Copenhagens Strandvejen: 42 kilometers worth to travel

The nice harbour of Rungsted

I am sure there a thousands of streets everywere in the world that are named Beachroad. And of couse there is also a Beachroad (in Danish Strandvejen) in Copenhagen. But I think that the one in Copenhagen is one of the most interesting ones in the world. Architecture, culture, sports, nature and much more are to discover on the 42 km long way from Copenhagen northbound to the city of Helsingborg. No matter if you take the car or - as the Danes prefer - the bike or maybe the boat for this journey. I am sure you will enjoy it! So do follow me on this short trip with lots of things to discover.

We are starting in Copenhagen, just near Svanemøllen st‎ation. Here you will find the urban part of Strandvejen. Because this part is so close to the city it is a very popular housingarea. But before we take some time to discover the architecture of this part, we already reach the first stop on the way just after 500 meters. The Experimentarium. This museum is perfect for families. Natural science and technology can be discovered by the visitors. More than 250 interactive exhibits are waiting to be touched, looked at, tried out and experienced by kids and adults. They will love the great soap bubble show! But today we don't have time for that and simply proceed with our trip on Strandvejen. Less than 2 km further we have the chance to discover the next museum. The Museum Øregaard is open since 1921 and offers one of the largest topographic art collections with Danish art dating from 1750 through 1930. Additionaly there are two to three temporary exhibitions a year.
Our way continues to the Charlottenlund Slot og Park, the palace and palace garden, which was the Royal Danish residence from 1730 until 1930. For those who need a break: The Cafe Jordenrundt offers snacks and drinks and has the sea just infront.

Typical Danish bathing club at the Strandvej

After some relaxing here, our trip continues and we are passing the horse racing track before we take the chance to have a quick look to the house with the adress Strandvejen 259, a historic villa, build in 1885 with a little tower. During the second World War it was the residence of the German occupiers, since 1946 is it the residence of the ambassador of the United States in Denmark. We visit the small harbour of Skovshoved, before we are proceeding with the most important stop of this first part of the Strandvejen: the architecture of Arne Jacobsen. Here in Skovshoved in Kystvejen 24, you will find a gas station. But its not only a gasstation - it is maybe the only gasstation with the European Heritage Label. Arne Jacobsen build it in 1938 and it is a prime example of the functional design. Just the same is the residential complex Bellavista in Klampenborg, built in 1932. With 68 flats, a theatre, a restaurant and a bathing area is is like small village in itself.

Deer in the Jægersborg Deer Park

For those who are now keen to some nature or activity: The Jægersborg Deer Park (Dyrehaven) with over 2000 wild deer and some really nice outdoor restaurants and the oldest amusement park in the world Bakken with its 425 year long historie are waiting for you. All others continue Strandvejen that changes his face now. We are passing smaller villages like Taarbæk, Skodsborg, Vedbæk and Rungsted, with castles, palaces and manor houses with names like Miramare Rosenlund and Sølyst. 
Very interesting is the Karen Blixen Museum in Rungsted - don't miss it! The famous Danish author was born here 1885 and moved to Africa 1914. After years in Africa she returned 1931 to Rungsted, where she wrote her bestseller "Out of Africa" in 1937. Now its time for a break. And I would recomment to relax at the harbour of Rungsted. Here you can find several shops, restaurants and cafes. My favorite place to take a rest is the Fiskerikajen. In this stall you can sit at the waterfront and enjoy the scenic view together with some fresh fish and drinks. I would recommend the salmon wrap and the homemade fishburger. 

Nice lanes are waiting for you in the city of Helsingør

Now we are ready for the last part of our way and the famous museum Lousiana. I don´t want to spent much words about the art in this Museum because you have to see and experience it yourself. The museum is a perfect combination of modern art and nature in a typical danish way. I have never seen a museum where its usual to picknick on the meadows between sculptures and the sea and where you can take a rest during your visit and take a walk at the beach. So do visit the Lousiana!
Further on Strandvejen reaches Helsingør and ends here. Helsingør has also interesting places to visit. So take a walk through the cosy city with nice old houses and watch the Swedish tourists arriving and departing from the port to buy the much cheaper (!) Danish alkohol - yes, you won't believe it, the stuff IS more expensive over there!. The last attaction on our way also is one of the highlights: Kronborg Castle, one of Northern Europe's most important Renaissance castles and well-known all over the world  from Shakespeare's play Hamlet. But its not only the castle that is worth visiting - it is the whole site. Overlooking the Øresund, with a scenic view of the Swedish city Helsingborg. The fortifications of the castle are often used to relax, do a picknick, take a sunbath or fish in the Øresund.
Strandvejen has brought us to its final destination, but our journey continues. Maybe by train back to Copenhagen, by ferry to Sweden or by car further on following the Northern Strandvej to Hornbaek. Or maybe for those who are still under the charm Strandvejen - just turn around and take the journey back!