Zealand Must-Visit Checklist
Zealand (Danish: Sjælland) is the largest island in Denmark, blending historical sites, natural landscapes, and modern urban vibes. Below is an in-depth travel guide for Zealand, covering must-see attractions, practical transportation, local cuisine, and itinerary planning.
1. Core Attraction Recommendations
1. Copenhagen: A Fusion of Art and History
- The Little Mermaid Statue: As a city symbol, this century-old bronze statue quietly gazes over the Øresund Strait. It’s recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Tivoli Gardens: The world’s second-oldest amusement park, open until 11:59 PM in summer 2025. Don’t miss the nighttime light show and thrilling roller coasters. Free admission with the Copenhagen Card.
- Nyhavn Canal: A classic postcard scene with colorful 17th-century buildings and docked sailboats. Recommended to enjoy a drink at a riverside café at dusk.
- Christiansborg Palace: Home to the Danish Parliament, some areas are free to enter. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the city’s red-tiled roofs.
2. Historical and Cultural Journey
- Kronborg Castle (Hamlet’s Castle): The inspiration for Shakespeare’s "Hamlet." In 2025, adult tickets cost 145 DKK (about 145 CNY). Summer nights often feature theatrical performances.
- Roskilde Cathedral: The oldest Gothic church in Northern Europe, resting place of many Danish monarchs. The royal tombs in the crypt are worth a close look. If visiting in September, check the official website for organ concerts.
- Viking Ship Museum: The world’s only museum dedicated to Viking ships, displaying five original 11th-century warships. In summer, you can experience sailing on a Viking ship.
3. Natural and Architectural Wonders
- Stevns Klint: A UNESCO World Heritage site, where chalk cliffs meet the coastline creating spectacular views. Hiking trails are perfect for photography enthusiasts.
- Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: The collection and outdoor sculpture park blend perfectly. The café by the window overlooks the Øresund Strait, ideal for art lovers to spend half a day.
2. Transportation and Itinerary Planning
1. Efficient Travel Options
- Copenhagen Card: 1-5 day passes include free entry to 73 attractions and unlimited public transport across the city (including airport, Roskilde, Helsingør). A 3-day card costs about 969 DKK (approx. 969 CNY), offering excellent value.
- Train Network: From Copenhagen Central Station, it takes 22 minutes to reach Roskilde (Viking Ship Museum) and 40 minutes to Helsingør (Kronborg Castle). Trains run every 20 minutes. Use the Rejseplanen app for real-time schedules.
- Car Rental and Driving: Ideal for exploring the countryside. Recommended route: Copenhagen → Roskilde → Helsingør → Stevns Klint, with opportunities to stop and enjoy rural scenery along the way.
2. 3-5 Day Itinerary Suggestions
- Day 1: Copenhagen City Tour
Morning: The Little Mermaid → Amalienborg Palace (11 AM changing of the guard) → Frederik’s Church
Afternoon: Nyhavn Canal boat tour → Christiansborg Palace
Evening: Tivoli Gardens light show
- Day 2: Roskilde Cultural Immersion
Morning: Viking Ship Museum (shipbuilding workshop experience) → Roskilde Cathedral
Afternoon: Stroll the old town and taste craft beers at local brewery Mikkeller
- Day 3: Helsingør and Coastal Charm
Morning: Kronborg Castle (with Chinese audio guide) → Hamlet-themed exhibition
Afternoon: Walk along Helsingør’s seaside promenade, take a ferry for views of Malmö, Sweden
- Day 4: Nature and Art Journey
Morning: Stevns Klint hike (chalk layers and fossil exploration)
Afternoon: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art → Return to Copenhagen
3. Signature Food Experiences
- Open-faced Sandwiches (Smørrebrød): Recommended classic combos like salted beef with horseradish. Copenhagen’s Aamanns Deli offers creative modern versions.
- Danish Pastry (Wienerbrød): Must-try almond cream and chocolate pastries from century-old La Glace.
- Seafood Feast: Roskilde’s Fiskerestaurantet specializes in freshly caught cod and oysters, paired with local white wine.
- Nordic New Cuisine: Michelin-starred Geranium is famous for its “farm-to-table” philosophy. Reservations must be made months in advance. The eight-story panoramic windows overlook a soccer stadium.
4. Accommodation and Budget Suggestions
- Copenhagen:
- Luxury Choice: Nimb Hotel, adjacent to Tivoli Gardens, blends Art Nouveau style with modern amenities.
- Cost-effective: Wakeup Copenhagen offers minimalist rooms, just a 5-minute walk to Central Station.
- Helsingør: Hotel Hamlet is located next to Kronborg Castle, with some rooms overlooking the strait. Winter rates are about 800 CNY per night.
- Budget Reference: Average daily cost for two people is about 1500 CNY (including accommodation, meals, and transport). It’s recommended to reserve 20% extra for special experiences.
5. Practical Tips
1. Seasonal Choice:
- Summer (June-August): Temperatures 15-25°C, ideal for outdoor activities but book accommodations early.
- Autumn (September-October): Fewer tourists, with beautiful fall foliage at Stevns Klint and Roskilde Beer Festival in September.
2. Payment and Language:
- Most places accept credit cards; it’s advisable to carry some Danish kroner (1 DKK ≈ 1.02 CNY).
- English is widely spoken by over 90%, ensuring smooth communication.
3. Eco-friendly Travel: Copenhagen is the “City of Bicycles.” Rent a city bike (about 100 CNY/day) to explore the streets conveniently and with low carbon footprint.
6. Cultural Deep Dive
- Viking Heritage: Participate in the warship building workshop at Roskilde Viking Ship Museum (advance booking required), make ship models or learn Viking knot techniques.
- Design Aesthetics: Illums Bolighus in Copenhagen is a flagship Nordic design store, where you can buy Georg Jensen silverware or HAY home products.
- Musical Feast: If visiting in September, check for temporary concerts at Roskilde Cathedral. The resonance of the organ and the church dome offers a stunning experience.
7. Itinerary Optimization Suggestions
- Off-peak Strategy: Visit Kronborg Castle and Tivoli Gardens on weekday mornings to avoid tour group crowds.
- Transport Combination: After purchasing the Copenhagen Card, pair it with a Rejsekort transport card (top-up required) covering metro and regional trains.
- Emergency Preparedness: Medical costs in Denmark are high; it’s recommended to buy travel insurance with emergency medical coverage and carry a copy of your passport.
Zealand’s charm lies in its diversity—featuring Copenhagen’s avant-garde design alongside the rich history of medieval castles. With proper planning, you can maximize your experience of Nordic culture in limited time and create unforgettable memories.