Adventures on the Hook – Follow in the Fisherwomen’s Footsteps and Go Fishing in North Zealand

An Early Saturday Morning in Late May

One early Saturday morning in late May, we met in Copenhagen’s Nørrebro district. Despite the sun already high in the sky, the streets were eerily quiet. Not many others shared our enthusiasm for rising before seven on a sacred Saturday morning. But we had been looking forward to this day for weeks. With a packed car and steaming coffee mugs in hand, we set off toward North Zealand. Our goal? To escape the city, feel the wind in our hair along the northern coast, and, of course, catch plenty of fish!

Never Skimp on Gear

Just as a newly minted teenager can never have too much makeup, we can never have too much fishing gear. Any angler will agree that one of the greatest joys of fishing in new waters is discovering the tools and tackle that can lead to the ultimate catch.

With this in mind, we made a planned stop in Frederiksværk at the charming little tackle shop ’Krogen’. Nestled in a large, grey hall with only a modest sign to mark its presence, the shop’s small size was no indication of its offerings. The selection was impressive, and the service was impeccable. The owner’s hospitality and willingness to help were nothing short of outstanding. We weren’t the only anglers browsing the shop’s many shelves either.

After our visit, the owner even stepped outside to wave us off and wish us a successful journey along the coast. It was the perfect start to our fishing adventure.

Fish on the Line – Perhaps

The star of the day was set to be Hundested Harbour. The wind was promising, the temperature was perfect, and with pockets full of new gear, we parked right by the pier, full of anticipation. Grabbing our rods, we passed by fellow anglers and made our way to the northernmost side of the pier, opposite the berth of the Hundested-Rørvig ferry.

We must admit, there’s nothing quite like the thrill in your stomach when, on your very first cast, you feel a fish nibble, strike, and know you’ve got a bite. A beautiful garfish became the first catch of the day.

Over the next 30 minutes, the bites kept coming—again and again. Garfish, pollock, and flounders were among the catches of the day, turning our fishing stats around in record time! Unfortunately, most were undersized and were returned to the water to grow big and strong.

What a day to remember!

Ice-cold local Beer and Fish Cakes

With ten fish and a few extra freckles to show for our morning, we headed toward the marina, famished for lunch. Just a stone’s throw from the pier, the marina boasts breweries, bars, antique shops, and a few cosy restaurants. We opted for a perfect combo: Halsnæs Bryghus, offering both craft beer brewed on-site and delicious food.

Our lunch at Halsnæs Bryghus was nothing short of spectacular. Overlooking the marina, we were treated to ice-cold, local beers (including an excellent non-alcoholic selection for the driver), porter-marinated herring (what up!!!), fish cakes, and freshly breaded fish fillets so perfectly butter-fried that they were, without question, the best we’ve ever had.

A meal to match the day’s adventure!

We Caught a Big Turbot – at the Fishmonger

Satisfied and filled with determination, we headed back to the pier. The afternoon’s mission was clear: to catch fish above the minimum size limit and secure dinner from our efforts. Unfortunately, the fish had other plans and seemed to be taking an extended lunch break.

After an hour or two, we admitted defeat in our quest for a self-caught dinner. Still determined to enjoy fresh fish, we made our way to Jensens Fisk, another gem located at Hundested Marina.

With the mild spring evening in mind, we planned to cook dinner over an open fire. And when it’s the fishmonger’s selection—not the pier’s catch—that sets the menu, how could we resist a big, beautiful turbot?

The perfect consolation prize for a day well spent!
 

Every Fisherwoman Needs a Coffee Break

Nestled between Arresø and Esrum Lake, Haldbjerg Naturecampus is surrounded by lush green trees and meadows. Here, you can fully embrace the feeling of being immersed in the wild, free nature without sacrificing modern comforts. With access to a flushing toilet and even a wilderness hot tub, a touch of luxury is always within reach for those craving a dip in the warm water.

We were lucky enough to be among the first to try out their newest accommodation option—a refurbished Blue Bird bus. Best described as a glamping-style version of an American school bus, it added a unique charm to the experience.

Although the journey to Haldbjerg Shelters wasn’t far, even a fisherwoman needs a coffee break. Fortunately, a quick stop at Rabarbergaarden in Holløse was the perfect detour.

At Rabarbergaarden, you can enjoy a cup of coffee and something sweet. If that’s not enough, you can dine in their beautiful orangery, browse their farm shop for handpicked delicacies and home goods, or later in the summer, stock up on their fresh, homegrown produce.

A delightful pause to round out the adventure!

With Our Turbot in Sight

Content with our plan for dinner, we settled for a cup of coffee and a scoop of organic ice cream, all enjoyed in idyllic surroundings straight out of a Morten Korch novel. The setting was picture-perfect, with blooming flowers, free-roaming chickens, and ponies and sheep grazing peacefully in the small field before us.

After a well-deserved coffee break, we continued to Haldbjerg Shelters, ready for the next chapter of our adventure.

Southern Charm, Fire Pit, and Flower Power

Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by one of the owners, Tonny, who showed us to our bus. We were eager to see what a glamping bus might look like, and the sight of this remarkable blue bus, radiating unmistakable Southern charm, complete with a fire pit, flower-power curtains, and cosy garden furniture, was nothing short of spectacular. Wow!

And while camping in a tent with a sleeping bag and mat has its charm, we have to admit there’s something undeniably luxurious about sleeping in a double bed with a proper duvet—especially in the middle of a forest.

The bus came equipped with a compact but well-stocked kitchenette, a sound system, cosy beds with fluffy duvets, and a terrace featuring chairs, tables, a gas grill, and a fire pit. It was the perfect spot to unwind with a glass of wine after a long day in the sun.

Tonny also treated us to some locally produced beer and wine, which we sipped as we lit the fire pit and prepared our fish. We were genuinely surprised by the quality of Danish wine! The oak-aged white wine from Ørby Vingård—their Solaris, to be exact—was a revelation. It tasted like a blend of sun-drenched Alpine meadows and crisp Danish apples. Simply divine!

Turbot, Fire-Cooked New Potatoes, and Grilled Pointed Cabbage

Once the lively flames had mellowed into glowing embers, we gently placed the foil-wrapped turbot onto the fire.

The fish had been lovingly prepared with a generous dollop of butter, fresh parsley, lemon, chervil, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before being wrapped. And let’s be honest—fresh fish baked with butter and herbs is a classic that never disappoints. Especially when paired with fire-cooked new potatoes and charred pointed cabbage.

After dinner, we took a stroll to explore the stunning surroundings.

Our walk down to Solbjerg Engsø was nothing short of magical, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the vibrant rapeseed fields. On our way back, we passed some of the other shelter spots, tucked away behind tall trees and off the main paths. These more secluded areas offered privacy and an even deeper sense of solitude in the forest.

The experience left us eager to return and try more of the unique locations. What a perfect way to end the day!

Sunday, and Back at It

Sunday morning greeted us with the soft light of the rising sun. Tonny welcomed us with Haldbjerg Shelters’ breakfast platter: warm, freshly baked rolls, homemade jam, butter, cheese, eggs from their hens, locally produced apple juice, coffee, and milk. A truly delightful start to the day!

After tidying up and packing our things, we drove to Gilleleje Beach—specifically, Nakkehoved Lighthouse. Wasting no time, we slipped into our waders, determined to make the most of the morning’s fishing opportunities.

The stretch near Nakkehoved Lighthouse features a so-called "leopard bottom"—a mix of sandy seabed with patches of seaweed and stones, perfect hiding spots for sea trout. A promising end to a weekend full of adventures!

Spinning and Swimming

We spent the morning spinning, testing some of the various lures and spinners we had picked up at ‘Krogen’ the day before. The sun shone brightly, the tide was low, and the water's surface was calm and mirror-like. Standing there with the morning sun warming our cheeks, feeling at one with the gentle lapping of the sea, the water suddenly stirred 10–15 meters ahead of us.

A porpoise broke through the surface, taking a breath of air! For about 10 minutes, we watched it resurface at regular intervals—a truly unforgettable experience. What a fantastic Sunday morning!

By mid-morning, it was simply too hot to keep fishing under the blazing sun, even though it wasn’t yet 10 a.m. Luckily, Gilleleje Beach is also an excellent swimming spot. So, we stripped down and plunged into the cool, refreshing waves.

After our dip, we packed up the car and set off back to Copenhagen. On the way home, we all agreed—this wouldn’t be our last trip to the stunning North Zealand. A weekend to remember!

About The Fisherwomen

The Fisherwomen is a fishing team made up of four women who primarily fish in Copenhagen’s harbour. We’ve been fishing together for nearly three years. While some of us are driven by the hope of landing the big catch, for others it’s just as much about enjoying nature and finding peace.

The camaraderie is so strong that when one of us catches a fish, it feels like the whole team has made the catch.

Follow The Fisherwomen on Instagram and be reminded that even without a catch, the experience can still be the greatest reward.