Gilleleje Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Gilleleje
Photo by Gert Beldring
Photo by Frits Svendsen
Photo by Jan Møller Pedersen
Photo by Klaus Nordahl

The fishing village of Gilleleje is something unique. Create happy memories by sightseeing in museums, farm visits, golf, heritage railways and lovely beach walks.

Come and experience the scent of seaweed in Gilleleje, the largest fishing port on Zealand, where yachts and markets take over the village every summer. There is something for everyone here:Petting farms for the youngest, a golf course, several interesting museums and even a monastery, which give a good insight into the history of North Zealand.

The harbour at Soborg Canal has always been Gilleleje's focal point, and even though the fishing industry has been modernised, a lot has been done to preserve the buildings and historical monuments. See it personally on a stroll east of the harbour, where several of the original half-timbered houses with thatched roofs still stand to this day, often charmingly decorated with beautiful hollyhocks.

If you want to learn more about local history on your holiday in Gilleleje, then Gilleleje Museum is a must. The museum is divided into two exhibitions: the Ice Age and the village of Gilleleje in the early 20th century.

Broaden your sightseeing to the Ship’s Hall and the Cistercian monastery Esrum Abbey, which is only a short distance south of Gilleleje and has a magnificent monastery garden, a restaurant and an annual programme filled with exciting concerts and lectures. If you are visiting Gilleleje in mid-June you can even learn how to sword fight, hear the bards sing and much more at the annual Esrum Medieval Days.

On a holiday in Gilleleje, you also have the opportunity to visit Smidstrup Farm, a sure favourite with the little ones, which hosts an array of cute animals just waiting to be petted. If you fancy a round of golf, you can go to North Zealand’s Golf Centre Passebaekgaard, and if you are more of a water baby, you have several beaches to choose from along the coast.

The easiest way to travel to Gilleleje is to drive or go by train (regionaltog Kystbanen) from Copenhagen to Elsingore (just note that in Danish, Copenhagen is Kobenhavn and Elsingore Helsingor), then by local railcar from Elsingore to Gilleleje. Gilleleje is located 50 miles north of Copenhagen Airport. However, the North Zealand’s Heritage Railway is by far the most fun way to go sightseeing in the area during the summer, as the old steam train runs between Copenhagen and Graested, as well as other places.

Gilleleje is for you, whether you just want to chill out on a beach or be active visiting museums or doing sports.

Where to stay in Gilleleje

Default Image

Smidstrup Strand

While Smidstrup Strand isn't home to many top sights, Gilleleje Museum and Gilleleje Strand are some notable places to visit nearby.

Smidstrup Strand
Gilleleje Badehotel

Gilleleje Badehotel

3 out of 5
Hulsøvej 15, Gilleleje
The price is ₹17,120 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
₹17,120
₹21,401 total
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Gilleleje. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Gilleleje Museum and Teka Bashofar Gadol ...
8/10 Very Good! (367 reviews)
"Staff was friendly and accommodating. We came in very late and they made arrangements for us to get our room key quickly and without complications. The hotel is historic so it is not new but is well kept. The beach walk/ trail is fantastic with incredible views. Would recommend and would return."

Reviewed on 18 May 2025

Gilleleje Badehotel
Hotel Gilleleje Strand

Hotel Gilleleje Strand

3 out of 5
Vesterbrogade 4B, Torvet, Gilleleje, Hovedstaden
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹17,130 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹17,130
₹21,412 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Gilleleje. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Soborg Kanal and Soborg Slangen are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (272 reviews)
"We are a US family and visited Hotel GS in July, to break up our stay in Copenhagen. We were unfamiliar with the area and tried to ensure that we were staying in a walkable area, near the beach and with good amenities. We were not disappointed ... The hotel excelled on all counts. It is located on ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Hotel Gilleleje Strand
Seaside Bliss in Gilleleje-by Traum

Seaside Bliss in Gilleleje-by Traum

2 out of 5
Gilleleje, Hovedstaden
Stay at this holiday home in Gilleleje. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Gilleleje Museum and Teka Bashofar Gadol are located nearby.
Seaside Bliss in Gilleleje-by Traum
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
4 Person Holiday Home in Gilleleje-by Traum

4 Person Holiday Home in Gilleleje-by Traum

2.5 out of 5
Gilleleje, Hovedstaden
Stay at this holiday home in Gilleleje. Enjoy free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Gilleleje Wine and Gilleleje Museum are located nearby.
4 Person Holiday Home in Gilleleje-by Traum
6 Person Holiday Home in Gilleleje

6 Person Holiday Home in Gilleleje

2 out of 5
Gilleleje, Hovedstaden
Stay at this holiday home in Gilleleje. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Gilleleje Museum and Teka Bashofar Gadol are located nearby.
6 Person Holiday Home in Gilleleje
Seaside Bliss in Gilleleje-by Traum

Seaside Bliss in Gilleleje-by Traum

2 out of 5
Gilleleje, Hovedstaden
Stay at this holiday home in Gilleleje. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Gilleleje Museum and Teka Bashofar Gadol are located nearby.
Seaside Bliss in Gilleleje-by Traum
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Gilleleje