Experience Søborg Lake on Cycle Route 33 | Gilleleje - Hillerød

Regardless of which direction you choose to cycle, you can take your bike for free on the local train if the trip becomes too long.

Along Søborg Canal towards Søborg Lake

Take your time to explore the charming coastal town of Gilleleje with its old fishermen's houses, an active fishing harbor, good dining options, and the opportunity for a refreshing dip in the Kattegat before heading south on the signposted bicycle route 33 along the path system by Søborg Canal to Søborg.

The Søborg Lake Restoration Project

You will encounter the restored Søborg Lake at the old pump house. Continue on the new dike along the lake with views of birds and the Søborg Castle Ruin towering on its peninsula in the lake.

In the Stone Age, the lake was a wide fjord with an outlet to the Kattegat at Gilleleje. Over time, a land uplift created a lake 5-6 meters above sea level. In the 1790s, the lake was drained to create more agricultural land. With the new restoration project, Søborg Lake is once again North Zealand's fourth largest lake.

Søborg Castle Ruin

You cycle on the new dike along the lake and see the Søborg Castle Ruin. Take a small detour and cross the lake to visit the site. A wooden bridge leads over the original moat to the ruin, where only low walls and foundations remain.

Søborg Castle was built in the 12th century on a small islet in the lake. In the Middle Ages, the castle was one of the country's largest and best-fortified castles. Margrethe I was born here, the daughter of Valdemar Atterdag, and the kingdom's most dangerous enemies were imprisoned here. The castle was destroyed during the Count's Feud in 1534-35. With the new lake, the castle regains some of its former splendour.

Facts about the tour

• If you start the tour at Græsted Station: Head down Græsted Stationsvej, continue on Holtvej, and turn right onto Ørbakkevej.Surface: Mostly asphalt, but about 12 km of the route follows forest roads.
• Length: 27 km
• Suitable for: Those who want to swim on the North Coast beaches and have a huge cultural experience on the same day.
• The route is relatively flat and can be shortened along the way.
• Signage: The route is signposted with blue bicycle route 33 signs
• Map: Download the map of the route.
• Toilets: Gilleleje Station, Cafe Havehuset, Frederiksborg Castle
• Season: The tour can be cycled year-round. Frederiksborg Castle is open all year.

In the green halls of Gribskov

On the tour through the flat land, you see Gribskov on the horizon, Denmark's oldest and second-largest forest. Over half of the route goes through the forest, and you will cycle under massive tree canopies that are several hundred years old.

In the Middle Ages, the forest belonged to Esrum Monastery and places like Hvidekilde and Grønnekilde were reportedly used by monks for religious ceremonies. After the Reformation, the forest became royal property and a hunting ground, which the Parforce hunting landscape in Gribskov is a remnant of.

By bike through the castle and castle garden

Via Gadevang, you enter the impressive Frederiksborg Castle Garden. First past Ødammen with Louises Ø and then the charming little Bath House Castle. Enjoy the view over the Castle Lake as you cycle the short stretch along Rendelæggerbakken, the main axis in the Frederiksborg Castle Garden up to Frederiksborg Castle. Stop at the Neptune Fountain in the outer courtyard and take your time to admire Christian IV's magnificent Renaissance castle - it doesn't get more impressive!

Slotsgade – The heart of Hillerød

If you need to continue by train, choose to cycle along Søstien to the station for views of the castle from several angles. You can also end your bike ride with a boat trip on the Little Ferry. Slotsgade, which runs parallel to Søstien, has everything your heart desires in terms of shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

Here you can rent a bike

• North Coast Bicycle Rental, Gilleleje
• Ditlev Bikes, Frederiksværk
• Donkey Bikes, Hillerød Station