Warmer days have arrived in Denmark and there’s a sense of optimism in the air. People are hungry for sunshine, new experiences, and good company. Everyone who has spent a long dark winter in Scandinavia, swaddled in layers and wooly socks, constantly reapplying hand cream, can relate to the excitement that spreads as soon as the sun sticks around for more than a few hours a day. Some might say that no one does summer like the Scandis – endless days, pastel skies, and long coastlines set the scene for some truly magical months (if the weather plays along).
For many Danes, there’s nothing that embodies summer quite like the family sommerhus. It’s the perfect hideaway where time stands still and can be anything from a small rustic hut to a fancy mansion with a pool.
If you are lusting after a quiet weekend in the countryside but don’t have a sommerhus in the family, there are still options! There are plenty of sommerhus available on Airbnb, many of them a short distance from Copenhagen which makes them the ideal base for a quick weekend escape.
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North Zealand
Zealand, Denmark’s biggest island, has so much to offer. The Northern part of the island is sometimes referred to as the Danish Riviera or the Danish Hamptons and is a popular playground for well-heeled Copenhageners. Within an hour’s drive from the capital, you find fantastic beaches, charming fishing villages, and some of the country’s most spectacular castles.
No matter whether you are into architecture, history, or a fan of the royals, you’re in for a treat: Fredensborg Palace, Frederiksborg Castle, and Kronborg Castle are not only beautiful to look at, they also come with fascinating background stories and legends.
If you are staying in the area, make sure to visit at least one of them. If you don’t have enough time to stay for the weekend, check out day tours to North Zealand’s castles from Copenhagen.
Originally built as a hunting palace, Baroque-style Fredensborg is still used as a residence by the Danish royal family today. In July and the first week of August, the royals open the doors to parts of the palace, the palace chapel, the Private Garden, and the Orangery.
Just a stone’s throw away is Frederiksborg Castle, the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia. Situated on three islands and surrounded by a lake and beautiful gardens, the castle’s setting is truly magical. It is also home to the Museum of National History which makes it the perfect place to deep dive into Danish history.
Kronborg Castle, one of Denmark’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Site, is mostly known as the set of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Facing the Oresund, it’s situated where the distance between Denmark and Sweden is the shortest. Even though no one knows for sure whether Shakespeare ever visited, the castle’s history and impressive setting are worth a visit alone.
Royals and palaces aside, North Zealand is known for its breathtaking landscapes of coastline, lakes, and forests. Beautiful sandy beaches like Tisvildeleje invite you to lose any sense of time over a good book or a beach picnic. After which you can shake off the sand and take a stroll through picturesque villages like Gilleleje, grab your bike and explore the lush forests, or take things really slow and just lounge in front of your sommerhus with a cup of coffee in hand listening to the birds and wind.
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Above: Tisvildeleje; by Kay Litzinger
As North Zealand is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Denmark, accommodation options are plentiful and range from simple to luxurious, small to big. So no matter your budget and whether you travel with your partner, family, or a big group of friends, there’s a sommerhus for everyone.
Hornbæk Beach House
Grab your loved ones and enjoy some sun-soaked days in this cozy beach house! Built in 1927 by the current owner’s grandfather, the house is situated right at the water. The terrace overlooking the sea is the perfect spot for long dinners under the bright summer sky.
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Name | Sunfilled summerhouse with fantastic sea view |
Guests | 12 |
Bedrooms | 6 |
Beds | 10 |
Bathrooms | 3 |
Price | from €699 / night |
Melby Summer House
This summer house is walking distance to the sea and surrounded by green fields. Unwind in front of the outdoor fireplace while watching the sunset or take a walk to the beach.
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Name | Peaceful family getaway |
Guests | 8 |
Bedrooms | 4 |
Beds | 8 |
Bathrooms | 1 |
Price | from €107 / night |
Græsted Summer Home
Lots of light, white wood, and plenty of sunshine, this charming half-timbered house has everything you expect from a Danish home. Enjoy an outdoor breakfast on the terrace before walking the 400 meters to the closest beach, and end the day with a cozy dinner at the long table. Summerhouse life at its best.
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Name | Charming hideaway 400 m from the beach |
Guests | 6 |
Bedrooms | 3 |
Beds | 4 |
Bathrooms | 1 |
Price | from €127 / night |
Liseleje Summer House
If Danish architecture is your thing, then this one’s for you: Designed by world-famous Henning Larsen Architects, this summer house overlooks the nearby sea. Take a dip in the pool, stroll down the 50 meters to the beach for some sunbathing, or head into town – Liseleje is only 100 meters away.
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Name | Luxurious seaside pool house |
Guests | 6 |
Bedrooms | 4 |
Beds | 4 |
Bathrooms | 2 |
Price | from €595 / night |
Gilleleje Summer House
Close to the beach and surrounded by forest, this summer house blends in with nature. After a long day spent outside the sauna calls for some relaxation.
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Name | Natur sommerhus i Gilleleje |
Guests | 4 |
Bedrooms | 2 |
Beds | 0 (there’s a sofa + bunk beds) |
Bathrooms | 1 |
Price | from €106 / night |
Dronningmølle Summer House
This charming little wooden house has all you need for a cozy weekend with your better half. The big terrace is the perfect spot to start and end the day and if it gets chilly simply light up the fireplace. On sunny days, you can sunbathe in the garden or take a walk to the nearby beach.
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Name | Lille charmerende perle |
Guests | 2 |
Bedrooms | Studio |
Beds | 1 |
Bathrooms | 1 |
Price | from €73 / night |
Island Life
While the remoteness is part of what makes a stay on a small island so special, this often means that it is not very easily accessible. Often, but not always… Some of the small Danish islands are very well connected to Copenhagen and can be accessed with a short ferry trip. Enjoy the feeling of solitude and connect with nature, indulge in a good book, or get active – the options for hiking and biking are plentiful.
Orø Summer House
This modern summer house overlooks Isefjorden and is beautifully nestled into the surrounding nature. Refuel your batteries while enjoying the sea views on one of the four terraces or snuggle up in front of the fireplace, summer hygge at its best.
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Name | Summerhouse at island – fjordview |
Guests | 4 |
Bedrooms | 1 |
Beds | 1 |
Bathrooms | 1 |
Price | from €68 / night |
Omø Summer House
Situated in a large garden right at the waterfront, this summer house is the perfect base for a cozy getaway with friends or family. The house combines the exterior of a traditional cottage with modern Scandinavian interior and panoramic views.
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Name | Peaceful family getaway |
Guests | 10 |
Bedrooms | 4 |
Beds | 8 |
Bathrooms | 1 |
Price | from €107 / night |
Strandvejen
Strandvejen is one of Denmark’s most beautiful beach roads and connects Copenhagen with Helsingør. Highlights include the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, a world-famous modern art museum, and Oliver’s Garage, an iconic petrol station and icecream parlor designed by Arne Jacobsen. Besides this, you can find plenty of beautiful small towns, beaches, and forests on this part of the coastline.
Holte Summer House
Holte is a suburban district in Rudersdal municipality in the Northern outskirts of Copenhagen and mostly know for its upscale houses situated between beautiful lakes and forests. This architectural gem belongs to the owners of Danish design firm Nordstjerne and is furnished with a mix of Danish and Italian design. The house is surrounded by lush nature and with 600m2 big enough that you can easily get through the weekend without leaving the house.
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Name | Peaceful family getaway |
Guests | 10 |
Bedrooms | 4 |
Beds | 8 |
Bathrooms | 1 |
Price | from €107 / night |
Snekkersten Summer House
Spend some quiet days in this beautiful house overlooking the water. With direct access to the beach and the jetty, taking a morning swim has never been easier.
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Name | Peaceful family getaway |
Guests | 4 |
Bedrooms | 4 |
Beds | 8 |
Bathrooms | 1 |
Price | from €107 / night |
Møn
Although best known for Møn’s Klint, a dramatic chalk cliff, the island of Møn has even more to offer. Along with Nyord, Møn was named the first Nordic Dark Sky Park and Community thanks to its unique, dark skies and lack of light pollution. At different points of the year, it’s possible to see stars in their thousands and even the Milky Way. Møn is also home to Denmark’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Stargaze in one of Northern Europe’s darkest places, explore the rich biodiversity, and experience local as well as international art in the island’s many galleries. If you are short on time, you can book a one day trip to Møn’s Klint via Viatour.
Borre Summer House
This newly built timber-framed house has a large panorama window which overlooks the surrounding nature. Enjoy the views from the property or explore the island “High Møn” – a protected landscape with rare plants and wildlife. It’s right on the doorstep.
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Name | Peaceful family getaway |
Guests | 6 |
Bedrooms | 4 |
Beds | 8 |
Bathrooms | 1 |
Price | from €107 / night |
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