Forests, water and trails
The eastern boundary of Gribskov runs along the western shore of Lake Esrum. The lake is designated as an EU habitat area. In the forest, wetlands and bog water tell the story of a landscape that consists of more than just trees: Store Gribsø is a rare type of humic lake in Denmark. Humic substances from water draining from bogs turn its water brown. More than 30 wetlands have been restored in Gribskov to date, including bogs, ponds and artificial lakes connected with the Pøle Å.
Six signposted hiking trails offer both short and long routes. You can also explore the area by bike from different directions. Regional cycle route 32 runs for a total of 28 kilometres from Hillerød through the western part of Gribskov to Tisvildeleje. It consists of Tisvildestien and Pøleåstien. The signposted Gillelejestien, also known as Route 33, runs for 27 kilometres from Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød to Gilleleje station. The routes are almost the same length, but have different endpoints.
There are 40 kilometres of signposted trails for riders. Four fenced enclosures serve as rest areas for horses. Another option is the approximately 16-kilometre Parforce riding route, which follows old historic hunting and riding trails through the southern part of the forest. Parforce cycle route 105 starts at Frederiksborg Castle and follows historic hunting trails deep into Gribskov. This way, you can encounter the historic trails both on horseback and by bike.
Monastery garden and coastal culture
At Esrum Abbey, the monastery garden combines plant diversity with medieval garden culture. It contains more than 150 plant species from medieval medicinal herb, spice and vegetable gardens, and is open around the clock. You can visit it at any time. A bookable guided tour, “A Taste of the Monastery Garden”, also focuses on the garden.
Esrum Abbey & Møllegård is a vibrant cultural venue that recalls the abbey’s medieval history as a place of faith, doubt, knowledge and influence, while highlighting its close connection to nature. The cellar tells the stories of many lives that have left their mark on the abbey’s history and architecture. The building spans 900 years of Danish history. The 77-kilometre Tisvildevejen runs from Esrum Abbey to the Sankt Helene Spring in Tisvilde, following large sections of a medieval pilgrimage route.
By the sea, Munkeruphus presents contemporary art in a listed building. The adjacent Munkerup Park features an art and nature laboratory that serves as a place for children and young people to explore and learn. In Gilleleje, the museum is spread across four buildings, each with its own exhibitions. They cover the occupation, as well as holiday and fishing life. A particular focus is the escape of Danish Jews to Sweden in 1943, presented through eyewitness accounts and historical sources.
Lighthouses and history in the landscape
Nakkehoved Lighthouse consists of two lighthouses: Vestre Fyr is taller than the smaller Østre Fyr. The former lighthouse keeper’s house at Vestre Fyr is home to a lighthouse museum. From Gilleleje Harbour, you can reach Nakkehoved Lighthouse on an approximately 1.5-kilometre walk along Fyrstien and the coast.
Søborg Castle also offers a glimpse into Denmark’s medieval history. Archbishop Eskild had the enclosed fortress built in the 12th century, with a curtain wall and moat. In the Middle Ages, it was one of the country’s largest and most heavily fortified castles. A 13-kilometre trail around Lake Søborg can be used on foot, by bike or on horseback.
The Parforce Hunting Landscape in North Zealand comprises 120 kilometres of hunting trails and around 4,500 hectares of land. In 2015, UNESCO designated it as protected cultural heritage. This historical dimension accompanies the exploration of Gribskov’s trails and makes the connection between landscape and hunting history a topic in its own right.
Getting around the area
The Gribskov and Hornbæk railway lines run through Gribskov. One route connects Hillerød and Helsingør via Gilleleje, while the other runs between Hillerød and Tisvildeleje; bicycles travel free of charge. Five bus routes also run through Gribskov. Check the latest transport information before your trip. Along the Gribskov–Esrum hiking route, there are campfire sites, an overnight stop and a toilet.
Discover more destinations: Frederikssund, Lyngby-Taarbæk Municipality, Allerød Municipality, Høje-Taastrup Municipality, Copenhagen, Albertslund, Fredensborg, Gentofte.
For the main travel overview: Capital Region.
