Welcome to Northeastern Zealand
Northeastern Zealand's coast has been nicknamed the Danish Riviera, thanks to the indulgent private mansions scattered through the seaside settlements north of Copenhagen. But it's only when you get around to Hornbæk and Tisvildeleje on the northern (Kattegat) coast that you'll find the really gorgeous white sands lapped by gentle waves – or surfable breakers, depending on the day. Beyond the coastal delights, this region's biggest draws are the great historic castles, especially the absurdly ornate interiors of Frederiksborg in Hillerød and the contrastingly moody Kronborg Slot, setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet. The latter is in historic Helsingør (Elsinore), one of Zealand's most compulsively interesting towns.