North Zealand fishing towns with wide sand beaches, smoked-fish harbours and a 14 km coastal path between them.
Hornbæk and Gilleleje are fishing towns on the North Zealand coast, about 50-60 km north of Copenhagen. Hornbæk has a long white-sand beach backed by dunes and a lively harbour with smoked-fish stands, while Gilleleje, at Zealand's northern tip, has Denmark's Gilleleje Harbour, a church overlooking the sea and a rugged coastal path to Nakkehoved. The beaches here are among the best on Zealand, with wide sand and clear water in summer. The coast path from Hornbæk to Gilleleje follows the shoreline for about 14 km through forest and dunes. To reach them, take the train to Helsingør (45-50 minutes) and transfer to the local Hornbækbanen to Hornbæk (about 25 minutes) and on to Gilleleje (about 40 minutes).
| Distance | About 50-60 km north of Copenhagen |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 h 15 to Hornbæk by train and local train |
| Getting there | DSB Kystbanen train to Helsingør, then Lokaltog Hornbækbanen to Hornbæk and Gilleleje |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Hornbæk Havn, Havnevej, 3100 Hornbæk |
How to get there
- Mode
- Train to Helsingør plus Hornbækbanen
- Cost
- DKK 150-200 (about USD 23-31)
- Frequency
- Local train about every 20-40 minutes
- Mode
- Car
- Cost
- Fuel about DKK 90 (about USD 14)
- Frequency
- About 1 hour each way
Location
Hornbæk Havn, Havnevej, 3100 Hornbæk
56.0903, 12.4572 View on map
Highlights
- Hornbæk white-sand beach
- Smoked fish at the harbours
- Coastal path from Hornbæk to Gilleleje
- Gilleleje church and Nakkehoved lighthouse
Tips for visiting
- Check the Lokaltog Hornbækbanen timetable on rejseplanen.dk for connections from Helsingør.
- Bring swimwear in summer; the beaches are wide and sandy.
- Try the smoked fish at Hornbæk and Gilleleje harbours.
- The coast path is flat but long; wear sturdy walking shoes.
When to visit
June to August for swimming, or autumn for walks.
Accessibility
Beaches are accessible by paved paths in the centres; the coastal path is mostly flat but sandy in parts.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reach Hornbæk from Copenhagen?
Train to Helsingør (45-50 minutes), then the local train to Hornbæk (about 25 minutes).
Is the coastal path walkable in a day?
Yes, about 14 km between Hornbæk and Gilleleje takes 4 hours at a relaxed pace.
Are there lifeguards?
Lifeguards cover some beaches in summer; swim only in marked areas.