In Odsherred, 160 kilometres of coastline connect Sejerø Bugt, the Kattegat and Isefjord. At the same time, the landscape tells the story of the forces of the Ice Age: Geopark Odsherred was certified as Denmark’s first UNESCO Global Geopark. History, art and food production meet here amid a unique landscape shaped by the Ice Age and protected internationally.
Reading the Ice Age in the landscape
Those wishing to explore Odsherred on foot will find around 300 kilometres of hiking trails through its varied landscape, shaped by the Ice Age. At the heart of UNESCO Global Geopark Odsherred, the Højderygstien passes Bronze Age burial mounds and viewpoints. It also follows the Odsherred arcs: three distinctive geological formations that formed during the last Ice Age, around 17,000 years ago.
A seven-kilometre section of the Højderygstien follows the Vejrhøj arc and offers views across Sejerø Bugt and Lammefjord. The longer Istidsruten offers a different scale: this combined experience and cycling route stretches for 390 kilometres, runs through Odsherred and Vestsjælland in five stages, and shows how the Ice Age shaped the landscape around 20,000 years ago. This brings together a specific route through geological formations and a multi-stage journey that tells a broader story of the landscape.
Cultural trails and stories preserved
Kulturstien is a 5.8-kilometre hiking trail linking Nykøbing Sjælland, Nykøbing Harbour and the cultural environment of Anneberg. Along the route, you can listen to eight podcasts. The trail thus links several cultural stops with a format you can explore as you go.
Odsherred Museum is about a ten-minute walk from Nykøbing Sjælland station. In its schoolyard grows a collection of rare herbs once used in folk medicine and witchcraft. The herb collection offers another unusual facet of regional history as part of a visit to the museum.
Malergården preserves the well-kept artists’ home of the Swane family in the form shaped by Sigurd Swane and his family from the mid-1930s onwards. Solvognens Fundsted in Trundholm Mose takes visitors much further back in time: it tells the story of life and changes in the landscape, as well as sun worship and offerings during the Bronze Age, around 3,500 years ago.
Transport history is also part of the region’s cultural story. In the goods shed at Hørve station, Odsherreds Trafikmuseum tells the story of the development of public transport, particularly in West Zealand. Its focus is on the private railway lines Odsherredsbanen and Høng-Tølløse Banen, which opened in 1899 and 1901 respectively.
Nature between coast, wetlands and forest
Overby Lyng is protected for its distinctive, well-preserved flora. From there, views stretch across Sejerø Bugt to Ordrup Næs. In Hov Vig, wetlands, meadows, dry grasslands and forests create a mosaic of different habitats. The area can be explored on foot or by bike; a path along Hovvigvej runs through the bird sanctuary.
Odsherred’s beaches can also be enjoyed throughout the year. This brings together different ways to experience nature: protected flora and expansive views at Overby Lyng, a diverse wetland at Hov Vig, and a coastline that is not limited to any one season.
History, stays and practical information
Dragsholm Slot combines a long history shaped by kings and nobles with its role as a public hotel and restaurant, which dates back to 1937. Visitors can experience 800 years of Danish history in its atmospheric halls and corridors. Historical guided tours explore the castle’s architecture and the events that have shaped the place. They are offered for sale several times a year via the events page; check there for dates. A Michelin experience is defined by seasonal ingredients and the unique terroir of Lammefjord.
For getting around, Odsherredsbanen’s 510R line connects Nykøbing Sjælland and Holbæk. The municipal transport page, updated on 17 September 2025, lists two train services per hour at each station. The Rørvig–Hundested ferry serves Odsherred; check the timetable for your specific journey.
If you’re looking for a hotel in Odsherred, you can start by thinking about what you’d like your trip to focus on: cultural sites and historical connections, routes through the geopark landscape, or nature between the coast and wetlands. This way, the region’s variety can guide your choice of stay without requiring a set itinerary.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Klint, Ordrup, Sjællands Odde, Asnæs, Bøsserup, Ebbeløkke, Føllenslev, Grevinge, Gudmindrup, Havnebyen, Højby, Høve Strand, Lumsås, Nykøbing Sjælland, Nyrup, Plejerup, Rørvig, Starreklinte, Veddinge, Vig, Tengslemark, Hønsinge, Yderby, Lestrup, Skæreby, Hørve, Abildøre, Stenstrup, Fårevejle Stationsby, Nørre Asmindrup, Strandhuse, Holte, Fårevejle Kirkeby.
For the broader travel overview: Zealand.
