Copenhagen, Denmark’s bustling capital, offers a wealth of accommodations, boasting over 30,000 hotel rooms. Yet, if you’re looking to soak up the vibrant ambiance while retreating to tranquil nature, consider a short jaunt to North Zealand. Just a 20-minute train ride from Nørreport station in downtown Copenhagen lies Skodsborg. This charming coastal locale resembles a string of elegant summer homes constructed in the mid-19th century for royals and dignitaries, all overlooking the shimmering Øresund Strait and adjacent to the scenic Dyrehaven forest—a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with over 2,000 wild deer, beloved by hikers and mountain biking enthusiasts alike.
Nestled within this patch of natural beauty is the Deco-inspired Kurhotel Skodsborg Spa Hotel, originally founded in 1898 by Carl Ottosen as a sanatorium. An early proponent of holistic wellness, Ottosen emphasized a plant-focused diet, regular exercise, massage, heat therapy, and invigorating cold sea baths. Today, this four-star sanctuary retains those principles, offering a hidden escape for locals seeking restorative calm. It blends the cozy charm of a boutique hideaway with the soothing atmosphere of a modern Scandinavian spa. Guests can indulge in a generous 100-square-metre hydro-pool, hot saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, and a salt grotto—all housed in a subterranean oasis designed by Henning Larsen, famed for his work on the award-winning Harpa concert hall in Reykjavík. For those daring enough, outdoor ice baths and a private jetty invite a refreshing plunge into the icy waters, a popular activity for Danes year-round.
The Hotel
Envision a more relaxed take on a wellness spa akin to Bamford’s in the Cotswolds, where fresh air mingles with a soothing neutral palette and graceful interior design. The lounge, awash in light, features plush gray velour sofas, bookshelves filled with art books, and striking chandeliers reminiscent of oversized wagon wheels. A piano graces one corner, while a stone fireplace near the bar serves up immune-boosting smoothies during the day alongside botanical-infused cocktails in the evening. This space also functions as a casual dining lounge, offering ‘paleo’ open sandwiches for lunch and delectable burgers or light bites in the evening.
Rooms
(Image credit: Kurhotel Skodsborg)
Each of the hotel’s 96 rooms strikes a balance between chic simplicity and comfort, with half enjoying views of the sea. Generously designed en-suite bathrooms, many featuring deep tubs, enhance the experience. A minimalist approach—marked by a predominantly white color scheme accented by vibrant Missoni cushions—reinforces the hotel’s clean-sleep philosophy. Amenities include cable TV and coffee makers in all accommodations.
Fine Dining
(Image credit: Kurhotel Skodsborg)
At the hotel’s Brasserie Carl, guests can savor breathtaking views of the Øresund while indulging in modern cuisine crafted from local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. This is food grounded in honesty, showcasing Scandinavian flair with an array of beautifully presented vegetarian options. Standout dishes include a hearty grain salad with creamy Jerusalem artichoke and warm waffles, or a succulent chicken breast cooked on the bone, paired with brown onions and creamed mash. All desserts are the handiwork of the dedicated pastry team.
Treatments
(Image credit: Kurhotel Skodsborg)
While the hotel offers ample activities, there’s also something to be said for indulging in a full day at the spa, relishing any of the 16 unique bathing experiences on offer. For a more personalized touch, consider a Nordic hot stone massage. For those who can handle the heat, the sauna gus treatment is an exhilarating option; here, a trained ‘gus master’ creates a fragrant cloud of essential oils by deftly swirling a towel over the steamy stove. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the well-appointed gym, which features personal and team training classes in disciplines ranging from spinning and boxing to yoga, aqua fitness, and TRX Wellness treatments.
Further Afield
Trains to central Copenhagen depart approximately every half hour from Skodsborg station, conveniently located just steps from the hotel. For those wishing to delve deeper into nature, the hotel offers guided excursions through the former royal hunting grounds of Dyrehaven, including a visit to the 18th-century Hermitage Castle.
Alexandra was a guest of Kurhotel Skodsborg, where a standard double room starts from DKK 2,045 (approximately £236) per night for two guests, including breakfast and full access to the spa.
