Tisvildeleje

Tisvildeleje is a coastal village on the north coast of the island of Zealand, about 60 km north of Copenhagen in the Capital Region. Once a small fishermen's village, today most of its old fishing cottages serve as summer residences, and it is one of North Zealand's most popular seaside retreats. The beaches are known for their white sand and soft dunes, though large boulders, groynes and a sea wall protect much of the shoreline against the sea. Immediately to the west lies Tisvilde Hegn, a protected coastal plantation that is Denmark's fifth-largest forest and a fine area for walking and cycling. The name Tisvilde is thought to derive from "Ti's vælde", marking a place dedicated to the Norse god Tyr; near the church of Tibirke there was once a prehistoric holy place. The village is also home to Helene Spring, among Denmark's most famous springs, tied to old legends of healing water sought on Midsummer's Eve (Sankt Hans, 23 June). With its combination of open beach, ancient forest and folklore, Tisvildeleje draws both day-trippers and summer-house owners.