Asserbo Charterhouse (Asserbo Castle Ruins)
Grass-covered castle and monastery ruins hidden in North Zealand’s forest, where medieval power, monastic silence and drifting sands shaped a quiet historic clearing.
Hidden amid the pines north of Frederiksværk, Asserbo Charterhouse is a low, grass-covered ruin that once housed a 12th‑century Carthusian monastery and later a fortified manor. Founded by powerful Bishop Absalon, the site combines monastic austerity with defensive earthworks, moats and thick foundations. Partly buried by drifting sands for centuries, it is now a peaceful woodland clearing where banks, ditches and stone outlines hint at North Zealand’s turbulent medieval past.
A brief summary to Asserbo Charterhouse
- Bisp Absalons Vej 28, Frederiksværk, 3300, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes; paths around the moat and embankments can be uneven, rooty and slippery after rain.
- Bring a light jacket or extra layer, as the forest setting can feel cooler and breezier than nearby towns or beaches.
- Allow time to read on-site information boards; they make it much easier to interpret the low walls and earthworks.
- Combine your visit with a walk in Tisvilde Hegn or a stop at the coast for a half- or full-day North Zealand outing.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Regional train and local bus from Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take an intercity or regional train toward Hillerød and continue by local train to Frederiksværk; the full rail journey typically takes 1.5–2 hours. From Frederiksværk, use a local bus toward Asserbo or Liseleje and alight within walking distance of the ruins, adding about 15–25 minutes of travel. Standard adult single fares on this route usually range between 80 and 120 DKK depending on zones and ticket type. Services run regularly during the day, but expect reduced frequency in evenings and on weekends.
-
Car from Copenhagen and North Zealand
By car, Asserbo Charterhouse is commonly reached from Copenhagen or other North Zealand towns via regional roads passing Hillerød or Helsinge, with total driving times usually between 1 and 1.5 hours from the capital and 20–40 minutes from nearby coastal resorts. Basic parking is typically available near forest access points, but spaces can be limited on sunny weekends and school holidays. There is no fee to visit the ruins themselves, though normal fuel and road costs apply, and some forest tracks may be narrow or unpaved near the approach.
-
Cycling from nearby coastal towns
From Tisvildeleje, Liseleje or other nearby coastal areas, experienced cyclists can follow signposted local roads and forest trails to the ruins in around 30–50 minutes, depending on starting point and pace. Surfaces vary from paved roads to compacted forest paths, so a hybrid or trekking bike is more comfortable than a narrow-tyre road bike. There is usually no specific cycle parking at the ruin, so bring a lock to secure your bike against a fence or tree, and be prepared for some sandy or rooty stretches in the woodland.
Asserbo Charterhouse location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Hot Weather
Discover more about Asserbo Charterhouse
Monks, Power and a Medieval Frontier
Asserbo Charterhouse began life in the late 12th century, when Bishop Absalon, one of Denmark’s most influential churchmen and royal advisers, founded a Carthusian monastery here on the edge of the North Zealand woods. The Carthusians followed an unusually strict, contemplative life, seeking solitude and silence, and Asserbo was the first charterhouse in the Nordic region. For a time, this forest outpost functioned as both religious retreat and a statement of ecclesiastical power in a sparsely settled landscape. The monastery’s life as a Carthusian house was relatively short. As the Middle Ages unfolded, the property passed to Sorø Abbey and gradually shifted from pure monastic enclave to a fortified estate. The religious community that shaped its earliest years left an enduring imprint in the layout, materials and atmosphere of the site, where seclusion and control went hand in hand.Castle Earthworks and Monk Brick Walls
Today, Asserbo appears as low stone foundations, grassy rectangles and high defensive embankments rather than soaring walls. Yet the outlines are remarkably expressive. A surrounding moat once protected the complex, while banks and ditches defined an inner stronghold that blended castle and cloister. Archaeological work has revealed the basic footprint of the main buildings, allowing you to picture where refectory, church and domestic ranges once stood. Characteristic large medieval “monk bricks” speak of early Danish brick architecture, a technology that was spreading rapidly in Absalon’s time. The masonry hints at substantial buildings, perhaps with two storeys and timber superstructures. Standing atop the earthworks, you can read the site in layers: a pious foundation, a fortified residence and, later, a decaying ruin slowly merging back into the landscape.Buried by Sand and Rescued by the Forest
From the 16th century onwards, political and religious changes diminished Asserbo’s importance. Over time, maintenance faltered and the complex fell into disrepair. In the 17th and early 18th centuries, powerful coastal winds drove inland sand drifts that gradually engulfed farms, fields and the old castle itself. Asserbo was largely swallowed, its stones hidden under shifting dunes and scrub. In the 1730s, extensive tree planting created what is now Tisvilde Hegn, the dense forest that stabilised the sands and reshaped the coastline’s hinterland. When the ruins were later uncovered and studied, they emerged in a new setting: a calm plantation of pines and mixed woodland. This curious episode means that Asserbo’s story is as much about environmental change and human adaptation as it is about feudal lords and monks.A Quiet Clearing for Imagination and Exploration
For visitors today, Asserbo Charterhouse offers a gentle, contemplative experience rather than a grand showpiece. Narrow paths lead through trees to a bright clearing where the embankments rise like low green walls around the foundations. Information signs help you decode the low stone lines and imagine gates, a drawbridge over the moat and the courtyard where daily monastic routines once unfolded. The area invites unhurried wandering. Children gravitate to the grassy banks and ditches, turning the former fortifications into an informal playground, while adults tend to trace the plan of the rooms and seek out viewpoints along the embankments. Birdsong, the scent of pine and the soft underfoot paths lend the place a hushed, almost introspective character that suits its monastic origins.North Zealand History in a Compact Ruin
Asserbo sits within a wider tapestry of castles, ruins and estates that gave the region the name “Kings’ North Zealand.” In this compact site you encounter an unusually condensed story: the arrival of a strict religious order, the consolidation of church and royal authority, the decline of medieval structures and the impact of natural forces on settlement. The modest scale encourages close attention to detail—brick textures, the curve of the moat, the relationship between high ground and water. Combined with nearby forest trails and coastal landscapes, Asserbo Charterhouse makes a rewarding stop on a broader exploration of North Zealand’s cultural and natural heritage. It is a place where a small ruin opens onto large themes: faith, power, landscape and the slow work of time.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Auderødlejren
5.0 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.
Kirppu Hillerød
17.6 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
17.6 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.
Skänk øl, vin & madbar Hillerød
18.8 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.
Old town hall
18.8 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
18.9 km
Discover the Befrielsessten in Høgsholt, Vejle—a serene memorial park honoring Denmark's journey to freedom amidst lush landscapes.
Hillerød St.
19.3 km
North Zealand's essential transport hub connecting Copenhagen, regional destinations, and Frederiksborg Castle.
Country Market
22.1 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.
Gerlevparkens Venner
23.3 km
Discover Denmark's horticultural heritage at Gerlevparken near Jægerspris: explore unique rose collections, a diverse tree collection, and tranquil gardens maintained by dedicated volunteers.
Falkonergården
23.4 km
Explore the enchanting Falkonergården Zoo in Fredensborg, a captivating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families seeking adventure in nature.
Roskilde Fjord
23.8 km
Discover Roskilde Fjord: A blend of Viking history, serene landscapes, and outdoor adventures awaits in this captivating Danish destination, easily accessible from Copenhagen.
Kongedyssen
25.0 km
A 5,400-year-old passage grave nestled in ancient forest, connecting modern visitors to Neolithic burial traditions.
Hornbaek beach
25.9 km
Discover Hornbæk Beach, the gem of the Danish Riviera, offering pristine sands, clear waters, and a charming seaside atmosphere perfect for relaxation and unforgettable summer memories.
Ølstykke bypark - Bebyggelsen Søhøj Park ligger nord for byparken, fjern ALT med Søhøj også naturlegeplasen
26.9 km
Discover Ølstykke Bypark, a green haven offering tranquility and recreation in the heart of Ølstykke, perfect for families, nature lovers, and community events.
Drive in Put and Take
27.6 km
Discover a serene fishing escape at Drive in Put and Take in Lynge, Denmark, boasting clear waters, family-friendly facilities, and a tranquil atmosphere just a short drive from Copenhagen.
Unmissable attractions to see
Tisvilde Hegn
1.1 km
Coastal forest, drifting-sand history and a twisted “troll” woodland combine in Tisvilde Hegn, a protected North Zealand landscape of easy trails and hidden ruins.
Stængehus Beach, Nude Area
2.8 km
A relaxed clothing-optional stretch of North Zealand’s wild Kattegat coast, where clear water, soft dunes and heathland scenery create a quietly liberating escape.
Tisvildeleje Beach
3.6 km
A long, dune-fringed slice of the Danish Riviera where clear shallows, nostalgic bathhouses and nearby pine forests create a classic North Zealand beach escape.
Helene Grave
4.3 km
A quiet stone enclosure in the dunes of Tisvildeleje where legend, healing folklore and North Zealand’s coastal light meet at the symbolic tomb of Saint Helene.
Tisvildeleje
4.7 km
A classic Danish Riviera strand where pale sand, colorful bathhouses and pine forest meet a relaxed seaside town of cafés, cottages and slow summer days.
Helene Spring
4.8 km
Denmark's legendary healing spring hidden within an ancient twisted-pine forest.
Havtyren
5.3 km
A forest-fringed nature playground where a mythical Sea Bull, wooden climbing frames and coastal air turn simple playtime into a North Zealand adventure.
Liseleje Strand
5.4 km
Wide, dune-backed sands, clear shallow waters and a cosy seaside village make Liseleje Strand a gentle Danish Riviera escape for families and nature lovers.
Dronningholm Castle Ruin
6.0 km
Atmospheric medieval castle ruins set in peaceful North Zealand wetlands, echoing royal intrigue, dramatic history, and serene Danish landscapes near Gilleleje.
Kaprifolievej strand
6.2 km
A quiet clifftop grassland and long stairway lead to a narrow stone beach, wide Kattegat views and memorable sunsets on North Zealand’s understated coast.
Vejby Strand
8.1 km
Clifftop summerhouses, narrow sands and wide Kattegat horizons on North Zealand’s quietly dramatic coast.
Heather Hill (Rågelejevej), Vejby
9.1 km
Compact coastal highland of heather-clad hills, glacial ridges and big Kattegat views, where butterflies, sheep and sea air define a classic North Zealand nature escape.
Carlsstenen - Grønnessedyssen
11.1 km
A quiet Stone Age dolmen deep in Grønnesse Forest, where a huge glacial boulder crowns an ancient tomb once chosen to grace Denmark’s five-kroner banknote.
Esthers Have
12.1 km
Provence‑inspired lavender slopes, woodland paths and a rustic hilltop barn create a tranquil countryside garden escape just outside Hillerød.
Mangholm økologisk besøgsgård og gårdbutik
12.7 km
Regenerative farm-to-table dining and woodland retreats in North Zealand's countryside.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Ellegården
14.7 km
Cosy Danish familierestaurant in a historic country-house setting, serving set menus, hearty classics and unhurried dinners on the quiet outskirts of Hillerød.
Bauhaus Grill
16.3 km
Unpretentious Danish burgers and flæskesteg sandwiches at budget-friendly prices in central Hillerød.
Big Mamma Gastronomia
18.0 km
Casual Italian pizzeria and pasta spot in central Hillerød, serving generous, ingredient-led comfort food for eat-in or takeaway in a relaxed local setting.
Jensens Bøfhus
18.2 km
Casual Danish steakhouse on Hillerød’s main street, offering family-friendly comfort food and easy castle-side convenience from lunchtime through evening.
Rabarbergaarden Slottet
18.3 km
Organic farm-to-table dining in Frederiksborg Castle’s former carriage house, where seasonal North Zealand produce meets calm Scandinavian design and royal surroundings.
Skovgrillen
18.3 km
Classic Danish grill bar near Frederiksborg’s forests, serving hearty burgers, flæskestegsburgers and the legendary Taxa burger at budget-friendly prices.
Royal Taste
18.3 km
Generous sushi ad libitum and colourful Asian plates in a relaxed, modern setting on Hillerød’s historic Slotsgade, ideal for cosy dinners and sociable feasts.
Restaurant Royal Style
18.3 km
Casual Asian comfort food with dim sum, bao and ramen just steps from Frederiksborg Castle in the heart of Hillerød’s historic Slotsgade.
Ninos Pizza
18.4 km
Casual pizzeria serving Italian, Mexican, and American fare in central Hillerød with friendly service and extended hours.
9-Ni Sushi
18.4 km
Casual running sushi and Chinese buffet on Slangerupgade, serving easygoing, all-you-can-eat comfort with a minimalist, family-friendly feel in central Hillerød.
Rib House
18.4 km
Hearty ribs and steaks in a relaxed, family-friendly steakhouse just steps from Frederiksborg Castle on historic Slotsgade in central Hillerød.
Roberto's 51
18.4 km
Straightforward pizzas and burgers on Hillerød’s main street, serving solid comfort food from lunchtime until late on weekend nights.
Café Valentin
18.5 km
All‑day Danish café on Hillerød’s main street, blending generous brunches, comfort food and cocktails with a lively terrace near Frederiksborg Castle.
Gonzales Cantina
18.5 km
Casual, family-friendly cantina on Hillerød’s main pedestrian street, serving generous pizzas, steaks and comfort food just a short stroll from Frederiksborg Castle.
Café Kaiser
18.6 km
Relaxed all‑day Danish café inside Hillerød’s Slotsarkaderne, serving hearty brunch, smørrebrød, burgers and drinks in a warm, mall‑side setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Plantorama Hillerød
17.1 km
A 10,000 m² green universe in Hillerød, where plants, pets, home décor and a cosy café turn a simple shopping trip into a relaxed family outing.
Red Cross Op Shop
18.4 km
Hyggelig Røde Kors genbrugsbutik i Hillerøds hovedgade, hvor du finder billige fund til garderobe og hjem – og samtidig støtter lokalt og internationalt hjælpearbejde.
Tingstedet
18.4 km
Curated vintage and retro treasures near Frederiksborg Castle since 1996.
ØnskeBørn
18.4 km
Practical one-stop children’s and baby store in central Hillerød, stocking prams, gear, clothing, toys and nursery essentials for young families and parents-to-be.
Boutique Munck
18.5 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Hillerød, blending curated Nordic fashion, warm styling advice and a relaxed, local neighborhood feel.
Søs Tre
18.5 km
A cosy women’s fashion boutique on Hillerød’s historic Slotsgade, blending Scandinavian style, curated clothing and accessories with a relaxed, personal atmosphere.
Holm Hillerød
18.5 km
Locally owned menswear boutique on Hillerød’s main shopping street, offering curated smart-casual clothing and accessories just a short stroll from Frederiksborg Castle.
Frk. Fie
18.5 km
Cosy women’s fashion boutique on Hillerød’s atmospheric Slotsgade, offering curated Scandinavian-inspired styles in an intimate, friendly setting near the historic town centre.
HL Mode Hillerød
18.6 km
Neighbourhood-style women’s fashion and lingerie on historic Slotsgade, offering Scandinavian everyday elegance a short stroll from Hillerød’s castle and lake.
Tøjeksperten
18.6 km
Straightforward men’s style in Hillerød’s main mall, offering wearable brands, practical basics and smarter looks in a compact, weatherproof setting.
Men's Shop
18.6 km
A straightforward menswear stop inside Hillerød’s SlotsArkaderne mall, ideal for quick wardrobe updates during a castle-side shopping day in North Zealand.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
18.6 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.
NORMAL
18.6 km
A compact, budget-friendly beauty and household store inside Hillerød’s main mall, perfect for quick essentials, quirky finds and travel-sized Danish everyday goods.
Designersmarket
18.6 km
A stylish women’s fashion boutique inside Hillerød’s SlotsArkaderne, blending Scandinavian-inspired looks, wardrobe staples and accessories in a relaxed mall setting.
SlotsArkaderne
18.6 km
North Zealand's premier shopping destination where modern retail meets royal heritage in the heart of historic Hillerød.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Møllen
18.5 km
A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.
The Old Irish Pub
18.7 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.
Tahonga Lounge
18.9 km
Intimate tiki-style lounge bar off Hillerød’s central square, blending cocktails, small-stage events and private parties in a cozy tropical hideaway.
Crane Brothers
18.9 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.
Jernstangen
19.3 km
Old-school Hillerød pub opposite the station, with billiards, darts, dice games and live music nights in a laid‑back, locals-first atmosphere.
Kardusen
32.3 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
Gefion Bodega
33.3 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
12`er Pubben
33.3 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Helsingør with billiards, sports on TV and cold beers, offering an authentic slice of Danish local bar life.
Joker Bar
34.3 km
Relaxed Danish bar offering casual drinks and friendly conversation in historic Helsingør.
Oddies Beach Bar
34.5 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.
Head/Foam
34.6 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
34.7 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Axelhus Udeservering
34.7 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.
Hold-An
34.7 km
Unfussy beer hall and local bar in central Helsingør, pouring cold brews, simple bites and everyday Danish hygge from late morning to late night.
Axelhus
34.7 km
Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Socialz
18.4 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.
Den Dansende Viking
29.7 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
Walther's grillkylling og svuppeklub
30.3 km
Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.
Rustik
34.6 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Retro
34.8 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.
Club El Diablo
37.2 km
Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.
Danseriet
42.7 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Garbos Roskilde
42.9 km
Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.
Dansebar Roskilde
42.9 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead
44.1 km
Dynamic live music venue in Roskilde, specializing in jazz and contemporary genres, with an intimate setting and vibrant community engagement throughout the year.
Klubhuset
45.4 km
Low-key local clubhouse turned disco-style nightspot, where a simple bar, small dance floor and regulars’ vibe create relaxed, unpretentious nights in Roskilde.
Tropicana DC
45.4 km
Compact Latin-flavoured nightclub on Roskilde’s industrial edge, delivering loud beats, simple drinks and a late-night dancefloor focused purely on partying.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
46.8 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
SIGURD CPH
47.5 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
47.9 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- 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