Hiking manners

Protect nature

Take your rubbish with you - On the hiking trail there can be a long way between the rubbish bins, so it can be a good idea to take a small bag to collect your rubbish in, and which you can throw out when you pass a rubbish bin. For the cigarette butts, there are now several different pocket ashtrays.

North Zealand has several protected areas. Here you may be lucky enough to spot rare species, but move on the designated paths and abide by the rules in the site you are.

Bonfire rules

If you pack the hiking bag with food to be cooked over a fire or do you dream of starting the fire in the morning and boiling water for your coffee, there are some rules you must be aware of.

You may only light bonfires at specified campfire sites. You are also welcome to collect dead branches for your campfire or use the firewood from the firewood box if there is one at your campfire site.

You can also light a small fire on the beach - but not in the dunes. Ensure the fire is correctly extinguished so that the hot embers do not come out when other beach guests come with bare toes.

In some periods, be aware that there may be a burning ban. It is most often in dry periods during the summer.

Wash with degradable bio-soap

If you are on a primitive trip, you will most likely have to do the dishes and possibly a body wash out in nature. Bio soap is gentle in the heart, and it is possible to find them intended for body washing, hair washing, washing dishes and laundry, so you save space in the backpack. They can be bought where you buy your other outdoor gear, or you may be lucky that the health food store has it. Find lakes you can swim in on the Danish Nature Agency's website.

Forage

There is something about the food you have collected yourself. It just tastes a little better. In nature, in North Zealand, there are plenty of opportunities to order something you can eat but also collect stones, cones and seashells. Here is ample opportunity to take things home for creative decorations. Stones with holes in them can be hung on a string, cones and moss can be added to the Christmas decorations, and seashells can be glued to the frame around the picture from a beautiful day at the beach.

If you want to freshen up your meal with berries, fruits, mushrooms, herbs, edible flowers and plants, North Zealand's nature offers a good pantry.

The best place to find mushrooms in North Zealand is Gribskov. The forest is especially mentioned as a good place, as the different biotopes and the large size mean that there are many places where the fungi can grow. Tisvilde Hegn and Store Dyrehave, as well as the various fences around Helsingør, are also rich in mushrooms. The coastal area is rich in sea buckthorn, and otherwise, you can keep an eye out for stinging nettles, mirabelles, red clover and other goodies from nature when you hike.

You may collect for your consumption equivalent to a carrier bag, but be careful not to confuse plant species and get the poisonous ones in the food.

Packing list A packing list will always vary from trip to trip, different seasons, and how long you'll be away. Here are some tips on what it's recommended to pack in your backpack.

• Hiking boots or sturdy shoes with good support
• Backpack to carry your belongings
• Waterproof rain gear
• Sunhat or cap and sunscreen, lip balm
• Water bottle
• Sit mat
• Snacks such as nuts, dried fruit, or energy bars
• First aid kit with bandages, plasters, and pain relievers
• Map of the area or a GPS device Mobile phone and external charger
• Pocket knife for your packed lunch
• Toiletries
• Flashlight or headlamp if you plan to hike in the evening
• Extra clothing in case of sudden temperature changes
• Trash bag to carry your waste back with you.

Transport

It is possible to take public transport to the starting and ending points of the hiking routes.

• The coastal railway takes you from Copenhagen to Elsinore - See departures at www.rejseplanen.dk
• You can come by S-train to Hillerød.
• The local train runs between Hillerød, Helsingør, Gilleleje, Hundested and Tisvildeleje.
• The bus can also take you around North Zealand - see timetables