Historical route through Zealand by foot

Your tour starts in the old medieval town of Helsingør, where in the afternoon you'll visit the Danish Maritime Museum. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Madam Sprunck, located in the suggestive old historic town, close to the railway station, harbour, pedestrian shopping streets and within walking distance of Kulturværftet (the Culture Yard) and Kronborg Castle. The cuisine at the hotel is inspired by Spanish, French and Italian cuisine.

Today you'll visit Kronborg Castle, the setting of Hamlet. Here you'll learn the authentic story of Shakespeare’s famous prince. You'll continue your walk along the north coast and through the forest to reach the suggestive Hellebæk. Lunch at Hammermøllen, a true jewel and a stunning destination. You'll discover the fantastic history behind Hammermøllen. It is said that when Frederik II had Kronborg built, water-powered mills were needed. Therefore, major canal and dam work took place in the woods around Hellebæk. In 1576, the first mill, a grain mill, was built near the beach and named Kongens Mølle (King's Mill).

Afterwards, you'll enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the vineyard; do not hesitate to learn all about the vines, the seasons, and how the grapes are turned into wine at the winery. The tour rounds off with a tasting of the various wines produced by the vineyard. At the end, you head through the picturesque landscape to Havreholm, where you'll overnight in a cosy guest house, surrounded by the beautiful North Sealand woodland and countryside. All rooms are decorated in light colours and in a relaxing style. Enjoy the chef’s French-inspired dishes, prepared from organic ingredients, purchased locally and served with personality. A wide selection of wines is also on offer.

The beautiful and famous Esrum Abbey is located in the heart of the amazing landscape. The monastery was founded in 1151 and became the Nordic hub of the Cistercians’ pan-European network of monasteries which stretched from Sicily to Norway and from Poland to Ireland. The abbey was the biggest and most important Cistercian convent in Scandinavia. You eat well at Esrum: everything is homemade! Enjoy a meal in the bright, cozy café at Møllegården or in Brother Rus’ vaulted abbey cellar.

Then, you'll move to Frederiksborg Castle, which is located in the centre of Hillerød. The castle was built by Christian IV in the first decade of the 17^th century and it is the hugest castles in Scandinavia. This lavish construction is rich in detail and gorgeous craftsmanship, both inside and outside. Home of the National History Museum, it is a unique destination providing unforgettable cultural experiences, garden walks and sailing on the castle lake. Enjoy a couple of hours in the castle and the beautiful Baroque garden. At the end of the visit, take a break sipping a warm café latte in the stunning surroundings of the castle’s Restaurant Leonora.

Overnight in a cosy little log cabin at the ‘Sov Dejligt' (which means Sleep Well) B&B in Hillerød, and dedicate your time to wellness for body and soul under the open skies in a hot tub with water heated by firewood to 39 degrees. Do not miss this pleasure with champagne and exotic fruit.

The day begins with a walk through a more open landscape enjoying breath-taking views and far-reaching skies. The route takes you out to Denmark’s largest lake, Arresø, which is almost 41 km². Here, you will enjoy your picnic and just relax on the shores of the lake until you reach Frederiksværk. This latter is one of Denmark’s industrial monuments nominated by the Ministry of Culture, you can admire cannons but also idyllic canals. In 1717, Frederik IV ordered that a canal be dug to divert water from Arresø lake. This is why, today the canal flows gently through Frederiksværk, giving the town a particular likeability. Its several well-preserved old buildings along the canal present a unique bond between the past and present.

After visiting the small open-air museum, one of the world’s best preserved gunpowder works with buildings and working machinery dating back to the 19^th century, you'll discover the Hotel Frederiksværk and the Restaurant Madam Schiøtt. Both are located in the centre of Frederiksværk, with the town’s culture house Gjethuset, canals and the town museum as its nearest neighbours.

Walking along the coast you'll reach Hundested Harbour right for your lunch at Halsnæs Bryghus brewery. In the afternoon visit the Knud Rasmussen's House, located in a scenic area overlooking the Kattegat by Spodsbjerg Lighthouse; it was the polar researcher’s place of work. Here, he planned his expeditions in Greenland and wrote his books. Knud Rasmussen mapped the spiritual development and culture of the Eskimos, which no one had ever done before. He also managed to collect and bring home more than 15,000 ethnographic and archaeological artefacts, today kept at the National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen. Overnight at Hald Hytteudlejning (cabin rental), close to the beach. These cabins are so charming and you can always expect a warm welcome from the host.

Today you'll enjoy a full day's relaxation along the breath-taking stretch of coast known as “the Danish Riviera”. After enjoying your free time, the route continues to Liseleje, a beautiful coastal town. Overnight at Bed & Breakfast Liselængen. Enjoy a nice dinner in the glow of the sunset.

In your last day, you'll discover the memorial of Søren Kierkegaard, Denmark's renowned philosopher. In Gilleleje, you can follow Søren Kierkegaard’s footsteps, and enjoy an inner journey. Find a beautiful, undisturbed place; sit comfortably on the grass, the forest floor, on the sand – somewhere you can soak in the peace and tranquillity. Listen to the place, take in the smell, let the light work silently on your mind. Overnight at Gilleleje Badehotel, where it is possible to enjoy a little spa and wellness at the hotel – your reward after seven good hiking days.