A Weekend in North Zealand: Two Days by Bike, by the Fire, and by the Sea

On a frosty Friday, my partner and I packed the car and set off on a Winter Getaway to North Zealand. The goal was to explore the area around Gribskov and Tisvildeleje in a fun, active, and unique way.

A Warm Welcome at Hillerød Camping in Winter Weather

We headed to Hillerød Camping, where we were greeted by the smiling and welcoming Anette. She enthusiastically showed us around the campsite she manages. For example, she shared that during the summer, the site is adorned with palm trees, as well as exotic citrus and olive trees—an extraordinary feature that adds a unique touch to the experience. We agreed that we’d have to return in the summer to see it for ourselves.

As the sunset painted the sky red over Hillerød, we settled into one of their cosy comfort cabins, which included a living room, bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom with WC.

Lanterns on the terrace were lit, and with snow and frost covering the grass, it felt almost as if we were staying in a chalet in the foreign mountains.

Mountain Biking in Gribskov, North Zealand

The next morning, the sun was shining from a clear blue sky, and the thermometer read -8°C. Perfect conditions for an active day outdoors.

We met up with two friends and headed to Sponz MTB Center, located on the edge of Gribskov. Here, we were greeted by the owner, Søren, who prepared some mountain bikes for us. With expert guidance, he introduced us to the many exciting MTB opportunities in the area.

He explained that there are several great singletracks within Gribskov that we could explore, as well as a well-established 23 km MTB trail in Store Dyrehave.

The MTB trail also offers routes with varying difficulty levels (blue, red, and black), ensuring challenges for riders of all skill levels.

Exploring the Trails and Paths

We decided to venture out and explore Gribskov, with Store Gribsø recommended as the perfect pitstop.

Riding through the winter forest, we navigated the trails and paths. It was a delightful experience cycling among the tall pine trees, which cast long shadows in the snow under the bright rays of the sun.

The snow also revealed numerous animal tracks crossing the MTB trail, adding an extra layer to the cycling and nature experience.

When we arrived at Store Gribsø, we noticed that several other visitors to the forest had the same idea of enjoying a picnic in the winter sun. Some were even out inspecting the ice on the frozen lake—a rare winter sight in Denmark.

A Visit to Local Farm Shops in North Zealand

After an active morning in the forest, we dropped off our friends at the station and headed further north toward Tisvildeleje. Along the way, we stopped by a few local farm shops to stock up on supplies.

One of our stops was at Garbolund Vineyard, where we picked up some wine for dinner. The owner, Jette, gave us a tour of the property and shared insights about their natural wines, for which they are well-known. We also got a glimpse of their charming lounge area and farm shop, which is especially vibrant during the summer months.

On our way, we also stopped at Rabarbergården, where they offer delicious sandwiches and homemade soups as takeaway—a perfect treat to warm up on a winter day.

Meat and Sweets for Dinner and a Picnic

At Kødsnedkeren in Vejby, we picked up two steaks for dinner, which we planned to cook over the fire.

Next, we stopped by Salekilden Kaffe & Kage to buy a couple of delicious cakes for our picnic the following day. There, we were warmly greeted by the energetic Lotte, who told us about her cake business project based in the charming old village school from 1721.

In addition to selling homemade cakes, the cosy venue and its backyard can be rented for private events like birthdays, confirmations, and similar celebrations.

Comfort Rooms at Feriecenter Sankt Helene

In Tisvildeleje, we checked into the cosy Feriecenter Sankt Helene, where we stayed in one of their lovely comfort rooms. We had also purchased firewood to prepare our dinner over an open fire.

Before dinner, we took a quick trip down to Tisvildeleje Beach, just 1.3 km away, to watch the sunset. There’s even a charming spot called the “Sunset Staircase,” where, on a clear day, you can see across to Sweden. That evening, the view did not disappoint.

When we returned to the holiday centre, we prepared our purchased steaks and vegetables over the fire. It was a wonderful experience to enjoy our meal by the fire as the sky lit up in deep orange hues from the sunset, and the stars began to peek through the night.

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Frost and Winter Vibes at Heatherhill

The next morning, the weather forecast promised clear skies, so we decided to get up early and watch the sunrise at Heatherhill. Frost covered the grass, and morning mist lingered over the fields as we drove there.

There’s something magical about watching the world wake up around you, and Heatherhill is a spectacular spot to experience it. We took a walk down to the water and saw how the cold temperatures had left snow and ice along the shoreline.

After this refreshing morning outing, we returned to Sankt Helene and enjoyed the delicious breakfast they offered. The lovely owners, Katia and Steffen, personally delivered the breakfast and greeted us warmly.

The Idyllic Tibirke Bakker

After checking out, we drove to the idyllic Tibirke Bakker to hike up to “Udsigten” (The Viewpoint). From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of the landscape, including Denmark’s largest lake, Arresø, Gribskov, and even parts of Roskilde Fjord.

The trail to the top takes you through forested areas and past a series of charming houses nestled in the protected hills.

We had brought along a thermos and homemade cakes from Salekilden Kaffe & Kage, which we enjoyed in the winter sunshine while taking in the stunning view.

A Stop at the Frozen Arresø

On our way home, we made a stop at Arresø. The frozen surface and clear winter weather had drawn families and skating enthusiasts alike. People were enjoying picnics in the winter sun, skating, sailing in ice boats, and exploring the lake in various ways.

It was a rare and delightful sight, not something you’d typically associate with a Danish winter.

At Pøleåen, we took a lunch break, as the spot is renowned for its birdlife. Here, it’s even possible to spot eagles. The area also attracted birdwatchers armed with binoculars and cameras, hoping to catch a glimpse of the majestic birds.

An Invitation to Explore North Zealand

This weekend getaway to North Zealand felt like a true mini-vacation, filled with diverse impressions and unique experiences. Even with limited opportunities for travelling abroad, this trip reaffirmed for me that there’s still so much to explore within Denmark.

Discover the local natural and cultural attractions, and let yourself be pleasantly surprised.

Daniel Villadsen Photography

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