Discover Zealand: Coastal Cliffs, Viking Culture and Ski Hotels

Zealand combines striking coastal landscapes with Viking-era history and natural areas where geological features, rare plants and diverse birdlife can be found. Stevns Klint is a 15-kilometre-long, fossil-rich coastal cliff and provides exceptional evidence of the impact of the Chicxulub meteorite. In the southern part of the cliffs, the Fossil Route leads along the beach and through the forest to a unique fossil site; impressive views open up along the way.

Nature

Møns Klint is a glaciotectonic landscape shaped by Pleistocene glaciers. It includes chalk cliffs, rare calcareous grasslands and beech forests. In addition, 18 orchid species grow there, while erosion continuously exposes fossils. Møns Klint was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2025. The hiking trails along the cliff edge combine viewpoints with sections through the forest, ancient monuments and access to calcareous grasslands.

Skjoldungernes Land National Park covers 170 square kilometres of unique nature, cultural history and landscapes shaped by the Ice Age. Gently rolling hills and large meltwater valleys define parts of the area. The national park can be explored on hiking and cycling tours, as well as via its paths and shelters. Its blue section encompasses Roskilde Fjord with salt marshes, coastal cliffs, islands and islets, as well as diverse birdlife.

Røsnæs also combines coastal trails and protected landscapes. The Røsnæs Point nature trail runs along the coastal cliffs and open grasslands to the farthest tip of the peninsula. Røsnæs is designated as a Natura 2000 site and has species-rich chalk grasslands with orchids, thyme, wild carrot and numerous butterfly species. A longer route is Røsnæs Rundt, a 25-kilometre coastal hike around Zealand’s westernmost point. It passes chalk cliffs and the Røsnæs lighthouse and offers views across the Great Belt.

The nature reserve at Lake Gundsømagle has a 1-kilometre nature trail between two birdwatching towers. A 450-metre boardwalk leads into the reedbed. The nature reserve covers 300 hectares and is home to the largest reedbed in eastern Denmark. The Forest Tower at Camp Adventure offers a different landscape experience: the attraction includes a 900-metre forest boardwalk and a 650-metre spiral ramp leading to the top. The Forest Tower stands 135 metres above sea level and is the highest accessible point on Zealand.

Culture

Roskilde is home to a cathedral built in the 12th and 13th centuries as Scandinavia’s first Gothic cathedral constructed of brick. Since the 15th century, it has served as the mausoleum of the Danish royal family. The Roskilde Museum is housed in two listed historic buildings and presents exhibitions featuring artefacts from the Ice Age to modern history. It also offers creative workshops, interactive family activities and guided tours of the exhibitions and the city.

The Viking Age is present at several sites. Trelleborg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; its exhibition explains how the Vikings lived and fought. The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde is built around five original Viking ships from Skuldelev. The museum also offers trips in traditional Nordic wooden boats, during which participants row and set the sails. The Viking Ship Museum café serves food inspired by the world of the Vikings.

Routes and activities

At the Slagløse Viking village, visitors can try longbow archery, warrior training, baking bread over an open fire and making jewellery using traditional methods in summer. The different formats therefore range from exhibitions and city tours to routes through coastal and forest landscapes, as well as activities on the water.

Getting there

In 2026, a free bus route was established from Slagelse railway station to Trelleborg.

Other destinations: Roskilde Municipality, Greve Municipality, Capital Region, Bornholm.

For the higher-level travel overview: Denmark.