Gilleleje | The fishing village at the top

Tine Uffelmann

There’s no doubt that Gilleleje’s focal point is its harbour. This is where you naturally gravitate to soak up the atmosphere, stroll along the pier and look out at the fishing boats and sailors. Gilleleje Harbour is Zealand’s largest commercial port. The boatyard is not there for the tourists, nor are the fishing net poles, colourful pennants and ropes. And that’s exactly why the harbour is so appealing.

But the city welcomes its visitors and has done so since the early 1900s when the first holidaymakers arrived. So enjoy the maritime atmosphere, the beach and the nature around Gilleleje, and savour a wonderful fish dinner at the harbour while the children run about at Stejlepladsen’s popular nature playground.

The cultural harbour with a library, cinema, restaurant and a host of cultural events all year round is a new gathering place for locals and tourists alike. And the many speciality shops and supermarkets are proof that Gilleleje thrives all year long.

Map

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Address

Havnevej

3250

Coordinates

Longitude: 12.311684

Latitude: 56.125195

Eat and drink

Fresh fish and seafood on the menu is a matter of course in Gilleleje, but there are plenty of alternatives. Will it be a snack at the harbour, tapas or a three-course dinner with good wine? If you would like to do your own cooking, there are premium fresh ingredients to be found at the fishmonger’s and in the farm shops.

Restaurants & cafés

Lovely seaside cafes and charming restaurants are serving heavenly food, fast food and delicious ice cream.

Top 5 fish restaurants in Gilleleje

Gilleleje Harbour is Sealand’s largest commercial port. And with that, of course, comes freshly caught fish from the Sund, Kattegat and the Atlantic.

Find a farmshop in North Sealand

Shop at your local farm shop, and it's good for both you and the environment. You get the season's fresh fruits and vegetables, full of flavors and vitamins. Quality meat from free-range cattle, eggs, honey and homemade jam. Produced locally, without transport over long distances.

What to see and do in Gilleleje

The fishing harbour and the Cultural Harbour are natural attractions, but so is the original fishing village’s narrow streets with charming thatched fisherman’s cottages and flowering gardens. The church’s roof space has its own dramatic history dating from October 1943. Find Gilleleje sights and events here.

Events

The Græsted Vintage Rally (Græsted Veterantræf) is brimming with nostalgia, while Munkeruphus offers cutting-edge art and design. Discover the indoor and outdoor sculptures at Rudolph Tegner’s Museum and Statue Park or meet the locals at Kulturhavn Gilleleje.

Gilleleje Culture Harbour

Unique and modern centre for culture and social life in North SealandClassical and modern music, food, lectures, debates, art shows, movies and books. Kulturhavn Gilleleje/the Culture Harbour has it all and attracts thousands of visitors each week, who use the library or cinema, buy a ti...

Museum of Lighthouse History | Nakkehoved Lighthouse

Visit Nakkehoved Lighthouse and the Lighthouse History Museum and enjoy the impressive sea view over the Kattegat and the Sound from the lighthouse's ...

Gilleleje Harbour

The living harbourThe scent of tar, fish and sea floats on the breeze when you take a walk on Gilleleje Harbour. The large, beautiful gulls sweep lo...

Gilleleje Church

During World War II many Jewish refugees were concealed in the roofspace of the church, waiting for an opportunity to flee to Sweden. Local fishermen,...

Museums in Gilleleje

The Gilleleje area has various opportunities for museum visits that tell about the history and modern and classical art.

Active holidays on foot and by bike

Gilleleje is surrounded by beautiful and dramatic nature. The view of the Kattegat is breathtaking from the steep slopes near Gilbjerg Hoved, where Søren Kierkegaard once strolled his way to momentous philosophical ideas. You can walk in his footsteps or cycle along the North Coast Trail or Route 33 towards Hillerød.

Gilbjergstien | A tour suggestion at Gilleleje

Gilbjergstien is a beautiful hiking trail, from Vesterbrogade in Gilleleje to Gilbjerghoved. There is a wonderful view from the up to 33 m high slopes beyond the Kattegat to Kullaberget (Kullen) in Sweden. Along the way, you pass the Gilbjerg stone and the memorial stone for the philosophe...

Kierkegaard by Nature – an interactive hiking route in Gilleleje.

Kierkegaard by Nature – an interactive hike in Gilleleje.

Gilleleje - Hillerød | Route 33

The marked cycle route 33 takes you out on a nice varied 27 km. tour from Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød to Gilleleje Station - or vice versa. You will cycle through a fantastic castle and the magnificent castle garden, through deep forest, over open plains, past an exciting castle ruin ...

Practical information

Here you will find useful information for planning and use during your vacation.

Find opening hours at the tourist information, plan your holiday, see the map of the city, how to get around by public transport, read the large holiday magazine for North Sealand, find a blue flag beach and where to rent a bike? Get answers to this and more here.