Zealand, Denmark’s largest island, is home to the capital, Copenhagen. Beyond the city, the landscape features rolling countryside, historic castles, and a stunning coastline. Divided into North, South, East, and West Zealand, each region has its own unique character. Together, they offer a mix of cultural sites, outdoor adventures, and coastal retreats.
North Zealand is often called the “Royal Playground” because of its grand castles and regal history. The most famous is Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, known worldwide as the setting of Hamlet. Nearby, Frederiksborg Castle is a Renaissance masterpiece surrounded by a lake and gardens. The region is also ideal for outdoor activities, with scenic cycling and hiking trails through forests, along lakes, and past coastal cliffs.
A paradise for nature lovers! It offers rolling hills, quiet beaches, and charming villages. The region is home to the Great Belt Bridge, one of Denmark’s most impressive engineering feats. It connects Zealand to Funen. Coastal towns like Kalundborg and Korsør offer peaceful seaside getaways. Meanwhile, the inland landscapes are perfect for hiking and cycling.
South Zealand blends history and nature. The cliffs of Møns Klint are one of Denmark’s most breathtaking natural wonders. These dramatic white chalk formations tower over the Baltic Sea. The area is also home to the island of Møn, known for its starry night skies and Dark Sky Park status. History lovers can visit Gavnø Castle, with its beautiful gardens, or the medieval town of Næstved, which boasts some of Denmark’s oldest churches and monasteries.
The gateway between Copenhagen and the rest of the island. It offers a mix of urban energy and scenic landscapes. Roskilde, the former Viking capital, is home to the UNESCO-listed Roskilde Cathedral and the Viking Ship Museum. You can see reconstructed Viking ships and even set sail on the fjord. This region is also great for cycling, with routes leading through fjords, forests, and picturesque villages.
Whether you’re exploring historic castles, hiking along coastal cliffs, or uncovering Viking history in Roskilde, Zealand offers a perfect mix of culture, nature, and outdoor adventure beyond Copenhagen.
Zealand is Denmark’s largest island. It is home to the capital city, Copenhagen, as well as historic towns like Roskilde, where you can enjoy a sailing trip in a Viking long boat. Zealand also has beautiful UNESCO sites such as Frederiksborg Castle and Kronborg Castle. Along the coast you find beautiful museums such as Louisiana and lovely sandy beaches with picturesque seaside hotels. Zealand is easy to navigate via car and you can enjoy culture, nature and great food in one short trip.