West Zealand offers a beautiful coastline, handsome manor houses, exciting Viking artefacts and charming little towns. If planning a holiday in Denmark, West Zealand is definitely recommended because of the wide range of family-friendly activities on offer.
Zealand is Denmark’s biggest island, covering an area of 2700 square miles. East Zealand is of course best known as home to Copenhagen, whilst West Zealand stands out for its relaxed island lifestyle. Start your visit along the 210-mile coastline. It features no fewer than 13 marinas, child-friendly sandy beaches and the tiny islands of Sejerø, Sprogø and Omø. Some of the most popular beaches are Vesterlyng Strand, Bjerge Strand and Stillinge Strand, all of which have been awarded the coveted Blue Flag.
West Zealand also has a number of picturesque towns, including Kalundborg, renowned for its well-preserved medieval centre, the port of Korsør, surrounded by water, and the shopping town of Slagelse, with a town centre featuring a choice of specialist shops, high-street brands, cafés and restaurants. South of Slagelse is the Viking fort of Trelleborg, believed to have been founded by Harald Blåtand around 980 AD, and the best-preserved of five known ring-forts from Viking times. Learn more about those times in the adjacent museum, and about the lives of Vikings in the reconstructed town of Slagløse. You can also set course for Tissø and the Formidlingscentret Fugledegård, where some of the biggest finds of Viking gold were made.
But it’s not just Viking gold that makes West Zealand an historically exciting destination. The region has no fewer than 7 manor houses, including the stately Holsteinborg Gods, where Hans Christian Andersen was a regular visitor over a period of 20 years. You can also visit Borreby Herreborg, one of the most characteristic renaissance buildings in Denmark.
There are direct trains from Aarhus and Copenhagen to most large towns in West Zealand so flying in to either airport would allow for an easy connection. And when you arrive, the area is well serviced by regional buses. Active visitors can also use the network of bike paths here.
Visitors coming to West Zealand can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the west coast with active days outdoors, trips into town and exciting museums.
