In Hellebæk, vast natural areas meet the traces of a long industrial history. Together, Teglstrup Hegn, Hellebæk Skov and Hellebæk Kohave form an area of about 1,000 hectares, with forest, 500-year-old oaks, raised bog, pastureland and forest lakes. The three areas are designated as a Natura 2000 habitat area and are part of Kongernes Nordsjælland National Park.

Forest, Pastureland and Raised Bog

Hellebæk Kohave covers about 280 hectares of pastureland, natural forest, bogs and wet meadows. Cattle with calves graze here year-round. The fenced area is freely accessible to everyone through numerous gates. The landscape is therefore shaped by more than just forest: pastures and wetland habitats are also part of this natural area.

Skidendam is a five-hectare raised bog and one of the few untouched raised bogs in Denmark. Two boardwalks at its southern end cross the lagg zone to the raised bog, offering views of the bog. The wetland zone is fragile, so please take care when visiting. A route in Hellebæk Nature National Park also runs along Bondedam, which is surrounded by forest.

Walking and Cycling Routes

Walking and running routes can be linked through Teglstrup Hegn, Hellebæk Kohave and Hellebæk Skov. The European long-distance footpath E6, which runs from Finland to Greece, passes through Teglstrup Hegn. Cyclists will also find a signposted mountain bike trail there; check trail conditions before setting out.

Regional cycling route 47, Nordkyststien, runs along forest tracks within Hellebæk from Skåningedam to Julebæk. It then continues along the coast, parallel to Nordre Strandvej. The cycling routes described therefore differ both in their itineraries and in the landscapes they pass through.

Bird Migration at Different Times of Year

In spring, thousands of birds of prey and cranes may pass Hellebæk. The open hills around the now-demolished Hellebæk Avlsgård are the most frequented observation site for the spring migration. In autumn, the focus is on the migration of common buzzards: on the busiest days, between late September and mid-October, more than 3,000 may pass through in a single day.

A birdwatching tower at Pernille Sø offers views of plants, birds and insects. Which animals can be seen depends on the season. Spring and autumn therefore offer different highlights: you can plan to watch the migration according to the time of year, while the tower also offers a view of the other natural features around the lake.

Mills, Water Power and Industrial History

Hammermøllen was built by Stephan Hansen in 1765 and belonged to the Kronborg Geværfabrik factory complex. This large complex included eight watermills powered by Hellebækken. In the forests around Hellebæk, canals, ditches, streams, dams and sluice gates are reminders of the 400 years during which water was the lifeblood of Hellebæk’s industrial community.

Hammermøllen is used for exhibitions and as a café; occasionally, blacksmithing still takes place at the old forge. In Turbinehuset at the Hellebæk hydroelectric plant on Bondedammen, a 1944 Francis turbine is still turning. It gives visitors a glimpse of historic environmentally friendly energy production. The landscape is also connected to art history: P.C. Skovgaard, a painter of the Danish Golden Age, painted Bondedam and the surrounding forest several times.

Anes Hus on Bøgeholm Sø is one of Denmark’s best-preserved farm labourers’ cottages from the 18th and 19th centuries. It was once a workers’ house belonging to Kronborg Geværfabrik. The combination of buildings, water infrastructure and landscape brings different aspects of local history to life.

If you are looking for a holiday apartment, the seasonal highlights can help you choose when to stay: bird migration has its spring and autumn phases, while water power and industrial history offer a different focus for your trip.

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