Daniel and Marianne biked to three museums – join their cycling tour in North Zealand.

On a warm and sunny summer day in June, my partner and I packed the car to head out and explore North Zealand. Our goal was to embark on an active journey, discovering some of the cultural gems hidden in the landscape while trying out some brand-new shelters.

Luxury Shelters at Nivå Camping

Our first destination was Nivå Camping, where the welcoming host, Eva, greeted us warmly. With great enthusiasm, she led us to one of their newly built luxury shelters—or "camping suites," as they call them—where we would spend the night. She proudly explained that they had recently acquired four of these shelters, fulfilling a long-standing dream. As part of the luxury shelter experience, she presented us with a welcome basket filled with fresh fruit and various treats.

What an incredible start to our adventure!

The new shelters are designed in semi-rounded shapes, creating a cozy "Hobbiton" atmosphere as they sat nestled by the green forest, with their rounded appearance and circular windows.

Inside, the shelters featured two soft beds with bedding, a charming minibar fridge, power outlets for charging phones, and indoor ceiling lighting.

At the front of the shelter, there’s a charming covered “mini-terrace” where you can relax on the soft cushions provided. On the back wall inside the shelter, Eva and the team at Nivå Camping had added a beautiful sunset photo printed from a North Zealand coastal beach. This thoughtful touch added an extra layer of cosiness when you were lying inside the shelter.

Across from the three shelters lies a newly built outdoor terrace overlooking the lake. The terrace features a picnic table set, making it the perfect spot for breakfast.

The next morning, Eva stopped by again—this time with freshly brewed coffee and a delicious breakfast basket. We enjoyed it on the outdoor terrace under the morning sun—a perfect start to the active and adventure-filled day that awaited us.

Bikes from Nordkystens Cykeludlejning in Gilleleje

After the delicious breakfast, we drove north to Gilleleje, where we met Vicky from Nordkystens Cykeludlejning (North Coast Bike Rental).

Vicky explained that she and her husband started this initiative in 2015, and since then, they have been offering unique and local cycling experiences. With their extensive know-how and local insights into the many hidden gems and attractions, they ensure a truly one-of-a-kind adventure on two wheels.

They even offer delivery and pickup services for summerhouses, organize corporate events, and help plan custom cycling holidays.

We were provided with two well-maintained bikes and a map showing an overview of the area. Our goal was to cycle the scenic 27 km route that passes by three museums: Munkeruphus, Rudolph Tegner's Museum, and Esrum Abbey.

The Cycling Tour Heads to the First Museum: Munkeruphus

From the bike rental, the journey led us through the charming townscape, past quaint thatched-roof houses, along small bike paths through forests, and along the coast. The blue sky and sea blended beautifully with the greenery of the forest and freshly mowed lawns. After a few kilometres of cycling, we arrived at our first stop: Munkeruphus.

As we walked our bikes across the gravel courtyard, we were greeted by Kristine from Munkeruphus, who welcomed us into the large and impressive villa. The charming two-story villa is set in lush green surroundings, featuring vibrant flower beds and a serene park.

We took a tour inside and explored, among other things, the Bjørn Nørgaard exhibition while Kristine shared insights about the house and its concept. The museum has about 40 dedicated volunteers who help with guest reception, manage the café, tend to the gardens, and more.

Their goal is to create a homely atmosphere where visitors can come as they are—whether to be inspired by the exhibitions or to simply enjoy a cup of coffee in the cosy café.

After the indoor tour, we strolled through the backyard park, where visitors were free to wander and admire the sculptures scattered throughout. All outdoor areas are open 24/7 and are completely free of charge. A great tip from Kristine: bring a towel so you can take a dip in the sea. The park is located right by the beach.

We took in the stunning view of the water from the beautiful willow hut at the far end of the garden—it’s definitely worth a visit!

Visit the museum Munkeruphus

On to the Next Museum: Rudolph Tegner's Museum & Sculpture Park

After our tour of Munkeruphus, we hopped back on our bikes and continued through the summer landscape, heading toward Rudolph Tegner's Museum & Sculpture Park. The route took us along charming bike paths that meandered through summerhouse areas and open fields, offering a delightful mix of scenery.

The concrete-grey building rose prominently in the landscape, standing as a striking figure amidst the lush green surroundings. The museum itself is open from April to November 1st, while the nearby sculpture park remains open and free of charge year-round.

It was awe-inspiring to wander among the many detailed statues—some as small as 40 cm and others towering several meters high, requiring us to tilt our heads far back to take it all in.

Next to the museum sits Søren’s Café—a charming little house with a blue-and-white striped awning and a friendly host. Here, we enjoyed a refreshing ice cream in the shade, accompanied by the soothing sounds of jazz and birdsong—a true summer idyll!

From there, we hopped back on our bikes and headed toward the final stop on our cycling route: Esrum Abbey.

The Third Museum of the Day: Esrum Monastery

Set within the beautiful historic buildings, Esrum Monastery takes you on a journey back to the Middle Ages and the golden age of this iconic monastery. The museum offers engaging narratives about grand politics, religion, and social history, alongside fun activities for the whole family. These include light and sound installations as well as interactive games, making it a captivating experience for visitors of all ages.

After an inspiring visit to the museum, we cycled back through the summer landscape to Gilleleje. Here, we returned the bikes to Vicky and shared our experiences and impressions of the delightful cycling route.

We then grabbed our swimsuits and headed to the beach, just 200 meters from the bike rental, for a much-needed dip in the sea. It was wonderful to float in the waves after the eventful cycling tour and soak up the warmth of the afternoon sun.

Dinner and Tree Tents at Ågabet

After the refreshing swim, we packed the car and headed to Ågabet near Frederiksværk, where we were set to enjoy dinner and spend the night in a tree tent with the two entrepreneurs Lars and Kasper. They are in the process of launching an exciting new concept featuring overnight stays in tree tents and glamping tents, along with a variety of outdoor activities at Ågabet.

When we arrived, Lars and Kasper greeted us with big smiles and boundless enthusiasm. Lars, an entrepreneur who has also started a "Gastromino" project, had already lit the fire and was preparing freshly caught zander over the flames. The fish was accompanied by fresh, locally sourced vegetables and, of course, white wine, which we enjoyed in the evening sunlight—a perfect end to the da

After the delicious dinner, accompanied by fascinating stories about their passion for food, entrepreneurship, and ambitions for their new project, we went on an evening canoe trip on Arresø and up along the stream at Ågabet.

It felt almost like venturing into a jungle as we paddled among the tall, green beech trees, their branches stretching over the water and casting a dark green hue, shading us from the evening sun. The tranquil atmosphere made for a magical end to the day.

When we returned to the campsite from our canoe trip, we spent the night in one of their newly set-up glamping tents. For those seeking a different experience, it’s also possible to stay in their tree tents—a unique and adventurous option.

What an eventful 24 hours! It’s amazing how much you can experience and how many new impressions you can gather, even when you’re just a couple of hours away from home. It’s incredibly inspiring to venture out and explore local adventures, gain new perspectives, and meet the passionate people behind them.

So, if you’re looking for inspiration for your next everyday adventure, I can highly recommend this trip. You’ll be enriched with both culture and nature all at once.

About the Author

Daniel Villadsen is a passionate outdoor photographer from Odense. He combines his love for outdoor life with photography, striving to inspire others to spend more time in nature. Find inspiration and tips for your adventures on his Instagram, Facebook, and website.