Gilleleje is a fishing town and seaside resort on the north coast of North Zealand, sitting at the northernmost point of the island of Zealand. Part of Gribskov municipality in Region Hovedstaden, the town has a population of around 6,600 and is home to the largest fishing harbour on Zealand, with an active fishing fleet still working from the quays.
The harbour is the heart of the town. Here you can buy fish straight from the cutters, sit down to a fresh catch in the local restaurants, and take in the unhurried atmosphere of a genuine Danish fishing community. Gilleleje also carries real historical weight: during the Second World War it was one of the most important points from which Danish Jews were helped to escape by sea to neutral Sweden — a story told at the local museum.
Admission to the harbour is free, and a visit takes around two hours. Mornings are good for the fishing activity and summer for the liveliest atmosphere. A tip: buy smoked fish down at the harbour and visit the museum about the Jewish escape. From Copenhagen, take the local train via Hillerød to Gilleleje, about 45 minutes from Hillerød.
A local's tip
Buy smoked fish at the harbor. Visit the museum about the Jewish escape.
Getting there
Local train from Hillerød to Gilleleje (45 min).
Best time to visit
Morning for fish auction. Summer for best atmosphere.
Accessibility
Harbor area is relatively flat and accessible.
