Lille Hestehave Forest, Hillerød

A small, low-key forest on Hillerød’s edge, Lille Hestehave offers quiet trails, damp woodland and a glimpse of North Zealand’s wilder side away from the castle crowds.

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Lille Hestehave

Lille Hestehave is a quiet pocket of woodland on the edge of Hillerød, forming the south‑western corner of the larger Store Dyrehave forest landscape. This modest mixed deciduous wood, once used as grazing land and later eyed for golf course expansion, now offers low-key trails, damp hollows and a small lake atmosphere away from the main castle crowds. It is a simple, local nature escape for unhurried walks, birdlife and a taste of North Zealand’s forested character.

A brief summary to Lille Hestehave

Hillerød, 3400, DK
Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Wear waterproof or sturdy shoes; sections around Karlsø and the marshy hollows can stay muddy long after rain, especially in spring and autumn.
Bring water and snacks, as there are no cafés or kiosks inside the forest; the nearest facilities are back in Hillerød or by larger attractions.
Visit early in the morning or near sunset for the best chance of spotting birdlife around the wet areas and enjoying soft, atmospheric light.
If you plan to run or hike longer, combine Lille Hestehave’s paths with trails in the adjoining Store Dyrehave to create extended forest loops.

Getting There

Train and walking from Copenhagen region

From central Copenhagen, take an S-train on Line E towards Hillerød and get off at Allerød Station, a journey of about 30–35 minutes with departures typically every 10 minutes in daytime. From Allerød Station, it is roughly a 15–20 minute walk on local pavements and forest-edge paths to reach Lille Hestehave; the route is mostly flat but includes some unpaved sections that can be muddy after rain. A standard adult ticket for this regional S-train journey usually costs in the range of 50–80 DKK one way, depending on ticket type and discounts.
Local bus and short walk from Hillerød

From Hillerød town centre, use a local Movia bus heading towards the southern residential districts near Holmene or Allerød; travel times are typically 10–20 minutes depending on route and traffic. Get off at a stop near Engsvinget or similar southern stops and continue on foot for about 15–20 minutes along quiet streets and tracks to the forest edge. Single bus tickets in the North Zealand zone generally cost around 24–30 DKK if purchased via app or ticket machine.
Cycling from Hillerød centre

Cycling from Hillerød’s central area to Lille Hestehave usually takes 15–25 minutes, following local roads and cycle-friendly routes towards the southern outskirts. The terrain is gently rolling and suitable for most cyclists, though lights and reflective gear are advisable outside daylight hours. There is no dedicated bike parking within the forest itself, so bring a lock and secure your bicycle at a sensible spot along the edge before entering the woodland on foot.

Lille Hestehave location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Cold Weather
Rain / Wet Weather

Discover more about Lille Hestehave

A modest woodland at the edge of North Zealand’s forests

Lille Hestehave is a small forested enclave on the outskirts of Hillerød, pressed between open land, rail lines and the broader sweep of Store Dyrehave. Its name, “Little Horse Grove”, hints at a past of grazing and working landscapes, long before the area became a recreational green buffer for the growing town. Today, this is not a grand park with manicured avenues, but a compact patch of woodland where the rhythm is set by wind in the canopy and the crunch of leaves underfoot. The forest is dominated by deciduous trees, with beech and other broadleaf species giving the place a distinctly North Zealand feel. Underneath, tangles of bracken, bramble and moss mark out the seasons, from fresh spring greens to autumn’s copper glow. The ground undulates gently, broken by wet hollows and a sense that water never sits far below the surface.

Karlsø, marshland and the feel of a damp woodland

One of Lille Hestehave’s quiet highlights is the presence of Karlsø and surrounding marshy ground, which lend the forest a slightly wild, damp character. Paths skirt patches of boggy terrain where reeds, sedges and moisture-loving plants thrive, and you may catch glimpses of water through breaks in the trees. These wet areas attract birds, amphibians and insects, adding a soft soundtrack of calls and buzzing on still days. In contrast to nearby formal castle gardens, Lille Hestehave feels unstyled and organic. Fallen branches are often left where they land, rotting logs host fungi in autumn, and puddles linger on unpaved tracks after rain. Good footwear is useful, especially outside summer, as sections of path can be muddy. For many visitors, this slightly rough-around-the-edges quality is exactly what makes the area appealing.

Traces of golf dreams and forest management

In the mid‑20th century, parts of Lille Hestehave came into focus when local efforts sought to expand golf facilities in the Hillerød area. The terrain south of town, including this forest and adjacent fields, was considered for additional fairways. Conservation concerns and the value of existing habitats ultimately limited major transformation, but the episode left its mark in clearings and edges where open grass once met woodland. Today, Lille Hestehave sits within a wider mosaic of state forest and agricultural land, and you may notice signs of ongoing forestry: thinned stands, young plantings, or stacks of cut timber near wider rides. These interventions sit alongside older trees and hedgerows, reminding you that this is both a working landscape and a place for quiet recreation. The overall feeling remains small-scale and local rather than grand or heavily developed.

Walking, running and quiet moments close to town

For residents of Hillerød and nearby Holmene, Lille Hestehave functions as an accessible everyday escape. Informal paths and forest tracks lend themselves to short dog walks, gentle jogs or an hour’s ramble under the trees. There are no headline attractions or major viewpoints here; the experience is about being enveloped by woodland, listening to birds in the canopy and feeling the shift from urban edges to natural textures within minutes. Because it is less known than the famous castle gardens and larger deer parks of North Zealand, the forest is often calm, especially on weekdays and outside peak daylight hours in summer. This makes it appealing for visitors who prefer solitude, simple nature photography or a quiet place to think. Bring your own water and snacks, as facilities are limited and the forest edges quickly give way to fields and tracks.

Seasons, light and the subtle charm of small forests

Lille Hestehave rewards repeat visits across the year. Spring brings carpets of new growth and birdsong as migrants return. In high summer the canopy knits together, creating cool shade and dappled light over the paths. Autumn transforms the forest into a palette of gold and rust, while winter strips the trees bare, opening up longer sightlines across Karlsø and the marshy low ground. The forest’s modest size means you are never far from its edge, railway sounds or glimpses of nearby development, yet this contrast is part of its character. Lille Hestehave offers a reminder that even small, squeezed pockets of woodland can provide space to breathe, watch the light shift through leaves, and sense how deeply forests are woven into the story of Hillerød and North Zealand.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Hillerød St.

1.5 km

North Zealand's essential transport hub connecting Copenhagen, regional destinations, and Frederiksborg Castle.

Hillerød Rectory

1.8 km

Discover the Befrielsessten in Høgsholt, Vejle—a serene memorial park honoring Denmark's journey to freedom amidst lush landscapes.

Old town hall

1.9 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.

Skänk øl, vin & madbar Hillerød

1.9 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.

Kirppu Hillerød

3.0 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.

Country Market

8.7 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.

Kulsvierstenen

8.9 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.

Hørsholm Slotshave

12.2 km

A baroque garden where Scandinavia's lost palace still echoes through ancient linden trees.

Furesø

14.7 km

Denmark's deepest lake offers pristine waters, historic heritage, and year-round outdoor adventures just 20 km from Copenhagen.

Henriksholm

16.1 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.

Auderødlejren

16.6 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.

The Open Air Museum

17.9 km

Discover Denmark's captivating rural history at the Open Air Museum in Kongens Lyngby, where authentic buildings, traditional crafts, and engaging exhibits transport you to centuries past.

Stendysser

18.1 km

Bronze Age burial chambers hidden within ancient forest, connecting modern visitors to Denmark's prehistoric past.

Lake Bagsværd

18.4 km

Discover Lake Bagsværd: A scenic Danish lake near Copenhagen offering boat tours, historic sites like Sophienholm manor, and outdoor activities amidst tranquil nature.

Bagsværd Kirke

18.7 km

A modest suburban shell concealing Jørn Utzon’s luminous “cloud” church, where Nordic minimalism, sculpted concrete and tranquil courtyards create a serene urban sanctuary.

Unmissable attractions to see

AdventurePark

0.6 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.

Island of imagination

1.0 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.

Royal Stage

1.4 km

North Zealand's premier multi-purpose arena hosting concerts, sports, and cultural events for up to 2,000 guests.

Hillerød Church

1.8 km

A light-filled modern parish church in the heart of Hillerød, carrying centuries of local worship history in a calm, contemporary Danish setting.

Genforeningssten i Hillerød

1.8 km

Experience intimate encounters with rescued animals in the serene Japanese gardens of Monkey World Hillerød.

Parforcejagtlandskabet i Store Dyrehave UNESCO World Heritage

1.9 km

A royal forest where straight, star-shaped hunting roads, old stone walls and quiet woodland trails reveal how Danish kings once turned nature into a stage for power.

Parforcejagtlandskabet i Store Dyrehave UNESCO World Heritage

Elværket Hillerød - Museum Nordsjælland

1.9 km

A beautifully preserved 1909 power station turned museum, where industrial architecture and changing exhibitions illuminate 10,000 years of North Zealand history.

Slotsgade

2.0 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.

Gavlkunst

2.0 km

A string of vivid murals along Helsingørsgade that turns central Hillerød into a small, free open‑air gallery of local stories and color.

Hillerød City Museum & Graphic Museum

2.2 km

Step behind Frederiksborg Castle into an intimate town museum where historic shops, crafts and letterpress printing bring everyday Hillerød vividly back to life.

Posen

2.2 km

A small, leafy pause between Hillerød’s bustling Slotsgade and the storybook views of Frederiksborg Castle and its lake.

Fisketorvet

2.3 km

Experience the vibrant heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where history, shopping, and culture converge in North Zealand's premier market square.

Batzke's Hill

2.4 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.

Favrholm bird watching tower

2.4 km

A simple wooden tower on Hillerød’s edge, Favrholm offers wide wetland views, migrating birdlife and a quiet nature pause amid fields, ponds and big Danish skies.

Kongestjernen i Store Dyrehave

2.5 km

Stand on the king’s stone at Kongestjernen, where eight forest avenues radiate out in a royal star and the quiet woods of Store Dyrehave reveal their world‑heritage geometry.

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.

Chicken BROS

1.9 km

Crispy fried chicken burgers and quick bites in casual Hillerød comfort.

Bright, trend-focused jewelry and accessories shop in Hillerød’s SlotsArkaderne mall, ideal for quick gifts, style updates and affordable everyday sparkle.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Jernstangen

1.5 km

Old-school Hillerød pub opposite the station, with billiards, darts, dice games and live music nights in a laid‑back, locals-first atmosphere.

Crane Brothers

1.9 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

1.9 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

2.0 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

2.2 km

A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.

Oddies Beach Bar

14.6 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

19.6 km

Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.

12`er Pubben

21.7 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

21.7 km

Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.

Head/Foam

22.3 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

22.5 km

Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.

Banana joe

22.6 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.

Strandborg

22.6 km

Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.

Axelhus Udeservering

22.6 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

22.6 km

Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.

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Lille Hestehave Forest, Hillerød

A brief summary to Lille Hestehave

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Train and walking from Copenhagen region

Local bus and short walk from Hillerød

Cycling from Hillerød centre

Lille Hestehave location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Lille Hestehave

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Lille Hestehave

A modest woodland at the edge of North Zealand’s forests

Karlsø, marshland and the feel of a damp woodland

Traces of golf dreams and forest management

Walking, running and quiet moments close to town

Seasons, light and the subtle charm of small forests

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Hillerød St.

Hillerød Rectory

Old town hall

Skänk øl, vin & madbar Hillerød

Kirppu Hillerød

Country Market

Kulsvierstenen

Hørsholm Slotshave

Furesø

Henriksholm

Auderødlejren

The Open Air Museum

Stendysser

Lake Bagsværd

Bagsværd Kirke

Unmissable attractions to see

AdventurePark

Island of imagination

Royal Stage

Hillerød Church

Genforeningssten i Hillerød

Parforcejagtlandskabet i Store Dyrehave UNESCO World Heritage

Elværket Hillerød - Museum Nordsjælland

Slotsgade

Gavlkunst

Hillerød City Museum & Graphic Museum

Posen

Fisketorvet

Batzke's Hill

Favrholm bird watching tower

Kongestjernen i Store Dyrehave

Essential places to dine

Restaurant Nysøgaard ApS

Cafe Station Pizza Bar

You Sushi

Restaurant krydderiet

Gourmet Sushi

Duero

Indian Spice

Torvet's Pizza & Kebab

Samurai sushi

Nyu Sakura Hillerod

Cafe Vivaldi, Hillerød

Thai 4 You - Thai Restaurant og Take Away

Halifax Burgers Hillerød

Cafe Vivaldi

Chicken BROS

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Mothers' Aid Op Shop

Rodes

Vinbutikken

GEjSER ApS

Shoppen

Normal

NEW YORKER

Lumi Op Shop

JeansStore

ONLY

Rituals

JACK & JONES