Inspiration for Experiences in the Dark Season
Embrace the Darkness in North Zealand
Even though darkness has settled, we find coziness indoors at museums, restaurants, and charming hotels. The sun sits low in the sky, and dusk falls early, giving the statues, views, castles, and churches of North Zealand a new and atmospheric expression—still just as captivating as ever.
Northern Light along the North Coast
The Northern Lights are a natural light phenomenon that occurs when particles from the sun collide with the Earth's atmosphere. Although the Northern Lights are usually seen in the Arctic regions, they can also be experienced in North Zealand. It is rare, but occasionally they can be seen from the coast of North Zealand.
To increase your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, it is recommended to go to dark locations along the northern coast. You can also improve your chances by joining the Facebook group "Nordlysvarsel i Danmark" (Northern Lights Alert in Denmark) or by downloading a Northern Lights app to your smartphone.
Culture Calls
North Zealand offers major museum experiences, world-class art, and fascinating history at both monasteries and some of Denmark's most impressive castles. In addition, there are numerous smaller museums, galleries, art halls, and artisans, all contributing to a vibrant cultural scene in North Zealand.
The Stars Come Out
When darkness falls, the stars come out. One of the best places to experience the sparkling night sky in Zealand is in Tisvilde, where minimal light pollution creates ideal conditions for a "dark sky" experience. Here, you can observe celestial phenomena from the Wieth-Knudsen Observatory when the weather is clear.
Stargazing in Tisvildeleje
The art in the nature
The nature of North Zealand offers beautiful gardens, parks, and idyllic hiking trails. The cycling paths wind through the landscape, and if you’re looking for a cultural experience, you can also find it right in the midst of nature. Explore art in the open air as you walk through the area known as Rusland near the Rudolph Tegner Museum, in the park at Louisiana, or in the castle garden at Fredensborg Palace. Here, you get up close and personal with the art.
Adventures on Foot
Lace up your hiking boots and head out into nature. Explore the beauty of North Zealand on the Halsninoen trail that winds through Halsnæs, along the coast with its magnificent views of the Kattegat, or follow in the footsteps of pilgrims along the Tisvildevejen route.
Experience places in a new way in the dark
A town or a castle can appear completely different in daylight and darkness. When we think of holidays, we often imagine summer with its long, bright evenings, but something magical happens to the familiar places when autumn and winter darkness set in.
Gilleleje - All Year Round
Gilleleje, located at the northern tip of North Zealand, is a popular summer destination, but in twilight, it becomes a hidden gem. The town is alive all year, and the views over the Kattegat and the Øresund are just as spectacular in the dark months as they are in the light. Take a dip in the winter sea, enjoy a warming meal at one of the cosy restaurants, or snuggle up under the covers at one of the local hotels.
Try Gilleleje in the Dark
There are many ways to stay overnight
It can be challenging to decide where to stay when planning a weekend getaway or holiday. Here, we present three unique accommodation options in North Zealand: close to nature, at a charming seaside hotel, or in royal surroundings.