Hiking Adventure on the Halsninoen Trail

Summer has arrived, bringing countless new opportunities for hiking adventures in the Danish countryside. If you're looking for inspiration for your next everyday adventure, join Daniel and Marianne as they explore the hiking trail Halsninoen and discover some of the unique experiences waiting along the way.

On a sunny morning in May, Marianne and I drove to North Zealand to explore the relatively new hiking trail, “Halsninoen.” We cruised through the Danish summer landscape with the windows rolled down, surrounded by golden rapeseed fields, a crisp blue sky, and newly blooming lilac bushes lining the country roads. We were excited to get out into nature—slow down, unwind, and discover some hidden natural gems.

Halsninoen – A Diverse Hiking Trail in North Zealand

Halsninoen is a 53-kilometre-long hiking trail in Halsnæs that stretches from the coastline at Hundested in the west to the rolling hills of Strø Bjerge in the south.

On this well-marked route, you’ll traverse coastal meadows and deep forests, pass through beautiful heathland dotted with ancient burial mounds, and walk along the shores of the Isefjord and Denmark’s largest lake, Arresø.

You can choose to hike the entire trail or explore selected sections. The local train, Lokalbanen, conveniently connects you to the trailheads in either Hundested or Grimstrup near Strø Bjerge. Alternatively, you can park your car at these starting points.

Along the way, there are plenty of accommodation options ranging from rustic shelters in the wild and campsites with charming glamping tents and trendy "surf shacks" to cosy holiday apartments and seaside hotels.

The route also features several small farm shops selling fresh, locally produced goods, allowing you to combine your hike with unique culinary and natural experiences along the way.

Komoot App and Hiking Map

In addition to the detailed and well-described hiking map, which can be ordered via VisitNorthZealand's website, we also used the Komoot app. This app proved to be a fun and informative way to plan our trip, while also helping us track our location on the trail in real-time.

Basecamp and Homemade Waffle Ice Cream in Frederiksværk

During our journey along the Halsninoen trail, we explored selected sections of the route and enjoyed some of the unique experiences it offers.

We began in Frederiksværk, where we stayed in one of the cosy holiday apartments with a view of the town's church. Our adventure started with a walk through Frederiksværk, a town steeped in history, featuring charming old buildings and picturesque bridges crossing the Arresø Canal.

At the corner of the pedestrian street, we found Issalonen, a local gem renowned for its homemade, flavorful ice creams and cakes. We met the owner, Eva, who passionately explained how they offer 16-18 varieties of ice cream daily—ranging from dairy ice cream to sorbets, sugar-free, and vegan options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Eva emphasized their focus on using local ingredients, including fruit and milk, in their ice cream production—and you can taste the difference! She shared the story of their shop’s beginnings and her mission to provide visitors with an unforgettable flavour experience. As she put it: “We believe that… ALL weather is ice cream weather.”

With a delicious homemade waffle cone in hand, we strolled through the sunny streets of Frederiksværk before heading to the area around Strø Bjerge. There, we hiked the first stage of the trail and soaked in the sunset over the rolling landscape.

Sunset Views from Strø Bjerge

Strø Bjerge offers a stunning view of the rolling terrain, with grazing cows and lush green forests scattered among the fields. At just around 2.5 km, it’s an ideal spot for a short evening walk.

After parking the car, we strolled along the country road, where the large lilac bushes filled the air with a fresh summer fragrance. The song of larks blended with the soft sound of cows grazing in the fields as we made our way to the hilltop to enjoy the sunset.

The view of the verdant landscape, paired with the deep orange and blue hues of the sky, makes this a must-visit destination!

Pedal Kayaking – A Fun and Unique Water Activity

The next day, we headed to Roskilde Fjord near Frederiksværk to try pedal kayaking, a fun and different way to explore the water. We met Anders from Comfort Adventures, who introduced us to this exciting activity. He explained that the pedal kayak functions like a pedal boat. After rowing out to deeper water, you lower the propeller using the attached pedals.

This allows you to move quickly and efficiently by pedaling, rather than paddling with an oar. The kayaks are also equipped with a rudder, making it easy to steer as you glide across the water.

It was amazing to experience the landscape from the water, and during our trip, we passed by the famous "sea shelter," located just a few hundred meters from the shore. This shelter, designed for kayakers, is part of a longer kayak route along the coast and fjord—a route we’ll have to try another time.

Anders shared how pedal kayaks are hugely popular in the United States but are still relatively new in Denmark. So, if you're looking for a fun and unique kayaking experience, be sure to check out Comfort Adventures—links can be found at the end of the article.

Arresø and Dragebjerg – Picnic Spot Among Burial Mounds

After our kayaking adventure, we headed out to hike a section of the trail near Arresø. Walking along the lake, through newly sprouted beech forests, and across green meadows, we eventually arrived at Dragebjerg. This area is home to numerous Bronze Age burial mounds, believed to be the resting places of leading families from that era over generations. From here, the view of Arresø and the surrounding landscape is truly breathtaking.

We decided to enjoy a picnic here, bringing along a “goodie bag” filled with homemade chocolate-coated marshmallows and rum balls, as well as apple juice from Issalonen in Frederiksværk. It was the perfect setting to pair the stunning view with delicious treats.

Continuing along the route, we crossed grassy meadows and followed charming little paths until we came upon a lake known for being a great spot for beaver-watching. Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on our side this time. For those needing accommodation in the area, we discovered a lovely shelter with a fire pit, offering a scenic view of Ladegårdssøen—a fantastic spot to spend the night surrounded by nature.

Sunset from the Polar Explorer's Backyard

Not far from the start or end point of the Halsninoen trail in Hundested lies the famous Knud Rasmussen’s House and Spodsbjerg Lighthouse. We decided to head there to enjoy the final colours of the sky after sunset.

It was our first visit, and wow, what a place! Knud Rasmussen’s House is often called “Denmark’s most beautifully located museum,” and it’s easy to see why.

We parked at the lot about 300 meters from the lighthouse and took a stroll through the hills and down to the beach, as the pastel hues of the sky blended into shades of orange, blue, and violet.

This stop was a spontaneous idea, and that’s part of the charm of a trip like this—having the time and freedom to explore unexpected places. With so many beautiful spots to discover in the area, no matter where you are on the trail, it’s worth leaving room for a little spontaneity.

The Surf Oasis in Lynæs

While hiking along the coastal route toward Hundested, you’ll pass Lynæs Surfcenter—a true oasis offering relaxing surf vibes, delicious food, and the chance to experience both overnight stays and water adventures.

We met one of the owners, Johan, who gave us a tour of the site. He showed us the charming glamping tents and surf shacks available for overnight stays, which are especially popular during the summer. However, the surf centre is open year-round, offering accommodation and surfing opportunities in all seasons.

After the tour, we enjoyed a delicious lunch in their cosy café. With Bob Marley playing in the background, woven lamps, rustic wooden walls, and light streaming in through the glass sliding doors, it felt like stepping into a bohemian paradise. The calming atmosphere quickly set in as we settled onto the cushioned, carpet-lined benches.

Following lunch, we took to the fjord to try our hand at stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). It was yet another example of the fun and varied experiences available as a delightful complement to the hiking trail.

Retro Camping at Byaasgaard - Farm Shop & Camping

Between Lynæs and Frederiksværk lies the charming campsite Byaasgaard - Farm Shop & Camping. Here, we met the couple, Signe and Kenneth, who run the site. Their farm shop was filled with local products, from craft beers, flour, and ice cream to meat from a nearby farm and yarn spun from wool from their sheep.

To highlight the local origins, each product was accompanied by a small sign indicating how many kilometres away it came from. It was a delightful and thoughtful touch.

We spent the night in one of the charming retro caravans set up in a green corner of the campsite, part of the Gastromino cycling route experience.

Stepping inside the vintage, loaf-shaped caravan felt like travelling 40 years back in time. With its checkered curtains, classic brown panelling, and stickers from places like Normandy and Skagen on the door’s interior, it exuded nostalgic charm.

A Local Feast at Byaasgaard

We were also treated to a delicious grill basket packed with local ingredients: fresh new potatoes, asparagus, grilled sausages, homemade bread, and salad. Alongside these were pickled red onions, a pea cream, and a homemade spreadable cheese made with local goat cheese—all of it was absolutely delightful!

One of the most enjoyable aspects of staying here is that you prepare the food yourself. We cooked in the newly renovated communal kitchen at the campsite and grilled the meat, bread, and asparagus on the barbecue that comes with the caravan.

The next morning, we were served a wonderful breakfast platter made from local produce. It featured homemade rye bread and rolls baked with local flour, local salami, and cheese. It was the perfect way to wrap up a couple of days’ getaway to North Zealand before heading back to the city in the morning sunshine.

Halsninoen – A Perfect Little Getaway

If you're looking for inspiration for a couple of days away or seeking new hiking experiences in nature, the Halsninoen trail and the Halsnæs area along the route offer plenty of unique natural and culinary delights to explore.

Happy trails!

Best regards,
Marianne and Daniel

About the Writers:

Explore photos from Daniel and Marianne’s adventures and find inspiration for your next outdoor journey in Denmark:

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