Escape to the seaside

Press Information
September 2006

If there is one place that encompasses many of the most attractive qualities of the environs of Copenhagen for visitors, it is its 'badehoteller' (literally, 'bathing' hotels). Here, you can taste some of the region's finest food in a classic Danish atmosphere, and feel modern day tensions ebb away amid the unspoilt scenery and tranquil light.

For centuries Danish city dwellers have escaped to these idyllic oases on the region's largely unspoiled coastline. For foreigners more used to over-developed waterfronts and crowded beaches, these hotels and beaches can seem like a step back to a more gentel, relaxed time. In the past these seaside escapes have been something of a well-kept secret. But more and more overseas visitors are now coming, attracted by the unique atmosphere and warm welcome. Here is a brief guide to some of the best places in the region.

Visit Copenhagen in July and you will find the place deserted. The reason? Everyone has fled to the glorious, golden sandy beaches, beech forests and unspoiled countryside along the north coast of Zealand. This has been a top destination for city-weary Copenhageners for generations and today visitors will find things pretty much as they have been since the turn of the 19th century. This stretch of coastline is home mostly to sleepy, historic fishing villages, but come summer it bustles with visitors who are drawn to its convivial blend of restaurants, shopping and timeless natural beauty.

Along this stretch coast you find Skovshoved Hotel, which in May 2004 has been named one of the world’s 50 coolest hotels by the internationally, recognized travel magazine Condé Nest Traveller. The magazine describes Skovshoved Hotel as 'a bright, serene space with plenty of Scandinavian charm'. Skovshoved Hotel, located between the two best beaches in Copenhagen - Charlottenlund and Bellevue, was founded in 1660, and is located in the exclusive seaside town of Skovshoved, just 7 km north of Copenhagen. Its modern, luxurious rooms and cool lounge/restaurant attract a mixture of hip young Copenhageners and families hoping to unwind. The excellent restaurant serves modern brasserie food.

Further up north, the Skodsborg Kurhotel and Spa has welcomed guests for over 100 years. The accent at this former royal summer palace is on well-being and health. It offers guests use of a fitness centre, health centre, specialist doctors, hair and beauty treatments, and other specialist therapies like acupuncture, reflexology and physiotherapy.

Just north of Helsingør (Elsinore) with Kronborg Castle as a visible neighbour, the Swedish coast just opposite and its own beach park as front garden, you have Hotel Marienlyst. Its history goes back to 1860 when it was Denmark's first seaside hotel. Today a number of modern extensions have been added and Hotel Marienlyst has become a big, 222-room, four-star hotel with its own Casino.

Two classic badehoteller along the northern stretch of coast are Gilleleje Badehotel and Helenekilde
Badehotel, both of which date from the first decade of the 20th century. Gilleleje Badehotel has been recently renovated throughout. This grand, four storey hotel in one of the region’s most charming seaside towns boasts a health centre with sauna, aroma baths, solarium, steam baths and massage, plus a wonderful, broad sandy beach right next door. Most of its 27 rooms have sea views and some with balconies too. Helenkilde, in the fishing village of Tisvilde (for many years now a trendy summer retreat for Copenhageners), changed owners in 2002 and now attracts a younger clientele from Copenhagen; people, often young couples, looking to unwind with great food and simple surroundings. Four-seven course menus are a regular happening during summer.

A short drive south of Copenhagen, on the island of Amager (near to Copenhagen airport) is the sleepy fishing village of Dragør. Dragør boasts its own historic harbour front hotel, Dragør Badehotel, a three star hotel that has recently been renovated. The hotel dates from 1907, and has long been a favourite for Copenhageners because of its proximity to the city centre.

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