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For an unforgettable cycling holiday in Denmark, embark on The North Coast Path, a breathtaking route stretching along the entire northern coastline of Sealand. Just a mere 45-minute drive or train ride from Copenhagen, this trail is a treasure trove for cycling enthusiasts.
Indeed, it’s my personal favorite cycling escapade in Denmark! The path offers a stunning panorama filled with white sandy beaches and lush natural landscapes. Quaint trails meander past charming summer cottages, some of the most prized real estate in all of Denmark.
This picturesque coast is affectionately dubbed the Danish Riviera. Fortunately, you don’t have to own a summer home to bask in the enchanting atmosphere of these holiday havens.
On your bike, you can truly savor the exhilaration of breezing through woodlands and along coastlines, with the wind tousling your hair and the sweet scents of pine and blooming roses wafting through the air.
Denmark is an ideal country for a cycling holiday—its terrain is comfortably flat, complemented by a stunning coastline.
Map of Nordkyststien
The North Coast Path, also termed Route 47, is easily navigated thanks to blue bike signs guiding the way. Spanning approximately 68 kilometers, we relied on a digital map to note the various attractions along our journey. You can open this map in Google Maps by tapping the small square in the corner, transforming it into a handy GPS tool on your phone.
Where to Stay During Your Cycling Holiday: The Idyllic Seaside Hotels of Sealand
Given that The North Coast Path is so conveniently close to Copenhagen, a day trip might seem like a sensible option. However, I wholeheartedly recommend indulging in a stay at one of the charming seaside hotels dotted along the coast. A roster of these delightful accommodations can be found here.
During our trip, we had the pleasure of staying at two splendid hotels. The Havgaarden Badehotel is nestled near the quaint beach town of Tisvilleage, while the Marienlyst Strandhotel is a bit more distant from Elsinore (known as Helsingør in Danish). Both contributed a touch of luxury to our otherwise simple plan of biking 73 kilometers over three days.
The cozy seaside hotel Havgaarden was among our overnight stops.
Day 1: Cycling from Nivå to Marienlyst
Length: 15 kilometers
This segment, while not technically part of the Nordkyststien trail, is so beautiful that it warrants inclusion for those looking to extend their cycling journey. Along the way, we passed the stunning garden of the Nivågaard Collection, the Nivå Bugt Strandenge bird sanctuary, Nivå Beach and Harbor, and the idyllic fishing village of Sletten Havn. Our route culminated with a glimpse of Kronborg Castle in the distance as we pedaled on through Elsinore towards Marienlyst.
The Rhododendron Garden of Nivågaard
I boarded the train in Copenhagen with my bike and, just half an hour later, found myself cycling through the countryside towards The Nivågaard Collection. While I didn’t step inside the museum, I savored the seasonal delights outside. Spring was in full bloom, and Nivågaard’s rhododendron garden enchantingly overflowed with color. I wandered through winding paths, momentarily lost in a blooming maze of pink.
The Bird Reserve and Harbor
Leaving Nivågaard, my journey continued along the coast. Here, among the salt marshes, I was lucky enough to spot wading birds in the bird reserve. A small path led to a bird tower, and I rode alongside the water, where kingfishers sometimes make an appearance. I also passed Nivå Beach, framed by charming red wooden houses, and reached Sletten Havn, a picturesque village filled with thatched cottages.
Nivå Beach.
Charming Sletten Havn.
Staying at Marienlyst Strandhotel
Just outside Elsinore, we checked in at Marienlyst Beach Hotel. The rooms, designed in a delightful beach hotel style, offered breathtaking views of the sea.
Here, we faced the pleasing dilemma of choosing between a dip in the ocean or a soothing soak in the hotel’s beach spa, both boasting mesmerizing vistas of the beach and Kronborg Castle—the iconic setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. For those seeking relaxation, there’s even a sauna perched directly on the beach.
Breathtaking sunset at Marienlyst Beach Hotel.
Day 2: Cycling from Marienlyst to Tisvilde
Length: 35 kilometers
After indulging in the hotel’s comforts, we were eager to hit the road again. The first leg of today’s journey meandered through seemingly endless forests. We glided through Teglstrup Fence and Hellebæk Forest along quaint dirt roads, passing serene lakes and the charming Hammermøllen Cafe, an old watermill set deep within the woodland. In hindsight, I now regret not stopping for lunch in such an enchanting spot!
Hornbæk Beach
Exiting the Hellebæk Forest, we flowed into Hornbæk Plantation, where beautiful pines scattered themselves across the sandy terrain. On the horizon, we caught sight of Sweden’s Kullaberg cliffs.
In Hornbæk, we took a well-deserved break, feasting on traditional Danish fish fillets at Fiskehuset Hornbæk, a quaint red establishment with outdoor seating.
A Little Detour to Russia in Denmark
Approaching the charming town of Dronningmølle, a small sign pointed us toward Tegners Museum. Intrigued, we decided to venture off the beaten path. The GPS guided us through a scenic route across golden fields, yet I began to doubt the existence of the museum.
Indeed, Tegners Museum rests in a remote location, with the grounds and surrounding hills adorned with the sculptures of artist Rudolph Tegner. Access to this picturesque sculpture park is free, and the area, rich in heather-covered hills, offers stunning views of the countryside. Perhaps it is this isolation that earned it the local nickname of “Russia” or “Rusland” in Danish.
Munkeruphus
Once back in Dronningmølle, we cycled past Munkeruphus, an art museum housed in a charming vintage wooden building.
Nakkehoved Lighthouse
There’s something undeniably captivating about old lighthouses, and along the North Coast Trail, you’ll encounter two. One of them, Nakkehoved Lighthouse, even features a quaint little museum inside.
Gilleleje and Gilbjerg Hoved
Arriving in the harbor town of Gilleleje, we treated ourselves to the largest ice cream cones we had ever seen! At the end of the main road, the Nordkyststien trail continues onto a narrow path framed by fragrant rosehip hedges. This section, known as Gilbjerg Trail, ascends over the sea towards Gilbjerg Hoved, the northernmost tip of Sealand.
It’s said that this very spot inspired philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, as he sought clarity amid nature’s beauty. Standing here, it’s easy to understand why—the rolling meadows and protected nature areas surrounding the hill are serene and inspiring.
Staying at Havgaarden Badehotel
On the approach to Tisvildeleje, we reached our lodging for the night. The final stretch was quite steep, compelling us to dismount and walk our bikes the last bit to Havgaarden Badehotel. This charming establishment, complete with a thatched roof and blue doors, radiates warmth.
An outstanding breakfast awaits at Havgaarden Badehotel.
The charming decor, featuring traditional Danish plates, adds to the hotel’s allure.
Day 3: Cycling from Havgaarden Badehotel to Hundested
Length: 25 kilometers
By our third day, we certainly felt the toll of our journey, but any exhaustion faded as we remembered that today’s route is the most picturesque stretch of the entire Nordkyststien trail. We ventured onward, making a brief stop at Helena Spring, where a sacred spring and a lovely hotel overlook the sea.
Tisvilde Hegn and Troll Forest
As we rolled through the charming beach town of Tisvilde, the trail led us into the enchanting Tisvilde Hegn forest. I spotted delicate purple blooms along the way—small pasque flowers, humorously dubbed the “nodding cowbell” in Danish—rare gems that bloom almost exclusively along this sandy coast. Our path also guided us through the whimsical Troll Forest, where trees twist and bend in fantastical shapes.
Delicate Easter flowers bloom along the path.
The magic of the Troll Forest awaits visitors.
Melby Overdrive
Leaving Tisvilde Hegn, we ventured out to the vast moorland known as Melby Overdrev—truly one of my cherished locations in Sealand. Its flat, heather-clad expanse is breathtaking. I watched deer playfully dart across the landscape while a pair of white horses roamed effortlessly, brightening the golden fields.
Rågeleje Beach
As we continued, we passed the delightful beach cottages at Rågeleje Beach.
Kikhavn
From the small, picturesque beach town of Lisleage, we embarked on the final stretch of our cycling journey, pedaling through quaint cottage lanes leading to Kikhavn. Nestled right on the beach, this charming village boasts stunning thatched houses.
One of the lovely houses at Kikhavn.
Spodsbjerg Lighthouse
Approaching the end of the trail, we encountered one of the most beautiful sights along the Nordkyststien—a striking lighthouse at Spodsbjerg, near Hundested. Perched atop a rolling hill, it offers the most breathtaking views of the sea.
The House of Polar Scientist Knud Rasmussen
Not far from the lighthouse lies a curious, smurf-like house—once the residence of polar scientist Knud Rasmussen during his many expeditions. Though it offers no resemblance to Greenland, the stunning landscapes of this locale make it clear why he chose this beautiful spot in Denmark as a home base. Today, the house serves as a museum.
Staying in the Hundested Harbor Huts
Charming Hundested Harbor is famed for its fish restaurants and creative ateliers. On the last night of our cycling adventure, we found refuge in the coziest little red cabin located right on the harbor—bookable directly here.
The following morning brought only a brief five-minute drive to Hundested Station, where a train awaited to whisk us and our bikes back to the bustling heart of Copenhagen.
Take Your Bike With You on the Train During Your Cycling Holiday
The local railway efficiently runs parallels to the coast, making it effortless to transport your bike and customize your route as necessary. Train stations can be found in Elsinore, Hornbæk, Gilleleje, Tisvildeleje, and Hundested.
Utilize the national travel planner, Rejseplanen, to map out your journey seamlessly.
Advice for Cycling Holidays
I truly cherish cycling holidays for their perfect pace—you traverse distances faster than on foot yet remain unhurried enough to take in your surroundings. Unlike traveling by car, where you’re stuck inside, cycling allows you to feel the wind and smell the ocean breeze. Denmark’s flat terrain makes cycling accessible for everyone, regardless of fitness level.
Here are a few tips:
- Invest in high-quality waterproof panniers that attach easily to your bike’s luggage carrier; this will lighten your load considerably.
- If you lack your own bike, rentals are available at Nordkysten’s Cykeludlejning, which provides delivery to the start of your route and retrieval at the journey’s end.
- An ordinary three-gear bike is entirely feasible for this route, as the roads and paths are well-kept and relatively flat. Be mindful, however, that some segments may be sandy, requiring you to dismount and push your bike for short stretches.
More Cycling Routes in North Sealand
If you’re eager to ride even further in North Sealand, consider exploring Visit Nordsjælland’s website. It offers an abundance of routes and digital maps brimming with points of interest.
