All I want for Christmas… is a Christmas trip along The Coastal Line!

Along this beautiful train route from Copenhagen to Elsinore, you'll find a range of experiences that radiate authentic Danish Christmas atmosphere. With views of the Øresund and a wintery Zealand landscape, this train journey is an experience in itself and the perfect start to a day filled with true and magical Christmas spirit.

From cosy Christmas markets in fairytale settings at old castles and Christmas experiences for the whole family to romantic and cosy walks in the Deer Park followed by traditional Danish Christmas food in rural peace and quiet outside the city. The Coastal Line is your ticket to a different and memorable Christmas adventure.

In this special edition of Copenhagen Unfolded, we dive into some great Christmas experiences along The Coastal Line. So read along, if you love the cosiness of Christmas, elfs and gløgg. 

Just a little north of Copenhagen, you can experience some unique Christmas markets filled with soul and authenticity. We dare to guarantee the Christmas spirit here.

At Kronborg Castle in Elsinore, royal history and fairytale surroundings merge with the warmth and presence of Christmas throughout the entire month of December. You'll also be able to experience a lively Christmas market on the weekends 30 November - 1 December and 7-8 December. Rumour has it, that Santa Claus is coming to visit.

Photo: Lukas Bukoven 

Photo: Marc Skafte-Vaabenaard 

In the middle of Dyrehaven, the historic gem Raadvad Fabrik is located. And here is another great Christmas market focusing on quality, presence and craftsmanship. It takes place on the weekends 30 November - 1 December and 7-8 December.

There is much more Christmas spirit to be found in Dyrehaven. Here, you can combine a beautiful walk in the winter landscape with a authentic Danish Christmas lunch at one of the cosy restaurants in the area.

Put on your warmest clothes and head outside, walk past the Hermitage Castle or see if you can spot one of the park's many free walking deer. When hunger strikes after a breath of fresh winter air, we have three suggestions for a place to enjoy a true Danish Christmas lunch out of the ordinary, while slowing down in the peaceful, rural and scenic surroundings.

Photo: Peter Leschly

Raadvad Kro, Den Gule Cottage and Peter Lieps Hus all offer their version of traditional Danish Christmas food. Instead of the hustle and bustle of the big city, here you get a more relaxed  dining experience where you come closer to the local flavours and ingredients of North Zealand.

Here, you feel the Christmas spirit through your sense of taste and through the cosy and warm atmosphere. There's no compromise on Christmas decorations or fireplaces - and certainly not on quality and welcoming service. 

Photos: Sofie Schleimann Jensen

Please check up on the opening hours at Raadvad Kro, Den Gule Cottage and Peter Lieps Hus, as well as any table bookings before arrival.

Christmas is season of love. This frequently used saying captures the Christmas atmosphere in Elsinore's city centre, where the past and holiday spirit go hand in hand in the beautiful modern Renaissance city.

Let the old timbered houses and cobbled streets, lit up by Christmas lights, set the scene for a cosy Christmas day with time to stroll around and visit the amazing local craft shops - you're sure to find a unique and personal Christmas gift for someone you love here. 

Photo: Mads Armgaard

Explore Elsinore's shopping scene characterised by local craftmanship and delicacies. In the speciality shop Tibberup Høkeren you can find antique door handles or original handmade soap. If you are looking for a unique piece of art, you should visit the charming workshop shop NICHEN. Nordiska Raum sells world-class Nordic design crafts. Elsinore is all about Christmas gifts that really matter.

Photo: Lukas Bukoven

Photo: Lukas Bukoven

Photo: Anders Bruun

Photo: Annemette Kuhlmann

Photo: Annemette Kuhlmann

We hope that this edition of Unfolded has given you a lot of inspiration for your Christmas trip along The Coastal Line.

If you love Christmas and can't get enough of the holiday season, check out Copenhagen Visitor Service's overview of events for Christmas 2024. Here you can also see the full overview of opening hours. 

You can also listen to our podcast The Insider's Guide to Copenhagen, where author Keri Bloomfield visits her favourite places north of Copenhagen with host Esben Bjerre in one of our episodes.

Copenhagen Unfolded is published by VisitCopenhagen. Our goal is to tell the world about Copenhagen and the great experiences that are to be had here. This issue of Copenhagen Unfolded is put together by Kasper Syhler, Christina Daubjerg Newman, Andrea Cecilie Lundgaard and Emil Kristensen. 

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