Idyllic Kikhavn near Hundested is an old fishing hamlet and village on the north side of Halsnæs in North Zealand.
Kikhavn is an old fishing village on the northern side of Halsnæs in North Zealand. The village is located by the Kattegat, approximately 3 km northeast of Hundested. The many large, yellow- and whitewashed, thatched farms and houses bear witness to a time when the combination of agriculture and fishing provided the inhabitants with a relatively good life.
Kikhavn's history dates back to the 13th century, making it the oldest fishing settlement in Halsnæs. Remarkably, Kikhavn looks almost the same as it did 200 years ago. The village has miraculously withstood fires, the sea’s wrath, and tourism. The charming thatched farms line narrow, cozy streets surrounded by hollyhocks. The idyllic atmosphere is further emphasized by Kikhavn’s peaceful, car-free environment, where children can safely roam and play in the streets.
As early as 1561, when the oldest preserved land registers for Frederiksborg were written, the village had nearly its present extent, with houses on both sides of the main street. At that time, Kikhavn was a relatively large fishing village with 30-35 houses. The houses were built very close together or as twin farms that shared a central wing. The residents were smallholders who made a living from fishing and agriculture.
During the great herring boom from around 1200 to 1500, fishing was presumably the primary occupation. Fishing was conducted from small boats, which were pulled ashore after the catch. At that time, fishing was mainly seasonal work, but as agriculture developed, the population became more divided into farmers and fishermen.
In 1795, a fire broke out in Kikhavn, destroying 17 houses. At the time, a major redistribution of land was underway in Halsnæs, and it was decided not to rebuild the burned houses but instead relocate them.
A map from 1824 clearly shows that some of the gaps left by the fire were later filled with smaller cottages and outbuildings. Over time, a few additional small cottages were built.
Since then, Kikhavn has not changed significantly. Structurally, the village remains much the same, except for necessary modifications to make the houses suitable for residential use.
Approximately 25 people live in the idyllic village of Kikhavn. During the summer, many more come to experience Kikhavn, bringing the population to around 700 people. It’s the perfect place to pack a picnic basket and take a dip at Kikhavn’s lovely beach. Afterwards, you can head towards Spodsbjerg Lighthouse, Knud Rasmussen’s House, and Fyrgården, where you can enjoy what might be the most beautiful view in the entire Halsnæs area.
To preserve Kikhavn’s unique character and special atmosphere for future generations, visitors are kindly asked to respect a few guidelines: Driving through the village’s narrow, winding streets is not allowed for good reason. Please park your car at the designated parking lot just outside the village and explore Kikhavn on foot.
Help protect the valuable dike and coastal protection system, which safeguards the village from storm surges. Use only the designated paths and crossings. Do not remove sand, stones, plants, or any other natural elements from the beach and surrounding areas—this is strictly prohibited. Additionally, avoid open flames near Kikhavn’s charming but highly flammable thatched houses and farms.
