What to see in Zealand, the largest island in Denmark characterized by breathtaking landscapes, itinerary including the main places of interest not to be missed.
Itinerary
– Roskilde: ancient Viking settlement and capital of Denmark until 1443, it is located about 30 km from Copenhagen. In a beautiful position on the sea, Roskilde rises at the southern end of a long fjord. The ancient Cathedral and the Viking Ship Museum represent the main attractions of this typical Danish town.
Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built between the 12th and 13th centuries, and is the first Scandinavian Gothic cathedral to have been built in brick, a style that later spread throughout northern Europe . Many Danish royalty are buried in the cathedral.
Do not miss a visit to the Vikingeskibshallen, the Viking Ship Museum, which displays the remains of five boats sunk between 1000 and 1050 at the entrance to the fjord.
In addition, some reproductions of Viking ships are moored on an island and, on one of these in the summer, it is possible to take short cruises. Note that the city is famous for the Roskilde Festival, an important European music festival.
– Frederiksborg Castle: located in Hillerød, it is a magnificent Renaissance-style building, which rises in all its splendor on some small islands of Lake Slotsø. The castle has a beautiful garden and houses the interesting National History Museum.
What see
– Kronborg Castle: located on the extreme tip of Zeeland, in Helsingør, this castle is strategically located near the Swedish coast and represents one of the most important Renaissance castles in northern Europe, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fortress and royal residence together, it is famous because William Shakespeare set the drama of Hamlet there and for this reason, in the summer, a Shakespearean festival takes place in the courtyard of the castle.
– Fredensborg Castle: located on the shores of Lake Esrum, this Fredensborg Castle was built as his hunting lodge by King Frederick IV. The palace often hosts important state visits and important events from the life of the current royal family, who lives there during the summer and autumn months. To visit the beautiful baroque gardens.
– Karen Blixen's birthplace: along the coast in Rungsted, 30 km north of Copenhagen, there is the building, now a museum, where the famous Danish writer was born, who became famous for the novel My Africa, buried in the large park surrounding the house.
– Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: on the coast in Humlebæk, about 30 kilometers north of Copenhagen, there is this museum, inserted in a structure harmoniously located in the surrounding environment, with a garden overlooking the sea where some sculptures are exhibited.
Recommended readings- Denmark: useful information
- Copenhagen (Denmark): what to see in the capital
- Zealand (Denmark): what to see on the largest island
- Funen (Denmark): what to see on the island
There is also a large collection of modern and contemporary art, temporary exhibitions and other events. The perfect combination of architecture, art and nature makes this museum unique.
