Helene Grave (Helene’s Tomb), Tisvildeleje
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.
Tucked among summer houses just behind the dunes at Tisvildeleje, Helene Grave is a low stone enclosure with two leaning boulders that mark the legendary resting place of Saint Helene. This simple coastal cenotaph has been a local pilgrimage site for centuries, closely tied to nearby Helene Spring and stories of miraculous healing on midsummer night. Today it offers a quiet, slightly mysterious clearing where folklore, landscape and Danish coastal light blend into a gently atmospheric stop on a walk through North Zealand.
A brief summary to Helene Grave
- Sankt Helene Vej 49, Tisvilde, 3220, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 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
- Combine a stop at Helene Grave with a walk to Helene Spring and Troldeskoven to experience the full blend of legend, forest and coastline in one loop.
- Visit in the early morning or late evening for softer light, fewer people and a more atmospheric sense of the site’s folklore.
- Wear comfortable shoes; paths may be sandy or uneven, and you will likely want to continue walking into the nearby forest and dune areas.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Train and walk from Copenhagen region
From central Copenhagen or Hillerød, take a regional train to Tisvildeleje Station; the journey typically takes 1–1.5 hours depending on connections. Standard adult single tickets from Copenhagen cost in the range of 80–120 DKK. Trains run regularly during the day, with slightly reduced frequency in the late evening. From Tisvildeleje Station it is roughly a 15–25 minute walk on generally flat, paved and then residential roads to reach the area around Sankt Helene Vej and the grave, suitable for most visitors who are comfortable walking that distance.
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Car from North Zealand towns
Driving from nearby North Zealand centers such as Hillerød or Helsingør to Tisvildeleje usually takes 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic and season. There is no dedicated car park directly at the grave, so drivers generally use public parking areas in Tisvildeleje or near the beach and then walk 10–20 minutes through the residential area. Parking is a mix of free and time-limited zones; in peak summer some lots may charge modest fees, typically around 10–20 DKK per hour, and spaces can fill quickly on hot beach days.
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Bicycle access from local area
Tisvildeleje and the surrounding coast are popular for cycling, and Helene Grave can be reached via local roads and cycle-friendly routes from neighboring villages such as Vejby or Liseleje in about 20–40 minutes. Terrain is mostly gentle, with a few small inclines and some sandy patches near the dunes. Bicycles can be locked near residential streets close to Sankt Helene Vej; there are no formal bike stands at the grave itself, so bring a secure lock and avoid leaving valuables unattended.
Helene Grave location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Helene Grave
Legend of Saint Helene on the North Zealand Coast
Helene Grave, also known as Helene’s Tomb, is a modest but evocative stone enclosure on the sandy fringe of Tisvildeleje, a short way from the Kattegat shore. The site is dedicated to the legendary Saint Helene, whose story has been woven into local tradition for centuries. Two large boulders leaning against each other within a rectangular, grazed area mark the symbolic resting place of the saint. According to legend, Helene was a pious woman whose body was miraculously carried by the sea to this part of the coast. Her grave and a nearby holy spring became places where pilgrims sought help for ailments that no other remedies could cure. Even though historians consider the tomb a cenotaph rather than an actual burial place, the story continues to give this quiet corner of the landscape a distinct sense of meaning.Folklore, Healing Waters and Midsummer Rituals
Helene Grave is closely linked to Helene Spring, one of Denmark’s most famous holy wells, set a short walk away in the dunes and forest. Traditions describe how the sick should collect water from the spring on the evening of 23 June, the night of Sankt Hans, and spend the night by Helene’s grave. Stretched out on the ground, they would drink the water and await the first light of morning, when healing was said to arrive with the dawn. These midsummer rituals blend Christian saintly devotion with much older ideas about sacred springs and powerful landscape spots. The combination of the grave, the spring and the coastal setting has long made Tisvildeleje a place where nature and belief overlap. Even if visitors today come simply out of curiosity, the stories are easy to imagine when standing among the stones in the soft summer twilight.A Simple Stone Monument in a Shifting Landscape
Physically, Helene Grave is understated: a low stone fence forming a rectangle in the grass, with the pair of leaning boulders at its heart. There are no grand sculptures or ornate carvings here, only the texture of weathered stone and the sound of wind traveling in from the sea. This simplicity is part of its appeal; the monument feels more like a fragment of the landscape than a constructed site. The wider area around Tisvildeleje was once threatened by drifting sands that buried farms, roads and even parts of nearby Tibirke Church. Over the 19th century, the planting of the Tisvilde Hegn forest stabilized the dunes and reshaped the coastline’s character. Helene’s tomb survived this transformation and today sits in a patchwork of forest, heath and summer houses, a reminder that the coast has always been both fragile and resilient.Atmosphere Between Sea, Forest and Summer Houses
Walking to Helene Grave, you pass through a quiet residential zone of classic North Zealand summer houses before the landscape opens into low scrub and sandy soil. The grave itself is a small clearing, often filled with the calls of birds, distant surf and the rustle of grasses. On clear days the light can be exceptionally bright, with the white of the stones contrasting against green grass and blue sky. Despite being close to a popular beach destination, the grave usually feels secluded. It is a natural pause point on a stroll between Tisvildeleje town, the beach and the forest paths of Tisvilde Hegn. Some visitors sit on the edge of the stone enclosure to read or reflect, while others simply pass through, tracing a circle around the tomb before heading back towards the dunes.Visiting Respectfully and Making the Most of the Area
There is no formal visitor center at Helene Grave, and the site is open at all hours, so you can experience its atmosphere at sunrise, in bright midday light or during the long Nordic summer evenings. A simple information board may provide basic background, but most of the experience comes from combining what you see with the local legends you bring in your mind. The location is ideal to pair with a walk to Helene Spring, the nearby Troldeskoven “Troll Forest” with its wind-twisted pines, or the wide sands of Tisvildeleje Beach. Taken together, these places form a small circuit of nature, history and myth that gives a deeper understanding of why this corner of North Zealand has been considered special for so long.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Auderødlejren
8.5 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.
Kulsvierstenen
16.9 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.
Kirppu Hillerød
18.7 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.
Skänk øl, vin & madbar Hillerød
19.8 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
19.8 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
19.9 km
Discover the Befrielsessten in Høgsholt, Vejle—a serene memorial park honoring Denmark's journey to freedom amidst lush landscapes.
Hillerød St.
20.3 km
North Zealand's essential transport hub connecting Copenhagen, regional destinations, and Frederiksborg Castle.
Country Market
21.5 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.
LegeJunglen
24.4 km
Discover LegeJunglen in Slangerup: An indoor playground paradise with slides, trampolines, and jungle-themed fun for kids of all ages, ensuring a memorable family day out, rain or shine.
Hornbæk Batteri
24.9 km
WWII coastal fortress commanding the Øresund strait from Denmark's dramatic northern cliffs.
Kongedyssen
26.0 km
A 5,400-year-old passage grave nestled in ancient forest, connecting modern visitors to Neolithic burial traditions.
Gerlevparkens Venner
27.3 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.
Roskilde Fjord
27.6 km
Discover Roskilde Fjord: A blend of Viking history, serene landscapes, and outdoor adventures awaits in this captivating Danish destination, easily accessible from Copenhagen.
Drive in Put and Take
29.8 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.
Danish Museum of Science and Technology
30.0 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Helene Spring
0.7 km
Denmark's legendary healing spring hidden within an ancient twisted-pine forest.
Tisvildeleje
1.0 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.
Tisvildeleje Beach
1.7 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.
Kaprifolievej strand
1.9 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.
Tisvilde Hegn
3.3 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.
Vejby Strand
3.9 km
Clifftop summerhouses, narrow sands and wide Kattegat horizons on North Zealand’s quietly dramatic coast.
Asserbo Charterhouse
4.3 km
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.
Heather Hill (Rågelejevej), Vejby
4.9 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.
Stængehus Beach, Nude Area
5.5 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.
Havtyren
8.7 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
8.7 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
9.9 km
Atmospheric medieval castle ruins set in peaceful North Zealand wetlands, echoing royal intrigue, dramatic history, and serene Danish landscapes near Gilleleje.
Esthers Have
13.3 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
13.8 km
Regenerative farm-to-table dining and woodland retreats in North Zealand's countryside.
Gilbjerg Hoved
13.8 km
Wind-swept cliffs, migrating birds and Kierkegaard’s contemplative coast converge at this compact, protected headland on the Kattegat just west of Gilleleje.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Ellegården
15.7 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
17.6 km
Unpretentious Danish burgers and flæskesteg sandwiches at budget-friendly prices in central Hillerød.
Skovgrillen
18.9 km
Classic Danish grill bar near Frederiksborg’s forests, serving hearty burgers, flæskestegsburgers and the legendary Taxa burger at budget-friendly prices.
Big Mamma Gastronomia
18.9 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
19.2 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
19.2 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.
Royal Taste
19.3 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
19.3 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
19.3 km
Casual pizzeria serving Italian, Mexican, and American fare in central Hillerød with friendly service and extended hours.
Rib House
19.4 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
19.4 km
Straightforward pizzas and burgers on Hillerød’s main street, serving solid comfort food from lunchtime until late on weekend nights.
Café Valentin
19.5 km
All‑day Danish café on Hillerød’s main street, blending generous brunches, comfort food and cocktails with a lively terrace near Frederiksborg Castle.
9-Ni Sushi
19.5 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.
Gonzales Cantina
19.6 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.
Frederiksborgcentret's Restauranter ApS
19.7 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Frederiksborgcentret's Restauranter ApS in Hillerød.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Plantorama Hillerød
18.5 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
19.4 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
19.4 km
Curated vintage and retro treasures near Frederiksborg Castle since 1996.
Boutique Munck
19.5 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Hillerød, blending curated Nordic fashion, warm styling advice and a relaxed, local neighborhood feel.
ØnskeBørn
19.5 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.
Søs Tre
19.5 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
19.5 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
19.6 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
19.6 km
Neighbourhood-style women’s fashion and lingerie on historic Slotsgade, offering Scandinavian everyday elegance a short stroll from Hillerød’s castle and lake.
Men's Shop
19.6 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
19.6 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.
Tøjeksperten
19.6 km
Straightforward men’s style in Hillerød’s main mall, offering wearable brands, practical basics and smarter looks in a compact, weatherproof setting.
Idé nyt
19.6 km
Contemporary fashion boutique inside Hillerød’s covered Slotsarkaderne arcade, blending everyday Scandinavian style with a relaxed, browse-friendly atmosphere.
Jan Ehlers
19.6 km
Established family-run jeweler and watch specialist on Hillerød’s Slotsgade, blending modern boutique style with goldsmith craftsmanship and curated Danish design.
Designersmarket
19.6 km
A stylish women’s fashion boutique inside Hillerød’s SlotsArkaderne, blending Scandinavian-inspired looks, wardrobe staples and accessories in a relaxed mall setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Møllen
19.5 km
A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.
The Old Irish Pub
19.7 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
19.8 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
19.9 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
20.3 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
30.6 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
Gefion Bodega
31.3 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
12`er Pubben
31.4 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
32.3 km
Relaxed Danish bar offering casual drinks and friendly conversation in historic Helsingør.
Head/Foam
32.7 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.
Axelhus Udeservering
32.8 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.
Helsingør Musikteater
32.8 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Hold-An
32.8 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
32.8 km
Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.
Pitten Sport Bar
32.9 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- 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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly