Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gilleleje
Pop 6510
A fishing village since the 14th century, Zealand's northernmost town retains a certain
timeless character. During WWII, Gilleleje's fishing boats were used to smuggle thousands
of Jews to neutral Sweden, but don't expect any such excitement today. Low-key charms
include a string of beaches, an early morning harbourside auction, bustling fish restaur-
ants, and a coastal walk to a small monument dedicated to Kierkegaard. Between Hornbæk
and Gilleleje is Tegners Museum and Statuepark, devoted to one of Denmark's leading
sculptors.
Sights & Activities
Rudolph Tegners Museum & Statuepark
MUSEUM
(
www.rudolphtegner.dk
; Museumsvej 19, Villingerød; adult/child Dkr50/free;
11am-6pm Tue-Sun
Jun-Aug, noon-5pm Tue-Sun mid-Apr-May & Sep-mid-Oct)
One of the first Danish sculptors to discover concrete, Rudolph Tegner (1873-1950) used
the wild heathland midway between Gilleleje and Hornbæk as a backdrop for his monu-
mental sculptures, made of plaster, clay, bronze and marble. This museum now displays
more than 250 of Tegner's pieces, while the surrounding grounds showcase 14 of his mo-
numental bronze sculptures. The museum also functions as a mausoleum - Tegner is bur-
ied in a chamber in the heart of the building. From Gilleleje, bus 362 reaches Museumsvej.
Fyrhistorik Museum på Nakkehoved
MUSEUM
(Fyrvejen 20; adult/child Dkr40/free; 11am-4pm Tue-Sun mid-Jun-Aug, shorter hrs rest of yr)
The eastern lighthouse is now the Fyrhistorik Museum på Nakkehoved, which traces the
history of Danish lighthouses from the 16th century. You can get to the lighthouse on the
coastal footpath or by turning north off Rte 237 onto Fyrvejen.
Gilleleje Museum
MUSEUM
(Vesterbrogade 56; adult/child Dkr35/free;
1-4pm Wed-Mon Jun-Aug, 1-4pm Wed-Fri, 10am-2pm
Sat Sep-May)
