Esrum Sø

Where can you go winter swimming in North Zealand?

Photo: Ann Jørgensen

North Zealand’s 300 km coastline offers plenty of winter swimming spots. Most people choose a bathing jetty or a sandy beach that’s easily accessible by car, bike, or on foot. Explore the best locations and get tips on where to warm up afterwards.

These locations offer a mix of stunning natural experiences and facilities to make your winter swimming adventure truly special.

Nivå

  • Locations: South Beach at Nivå Harbor and the Water Ski Club's jetty. The beach is wide and cosy, with the harbour’s red wooden houses creating an intimate atmosphere.
  • Before and after: Visit Restaurant Trekosten for a cosy break.

Sletten

  • Locations: Peter Madsen's Beach and Bjerre Beach. Peter Madsen's Beach is wide and long, while Bjerre Beach features bathing jetties and open sheds for changing.
  • Before and after: Enjoy a meal at Restaurant Sletten by Sletten Harbor.

Gilleleje

  • Location: A sandy beach on the eastern side of Gilleleje Harbor, easily accessible from a large parking lot.
  • Before and after: Treat yourself at Hotel Gilleleje Strand, Gilleleje Badehotel, or one of the many cafés in town.

Rågeleje

  • Location: A flat pebble beach with a concrete structure featuring stairs and a promenade deck, offering a close encounter with nature's forces.

Tisvildeleje

  • Location: A long, wide sandy beach at the end of the main street. The "Tisvilde Naturrum" provides changing and toilet facilities.
  • Before and after: Visit Sankt Helene Holiday Center, Helenekilde Badehotel, or one of the many restaurants and cafés on the main street.

Lake Esrum

  • Location: A small, idyllic beach by Fredensborg Harbor with a view of Gribskov. Be cautious of ice, as this freshwater lake can freeze quickly.
  • Before and after: Dine at Fredensborg Store Kro for an authentic experience.

Liseleje

  • Location: The town beach, located close to Liseleje's shopping street. The sandy beach is protected by dikes.
  • Before and after: Grab a warm cup of coffee at Kaffehuset or dine at one of the local restaurants.

Kikhavn

  • Location: A small, narrow pebble beach at the end of the picturesque main street. The parking lot is about 500 meters away.
  • Before and after: Try Restaurant Havfruen or Halsnæs Bryghus for food and entertainment.

Hundested

  • Location: The sandy beach "Trekanten" by Hundested Harbor, surrounded by dunes and Skansen.
  • Before and after: Enjoy a meal at Restaurant Havfruen, Restaurant Knud, or Halsnæs Bryghus.

Lynæs

  • Location: A sandy beach by Lynæs Harbor, with parking and toilets available. There’s also a private winter swimming club with a bathhouse and sauna (150 DKK/year).
  • Before and after: Visit Lynæs Fisk & Steakhouse or Lynæs Surfcenter for food and relaxation.

Sølager near the ferry terminal

  • Location: A narrow, shallow sandy beach on both sides of the ferry dock (the ferry does not operate in winter). Parking is just 50 meters away.
  • Before and after: Bring your thermos of warm coffee, tea, or soup.

Frederiksværk

  • Location: The beach at Hvide Klint, accessed via Strandvejen. Hvide Klint gets its name from the white cliffs along Roskilde Fjord. The long bathing jetty (removed in winter) has a platform at the end.
  • Before and after: Bring your thermos of warm coffee, tea, or soup.