North zealand day trip from copenhagen

Learn about Denmark’s royal history on a day trip to North Zealand – the region north of Copenhagen where majestic castles take center stage. With an expert guide at your side, explore Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød, seeing sites like the Coronation Chapel and Marble Gallery while hearing tales of King Christian IV, who made the lovely castle his home. Before returning to Copenhagen, stop for photos by Fredensborg Castle and then spend time at leisure in Elsinore – home to the UNESCO-listed Kronborg Castle.

Board your luxury coach near Copenhagen City Hall and then sit back and relax on the drive out of the city, following the coastline to the region of Zealand. The first destination of your day is the small market town of Hillerød, and as you travel north along the sea-fringed roads, you’ll take in some of Denmark’s most spectacular countryside. Tear your eyes away from the golden-sand beaches to see stretches of soft green hills with only pretty wooden houses to break up the landscape.

When you arrive at regal Frederiksborg Castle -- Hillerød’s star attraction -- admire the building’s Dutch-Renaissance façade, and then head inside for a walking tour with your guide. Hear tales of kings Frederik II and Christian IV, who made the castle their home, while admiring the jaw-droppingly lovely interior.

Explore rooms like the Coronation Chapel and the extravagant Riddeshalen banquet hall, before passing through the Marble Gallery, seeing its marble arches dripping with ornamentation. The castle’s grounds are equally spectacular and its French Baroque-style gardens can easily vie for star status. Soak it all up on a walk around outside, following in the footsteps of Danish royalty.

Leave the castle in the early afternoon and take a break in Hillerød for lunch (own expense), before traveling by coach to Fredensborg Castle, set on the shore of Lake Esreum. Stop for photos outside the Italian Baroque castle, hearing of its use as a summer home for the Danish royal family, and then continue your journey south to the town of Elsinore (Helsingør).

Spend time at leisure in the town, perhaps visiting the UNESCO-listed Kronborg Castle (own expense), where Shakespeare’s Hamlet was set. Alternatively, explore the town itself, admiring its delightful Gothic churches and historical houses.

Return to Copenhagen in the late afternoon, finishing your tour at the start point.