Camping in Zealand, Denmark
Find the best camp spots around Zealand, Denmark
Insider tips for camping Zealand
“Pack a beach towel and tent, hop on your bicycle, and follow cycle route 47 along the north coast of Zealand, also known as the Danish Riviera. You find plenty of campsites along the route.”
- Anker, (40)
“The fjords of Sjælland are where coastal fly fishing all started for the Danish. When camping in Zealand, Isefjord, Lammefjord, Roskilde Fjord, and Kalundborg Fjord are great spots for catching sea trout. Don’t forget to get a fishing license!”
- Hans, (61)
“Many Danes love to visit the Danish Riviera in summer when camping in Zealand. Here you’ll find many long stretches of sandy beaches. Hornbæk Beach is the biggest and most famous beach on this coast and is only an hour from Copenhagen.”
- Maria, (27)
Camping Zealand: Getting to Zealand for a camping trip
By car/campervan: Zealand is an island that is reachable by car via bridges and ferries. From Sweden, drive into Copenhagen from Malmö via the Øresund Bridge on the E20, or catch a ferry from Helsingborg. To reach Zealand by car from the rest of Denmark, take Storebæltsbroen Bridge along the E20 from Nyborg to Halsskov. Ferries run from Aarhus to North Zealand. To get to Zealand by car from Germany on the European mainland, take the E47 to Puttgarden and catch a ferry or drive to Rostock along the E55 and catch a ferry from there.
By plane: Fly into Zealand via the capital. Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is the busiest airport in the Nordics and connects to many European and intercontinental destinations. The airport receives flights from both major airlines like Scandinavian Airlines, as well as budget carriers like Ryanair and Transavia. The airport is located on Amager Island at 10 km from Copenhagen center or 15 minutes by car. You can also catch a metro into Copenhagen. Regional and intercity trains connect Copenhagen Airport to South Denmark and Sweden.
By public transport: The best public transport connection into Zealand is by train from Germany into mainland Sweden and finally to Zealand. There is also a railway connecting Malmö and Copenhagen. Finally, there are buses between Copenhagen and several big European cities.
By boat: There are many ferries running between Zealand and the rest of Denmark. From North Germany, the main ferry ports are Gedser and Rødbyhavn. From mainland Denmark, there’s a ferry operating between Aarhus and Sjællands Odde. Finally, a ferry between Helsingør and Helsingborg connects Zealand to Sweden.
Regulations for camping Zealand
Wild camping (tent)
The Danish law doesn’t allow for wild camping like in Norway or Sweden. A lot of land in Zealand is privately owned. If owners haven’t listed their land on Campanyon, camping on private land is considered trespassing. But while wild camping in Zealand isn’t allowed,national parks sometimes provide ‘primitive camps’ and shelters for campers to stay up to 2 days.
Campervan parking
Campervans and motorhomes are allowed to make rest stops to refresh and sleep for one night in public car parks around Zealand, provided you don’t set up camp. Setting up an awning or camping chairs is considered setting up camp. Specific car parks where campervans aren’t allowed to stop will have signs indicating that. Otherwise, there are plenty of campsites to stay at and set up camp.
Bonfires and BBQs
Different regulations exist across Sjælland, so make sure to check with the local municipality before lighting bonfires and cooking fires. It is common for municipalities to introduce an afbrændingsforbud, or fire ban, after periods of drought in summer. You will sometimes find campfire sites in publicly owned forests. Small bonfires are allowed on the beach near the water’s edge where no plants grow. When lighting a bonfire, always have water nearby. Should an accident occur, immediately call 1-1-2.
Most popular activities when camping in Zealand
One of the most popular activities for campers in Zealand is exploring North Zealand by bicycle in summer. Other popular activities are fly fishing for sea trout, hiking the coastline, and sea kayaking. When camping in Zealand in winter, ice skating is a common activity to enjoy the season.
Frequently asked questions about Zealand in Camping:
Can you go wild camping in Zealand?
Unfortunately, Zealand doesn’t allow for wild camping. Denmark doesn’t have a ‘right to roam’ law like in Sweden and Norway because it’s much more populated than its neighbors. That means no beach camping on a summer’s day either. Fortunately, there are plenty of campsites around Zealand.
Is it possible to go camping in Zealand in winter?
The weather turns cold in winter and drops regularly below zero degrees celsius, even during daytime. But for the determined camper, winter is an amazing season to experience Zealand in a white blanket. Just check which campsites remain open in winter. For campers that like to stay warm, there are many glampsites and other outdoor stays with heating and other amenities.
What are the main activities to do when camping in Zealand?
The coast of Zealand is littered with sandy beaches that are very popular in summer. Many Danes come to North Zealand for a beach holiday. Cyclists and hikers love Zealand for the many trails this island has to offer. Sjælland is also a famous destination for fishing, especially fly fishing for trout.
What types of camping are available in Zealand?
You can find any type of Zealand camping, such as glampsites, tree houses, yurts, cabins, or regular campsites. There are a lot of outdoor stays available in Zealand on our platform, explore all here.