Sprawling north of Copenhagen, North Zealand is an affluent area in Denmark’s far east. It’s dotted with castles that have played an influential role in Danish history and English literature, as well as one of the world’s most visited art museums.
Things to do in Nordsjælland
Whether you want to step into the world of “Hamlet” at Elsinore or see works by some of the world’s most celebrated modern artists, North Zealand offers all of this and more on Copenhagen’s doorstep.
Visit the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Overlooking the Øresund in Humlebæk is Denmark’s most visited art museum, which boasts an outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art. In addition to exhibiting works by Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder and Alberto Giacometti, it’s home to the site-specific work “Riverbed” by Olafur Eliasson. Coincide your visit with a performance in the Concert Hall or see works by Henry Moore and Joan Miro in the landscaped sculpture garden.
Explore Frederiksborg Castle. Originally constructed in the 17th century as a royal residence for King Christian IV, Frederiksborg Castle went on to become the largest Renaissance residence in Scandinavia. It is now open to the public as a museum, with period furnishings, paintings and cultural artefacts on display. See Denmark’s largest collection of portraits and explore the Baroque-style formal garden with its cascading water feature.
See where Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” was set. In the town of Helsingør is one of the most important Renaissance castles in Northern Europe, Kronborg Slot, which played the role of Elsinore in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”. It is positioned at the northeastern tip of North Zealand overlooking the narrowest point of the Øresund, with Sweden visible just across the water. Admire the Netherlandish furniture on display in the Royal Apartments and the paintings of the Great Ballroom, then see tapestries depicting Danish kings in the Little Hall.
Getting around Nordsjælland
Copenhagen Airport is the main aviation gateway to North Zealand and has flights to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America. Trains and buses connect from the Danish capital to towns and villages throughout North Zealand.