Zealand Travel Guide

Explore the best destinations around Zealand, Denmark, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and picturesque landscapes of this beautiful region showcased in our travel guide.


Introduction to Zealand

Zealand, also known as Sjælland in Danish, is the largest island in Denmark with a population of over 2 million people. With its magnificent history, picturesque landscapes, and cultural richness, Zealand is a popular tourist destination throughout the year. From the famous Tivoli Gardens to the impressive Kronborg Castle, Zealand has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Zealand

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kronborg Castle: Located in Helsingør, the castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
  • The National Museum of Denmark: A must-visit destination for history lovers.
  • The Viking Ship Museum: Explore the world of Vikings and discover their impressive longships.
  • Frederiksborg Castle: A stunning masterpiece of Renaissance architecture located in Hillerød.
  • Roskilde Cathedral: A beautiful Gothic church that dates back to the 12th century.

Natural Attractions of Zealand: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Møns Klint: A dramatic cliff on the eastern side of the island with beautiful views of the Baltic Sea.
  • The Great Belt Bridge: The longest suspension bridge in Europe, offering breathtaking views of the sea.
  • The lakes of Esrum and Furesø: The largest lakes in Zealand, surrounded by beautiful forests, hiking trails, and bike paths.
  • The Skjoldungestrede Forest: A stunning forest lying on the shores of Roskilde Fjord, offering hiking, biking, and picnic spots.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Zealand

  • The Marguerite Route: A scenic route running along the coast and through small fishing villages.
  • Camønoen: An ancient pilgrim route, meandering from the coast of Camøno Island through gorgeous nature reserves.
  • The Grib Forest Route: A challenging mountain bike trail winding through the Grib Forest, offering gorgeous views and technical challenges.

Best Things to Do in Zealand: Activities and Tours

  • Tivoli Gardens: A world-famous amusement park located in the heart of Copenhagen.
  • Copenhagen Zoo: A beautiful zoo featuring a wide variety of animals from all around the world.
  • Rundetaarn: An iconic tower in Copenhagen with unrivaled panoramic views of the city.
  • Kayak Tours: Explore the waters surrounding Zealand with a guided kayak tour.
  • Viking Reenactment: Get dressed up like a real Viking and take a step back in time to experience the era’s daily life.

Week-Long Itinerary for Zealand

Day Activities
Day 1 Spend the day exploring Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, and visit the famous Little Mermaid statue and Nyhavn Harbor.
Day 2 Take a trip up north to visit the iconic Kronborg Castle before ending the day at the stunning Møns Klint cliffs to watch the sunset.
Day 3 Visit the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde and the charming town before heading to Hillerød to explore the Frederiksborg Castle.
Day 4 Head south to explore the fantastic city of Roskilde. Visit the famous Roskilde Cathedral and enjoy hiking and biking through the Skjoldungestrede Forest.
Day 5 Experience the adrenaline of kayaking along the beautiful coastlines of Zealand.
Day 6 Take a relaxing day trip to the amazing lakes of Esrum and Furesø. Visit the stunning town of Fredensborg on your way back.
Day 7 Spend the last day exploring Copenhagen’s beautiful museums or shopping for souvenirs to bring back home.

Food and Drink Scene of Zealand

Must-Try Dishes

  • Smørrebrød: Traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches, usually topped with fish or meat.
  • Flæskesteg: Roasted pork with crackling, served with red cabbage and potatoes.
  • Frikadeller: Danish meatballs made with pork and beef, served with potatoes and gravy.
  • Æbleflæsk: A traditional dish made of sliced ​​pork belly and apples, served with potatoes.

Local Beverages

  • Carlsberg Beer: One of the world’s most iconic beers, born in Copenhagen.
  • Snaps: A popular Danish alcoholic beverage made from distilled grains or potatoes.

Where to Stay in Zealand: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel d’Angleterre: A luxurious hotel located in the heart of Copenhagen.
  • Danhostel Copenhagen City: A popular and affordable hostel located in the Vesterbro neighborhood of Copenhagen.
  • Kokkedal Castle Copenhagen: A 5-star hotel located north of Copenhagen, surrounded by beautiful forests and nature.

What to Buy in Zealand: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Royal Copenhagen porcelain: The world-renowned porcelain brand with a history dating back to 1775.
  • Danish design: Explore Denmark’s love for modern and minimalist design by purchasing Danish-designed products from local boutiques.
  • Lego: The famous building blocks that have taken over the world.

Local Culture and Customs of Zealand

  • Denmark is a very egalitarian society, with a strong welfare state and a focus on equality and social justice.
  • Hygge: A Danish term encompassing the feeling of coziness, warmth, and relaxation often associated with spending quality time with friends and family.
  • Biking culture: Denmark is famous for its biking culture and infrastructure, so don’t be surprised to see people of all ages and backgrounds cycling.

Best Time to Visit Zealand

The best time to visit Zealand depends on what you want to do and see. Summer is the peak tourist season, with milder weather and longer daylight hours, while winter offers the possibility of experiencing the Christmas markets and seasonal festivities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Zealand

Do:

  • Do try the famous Danish pastries, delicious herring, and hot dogs.
  • Do bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing for the changing weather.
  • Do follow the traffic rules as a pedestrian and bike rider.

Don’t:

  • Don’t be late! Punctuality is valued in Danish culture.
  • Don’t forget to remove your shoes at the entrance, especially in private homes and some cafes.
  • Don’t expect a lot of small talk when interacting with Danes, as they appreciate direct communication.

Safety and Health

Safety in Zealand

Denmark is generally a safe country, and Zealand is no exception. Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas, so it’s essential to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

Health in Zealand

Denmark has one of the world’s highest standards of healthcare with a universal healthcare system. Medical services in Zealand are readily available and accessible.

Getting to Zealand: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Zealand

  • Copenhagen Airport: Located just 10 km from downtown Copenhagen, serving millions of passengers every year.

Bus Stations Near Zealand

  • Copenhagen Central Station: A major hub for railway and bus transportation, providing connections to all parts of Denmark and neighboring countries.

Other Options

  • Ferry: Zealand is well connected by ferry rides to Sweden and Germany.
  • Train: With the excellent rail infrastructure, traveling by train to Zealand is a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

How to Get Around in Zealand

Traveling by bike is one of the best ways to explore Zealand, with many designated bike routes and rental options available. Alternatively, buses and trains are reliable transportation options.

Where to Go Next from Zealand: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Malmö, Sweden: Just a 30-minute train ride from Copenhagen, Malmö is a modern and vibrant city with a rich history and excellent cafes and food.
  • Odense, Denmark: The birthplace of author Hans Christian Andersen, Odense is a charming town with beautiful old buildings and plenty of parks.
  • Aarhus, Denmark: A vibrant university town, with excellent museums, restaurants, and cafés.

Conclusion

Zealand offers a fascinating mix of history, nature, and culture that will leave you in awe and wanting more. From the stunning cliffs of Møns Klint to the world-famous Tivoli Gardens, Zealand is a bucket-list destination that should not be missed by any traveler.

Canoeing on Suså river Canoeing on Suså river ''King Gylfi ruled the lands that are now called Sweden. It is told of him that he gave a ploughland in his kingdom, the size four oxen could plough in a day and a night, to a beggar-woman as a reward for the way she had entertained him. This woman, however, was of the family of the Æsir. Her name was Gefion. She took from the north, out of Jötunheim, four oxen which were the soils of a certain giant and, herself, and set them before the plow. And the plow cut so wide and so deep that it loosened up the land; and the oxen drew the land out into the sea and to the westward, and stopped in a certain sound. There Gefion set the land for good and gave it a name, calling it ''King Gylfi ruled the lands that are now called Sweden. It is told of him that he gave a ploughland in his kingdom, the size four oxen could plough in a day and a night, to a beggar-woman as a reward for the way she had entertained him. This woman, however, was of the family of the Æsir. Her name was Gefion. She took from the north, out of Jötunheim, four oxen which were the soils of a certain giant and, herself, and set them before the plow. And the plow cut so wide and so deep that it loosened up the land; and the oxen drew the land out into the sea and to the westward, and stopped in a certain sound. There Gefion set the land for good and gave it a name, calling it "Zealand." And from that time on, the spot whence the land had been torn up is water: it is now called the "Väneren" in Sweden; and bays lie in that lake even as the headlands in Zealand. Thus says Bragi, the ancient skald.'' Pictured: The Gefion Statue on Copenhagen/Østerbro Suseåen in early spring Suseåen in early spring


    Copenhagen
    North Zealand
    South Zealand
    West Zealand