Hund på Nordsjællandsk strand

Holidays with four-legged friends

Photo: David Trood

Dogs are welcome to join your holiday, and there are plenty of opportunities to find holiday homes, campsites and hotels that give man's best friend a warm welcome. Together you can enjoy lovely fresh air, with plenty of space for you and your best friend.

Ferien mit Hund auf Fredensborg Camping
© VisitnordseelandPhoto: Nikolaj Danielsen
Holløselund Strand
© VisitNordsjællandPhoto: Ann Jørgensen

Free to roam in dog forests

In the dog forests in North Zealand, dogs are allowed loose without a lead but must be kept under control and supervision.

At Gilbjerghoved in Gilleleje, you can walk by the water along the Gilbjergstien path. West of Gilleleje there is a large protected green area where dogs can let off steam, with a beautiful view of the Kattegat from the cliff.

The plantation in Liseleje is part of a larger nature area surrounded by Tisvilde Hegn and Melby Overdrev on the other side and with fantastic beaches all the way, where dogs can run freely.

You can also enjoy scenic walks in the idyllic forest Præstevangen by Hillerød in the northern part of Store Dyrehave. At Breddam Lake you'll discover Fantasy Island, where Frederik VII had a small pleasure palace built for him and Countess Danner. Only the ruins remain, but Fantasy Island is a scenic and historic place that is definitely worth a dog walk.

Take your dog to Hørsholm Palace Gardens. This was once home to Hirschholm Palace, which was called the Versailles of the North. The palace and the garden formed the setting for the love affair between Queen Caroline Mathilde and mad Christian VII's doctor, Struensee. The palace has been demolished, but some traces of the old baroque garden still remain.

Dogs can also be let off the lead in the Krogerup forests at Humlebæk. The five small forests are connected, together forming a beautiful and well-preserved manor landscape.

Walks on the lead

Of course, there are also many wonderful walks around North Zealand where dogs have to be kept on a lead. The diverse North Zealand nature – from forests to beaches, cultural landscapes, castles and rolling hills created by the ice age – appeal to both dogs and owners alike.

The Søstien path in Hillerød offers views of the spectacular Frederiksborg Castle from all angles. Or enjoy a walk in a royal setting in Fredensborg Castle Park, where the queen's four-legged members of the royal family are also taken for walks.

Go to Esrum Kloster and start the walk in Gribskov from here. Along the coastal stretch from Gilleleje to Nakkehoved Lighthouse, you can experience North Zealand's possibly most beautiful sunset by the lighthouse.

And the hilly landscape at Rågeleje, Heatherhill, is wonderful in its autumnal heather-clad splendour but is also worth taking the dog for a walk any time of the year.

And at Hundested, you can follow the signs for cycle route 47 along Spodsbjergstien, with dramatic cliffs and views of the Kattegat. Dogs will also love walks in Auderød Forest by Frederiksværk, where you can walk to the tip of Arrenæs and. the beautiful nature

Dog-friendly beaches
Dogs are welcome on the beach but must be kept on a lead. However, this does not apply to blue flag beaches during the summer season, where dogs are not allowed. From October to March you can bring dogs to all beaches without being on a lead. See more about the guidelines and exceptions on the Danish Nature Agency's website.