Englænderskansen at Kulhuse
Low grassy ramparts above the Isefjord where a modest 1808 coastal battery once watched for British ships and now offers a quiet historic pause by Kulhuse Harbour.
Englænderskansen is a low, grass-covered earthwork just south of Kulhuse Harbour on the tip of Hornsherred, once part of Denmark’s coastal defence system during the Napoleonic Wars. Built in 1808 as a forward battery against the British fleet and to help protect the important cannon foundry at Frederiksværk, the preserved ramparts and ditches now form a tranquil green viewpoint over the Isefjord. It is an open, free-to-visit historic site that combines local war history, simple ruins and sea air in a compact stop easily paired with the harbour and nearby beach.
A brief summary to Englænderskansen
- Kulhusvej 212, Jægerspris, Kulhuse, 3630, DK
- +4547351000
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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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; the low earthworks are grassy and uneven, especially after rain, and can be slippery in winter and early spring.
- Combine a short visit to the rampart with time at Kulhuse Harbour and beach, where you will also find public toilets and spots to sit by the water.
- Bring your own snacks or a picnic, as there are no food outlets at the earthwork itself and services are concentrated around the harbour.
- Check the weather and wind forecast; the exposed position by the fjord can feel markedly cooler than inland, even on bright days.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Frederikssund
From Frederikssund town, driving to Kulhuse via the Hornsherred peninsula typically takes around 35–45 minutes depending on traffic. The route follows standard paved regional roads and is straightforward for all vehicle types. There is a large free parking area close to Englænderskansen and Kulhuse Harbour, but spaces can be busier on sunny summer weekends. Fuel costs vary, but there are no specific tolls or entrance fees associated with visiting the site.
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Bus from Frederikssund area
Regional buses connect Frederikssund and Jægerspris with the northern Hornsherred villages, including services towards Kulhuse. The journey generally takes 45–70 minutes depending on route and waiting times, with a standard single adult ticket within the regional fare system usually costing roughly 25–40 DKK. Services run more frequently on weekdays than late evenings or weekends, so checking the timetable in advance is important. The bus stop in Kulhuse is within walking distance of the harbour and the rampart, along level but sometimes narrow village roads.
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Cycling on Hornsherred
For experienced cyclists, riding to Kulhuse along the Hornsherred peninsula is a scenic option, taking roughly 1–1.5 hours from Frederikssund depending on pace and wind conditions. The route is mostly on paved country roads with moderate traffic, some gentle hills and limited dedicated cycle lanes. There is no extra cost beyond potential bike rental, which typically ranges from about 100–250 DKK per day in the wider region. The final approach to Englænderskansen is flat, and bicycles can be left at the edge of the parking area or near the harbour.
Englænderskansen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Englænderskansen
Napoleonic-era rampart on the edge of Isefjord
Englænderskansen sits on a slight rise just south of Kulhuse Harbour, at the very northern tip of the Hornsherred peninsula in North Zealand. From the grass-covered remains of the earthwork you look out over the Isefjord, a broad, tidal inlet that was once a strategic gateway towards Copenhagen and the industrial town of Frederiksværk. Today the landscape feels peaceful and small-scale: a harbour, a beach, a parking area and this modest, rounded fortification almost swallowed by grass and low scrub. Despite its humble appearance, the site forms part of a larger chain of coastal defences that once guarded these waters. Standing on the embankment you can still read the contours in the ground: low crescent-shaped ramparts enclosing a flattened interior, and subtle depressions that indicate former ditches and gun positions. With a bit of imagination it is easy to picture cannons pointing out across the water and soldiers scanning the horizon for unfamiliar sails.Built to face the British fleet in 1808
The fortification was constructed in 1808, at the height of the Napoleonic Wars, when Britain sought to neutralise the Danish-Norwegian fleet and control Baltic access. From Kulhuse, Danish forces could monitor and, if necessary, challenge ships moving through the Isefjord. The position also formed part of the protection for Frederiksværk, a crucial cannon and armaments manufacturing centre further south along the fjord. Any hostile fleet attempting to threaten the foundry from the sea risked encountering guns positioned here. Englænderskansen was never a massive stone fort; it was an earthen battery, quick to construct using local soil and timber. Earthworks like this absorbed cannon fire better than masonry and could be reshaped as tactics changed. Over time, as artillery technology advanced and political tensions eased, the position lost its strategic value. The ramparts were left to weather and gradually blended into the surrounding landscape, leaving only the outlines preserved today as a protected historic site.A compact open-air ruin in a coastal setting
Visiting Englænderskansen is a short but atmospheric experience. There are no large structures or buildings to enter; instead, you wander across grassy humps, shallow trenches and open turf. The scale is intimate, almost at village level, and the sea is never far away. On a clear day the fjord surface reflects the sky, and the calls of seabirds or the hum of a ferry crossing the water form a constant backdrop. Nearby Kulhuse Harbour adds to the sense of place. One moment you are among moored boats and modern quay life, the next you are standing in the traces of an artillery position that once watched this same channel. The proximity of the beach and shoreline paths means it is easy to combine a short historical stop with a longer walk, a picnic by the water or a swim on warmer days. Simple information signage in the area helps explain what you are looking at, but the site itself remains largely unembellished, with nature reclaiming the lines of defence.Reflective atmosphere and simple pleasures
The ambience here is calm and slightly windswept. There is plenty of open sky, and even a light breeze can feel stronger out on the exposed tip of Hornsherred. Many visitors treat the site as a quiet pause during a wider exploration of the peninsula: a place to stretch legs, read about local history and enjoy a few unhurried minutes looking out over the water. In colder months the grass can be damp and the ground soft, giving the earthworks a more rugged feel, while in summer they become dry, warm mounds dotted with wildflowers. Facilities are basic but serviceable. Public toilets at Kulhuse Harbour are within walking distance, and the large parking area near the site makes it straightforward to include even on a short circuit of North Zealand. There are no formal catering outlets at the rampart itself, so any food or drink tends to come from the harbour area or be brought along. The absence of commercial development at the earthwork contributes to its understated character: this is a small piece of military history left mostly to the elements.Ideal as a gentle stop on a coastal day out
Englænderskansen works best as part of a broader day in and around Kulhuse. Its compact size means the historical ground can be covered in less than half an hour, leaving time to follow the shoreline, watch the activity at the harbour or explore other viewpoints along the fjord. Photographers will find low, unobstructed horizons and changing light over the water, especially around sunrise and sunset on clear days. Families and casual walkers appreciate the ease of access; the gradients are mild, though the grass and uneven surfaces can challenge very low-mobility visitors. Because there is no entrance fee and the site is open at all hours, it offers flexibility: a brief history stop on a road trip around Hornsherred, a contemplative detour during a beach outing, or a quiet corner to connect the local landscape with a turbulent chapter in European maritime history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Auderødlejren
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Kirppu Hillerød
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Skänk øl, vin & madbar Hillerød
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Old town hall
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Hillerød Rectory
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Hillerød St.
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Kulsvierstenen
27.1 km
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National Park Skjoldungernes Land
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Fredensborg Slotshave
30.7 km
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Fredensborg Palace
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Country Market
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Esrum Kloster & Møllegård
31.6 km
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Kongernes Nordsjælland
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Discover Denmark's royal history and natural beauty in Kongernes Nordsjælland National Park, offering forests, lakes, and coastal experiences for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs.
Farum Lake
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Explore the serene beauty of Farum Lake in Furesø Municipality, a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Denmark.
Masterhøj udsigtspost
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Unmissable attractions to see
Carlsstenen - Grønnessedyssen
2.2 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.
Lynæs Lighthouse
2.6 km
Journey back to 14th-century Denmark at The Medieval Center, a unique living history museum with crafts, jousts, medieval inventions, and immersive family activities.
Hundested Sand Sculpture Festival
4.9 km
A seasonal harbour-front art park where international artists transform golden sand into intricate, short-lived sculptures, blending coastal atmosphere with playful creativity.
Hundested Strand - Trekanten
5.2 km
Sandy refuge in an authentic Danish port town, where beach life meets working harbour charm.
Storkeegen
5.3 km
The weathered remains of the legendary Stork Oak in Jægerspris Nordskov, where centuries of forest history stand preserved in a single monumental trunk.
Skansen i Hundested
5.3 km
Napoleonic-era earthworks, surviving cannons and sweeping Kattegat views meet on a wind-battered cliff edge above Hundested’s harbour and sandy shoreline.
Knud Rasmussens House
5.5 km
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Nordskoven
5.5 km
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The King Oak
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Snoegen
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Havtyren
9.5 km
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Liseleje Strand
9.6 km
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Jægerspris Castle
9.7 km
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Dronningholm Castle Ruin
10.1 km
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Stængehus Beach, Nude Area
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Essential places to dine
Restaurant Toldboden
14.3 km
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Restaurant Ellegården
21.4 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
21.8 km
Unpretentious Danish burgers and flæskesteg sandwiches at budget-friendly prices in central Hillerød.
9-Ni Sushi
24.1 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.
Big Mamma Gastronomia
24.1 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
24.2 km
Casual Danish steakhouse on Hillerød’s main street, offering family-friendly comfort food and easy castle-side convenience from lunchtime through evening.
Restaurant krydderiet
24.3 km
Seasonal Danish cooking with a subtle spiced twist, served in a warm, contemporary dining room inside Hotel Hillerød on Milnersvej.
Royal Taste
24.3 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.
Café Kaiser
24.3 km
Relaxed all‑day Danish café inside Hillerød’s Slotsarkaderne, serving hearty brunch, smørrebrød, burgers and drinks in a warm, mall‑side setting.
Restaurant Royal Style
24.3 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
24.3 km
Casual pizzeria serving Italian, Mexican, and American fare in central Hillerød with friendly service and extended hours.
Roberto's 51
24.3 km
Straightforward pizzas and burgers on Hillerød’s main street, serving solid comfort food from lunchtime until late on weekend nights.
Rib House
24.3 km
Hearty ribs and steaks in a relaxed, family-friendly steakhouse just steps from Frederiksborg Castle on historic Slotsgade in central Hillerød.
Café Valentin
24.3 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
24.4 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Plantorama Hillerød
22.2 km
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ØnskeBørn
24.1 km
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Søs Tre
24.3 km
A cosy women’s fashion boutique on Hillerød’s historic Slotsgade, blending Scandinavian style, curated clothing and accessories with a relaxed, personal atmosphere.
NORMAL
24.3 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.
SlotsArkaderne
24.3 km
North Zealand's premier shopping destination where modern retail meets royal heritage in the heart of historic Hillerød.
Red Cross Op Shop
24.3 km
Hyggelig Røde Kors genbrugsbutik i Hillerøds hovedgade, hvor du finder billige fund til garderobe og hjem – og samtidig støtter lokalt og internationalt hjælpearbejde.
VERO MODA
24.3 km
Central Hillerød fashion stop in SlotsArkaderne, offering accessible Scandinavian women’s style, seasonal collections and easy indoor browsing in a modern mall setting.
Pilgrim Hillerød Slotsarkaderne
24.3 km
Handcrafted Danish jewellery celebrating personal style, quality, and Scandinavian design.
ONLY
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Scandi high-street fashion and denim-focused style for women, conveniently located inside Hillerød’s Slotsarkaderne shopping centre.
Tingstedet
24.3 km
Curated vintage and retro treasures near Frederiksborg Castle since 1996.
JACK & JONES
24.3 km
Easygoing menswear and denim inside Hillerød’s main shopping centre, combining Scandinavian style, everyday essentials and smart-casual looks under one roof.
Karmen & Kamelia
24.3 km
A bright, modern jewelry and accessories boutique in Hillerød’s SlotsArkaderne mall, offering handpicked Scandinavian sparkle and easy gift ideas steps from city life.
Rituals
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Luxury beauty rituals and wellness products in Hillerød's premier shopping destination.
Glitter
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Bright, trend-focused jewelry and accessories shop in Hillerød’s SlotsArkaderne mall, ideal for quick gifts, style updates and affordable everyday sparkle.
Boutique Munck
24.4 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Hillerød, blending curated Nordic fashion, warm styling advice and a relaxed, local neighborhood feel.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Møllen
24.3 km
A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.
The Old Irish Pub
24.6 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
24.7 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
24.7 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
25.0 km
Old-school Hillerød pub opposite the station, with billiards, darts, dice games and live music nights in a laid‑back, locals-first atmosphere.
Teatercaféen
33.7 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
PAUSE
34.4 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
Ruder Konge Bodega
34.5 km
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PROP Vin og Tapasbar
34.5 km
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Gullanden
34.6 km
An unpretentious Roskilde pub with darts, DJ nights, cold beer and a loyal local crowd, where evenings stretch easily into the early hours.
28 Live
34.6 km
A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
RUCbar - café & bar
34.6 km
Student-run café-bar at Roskilde University’s Student House, serving affordable drinks and coffee in a relaxed campus hangout from lunchtime into the evening.
Klosterkælderen
34.7 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
Mulligans Irish Pub
34.7 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Copé Lounge
34.8 km
Urban lounge bar by Roskilde’s main square, blending backyard summer vibes, easygoing cocktails and cosy Danish hygge late into the night.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
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
