Gavlkunst – Mural Art in Helsingørsgade, Hillerød
A string of vivid murals along Helsingørsgade that turns central Hillerød into a small, free open‑air gallery of local stories and color.
Tucked into Helsingørsgade in central Hillerød, Gavlkunst is a small but vivid cluster of large mural paintings that turn ordinary gable walls into an open‑air gallery. Created as a community‑backed art project by artists including Lena Heegaard and Mark Stolk, the works thread local stories, color and whimsy through this everyday shopping street. It is a free, outdoor stop perfect for a short, art‑focused detour while exploring Hillerød’s historic center and nearby attractions.
A brief summary to Gavlkunst
- Helsingørsgade, Hillerød, 3400, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan 20–40 minutes to stroll Helsingørsgade slowly, as the murals are spread along several gable walls rather than concentrated in one spot.
- Visit in softer morning or late‑afternoon light for easier photography; midday sun can create strong shadows on the façades.
- Combine Gavlkunst with a coffee or snack from nearby cafes and use benches along the street to sit and study the murals in detail.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and short walk from Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take an S-train on line A towards Hillerød; the journey usually takes 40–45 minutes and a single adult ticket typically costs around 72–84 DKK depending on ticket type and zones. From Hillerød Station, allow about 10–15 minutes on foot along central streets to reach Helsingørsgade, where the murals are located. The walk is flat and paved but can be busy at peak shopping times.
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Regional bus within North Zealand
Several regional buses connect nearby towns in North Zealand to Hillerød Station in roughly 20–40 minutes, with single fares usually around 24–36 DKK depending on distance and ticket type. From the station, continue by foot to Helsingørsgade in about 10–15 minutes. Buses generally run at least twice an hour during the day on weekdays, with reduced frequency in evenings and on weekends.
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Car from Greater Copenhagen area
Driving from the outskirts of Copenhagen to Hillerød typically takes 35–50 minutes via major routes toward North Zealand, depending on traffic. Public parking areas are available around Hillerød’s center, often with time limits or paid zones; budget 10–25 DKK per hour where charges apply. From central parking, expect a 5–10 minute walk through the pedestrian‑friendly streets to reach Helsingørsgade. Narrow streets and pedestrian zones mean you will leave the car outside the immediate mural area.
Gavlkunst location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
Discover more about Gavlkunst
Everyday Street Turned Open-Air Gallery
Helsingørsgade in Hillerød may look like a typical Danish high street at first glance, but Gavlkunst transforms its gable ends into oversized canvases. Here, blank side walls have been claimed by color, pattern and narrative, pulling your eye upward from shopfronts and cobblestones to bold compositions overhead. The setting is intimate and urban, with murals tucked between cafes, small stores and residential façades, so the art feels like a natural part of daily life rather than a separate attraction. Because the works are spread along the street rather than arranged in a single plaza, discovering them becomes part of a gentle urban stroll. You notice a splash of color down an alley, a figure peeking over a rooftop, or an abstract form brightening the end of a building. The result is a compact, walkable art experience that rewards curiosity and slow looking.Local Stories in Paint and Plaster
The mural project grew from a desire to let art tell the story of Hillerød in the very streets where that story unfolds. Artists such as Lena Heegaard and Mark Stolk were invited to interpret the town’s character, weaving in references to its history, surrounding landscapes and everyday scenes. Some pieces feel almost illustrative, with recognizable figures and motifs, while others lean into abstraction, using color and rhythm to evoke mood more than narrative. What ties the walls together is a strong local grounding. Hints of nearby Frederiksborg Castle, the lakes and forests of North Zealand, and the life of the town center appear in subtle ways. You might spot stylized foliage echoing the castle gardens, or silhouettes that could be shopkeepers, commuters or students. Even without reading Danish, the themes are legible: community, place and a sense of playful pride.A Quiet Pause in the Flow of the City
Gavlkunst is experienced at walking pace, amid the usual sounds of a small city: snippets of conversation, the hum of bicycles, the clink of cups from nearby cafes. Because the murals sit in public space, you share them with passersby on errands and children heading to or from school. There is no set route, no ticket and no start or end point; you simply amble, pause when a wall catches your attention, then continue along the street. The atmosphere shifts over the day. In the morning, low light can pick out brushstrokes and surface textures, while brighter midday sun throws strong contrasts onto the walls. On overcast days, colors often appear richer and more saturated. Benches and ledges along Helsingørsgade provide natural places to sit for a few minutes, making this an easy stop to combine with shopping or a break between visits to larger sights.Artistic Details Worth Looking For
Because the murals are large, it is tempting to view them only from a distance. Stepping a little closer reveals details that tell you how much work went into each piece. You may see delicate line work layered over broad color fields, or fine shading that gives depth to otherwise flat surfaces. In some corners, the artists have played with existing features of the architecture—windows, drainpipes, or uneven brickwork—incorporating them into the composition. Look carefully at edges and transitions where painted imagery meets unpainted wall. These boundaries often show how the paintings were scaled up from sketches, with grids, guidelines or small adjustments visible if you know where to look. Traces of earlier paint can hint at how the project has evolved, suggesting that new murals may replace or overlay older works in the future, keeping the street’s visual identity alive and changing.A Small Stop on a Bigger Hillerød Walk
As a standalone destination, Gavlkunst is compact; most visitors spend only a short time seeking out the key walls and photographing their favorites. Its real strength lies in how naturally it fits into a broader wander through Hillerød. From Helsingørsgade, you are a pleasant walk away from the lakes, castle views and green spaces that define the town, making the murals a colorful counterpoint to grand historic architecture and quieter residential streets. Because access is free and unrestricted, you can drop by more than once during a day in town, perhaps returning at a different time of day to see how the light changes the feel of the paintings. For travelers interested in contemporary art, urban culture or simply seeing how Danish towns blend creativity with everyday life, Gavlkunst offers a gentle but memorable insight—small in scale, but full of character.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Old town hall
0.3 km
A dignified brick landmark on Hillerød’s main square, the Old Town Hall anchors the town’s civic heart between cobbled streets, cafés and castle views.
Hillerød Rectory
0.3 km
Discover the Befrielsessten in Høgsholt, Vejle—a serene memorial park honoring Denmark's journey to freedom amidst lush landscapes.
Skänk øl, vin & madbar Hillerød
0.4 km
Experience Danish craft beers, global wines, and tasty tapas at Skänk in Hillerød, a cozy spot with castle views and a welcoming atmosphere on Torvet square.
Hillerød St.
0.5 km
North Zealand's essential transport hub connecting Copenhagen, regional destinations, and Frederiksborg Castle.
Kirppu Hillerød
1.4 km
Discover unique vintage finds and support sustainable shopping at Kirppu Hillerød, Denmark's largest flea market supermarket, offering a treasure trove of pre-loved goods and community spirit.
Kulsvierstenen
7.2 km
A modest forest boulder in Gribskov that marks a dramatic World War II resistance firefight, blending North Zealand’s tranquil woodland with powerful memory.
Country Market
7.8 km
Experience the charm of Fredensborg at Country Market, a vibrant marketplace offering local delicacies, artisan products, and a cozy café atmosphere in the heart of town.
Hørsholm Slotshave
13.7 km
A baroque garden where Scandinavia's lost palace still echoes through ancient linden trees.
Auderødlejren
15.1 km
Once a busy Danish Navy barracks, today a quiet, semi‑abandoned camp on Arrenæs where stark military architecture meets lakeside nature and recent history.
Furesø
16.7 km
Denmark's deepest lake offers pristine waters, historic heritage, and year-round outdoor adventures just 20 km from Copenhagen.
Henriksholm
17.6 km
A quiet Vedbæk hillside where Stone Age burials, villa culture and Cold War command history meet in a leafy coastal neighbourhood north of Copenhagen.
Danish Museum of Science and Technology
18.9 km
Explore Denmark's technological heritage at this interactive museum, showcasing everything from vintage vehicles to groundbreaking inventions and offering hands-on experiences for all ages.
Tisvilde Hegn
19.4 km
Discover Denmark's enchanting Tisvilde Hegn: A coastal forest where history whispers through ancient pines and scenic trails lead to breathtaking Kattegat views.
Open Air Museum
19.4 km
Discover Denmark's rural past at the Open Air Museum in Kongens Lyngby: explore original buildings, meet historical reenactors, and experience life from 1650-1940 in this immersive living history museum.
Klopstocks eg
19.7 km
An 850-year-old oak standing sentinel over Danish history and nature.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hillerød Church
0.2 km
A light-filled modern parish church in the heart of Hillerød, carrying centuries of local worship history in a calm, contemporary Danish setting.
Hillerød City Museum & Graphic Museum
0.3 km
Step behind Frederiksborg Castle into an intimate town museum where historic shops, crafts and letterpress printing bring everyday Hillerød vividly back to life.
Genforeningssten i Hillerød
0.3 km
Experience intimate encounters with rescued animals in the serene Japanese gardens of Monkey World Hillerød.
Posen
0.4 km
A small, leafy pause between Hillerød’s bustling Slotsgade and the storybook views of Frederiksborg Castle and its lake.
Batzke's Hill
0.4 km
A gentle grassy rise above Frederiksborg’s gardens, Batzke’s Hill offers quiet views, local park life and a softer, slower perspective on royal Hillerød.
Slotsgade
0.4 km
Hillerød’s colourful Slotsgade links castle views, everyday shops and cosy cafés in a compact, walkable street at the heart of Denmark’s classic castle town.
Fisketorvet
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where history, shopping, and culture converge in North Zealand's premier market square.
Frederiksborg Castle
0.5 km
Denmark's Renaissance jewel on three islands, where royal grandeur meets national heritage in gardens of baroque precision and romantic beauty.
The Museum of National History
0.5 km
A grand Renaissance castle on an island lake, housing Denmark’s Museum of National History with 500 years of portraits, power and palace splendor.
Frederiksborg Castle Chapel
0.5 km
Experience LEGO magic at LEGOLAND Hotel & Conference in Billund, offering themed rooms and top-tier conference facilities.
Elværket Hillerød - Museum Nordsjælland
0.6 km
A beautifully preserved 1909 power station turned museum, where industrial architecture and changing exhibitions illuminate 10,000 years of North Zealand history.
Frederiksborg Castle Gardens
0.8 km
Sweeping Baroque terraces and romantic woodland paths framing a lake island castle, Frederiksborg Castle Gardens blend royal theatre with everyday green escape.
Royal Stage
1.2 km
North Zealand's premier multi-purpose arena hosting concerts, sports, and cultural events for up to 2,000 guests.
Island of imagination
1.3 km
A tiny forest island on Breddam Lake where a king’s romantic retreat has crumbled into suggestive ruins, inviting you to complete the fairy tale with your own imagination.
AdventurePark
2.0 km
80,000 m² of outdoor action in Hillerød’s forests, blending paintball, obstacle courses and group games with relaxed grill areas and flexible event packages.
Essential places to dine
Patats Kebab & Grill
0.1 km
Casual Turkish-style kebab and grill in central Hillerød, serving generous, inexpensive plates, pitas and durums just a short walk from the town’s main sights.
Piccola Italia Pizzaria 3400
0.1 km
Busy neighborhood pizzeria in central Hillerød serving hearty pizzas, pastas and quick takeaway just a short stroll from Frederiksborg Castle and the lake.
Tô Tô Kitchen
0.1 km
Cozy Vietnamese flavors and casual evening dining on Østergade, bringing fresh herbs, noodles and warm atmosphere to the heart of Hillerød.
Unkai
0.1 km
All-you-can-eat, made-to-order sushi and Japanese bites in a modern, laid-back setting on Hillerød’s central Helsingørsgade.
Thai 4 You - Thai Restaurant og Take Away
0.1 km
Authentic Thai flavors prepared by professional chefs in central Hillerød.
Montalbano
0.2 km
Authentic Sicilian pizzeria run by an Italian family in the heart of Hillerød.
Chicken BROS
0.2 km
Crispy fried chicken burgers and quick bites in casual Hillerød comfort.
Cafe Vivaldi
0.3 km
Relaxed all‑day café in central Hillerød, serving generous comfort food, brunch plates and drinks just off the main square and within easy reach of the castle.
KØBENHAVN | Café & Bistro
0.3 km
Relaxed Scandi café and brasserie on Hillerød’s main square, serving brunch, bistro classics and drinks with front‑row views of everyday life on Torvet.
Casa Nostra
0.3 km
Family-run Italian café-restaurant in central Hillerød, serving generous pizzas, pasta and steaks with a relaxed, homely vibe and both indoor and outdoor seating.
Café KiK
0.3 km
Lakeside brasserie with castle views, perfect for brunch, lunch, or evening gatherings in central Hillerød.
Duero
0.3 km
Spanish-inspired tapas, grilled meats and Iberian wines in a warm, multi-level restaurant overlooking Hillerød’s central square, perfect for both dates and group gatherings.
Cafe Vivaldi, Hillerød
0.3 km
Relaxed all‑day café on Hillerød’s main square, serving hearty brunches, burgers and coffee with views onto Torvet’s everyday bustle and historic surroundings.
Indian Spice
0.4 km
Cozy Indian restaurant on Hillerød’s main square, serving classic curries, tandoori dishes and vegetarian options in a warm, homely atmosphere.
Samurai sushi
0.4 km
Contemporary sushi excellence in the heart of Hillerød's central square.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Lumi Op Shop
0.2 km
Cosy Hillerød charity thrift store and café where vintage furniture, second-hand finds and lakeside castle views meet to support meaningful mission projects.
Shoppen
0.2 km
A local tattoo studio woven into Hillerød’s main pedestrian street, where custom ink sessions sit just steps from cafés, shops and everyday Danish life.
Mothers' Aid Op Shop
0.4 km
Bright, family‑focused charity shop on Hillerød’s main square, where gently used children’s clothes and toys support vital work for parents and kids in Denmark.
Vinbutikken
0.4 km
Cosy wine and delicacies shop on historic Slotsgade in Hillerød, pairing castle-side charm with handpicked bottles, gourmet treats and friendly, expert advice.
GEjSER ApS
0.4 km
Expert vape shop on Slotsgade offering quality e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and accessories for all experience levels.
Rodes
0.4 km
Two floors of toys, gear and airsoft in an 800 m² megastore that turns central Hillerød into a playground for kids, teens and grown‑up hobby enthusiasts.
JeansStore
0.4 km
Denmark's premier denim specialist offering authentic Lee and Wrangler collections with expert guidance.
Gine
0.4 km
A compact, Scandinavian-inspired womenswear boutique on historic Slotsgade, perfect for a relaxed browse between castle views, coffee stops and city-center strolls.
Normal
0.4 km
Bright, budget-friendly high-street shop in the heart of Hillerød, ideal for topping up toiletries, snacks and quirky small finds between castle-town explorations.
NEW YORKER
0.4 km
Contemporary fashion trends and accessible style in Hillerød's shopping heart.
Spejder Sport
0.4 km
Denmark's largest outdoor chain where expert staff and quality gear prepare you for every adventure.
HL Mode Hillerød
0.5 km
Neighbourhood-style women’s fashion and lingerie on historic Slotsgade, offering Scandinavian everyday elegance a short stroll from Hillerød’s castle and lake.
Søstrene Grene
0.5 km
Cozy Danish design universe in central Hillerød, filled with affordable Nordic home décor, crafts, toys and stationery in a warm, maze-like interior.
Jan Ehlers
0.5 km
Established family-run jeweler and watch specialist on Hillerød’s Slotsgade, blending modern boutique style with goldsmith craftsmanship and curated Danish design.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.5 km
Colorful Danish design on a budget, Flying Tiger Copenhagen in SlotsArkaderne Hillerød offers playful gifts, stationery and homeware in a bright, easygoing mall setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Crane Brothers
0.3 km
Cosy cocktail bar on Hillerød’s main square, blending inventive drinks, warm design and a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere with access to the adjacent Tahonga Lounge.
Tahonga Lounge
0.3 km
Intimate tiki-style lounge bar off Hillerød’s central square, blending cocktails, small-stage events and private parties in a cozy tropical hideaway.
The Old Irish Pub
0.4 km
Lively Irish-style bar and late-night dance venue on Hillerød’s central square, pouring pints, playing hits and catering to a sociable, mature party crowd.
Møllen
0.5 km
A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.
Jernstangen
0.6 km
Old-school Hillerød pub opposite the station, with billiards, darts, dice games and live music nights in a laid‑back, locals-first atmosphere.
Oddies Beach Bar
15.9 km
Relaxed beach bar on the sand at Rungsted Havn, blending Nordic coastal charm with a hint of tropical island mood and sweeping Øresund sea views.
Kardusen
19.2 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
12`er Pubben
21.2 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Helsingør with billiards, sports on TV and cold beers, offering an authentic slice of Danish local bar life.
Gefion Bodega
21.2 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
Head/Foam
21.9 km
Modern neighbourhood bar near Helsingør’s historic centre, pouring craft beer and cocktails from midday to the early hours in a lively, social setting.
Helsingør Musikteater
22.0 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Banana joe
22.2 km
Compact late-night bar above Helsingør’s nightlife strip, serving straightforward drinks, warm lighting and a relaxed local vibe long after the streets quieten.
Axelhus Udeservering
22.2 km
Open-air corner bar on Bjergegade, where simple food, cold beer and Axeltorv’s street life come together in the historic heart of Helsingør.
Pitten Sport Bar
22.2 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Strandborg
22.2 km
Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Socialz
0.5 km
Intimate cocktail bar and nightclub in the heart of Hillerød, blending shisha lounge vibes, late-night DJ sets and a compact dance floor on lively Slotsgade.
Walther's grillkylling og svuppeklub
17.9 km
Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.
Den Dansende Viking
19.6 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
Rustik
21.9 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Retro
22.2 km
High-energy weekend nightclub in central Helsingør, mixing big-room beats, bright lights and a young crowd in what calls itself the largest club north of Copenhagen.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
29.4 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
SIGURD CPH
29.7 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at SIGURD CPH, where vibrant dancing, fine wines, and pachinko gaming come together for an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
30.6 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
RUST Natklub
31.1 km
Discover the pulsating heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at RUST Natklub, where eclectic beats and vibrant energy come together for an unforgettable experience.
Temple Bar
31.1 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Haven - Events
31.7 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Moon Club
31.9 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
Culture Box
32.3 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mirage
32.3 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
32.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Street Art
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Photo Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Colorful Backdrops
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
