Come and experience the scent of seaweed in Gilleleje, the largest fishing port on Zealand, where yachts and markets take over the village every summer. There is something for everyone here:Petting farms for the youngest, a golf course, several interesting museums and even a monastery, which give a good insight into the history of North Zealand.
The harbour at Soborg Canal has always been Gilleleje's focal point, and even though the fishing industry has been modernised, a lot has been done to preserve the buildings and historical monuments. See it personally on a stroll east of the harbour, where several of the original half-timbered houses with thatched roofs still stand to this day, often charmingly decorated with beautiful hollyhocks.
If you want to learn more about local history on your holiday in Gilleleje, then Gilleleje Museum is a must. The museum is divided into two exhibitions: the Ice Age and the village of Gilleleje in the early 20th century.
Broaden your sightseeing to the Ship’s Hall and the Cistercian monastery Esrum Abbey, which is only a short distance south of Gilleleje and has a magnificent monastery garden, a restaurant and an annual programme filled with exciting concerts and lectures. If you are visiting Gilleleje in mid-June you can even learn how to sword fight, hear the bards sing and much more at the annual Esrum Medieval Days.
On a holiday in Gilleleje, you also have the opportunity to visit Smidstrup Farm, a sure favourite with the little ones, which hosts an array of cute animals just waiting to be petted. If you fancy a round of golf, you can go to North Zealand’s Golf Centre Passebaekgaard, and if you are more of a water baby, you have several beaches to choose from along the coast.
The easiest way to travel to Gilleleje is to drive or go by train (regionaltog Kystbanen) from Copenhagen to Elsingore (just note that in Danish, Copenhagen is Kobenhavn and Elsingore Helsingor), then by local railcar from Elsingore to Gilleleje. Gilleleje is located 50 miles north of Copenhagen Airport. However, the North Zealand’s Heritage Railway is by far the most fun way to go sightseeing in the area during the summer, as the old steam train runs between Copenhagen and Graested, as well as other places.
Gilleleje is for you, whether you just want to chill out on a beach or be active visiting museums or doing sports.
