Hellebæk between marshland and mill history

In Hellebæk, protected natural areas meet traces of a water-powered industrial past. Forests, grazing land and marshes shape the landscape, with trails leading through several of the designated areas. There are also places such as Hammermøllen and Bondedam, where the history of water power comes to life.

Forest, grazing land and raised bog

Teglstrup Hegn, Hellebæk Skov and Hellebæk Kohave are designated as a Natura 2000 habitat site and are part of Kongernes Nordsjælland National Park. Together, they form an area of about 1,000 hectares comprising forest, 500-year-old oak trees, raised bog, grazing land and forest lakes. Hellebæk Kohave covers about 280 hectares; its landscapes include grazing land, natural forest, marshes and wet meadows. Cattle with calves graze here year-round. The area is fenced, but freely accessible to everyone through numerous gates.

A special place in this landscape is Skidendam: this five-hectare raised bog is one of Denmark’s few untouched raised bogs. Two boardwalks at its southern end cross the lagg zone to the bog, where you can take in the landscape. This wetland is fragile; please follow the information provided on site. The bog landscape differs from the open grazing land and natural forest of the Kohave, allowing visitors to experience several different landscape types in one visit.

Water and industrial history

Hammermøllen was built in 1765 by Stephan Hansen and was part of the large Kronborg Geværfabrik factory complex. It included eight watermills powered by the Hellebækken. In the forests around Hellebæk, canals, ditches, streams, dams and sluice gates recall the 400 years during which water was the lifeblood of Hellebæk’s industrial community.

The history of energy production can still be seen today in a concrete example: a 1944 Francis turbine turns in the Turbinehuset at the Hellebæk hydroelectric power station on Bondedammen. It gives visitors a glimpse of historic, environmentally friendly energy production. Hammermøllen is used for exhibitions and as a café; from time to time, blacksmiths still work at the old forge.

Anes Hus on Bøgeholm Sø is one of Denmark’s best-preserved farm labourers’ cottages from the 18th and 19th centuries. It was once a workers’ house belonging to Kronborg Geværfabrik. Bondedam and the surrounding forest were also recurring subjects for Danish Golden Age painter P.C. Skovgaard. A route in Hellebæk Nature National Park runs along Bondedam, surrounded by forest.

Walking and cycling routes

Walking and running routes can be linked through Teglstrup Hegn, Hellebæk Kohave and Hellebæk Skov. The European long-distance path E6, which runs from Finland to Greece, passes through Teglstrup Hegn. For cyclists, regional route 47, the Nordkyststien, follows forest tracks through Hellebæk from Skåningedam to Julebæk. It then runs along the coast, parallel to Nordre Strandvej. Teglstrup Hegn also has a signposted mountain bike trail; check trail conditions before setting off.

Spring and autumn bird migration

You can watch bird migration near Hellebæk at different times of year. In spring, birds of prey and cranes pass by in their thousands. The open hills around the now-demolished Hellebæk Avlsgård are the most popular observation spot for the spring migration. At Pernille Sø, visitors can observe plants, birds and insects from a birdwatching tower.

In autumn, the focus is on the migration of common buzzards. On the busiest days, from late September to mid-October, more than 3,000 may pass by in a single day. Each season offers different opportunities for observation: spring brings birds of prey and cranes to the fore, while autumn is known for the large movements of buzzards.

Discover more destinations: Espergærde, Helsingør, Snekkersten, Kvistgård.

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