Frederiksværk and Halsnæs Municipality is one of Northern Zealand's best-kept secrets. Here, Denmark's largest lake meets an idyllic fjord, where a 303-year-old canal runs through the town, and where forest, beach, and cultural history merge within a few square kilometers. As hosts at Frederiksværk Camping and Hostel, we have gathered our top recommendations for what you shouldn't miss – whether you're here for a day or a week.
1. Fell into Arresø — Denmark's largest lake
Arresø is not just the largest lake in Denmark - it's also one of the most beautiful. The lake covers 40 square kilometers and holds abundant birdlife, small islands, and mirror-smooth mornings that must be seen to be believed. The best part? You can paddle directly out onto Arresø from Frederiksværk Canal, which starts right at our campsite.
Rent a canoe or kayak by the canal, bring a picnic basket, and give yourselves a whole afternoon. You can also paddle the other way – out towards Roskilde Fjord and Hundested. Paddles and life vests are included, and the canoes are approved for 3 adults or 2 adults + 2 children.
Host's tip: If you are our guest, you get 1 hour of free canoeing included in your stay. See route and prices →
2. Relax on Liseleje Beach
6 kilometers from Frederiksværk lies Liseleje Beach – one of Zealand's best bathing beaches. The fine white sand, shallow water, and extensive dunes make the beach ideal for families with small children. There is also a cozy beach promenade with an ice cream stand and a fish restaurant.
If you’re interested in active beach experiences, you can cycle from Frederiksværk and follow the beautiful coastal route. The trip takes about 25 minutes each way and offers fantastic views of the Kattegat.
3. Experience Gjethuset – the heart of culture
Just 400 meters from our location, you'll find Gjethuset – an old industrial building from 1761 that today serves as the city's cultural gathering place. Concerts, exhibitions, theater, and events are held here year-round. The building's history as a cannon foundry makes the place unique – it was here that Danish cannons were cast for several centuries.
Check Gjethuset's program for current events before your arrival. You can also just stroll by and enjoy the impressive architecture from the outside.
4. Walk along the historic Frederiksværk Canal
The artery of the city is a 303-year-old canal that runs through Frederiksværk from Arresø to Roskilde Fjord. It was built in 1719 to power the cannon foundries and is today one of the coziest walking routes in North Zealand. Follow the canal path through the town and experience old industrial facilities, modern art, and green areas side by side.
The route is perfect for a relaxing morning walk or an evening stroll. You'll pass by the Powder Mill Museum, cozy cafes, and quiet nature areas where you can encounter ducks, swans, and perhaps even a kingfisher.
5. Visit Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød
A 20-minute drive from Frederiksværk will take you to one of the most impressive Renaissance castles in the Nordic region. Frederiksborg Castle houses the Museum of National History, and the castle itself — situated on three islands in the Castle Lake — is worth experiencing for its architecture alone.
Plan at least 3-4 hours for the castle, castle gardens, and lunch in the nearby town of Hillerød. From Frederiksværk Station, you can take the train directly there in about 30 minutes — perfect for a car-free day.
6. Shop and eat in Frederiksværk's charming pedestrian street
300 meters from our site is Frederiksværk's pedestrian street—a genuine, local shopping street with small shops, cafes, and eateries. There are no big chains here, but plenty of personal service, local specialties, and cozy breaks. Try a horse-drawn carriage ride during the summer season or end the day with a meal at one of the town's restaurants.
Our local favorites can always be recommended by the hosts — ask us at the reception upon arrival.
7. Hiker in the Kongernes Nordsjælland National Park
Halsnæs Municipality is part of the Kongernes Nordsjælland National Park — 263 square kilometers of forest, lake, and cultural landscape surrounding the lakes Esrum Sø, Gurre Sø, and Arresø. Here you will find countless hiking trails through ancient royal hunting forests, past protected historical sites, and along lake shores with bird watching towers.
Start with Tisvilde Hegn, Asserbo Slotsruin, or Arresødal Skov — all within a 15-minute drive. Wear good shoes and bring a camera.
8. Take a day trip to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
35 kilometers east lies Louisiana—one of the world's most critically acclaimed art museums, situated on the coast of the Öresund strait. The combination of international modern art, spectacular architecture, and the beautiful sculpture park makes Louisiana a must-see experience for anyone visiting North Zealand.
Plan for the whole day. Pack a picnic basket and eat in the sculpture park overlooking the Øresund — or treat yourselves at the Louisiana Café.
9. Dive into the history of the Krudtværksområdet (Powder Mill Area)
Frederiksværk is Denmark's first industrial town, and you can experience it firsthand. The gunpowder works area is an old gunpowder and cannon factory complex from 1756, which today has been transformed into an open industrial heritage site with museums, exhibitions, and beautiful waterscapes. It's unique in a Danish context and fascinating for both children and adults.
Take a guided tour or explore on your own. The Powder Mill Museum is open during the summer season and tells the city's industrial history with lots of hands-on elements.
10. Bicycle or mountain bike in the forests around Frederiksværk
The area offers fantastic cycling opportunities – for both the relaxed family and the active mountain biker. There are marked mountain bike trails in both Arresødal Forest and Tisvilde Hegn, and quiet paved routes along the coast towards Liseleje and Hundested. Bring your own bikes, or ask us if we can help with rentals.
Plan Your Trip to Frederiksværk
Frederiksværk is located 45 kilometers north of Copenhagen and is easily accessible by car or train. The journey from Copenhagen Central Station takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes by train (via Hillerød). From Helsingør and the rest of North Zealand, you can reach it in under half an hour.
We recommend setting aside at least 2-3 days to experience the most important sights. If you want to see it all—Louisiana, the castle, the forests, the beach, and the lake—then spend a whole week. There's plenty to come back for, and each day offers new aspects of the area.
Stay overnight in the middle of it all
Frederiksværk Camping and Hostel is the perfect base. Here you'll be staying 300 m from the pedestrian street, 650 m from the train station, and with the canal right outside your door. Camping from DKK 110/night, cottages, hostel, and mobile homes.
Read also
→ Canoe routes on Arresø and in Frederiksværk Canal
→ Our campsite in the middle of the city
→ Party venues for weddings and celebrations
→ All prices for accommodation and canoe
Updated April 2026 by the hosts at Frederiksværk Camping and Hostel. Do you have any questions or suggestions for the list? Write to us at [email protected] or call 23 44 88 44.
