Free experiences on Zealand 2024

The island is a mecca for good experiences, and there is a guarantee that you will not get bored! We have put together a guide to free experiences for all of Zealand for both young and old.

Go exploring in the capital

Free experiences in Copenhagen

We have collected a wide range of exciting and free experiences that you and your family can enjoy in Copenhagen during 2024.

Take the children by the hand and explore, for example Thomas Dambo's charming troll installations around the city, or visit the beautiful botanical garden. You can also get a historical experience by witnessing the changing of the guard of the Royal Life Guard at Amalienborg Palace Square. There is so much to discover and experience together in the capital!

Go exploring on Bornholm

Free experiences on Bornholm

We have collected a number of exciting and free experiences that you and your family can enjoy on Bornholm in 2024.

Take the children by the hand and explore, for example the fascinating bunkers at Dueodde or visit the beautiful Blåskinsdal. You can also get a historical experience by visiting Salomon's Chapel and hearing the exciting stories. There is so much to discover and experience together on Bornholm!

Nature experience for the whole family

Go on a troll hunt

Go exploring and see if you can find the many trolls, by the artist Thomas Dambo, who are located around Zealand.

Below you can read much more about all the hidden trolls.

Experience the National Museum in Copenhagen with the children

The national Museum

The National Museum in Copenhagen is an impressive cultural institution that functions as a living archive of Denmark's history and cultural heritage. With an impressive collection of objects and exhibits ranging from ancient times to modern times, the museum is an essential destination for anyone with an interest in Danish history, art and social development.

Explore in-depth exhibitions on everything from Viking lifestyles and ancient mysteries to medieval art and Denmark's role in modern times. The museum also offers interactive exhibitions and live storytelling

Visitors under the age of 18 have free access.

Address: Ny Vestergade 10, 1471 Copenhagen K

Unique places

Visit Faxe Kalkbrud

Faxe Kalkbrud is a very special place in Denmark. With its azure waters, unique history and opportunity to go fossil hunting, there are plenty of reasons why you should stop by this place at least once in your life.

Hiking around the island

Hiking trails in the Zealand nature

The nature on Zealand is something very special, and therefore we definitely recommend that you take a trip out and experience it on your own.

Below we have gathered all the best hiking routes to be found on Zealand.

Go exploring at one of Copenhagen's most popular places

New Harbor

Nyhavn is one of Copenhagen's most popular places. It is the perfect place to end a day with food and drink at cozy restaurants and bars along the water.

The area was originally established as Den Nye Havn in 1673 and functioned as a busy trading port. Today, Nyhavn is known for its beautifully renovated old houses that formerly housed merchants.

HC Andersen lived in No. 20 for five years, during which he wrote several of his famous adventures. No. 9 in Nyhavn is the oldest house in the area from 1681 and still stands in its original form.

In winter, Nyhavn is transformed into a magical place with the annual Christmas market

Visit Nyhavn to experience history, charm and a unique atmosphere all year round.

Unique nature

Experience Røsnæs

Røsnæs is a fantastic area in western Zealand with lots of delicious nature experiences (see the video to get an insight). Definitely worth a trip.

Denmark's best-preserved Viking castle

Harald Blåtand's Viking castle

The Viking castle Trelleborg near Slagelse on Zealand is an impressive archaeological excavation and one of Denmark's best preserved Viking castles, built by King Harald Blåtand at the end of the 10th century as a defense against German attacks. The castle has a characteristic ring-shaped rampart with four gate towers around a central square, typical of "Trelleborg-type" Viking castles in Denmark.

Explore the past via exhibitions and archaeological finds that depict the everyday life and military structure of the Vikings. Trelleborg attracts history enthusiasts and visitors from all over the world who want to experience Denmark's fascinating Viking Age history.

A unique and fun experience

Pat the Great Belt Bridge on the belly

When you visit Revspidsen or Halsskov Odde along the Great Belt, you can experience an exciting tradition: patting the Great Belt Bridge on the belly. This fun activity allows you to feel the massive construction of the impressive bridge in a very special way. Stand by the shore and look out over the blue water while enjoying the spectacular view of the long bridge that connects Zealand and Funen.

The Great Belt Bridge is not only a technological marvel, but also an icon for Denmark, symbolizing the connection between the country's two largest islands. Bring the family and experience this unique interaction with the bridge that creates memories for a lifetime.

Address: Storebæltsvej 122, 4220 Korsør

Næstved Museum offers experiences and storytelling for the whole family

Næstved Museum

Experience the development of the medieval town, explore the Vikings from Vester Egesborg, and step into the executioner's room with skeletons, axes and chains. You will find all this in Helligåndshuset, a listed medieval welfare institution from the 15th century, located at Ringstedgade 4 in Næstved.

The museum always offers new exciting things with changing exhibitions and special events.

As part of Museum Sydøstdanmark, the state-recognized museum for Næstved, Køge and Vordingborg Municipalities, Næstved Museum draws on a large network of historians, archaeologists and development professionals.

Children under 18 have free entry!
Address: Ringstedgade 4, 4700 Næstved

Nature experience

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden functions as a green breathing space in the middle of the vibrant city of Copenhagen.

It is possible to go for a walk in the beautiful garden, where there are many exciting plants. In 2018, an indoor butterfly house also opened, which you can now experience when you visit the Botanical Garden.

Cultural experience

Cisternerne

To this day, the old water reservoir has been transformed into an underground museum, where various artists exhibit their works.

The artist Thomás Saraceno is currently working on the exhibition Event Horizon, which you can read more about below.

Children and young people under the age of 18 have free entry to the Cisterns.

The largest renaissance castle in the Nordic countries

Frederiksborg Castle

The Nordic region's largest renaissance castle, Frederiksborg Castle, is located in Hillerød, and offers both experiences for children and adults.

The castle and its many beautiful halls house the National History Museum, where you can explore Danish history.

Free entry for people under 18!

Cultural attraction

The Marble Church

If you want to experience one of Denmark's most beautiful nooks, then you should take a walk past the marble church.

All year round it is possible to go on a guided tour to the top of the church, from where you can enjoy the beautiful view over Copenhagen.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Stevns Klint

Stevns Klint, located in East Zealand, is one of Denmark's most impressive natural attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 17 km long cliff has rock walls up to 40 meters high that reveal lime and flint from over 65 million years ago.

Enjoy the spectacular view of the Baltic Sea and explore Højerup Gamle Kirke, which hangs dramatically over the cliff. Stevns Klint is also famous for fossil finds that provide insight into the catastrophe that wiped out the dinosaurs.

For nature lovers and history buffs, Stevns Klint is an unforgettable destination that combines magnificent nature with fascinating history.

Get a unique insight into the development of medicine

The Medical-Historical Museum

The Medical Historical Museum in Næstved provides a unique insight into the development of medicine over time with an extensive collection of medical equipment, instruments and documents from several centuries. The exhibits span surgery, dentistry, pharmacy and nursing and display everything from old surgical instruments to historic medicine bottles.

The museum also offers exciting themed exhibitions and events that delve into specific areas of medical history.

The Medical-Historical Museum has free access and is open on Tuesdays at 10-12. Alternatively, you can arrange a visit by telephone.

Address: Ringstedgade 61, 4700 Næstved

Experience traditional craftsmanship and merchant culture

Lützhøft's Merchant's Farm

Lützhøfts Købmandsgård in Roskilde is a historical gem from the 1780s that preserves traditional craftsmanship and merchant culture from the 19th century. The museum presents authentic exhibitions and interactive activities that give a vivid insight into life as a merchant family and local craft traditions.

The farm also functions as a craft museum, where you can experience traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, woodworking and textile work in practice.

There is free entrance to the museum.

opening hours:

17 June – 31 August:
– Monday – Friday: 11:00 – 17:00
– Saturday: 10:00 – 14:00

18 November – 22 December:
– Monday – Friday: 11:00 – 17:00
– Saturday: 10:00 – 14:00

Address: Ringstedgade 6-8, 4000 Roskilde

Try your hand at a mini-military obstacle course

Obstacle course

A mini-military obstacle course with 10 challenging obstacles is available to forest visitors every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On other days, the track can be used after 12.

Use of the track is at your own risk. To reach the track, you go from the parking lot north of Slangerupvejen into the forest and turn left along the forest road. After approx. After 200 metres, follow the forest path to the right, which leads to the track.

It is suitable for adults and youngsters, but children must be accompanied by adults as some of the obstacles are high and challenging. During wet and humid weather, the obstacles can be slippery.

Address: Uggeløse Forest Obstacle Course, Slangerupvej, 3540 Lynge

A scenic historical gem

Karlstrup Kalkgrav

Karlstrup Kalkgrav in Karlstrup Skov is a historic natural gem where you can explore the formation of the landscape over millions of years.

The limestone pit was formed in the Cretaceous period and covers approx. 30 hectares. In the middle of the area is a large lake with azure blue water, perfect for a refreshing dip on hot summer days (bathing at your own risk, as the lake can be up to 14 meters deep).

The area also offers lovely walks with two paths: a wide path along the lake and a smaller path along the edge of the limestone pit. You can experience rich plant life and wildlife, including coots, grebes, kestrels and snakes.

We offer a child-friendly guide to the place, so the whole family can enjoy an exciting and educational experience in nature.

Visit an impressive castle

Vallø Castle

Vallø Castle is the center of Vallø Diocese and has roots dating back to the 16th century. After a catastrophic fire in 1893, the castle was rebuilt over 10 years with the architects Hans Jørgen Holm and Søren Lemche at the helm. The red castle building was converted into 9 apartments for diocesan ladies, and the white diocesan building was reduced to two apartments.

The reconstruction of Vallø Castle was impressive, despite economic challenges after the agricultural crisis of the 1880s and insufficient fire insurance. Many original exterior walls were reused while the interior was completely restructured.

Vallø Castle and the surrounding park are today a symbolic landmark. Although the castle is not open to public visits due to private residence, the park is accessible daily from 8 to sunset without admission. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the sight of the castle square between 10 and 18.

Address: Slotsgade 4, 4600 Køge

A beautiful cathedral by Søndersø

Maribo Cathedral

Visit Maribo Cathedral, an impressive building by Søndersø. The church has roots back to the 15th century as part of a double monastery, and after a fire in 1596 it became Maribo's new church. In 1803 it was upgraded to a cathedral.

The church has been restored back to its medieval form from the 1890s and is beautifully situated with a view of Søndersø. Outside you can still see the remains of the nuns' cloister, marked by a stone pavement.

Maribo Cathedral is also known for its connection to Leonora Christina, daughter of Christian IV, who lived at the monastery from 1685 to 1698. Her burial place and the crypt with her coffin can still be visited in the church.

Visiting hours:
The cathedral is open all week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tours for groups can be arranged by contacting the church office.

Address: Maribo Cathedral, Klostergade 33, 4930 Maribo

A charming miniature castle

Liselund Castle

At the far end of Møn lies Liselund Castle, a charming miniature castle surrounded by an enchanted garden. The castle, named by Antoine de la Calmette after his wife Lisa, features elegant halls, the dramatic Ghost Room and stories from the Monkey Room.

The garden is Denmark's best-preserved romantic garden, with idyllic scenes, ducks and water lilies, as well as poetic monuments spread over the area.

Liselund amusement park can be visited on tours from 1 May to 30 September, where groups can book private tours. The garden is open all year round.

Opening hours and prices:
Liselund Lystslot can be experienced on tours from May to September and on selected days in autumn.

Liselund Have is open all year round, and access is free. Children under 18 have free entry to the castle.

Part of Copenhagen's Sea Fortifications North Front

Charlottenlund Fort

Charlottenlund Fort, originally known as Charlottenlund Battery until 1910, was built between 1886 and 1888 along the Øresund as part of Copenhagen's Sea Fortifications North Front. This impressive fort was strategically placed to fire at enemy ships with its powerful armament from a long distance.

With its dimensions of approx. 300 meters in length and 130 meters in width, and surrounded by a moat, the fort was well protected. On the sea side, it was provided with a parapet 33 meters thick.

The fort's interior included a concrete casemate and ammunition magazines. From 1910 it was equipped with 12 pieces of 29 cm howitzers and smaller guns for close protection on the flanks.

The military use of Charlottenlund Fort was abandoned in 1932, and today it functions as a recreational area.

Address: Charlottenlund Fort, 2920 Charlottenlund

Glassblowing factory at Hendsted Harbour

Backhaus Brown

Located by Hundested Harbor is Backhaus Brown, a "Black Diamond" that stands proud with a view of the Kattegat and the entrance to the Isefjord. The building's architecture is harmoniously integrated with the surroundings, inspired by the port's location. On the quayside in the heart of the harbour, surrounded by yachts and fishing cutters, you will find the forge.

Inside the forge you will find stylish design, exhibited in the shop and gallery. Here, in the middle of the workshop, Nanna and Andrew work with glass art, surrounded by a special atmosphere and calm. The panoramic windows provide an unobstructed view of the sea, the Isefjord, the harbor and the Rørvig ferry, which sails between Hundested and Rørvig.

Are we missing a free experience?

Download our free app

… And get tips for attractions, restaurants, etc. - Whether you are on Zealand or elsewhere in Denmark.