Guide: Experience the unique natural beauty of Fjordlandet
Stunning countryside, space to play and explore, blue water, enchanting woods, kayak trips, fascinating cultural history and countless possibilities for hiking and fishing in the fresh air
See our suggestions for fantastic and memorable trips into the great outdoors of Fjordlandet close to Copenhagen..
1. The Bolund stone and the Giantess
1. The Bolund stone and the Giantess
In the heart of Fjordlandet, north of Risø by Roskilde, you’ll find the unique conservation area of the Bolund peninsula. This is also home to the legendary Bolund stone.
The Bolund stone is a remainder from the ice age and comes with a legend. The old story goes that the stone was thrown by a giantess who was furious when she heard the church bells of Roskilde Cathedral ringing for the first time.
Fortunately, her aim was not great so the stone can still be found in the meadows of Lille Valby by the Bolund peninsula. If you look carefully, you can even see the imprint of her hand in the stone – so it is said.
The Bolund peninsula is a characteristic landmark with a narrow and shallow passage of fjordwater between the island and the coast. It’s a short walk from the car park by Frederiksborgvej over the conservation area of the salt marshes to the peninsula. On the peninsula and in the salt marshes you can find interesting plants and often many different birds. At the top of the peninsula you can enjoy a wonderful view over Roskilde fjord.
The Bolund peninsula and the Bolund stone are about a 40-minute drive from Copenhagen.
In the heart of Fjordlandet, north of Risø by Roskilde, you’ll find the unique conservation area of the Bolund peninsula. This is also home to the legendary Bolund stone.
The Bolund stone is a remainder from the ice age and comes with a legend. The old story goes that the stone was thrown by a giantess who was furious when she heard the church bells of Roskilde Cathedral ringing for the first time.
Fortunately, her aim was not great so the stone can still be found in the meadows of Lille Valby by the Bolund peninsula. If you look carefully, you can even see the imprint of her hand in the stone – so it is said.
The Bolund peninsula is a characteristic landmark with a narrow and shallow passage of fjordwater between the island and the coast. It’s a short walk from the car park by Frederiksborgvej over the conservation area of the salt marshes to the peninsula. On the peninsula and in the salt marshes you can find interesting plants and often many different birds. At the top of the peninsula you can enjoy a wonderful view over Roskilde fjord.
The Bolund peninsula and the Bolund stone are about a 40-minute drive from Copenhagen.
2. Close to nature in Salvadparken
Salvadparken is located in undulating countryside by Hove stream, just 50 metres from Roskilde fjord. Here you’ll find shelters, nature playgrounds, salt marshes and an amazing view over the blue water of the fjord.
You can walk or bike here down the Fjord path – or arrive by kayak. And don’t forget to pack your fishing gear! Perhaps you can get a trout on the line.
There are a number of beach plants that grow in Salvadparken, including oak-leaved goosefoot, common glasswort and a couple of quite rare plants like the strawberry clover and buck’s-horn plantain.
You might even be lucky enough to meet a couple of the many wading birds that often look for food in the shallow waters. Salvadparken is about a 40-minute drive from Copenhagen.
2. Close to nature in Salvadparken
Salvadparken is located in undulating countryside by Hove stream, just 50 metres from Roskilde fjord. Here you’ll find shelters, nature playgrounds, salt marshes and an amazing view over the blue water of the fjord.
You can walk or bike here down the Fjord path – or arrive by kayak. And don’t forget to pack your fishing gear! Perhaps you can get a trout on the line.
There are a number of beach plants that grow in Salvadparken, including oak-leaved goosefoot, common glasswort and a couple of quite rare plants like the strawberry clover and buck’s-horn plantain.
You might even be lucky enough to meet a couple of the many wading birds that often look for food in the shallow waters. Salvadparken is about a 40-minute drive from Copenhagen.
3. A refreshing dip in Himmelsøen
3. A refreshing dip in Himmelsøen
The Himmelsøen lake is beautifully situated close to Roskilde in wild countryside with a beautiful view. Take a refreshing dip from the 140-metre-long floating jetty or start your swim from the lovely sandy beach.
It’s about two kilometres to walk around the lake and there are good hiking paths. There’s also a great shelter close to the lake with a bonfire area, which you’re free to use.
Himmelsøen is ideal for swimming, or walking with the family or with your dog. You can even ride your horse on the bridleway. However you get around, you can enjoy seeing nature up close, pass a beach for swimming and experience the beautiful countryside around the old gravel pit. Himmelsøen is approximately half an hour’s drive from Copenhagen.
The Himmelsøen lake is beautifully situated close to Roskilde in wild countryside with a beautiful view. Take a refreshing dip from the 140-metre-long floating jetty or start your swim from the lovely sandy beach.
It’s about two kilometres to walk around the lake and there are good hiking paths. There’s also a great shelter close to the lake with a bonfire area, which you’re free to use.
Himmelsøen is ideal for swimming, or walking with the family or with your dog. You can even ride your horse on the bridleway. However you get around, you can enjoy seeing nature up close, pass a beach for swimming and experience the beautiful countryside around the old gravel pit. Himmelsøen is approximately half an hour’s drive from Copenhagen.
4. Active outdoor living at Lynghøjsøerne
If you are up for getting wet, there are both swimming lanes and a pontoon with a slide in the lakes. You can also fish here but remember to get a fishing license before you do! Or how about an atmospheric overnight stay in a shelter by the westernmost lake.
The old gravel pit, Svogerslev Grusgrav, is also perfect for an enjoyable walk with the family or with your dog. For your four-legged friends, there is even a specific area set aside by the lakes that functions as a dog park. Your dogs are allowed to run freely here, but in the rest of the area they must be on a leash.
And for cycling enthusiasts, there are a number of MtB tracks, which make the Lynghøjsøerne lakes an attractive cycling area.
The Lynghøjsøerne lakes are approximately half an hour’s drive from Copenhagen.
4. Active outdoor living at Lynghøjsøerne
The Lynghøjsøerne lakes are a natural paradise for anyone who loves being active outdoors – whatever the time of year. The beautiful blue water of the three lakes is perfect for swimming and fishing while the area around the lakes is great for tobogganing, cycling and hiking. Or how about a troll hunt where you look for the giant wooden fishing troll Runde Rie?
If you are up for getting wet, there are both swimming lanes and a pontoon with a slide in the lakes. You can also fish here but remember to get a fishing license before you do! Or how about an atmospheric overnight stay in a shelter by the westernmost lake.
The old gravel pit, Svogerslev Grusgrav, is also perfect for an enjoyable walk with the family or with your dog. For your four-legged friends, there is even a specific area set aside by the lakes that functions as a dog park. Your dogs are allowed to run freely here, but in the rest of the area they must be on a leash.
And for cycling enthusiasts, there are a number of MtB tracks, which make the Lynghøjsøerne lakes an attractive cycling area.
The Lynghøjsøerne lakes are approximately half an hour’s drive from Copenhagen.
5. The idyllic lake – Store Kattinge Sø
Store Kattinge Sø lake is surrounded by idyllic countryside in the heart of Fjordlandet. There are numerous natural sights to be experienced around the lake, where the beautiful reed forest, lush deciduous woods, coastal landscape and blue fjord water meet.
Both the woods, the salt marshes and the lakes are a natural conservation area, but you can still hike or cycle and experience the area’s flora and fauna up close.
The beautiful woods of Boserup Skov are right next to the fjord coastline and this is a wonderful place for a walk all year round. At the northern end of Store Kattinge Sø, you’ll find a bird watching tower where you can get an amazing view of the thousands of tufted ducks that visit the lake in the winter months. In the spring the forest floor is covered with the most amazing flowers.
It takes around 35 minutes to drive by car from Copenhagen and then you’re in the midst of this unique countryside around the Store Kattinge Sø lake.
5. The idyllic lake – Store Kattinge Sø
Store Kattinge Sø lake is surrounded by idyllic countryside in the heart of Fjordlandet. There are numerous natural sights to be experienced around the lake, where the beautiful reed forest, lush deciduous woods, coastal landscape and blue fjord water meet.
Both the woods, the salt marshes and the lakes are a natural conservation area, but you can still hike or cycle and experience the area’s flora and fauna up close.
The beautiful woods of Boserup Skov are right next to the fjord coastline and this is a wonderful place for a walk all year round. At the northern end of Store Kattinge Sø, you’ll find a bird watching tower where you can get an amazing view of the thousands of tufted ducks that visit the lake in the winter months. In the spring the forest floor is covered with the most amazing flowers.
It takes around 35 minutes to drive by car from Copenhagen and then you’re in the midst of this unique countryside around the Store Kattinge Sø lake.
6. The river valley Ejby Ådal – for children and flower lovers
Walking up the edge of the slopes of the river valley and looking out across the beautiful Isefjord for as far as the eye can see is a great experience. The steep slopes were created by the changes in water and land levels following the last ice age 12-15,000 years ago.
The chalk-rich springs in the slopes explain the diversity of flowers.
The area is a perfect destination for lovers of wild flowers, butterfly enthusiasts and anyone with energy to spare.
In addition to a great outdoor experience with lots of fresh air, the area offers beaches that are ideal for swimming, cows, mushrooms and the seal statue in the fjord. If you are visiting on foot or by bike, simply follow the path Fjordstien.
The river valley Ejby Ådal is about an hour’s drive from Copenhagen.
6. The river valley Ejby Ådal – for children and flower lovers
Walking up the edge of the slopes of the river valley and looking out across the beautiful Isefjord for as far as the eye can see is a great experience. The steep slopes were created by the changes in water and land levels following the last ice age 12-15,000 years ago.
The chalk-rich springs in the slopes explain the diversity of flowers.
The area is a perfect destination for lovers of wild flowers, butterfly enthusiasts and anyone with energy to spare.
In addition to a great outdoor experience with lots of fresh air, the area offers beaches that are ideal for swimming, cows, mushrooms and the seal statue in the fjord. If you are visiting on foot or by bike, simply follow the path Fjordstien.
The river valley Ejby Ådal is about an hour’s drive from Copenhagen.
7. Picnic in the Bidstrup Skovene forests
The Bidstrup forest offers a wealth of nature experiences just 50 kilometers from Copenhagen. Its varied landscape of hills, dense forest, wetlands and open grassland have led to diverse and rich wildlife making it a perfect destination for a family outing.
If you are patient and lucky, you may be able to see wildlife such as deer, foxes, buzzards, fallow deer, red deer, hazel dormice, squirrels, wood martens, badgers and red kites in the forest.
The many waterholes and lakes in the area provide perfect habitats for frogs and amphibians, which you can hear croaking in early summer. The wetlands are also teeming with butterflies, including the rare lesser marbled fritillary butterfly.
The area is part of Skovhøjlandet, Zealand’s second largest forest area. You can swim in the clean waters of the Avnsø lake, which is 6-8 meters deep. Avnsø has a bathing jetty as well as picnic tables where you can take a break.
The Bidstrup Forests also have a special connection to Copenhagen. The forests were given to the citizens of Copenhagen by the Danish King Frederik III in the mid-17th century as a reward for their efforts in the Swedish wars during the siege of Copenhagen.
7. Picnic in the Bidstrup Skovene forests
The Bidstrup forest offers a wealth of nature experiences just 50 kilometers from Copenhagen. Its varied landscape of hills, dense forest, wetlands and open grassland have led to diverse and rich wildlife making it a perfect destination for a family outing.
If you are patient and lucky, you may be able to see wildlife such as deer, foxes, buzzards, fallow deer, red deer, hazel dormice, squirrels, wood martens, badgers and red kites in the forest.
The many waterholes and lakes in the area provide perfect habitats for frogs and amphibians, which you can hear croaking in early summer. The wetlands are also teeming with butterflies, including the rare lesser marbled fritillary butterfly.
The area is part of Skovhøjlandet, Zealand’s second largest forest area. You can swim in the clean waters of the Avnsø lake, which is 6-8 meters deep. Avnsø has a bathing jetty as well as picnic tables where you can take a break.
The Bidstrup Forests also have a special connection to Copenhagen. The forests were given to the citizens of Copenhagen by the Danish King Frederik III in the mid-17th century as a reward for their efforts in the Swedish wars during the siege of Copenhagen.
8. Møllekrogen – the wild natural gem
Møllekrogen is a small hidden gem in Hornsherred on the western side of Roskilde Fjord. It’s perfect for a beautiful walk or a family outing where you can climb trees, explore the narrow, densely covered paths and pick up speed down the large hills. There are also great places to fish.
If you start at Møllekrogen, you can walk down the beautiful hiking path along the edge of the fjord with a view to Roskilde. By Skrivernæbbet at the end of the peninsula you’ll pass cows grazing peacefully.
There are picnic tables at the carpark (Selsøvej 24, 4050 Skibby) but we recommend that you park at Selsø Church and walk 1.4 kilometres down the footpath to Møllekrogen.
Møllekrogen is around 45 minutes by car from Copenhagen.
8. Møllekrogen – the wild natural gem
Møllekrogen is a small hidden gem in Hornsherred on the western side of Roskilde Fjord. It’s perfect for a beautiful walk or a family outing where you can climb trees, explore the narrow, densely covered paths and pick up speed down the large hills. There are also great places to fish.
If you start at Møllekrogen, you can walk down the beautiful hiking path along the edge of the fjord with a view to Roskilde. By Skrivernæbbet at the end of the peninsula you’ll pass cows grazing peacefully.
There are picnic tables at the carpark (Selsøvej 24, 4050 Skibby) but we recommend that you park at Selsø Church and walk 1.4 kilometres down the footpath to Møllekrogen.
Møllekrogen is around 45 minutes by car from Copenhagen.
9. Denmark’s oldest living being, The Royal Oak
In the magical woods of Nordskov by Jægerspris Castle, you’ll find Kongeegen, the Royal Oak. This is Denmark’s oldest living thing and probably Northern Europe’s oldest and widest oak tree. The Royal Oak is 1,500-2,000 years old and was already a large tree back when the Viking King Gorm the Old ruled Denmark.
At one point the Royal Oak had an impressive diameter of 14 metres and a height of around 17 metres. It is said that King Frederik 7th and Countess Danner were out riding in the area and sought shelter from a thunderstorm in the large hollow tree, which is why it was given the name the Royal Oak.
Originally the oak tree grew on an open marshy meadow, which is why it is so low. The tree’s strange shape combined with the marshy and inaccessible terrain probably saved it from being turned into ship timber. Today all that remains is the picturesque outer part of the tree from where the new branches grow. However, in spite of its age, it still looks remarkably good.
In the park by Jægerspris Castle, there is another oak tree that is closely related to the Royal Oak. This is the Danner Oak that was grafted from the older tree in 1986. It was planted in the park by the late Queen’s late husband, Prince Henrik.
You can also find two other impressive old oak trees in the woods of Nordskoven, Storkeegen, the Stork Oak, and Snoegen, the Twisted Oak. Both of these have unfortunately died but their interesting remains can still be found in the woods today.
Jægerspris Castle is about an hour’s drive from Copenhagen.
9. Denmark’s oldest living being, The Royal Oak
In the magical woods of Nordskov by Jægerspris Castle, you’ll find Kongeegen, the Royal Oak. This is Denmark’s oldest living thing and probably Northern Europe’s oldest and widest oak tree. The Royal Oak is 1,500-2,000 years old and was already a large tree back when the Viking King Gorm the Old ruled Denmark.
At one point the Royal Oak had an impressive diameter of 14 metres and a height of around 17 metres. It is said that King Frederik 7th and Countess Danner were out riding in the area and sought shelter from a thunderstorm in the large hollow tree, which is why it was given the name the Royal Oak.
Originally the oak tree grew on an open marshy meadow, which is why it is so low. The tree’s strange shape combined with the marshy and inaccessible terrain probably saved it from being turned into ship timber. Today all that remains is the picturesque outer part of the tree from where the new branches grow. However, in spite of its age, it still looks remarkably good.
In the park by Jægerspris Castle, there is another oak tree that is closely related to the Royal Oak. This is the Danner Oak that was grafted from the older tree in 1986. It was planted in the park by the late Queen’s late husband, Prince Henrik.
You can also find two other impressive old oak trees in the woods of Nordskoven, Storkeegen, the Stork Oak, and Snoegen, the Twisted Oak. Both of these have unfortunately died but their interesting remains can still be found in the woods today.
Jægerspris Castle is about an hour’s drive from Copenhagen.
10. Enjoy beach life at Kulhuse all year round
The best beach in Fjordlandet is undoubtedly the beach at Kulhuse. This wide sandy beach is located at the beautiful northernmost point of Hornsherred where Roskilde Fjord meets Isefjord and ends in the Kattegat sea.
The wonderful sandy beach leads up to a lovely grassy area to relax and you don’t have to wade out far into the refreshing water before it gets deep.
You’ll also find the charming Kulhuse Harbour close to Kulhuse beach. This is where the ferry leaves for Sølager in Halsnæs Municipality. The harbour also has public toilets.
At the harbour you can see the rest of the fortification, Englænderskansen. This was built in 1808 as an outpost to protect against the English navy. Back then the Danes feared that the English would sail into Roskilde Fjord to occupy and destroy the all-important Danish gunpowder industry that was located in Frederiksværk.
The beach and the harbour in Kulhuse are just under an hour’s drive from Copenhagen.
10. Enjoy beach life at Kulhuse all year round
The best beach in Fjordlandet is undoubtedly the beach at Kulhuse. This wide sandy beach is located at the beautiful northernmost point of Hornsherred where Roskilde Fjord meets Isefjord and ends in the Kattegat sea.
The wonderful sandy beach leads up to a lovely grassy area to relax and you don’t have to wade out far into the refreshing water before it gets deep.
You’ll also find the charming Kulhuse Harbour close to Kulhuse beach. This is where the ferry leaves for Sølager in Halsnæs Municipality. The harbour also has public toilets.
At the harbour you can see the rest of the fortification, Englænderskansen. This was built in 1808 as an outpost to protect against the English navy. Back then the Danes feared that the English would sail into Roskilde Fjord to occupy and destroy the all-important Danish gunpowder industry that was located in Frederiksværk.
The beach and the harbour in Kulhuse are just under an hour’s drive from Copenhagen.
11. Explore in the reed forest
Gundsømagle Sø lake and bird reserve make a fantastic outing for all the family. Immerse yourself in nature as you walk on the boardwalk through Zealand’s largest reed forest. The 300-metre-long boardwalk gives you a unique opportunity to experience the bird and wildlife of the reed forest up close. There are benches along the way so you can take a rest.
Getting to the reed forest involves a footpath through charming woodland that is home to crooked trees and many different birds, frogs and plants. The footpath goes between two bird watching towers that provide a great view of the area and the lake. Here you might be able to see a bearded reedling, a grey heron or a western marsh harrier. The Gundsømagle Lake is a bird sanctuary owned and run by the Bird Protection Foundation.
The bike path “Jyllingesløjefen” takes you past the lake and the bird sanctuary.
The carpark is by the western bird watching tower and it takes only 40 minutes to drive here from Copenhagen.
11. Explore in the reed forest
Gundsømagle Sø lake and bird reserve make a fantastic outing for all the family. Immerse yourself in nature as you walk on the boardwalk through Zealand’s largest reed forest. The 300-metre-long boardwalk gives you a unique opportunity to experience the bird and wildlife of the reed forest up close. There are benches along the way so you can take a rest.
Getting to the reed forest involves a footpath through charming woodland that is home to crooked trees and many different birds, frogs and plants. The footpath goes between two bird watching towers that provide a great view of the area and the lake. Here you might be able to see a bearded reedling, a grey heron or a western marsh harrier. The Gundsømagle Lake is a bird sanctuary owned and run by the Bird Protection Foundation.
The bike path “Jyllingesløjefen” takes you past the lake and the bird sanctuary.
The carpark is by the western bird watching tower and it takes only 40 minutes to drive here from Copenhagen.
12. Feel the sense of calm in the Østskoven woods
The Østskoven woods by Skibby in Hornsherred are a wonderful natural area with salt marshes, lots of beech trees, diverse birdlife, good fishing, a little harbour and a panoramic view of Roskilde Fjord.
These woods are one of the natural gems of Fjordlandet. Take the walk around the outer edge of the area accompanied by bird song, the breeze from the fjord and the beech trees to discover a sense of peace and pure tranquility. The walk takes around 90 minutes.
If you walk south from the woodland path to the salt marshes that are home to many birds, head left towards the bay and the spit to get to the narrowest part of Roskilde Fjord – the ferry stop to the island of Eskilsø, the largest island in the fjord. From here, the island is just 150 metres away and you can probably make out the remains of an old monastery that was built here in 1100.
Østskoven is under an hour’s drive from Copenhagen.
12. Feel the sense of calm in the Østskoven woods
The Østskoven woods by Skibby in Hornsherred are a wonderful natural area with salt marshes, lots of beech trees, diverse birdlife, good fishing, a little harbour and a panoramic view of Roskilde Fjord.
These woods are one of the natural gems of Fjordlandet. Take the walk around the outer edge of the area accompanied by bird song, the breeze from the fjord and the beech trees to discover a sense of peace and pure tranquility. The walk takes around 90 minutes.
If you walk south from the woodland path to the salt marshes that are home to many birds, head left towards the bay and the spit to get to the narrowest part of Roskilde Fjord – the ferry stop to the island of Eskilsø, the largest island in the fjord. From here, the island is just 150 metres away and you can probably make out the remains of an old monastery that was built here in 1100.
Østskoven is under an hour’s drive from Copenhagen.
About us
Fjordlandet, or Fjord Country, covers the scenic areas around Roskilde Fjord and Isefjord. The towns and landscape of Fjordlandet are filled with vibrant stories, while its harbours are abuzz with activity. On a summer day you’ll encounter beach guests, sailors, fishermen, nature lovers, birdwatchers, history buffs and Viking enthusiasts.
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