Days are longer, life is slow, and once you’re into the Danish rhythm of swimming, cycling, and lingering over meals, you’ll wonder why you’d never considered a summer in Denmark before. It’s easy to see why the Danes themselves regularly choose to holiday in Denmark and it’s often this little region that they return to over and over.

Hansel and Gretel cottages with thatched rooves sit on the roadside, hugged by the woods which probably shelter ginger-bread houses too. Little bakeries and independent hardware stores neighbour dozens of designer interior shops – it’s little wonder the locals walking by in their on-trend pantalons look like they invented the word ‘swank’, have you ever sat in an Arne Jacobsen or Panton chair? – It’s impossible to not look cool!

The coastal road from Copenhagen airport winds around little towns like Helsingor, Hellebaek and Hornbaek at a pace only the bohemianly chic Danish could have instituted : life should be enjoyed and absorbed, not rushed or missed. Slow down and admire the views across the 4 mile strait to Sweden.

But is there plenty to see in North Zealand? Is a Denmark summer holiday a good choice? And how expensive is it going to be? We’ll endeavour to answer all of these questions and more from our recent family holiday…

Where To Stay In Zealand, Denmark

North Zealand is an especially strong choice for a summer holiday in Denmark. Close enough to Copenhagen for day trips yet far enough to feel relaxed, the region combines some of the country’s best beaches with elegant towns, historic castles, and expansive forests. Choosing North Zealand means you don’t have to compromise: you get nature, culture, and accessibility all in one place.

Places like Hornbæk, Tisvildeleje, and Gilleleje offer a true holiday atmosphere without feeling overdeveloped, while the coastline provides calm waters, soft sand, and beautiful light. Accommodation here ranges from classic Danish summer houses to refined seaside hotels, making it easy to tailor your stay to your pace and style.

We stayed at this beautiful home in Hornbaek and would recommend it in a heartbeat. Hornbaek felt like the perfect place to base ourselves on Zealand island as everything was on your doorstep and walkable, and it has one of the prettiest beaches in North Zealand. Plus the added bonus of free bikes meant that we could really explore the area and its beauty. It was under an hour from the airport and most of the places you’ll want to visit in North Zealand are all within 20 minutes by car from Hornbaek.

The property itself was a stone’s throw from the beach but we also really appreciated the outdoor seating area and BBQ on the warm summer evenings. Inside it’s Danishly stylish, fully equipped, and perfectly set up for families including board games and lawn games. We really settled in for the week here and had a lot of fun!

Note: The Danes weirdly don’t do bedding, and we found that out the hard way! So either bring your own (which apparently is really normal procedure for a Dane) or request a bedding pack before arrival. This does not apply to hotels though – bedding is always provided.

---

Things To Do In North Zealand, Denmark

North Zealand is ideal for travellers who want to experience Denmark in summer – unhurried, outdoors-focused, and quietly beautiful – while still having the option to dip into city life when the mood strikes.

Here’s a few places and activities we enjoyed on our family holiday in Denmark…

North Zealand Beaches – Beauitful & Quiet…

Fine white sand, framed by pink wild roses and crowd free, this is where those in the know come to spend their summers. Hornbaek and Tisvildeleje are the better known beaches in North Zealand but are certainly not exclusive; there are plenty of places to park along this coastline, for free, and once you make your way through the grassy dunes with your lilo and (open) tuna sandwiches you will be greeted by the lapping waves of the Baltic Sea and the odd German naked bather. Basically, it’s just you and the ocean.

Hornbaek Beach

Kronborg Castle

Sitting proud in the town of Elsinore (or Helsingor) is Kronborg Castle – home to the Prince of Denmark of the Sixteenth Century who was immortalised in the Shakespeare tale of Hamlet. Whether the crazy long-socked writer ever visited the castle or not remains a mystery, but this detailed piece of architecture has more than a poetic history – there are guided tours daily which speak of its elaborate past and connections with the rest of the world. And you mustn’t miss the crypts and catacombes where Holgar the Dane sits fossilized on his throne waiting for a future date when Denmark needs a hero (aka Holgar, obvs) to awaken and save the day.

For more information about Kronborg Castle visit their website.

Kronborg Castle – Hamlets House

Helsingor

The local town of Helsingor is worth a day of your time too, if only to wander the quaint cobbled streets and view the lighthouses, there are plenty of things to do in this popular town.

Things to do in Helsingor;

• See contemporary design at the M/S Maritime Museum
• Stroll the cobbled streets of the Old Town
• Walk through St. Olai’s Cathedral and the historic Carmelite monastery
• Visit Kulturværftet for exhibitions, library space, and events
• Stop by the harbour area for views of Sweden across the Øresund
• Relax at nearby beaches like Nordhavnen or Julebæk Strand
• Take the 20-minute ferry to Helsingborg for a quick international day trip to Sweden (although we prefer a drive over the amazing Öresund Bridge and a few hours in the capital of Sweden, Malmö).

Visit Dyrehavsbakken – Denmark’s Oldest Amusement Park

North Sealand was always the playground for Kings and Queens of yesteryear and the fun hasn’t stopped. So, if you’re after a day of kicks and thrills then Dyrehavsbakken is your answer. You don’t have to be able to pronounce it to get in, in fact, you don’t even have to pay! (you just pay per ride)

Ten minutes north of Copenhagen, and open March till August, it is the worlds oldest amusement park (Bakken for short) – 431 years old! Sir Isaac Newton probably had a season ticket to this wonderland of gravitational entertainment and today you can ride till your heart’s content in Scandinavia’s biggest theme park : 33 rollercoasters (not 400 year old I might add), ferris wheels, bumper cars, drop towers etc. etc. And, half price fares on Wednesdays!

See The Louisianna Museum of Modern Art

The Louisianna Museum is no ordinary museum. Set above the Øresund coastline, it feels as much like a landscape as a gallery, where the light-filled rooms open onto views of sea, sky and sculptured garden. The collection balances international modern masters with contemporary exhibitions and the art seamlessly weaves with the surrounding nature. It’s zen and zany all in one.

Take A Trip To Sweden

One of the quiet pleasures of a North Zealand holiday is how effortless it is to visit Sweden for the day – the land of Moomins and cinnamon buns. It adds an extra layer of culture, an opportunity for a cheap glass of wine (Sweden don’t pay tax on alcohol), and the excuse to tick off another country – albeit just a glimpse.

As we’ve already mentioned, the ferry from Helsingor to Helsingborg is only 20 minutes and the town is rather pleasant. A cute waterfront promenade, pavements cafes and leafy streets offer a very subtle contrast to the Danish side of the strait. And a climb up the Kärnan tower presents birds-eye views across the water back to Denmark.

But, as I said, we prefer the trip over the Oresund Bridge to Malmo. Malmo is nothing like Copenhagen, well not the centre at least anyway. Less curated and more edgy, Sweden’s capital is a brusque contrast to the polished calm of North Zealand and the curated spaces of Copenhagen. Full of students, artists and multiple ethnicites, you can feel the urban energy. In fact, to say we stumbled across topless bathers in a city park kind of sums up the vibe we felt here!

Things To Do In Malmo…

• Explore Gamla Staden (Old Town) with its cobbled streets, colourful buildings, and historic squares.
• Visit St. Peter’s Church (Sankt Petri Kyrka), Malmö’s oldest church with Gothic architecture.
• See the Turning Torso, Scandinavia’s tallest residential building and architectural icon.
• Stroll the Western Harbour (Västra Hamnen) for sleek modern buildings, boardwalks, and sea views.
• Grab fika (coffee and pastries) at local cafés in Lilla Torg or along the canal.
• Explore street art in the Möllevången neighbourhood for a more alternative, creative vibe.
• Try some classic Swedish comfort food at Bullen, the city’s oldest restaurant with old-school atmosphere.

Visit The Danish Capital – Copenhagen

One thing that you absolutely must do during your summer in Denmark, is visit the nations capital – Copenhagen. It’s one of our favourite European cities and a place that rewards both first-time visitors and repeat trips alike. In summer, the city really comes into its own, with long, light-filled days that spill into warm evenings. Locals swim in the harbour, cycle everywhere, and gather outdoors for food, drinks, and conversation.

Explore world class museums, take a boat trip with the family, and savour some of Copenhagen’s culinary offerings – this city is a real foodie paradise!

It’s creative, design-led, and full of life, yet never overwhelming. Copenhagen is definitely the perfect day trip for your North Zealand holiday. We wrote more about it in this post.

Travel Tips For A Summer In Denmark

There’s a couple of things to know before booking and packing for a holiday in Denmark…

• Pack for changeable weather – Danish summers are mild rather than hot, so bring light layers, a jumper, and a waterproof jacket, even on sunny days.
• Take advantage of the long daylight hours – In June and July it stays light very late, perfect for evening swims, late dinners, and unhurried sightseeing.
• Use public transport – Trains and buses are reliable, clean, and easy to navigate, making it simple to travel between Copenhagen, North Zealand, and coastal towns.
• Book summer accommodation early – July is peak holiday season for Danes, especially in coastal areas, so popular summer houses and hotels fill up quickly.
• Expect higher prices – Denmark is not a budget destination, but we think the quality, cleanliness, and experience generally justify the cost.
• Plan around weekends – Beach towns can feel much busier on warm weekends when locals travel out of the cities.
• Respect nature and public spaces – Danish beaches, forests, and parks are beautifully maintained, and visitors are expected to treat them with care.

What To Eat In Denmark…

• Fish & Chips in Gilleleje – a little fisherman’s town famous for it. And if you can’t quite decide which place you want to order from then just follow the crowds – those in the know will soon lead you to the esteemed battered delicacies.
• Smørrebrød. It would be insane to visit Denmark and not try the Scandinavian culinary delight that is the open sandwich, or Smørrebrød. Made with traditional rye bread and often a choice of smoked or pickled fish, meats and cheeses with some sort of relish, they come presented beautifully.
• Pickled herring – Served in different marinades, often with rye bread, onion, and egg—especially popular in summer.
• Danish pastries – Flaky, buttery pastries like cinnamon swirls and custard-filled spandauer, best eaten fresh from a bakery.
• Ice Cream. The Danes seem obsessed with ice cream, but it has to be the good stuff.
• Danish hot dog – A surprisingly iconic snack from a pølsevogn (hot dog stand), with crispy onions, pickles, and remoulade.
• Frikadeller – Pan-fried meatballs, often served with potatoes and salad; comforting and very Danish.

---

So, there you have it, a brief compendium of North Zealand, The Danish Riviera – a little secret kingdom which the Danes would rather keep to themselves. However, with flight prices to Copenhagen pretty low (try £19.99 return with RyanAir) and some well designed holiday homes on offer, why wouldn’t you visit this pleasant and good-natured land!?

So, have you been? Did I forget anything? Drop me a line…

Pin For Later…