Lejre - Legendary kings, Viking life and nature
Steeped in history, Lejre offers an abundance of unique nature and delicious organic foods.
Lejre is close to the big city, making it an excellent choice for a getaway. Explore the Viking halls of Denmark’s mythical kings at Lejre Museum, live like a Viking at the Land of Legends Lejre or visit Egholm Castle to see its extensive collection of weapons.
Don’t forget to breathe in the country air and enjoy the wonderful natural surroundings that helped make Lejre part of Skjoldungernes Land National Park. Go for a peaceful walk along the paths of Skjoldungestierne, which lead through grasslands and undulating hills, or enjoy the rush of biking on the many cycling routes or challenging MTB trails in Bidstrup Forests.
Be sure to stop by one of the area’s local breweries or farm shops, where you can load up on healthy organic foods and enjoy a home-brewed beer.
Top attractions in Lejre
Click on the attractions below for more information.
Egholm Museum in Hornsherred – 1,500 m² of History from the 1600s to World War II
Explore 1,500 m² of fascinating exhibits at Egholm Museum – weapons, vehicles, and everyday life from the 1600s to World War II. A perfect outing for the whole family.
Fjordlandet Outdoor – Guided Nature Experiences in Skjoldungernes Land National Park
Lejre Land of Legends – Experience 13,000 Years of Danish History
Step into living Danish history – from the Stone Age and Viking Age to 19th-century farming life. Visit Lejre Land of Legends and feel history come alive.
Lejre Museum
Visit Lejre Museum and discover the Viking Age’s centre of power and royal seat – not just for one king, but for over 500 years!
Restaurant Fasaneriet - The Pheasantry
Take a seat at The Pheasantry, set in the beautiful landscape of Skjoldungernes Land National Park. Enjoy delicious food with views of Ledreborg Palace.
Skoemagerkroen - Inn
Step inside a historic Danish inn from 1521 and enjoy local dishes, cosy surroundings and authentic atmosphere.
Herslev Bryghus – Organic Farm Brewery and Restaurant Øl & Mad
Visit Herslev Bryghus – an organic farm brewery 30 mins from Copenhagen. Enjoy craft beer from the tap, local food at ØL & MAD, the farm shop and the beauty of the Fjordland.
Hegnsholt Organic Farm & shop
Visit an organic farm in Lejre. Meet the animals, enjoy the countryside, and shop for delicious organic, local produce and freshly baked bread in the farm shop.
Restaurant Herthadalen
Look forward to an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of nature. Enjoy organic dishes made with passion – reserve your table now and soak up the atmosphere.
3 things you might not know about Lejre
1. Mythical kings and Beowulf – The birthplace of Denmark
The birthplace of Denmark is nestled in the hills of the hamlet of Gl. Lejre. Legend has it that Lejre was once the seat of ancient kings, the Scyldingas, who left their traces on the landscape. Here the legendary hero Beowulf fought ferociously to defend King Roar’s royal hall. Mysterious royal halls, ancient passage graves and stone ships invite your imagination to run wild.
2. Denmark’s longest avenue – Ledreborg Allé
Tree-lined Ledreborg Allé, where some trees are over two-hundred years old, is 7 km long and leads to beautiful Ledreborg Palads and its Baroque garden, where open air concerts are held in summer. On the avenue not far from the palace is Maglebro, a granit bridge dating back to 1755 that crosses the Kornerup Å fishpass.
3. Tadre Mill – Last of the historic water mills
Located in the middle of scenic Elverdam Valley, Tadre Mill is the last of 13 water mills that previously existed in the vicinity of Aastrup Manor Estate. The mill is still fully operational and serves as a visitor centre and cultural historical museum.
The myths and legendary kings of Lejre
Lejre Museum is located in beautiful hilly landscape filled with a wealth of history. Just outside the museum are some of Denmark’s most well-preserved prehistoric finds from the Viking Age, for instance a stone ship and the remnants of five ancient royal halls. The area is famous for being home to the Scyldingas, a mythical royal dynasty, and the famed hero Beowulf.
Land of Legends Lejre is for the whole family
There lots of room to play and be yourself. Encounter Stone Age hunters and Viking traders. Grind flour, sail in dugout canoes and shoot with bow and arrow.
Buy organic vegetables, eggs, honey, and meat directly from Stensbølgård – always fresh from field and barn in Fjordlandet.
Where to sleep in Lejre
Enjoy a child- and dog-friendly holiday at Højtoft in Ordrup, where you can experience beautiful Danish countryside, horseback riding, and cosy moments all year round in the scenic municipality of Lejre, just west of Copenhagen.
Step inside a historic Danish inn from 1521 and enjoy local dishes, cosy surroundings and authentic atmosphere.
Experience exclusive meetings in historic surroundings at Sonnerupgaard Estate. 6 unique venues, scenic nature and professional comfort. Create strong results.
Find peace and quiet at a 3-star naturist campsite set in protected natural surroundings by Isefjord, with a beach, bathing jetty and boat jetty. Plan your stay now.
Rent a holiday home in the heart of scenic Fjordland. Feriepartner Fjordlandet helps you find the perfect base for your holiday.
Places to eat in Lejre
Enjoy classic Danish food, a sunset over the fjord, and peace in the heart of Skjoldungernes Land National Park at Gershøj Kro & Strandhotel.
Visit Herslev Bryghus – an organic farm brewery 30 mins from Copenhagen. Enjoy craft beer from the tap, local food at ØL & MAD, the farm shop and the beauty of the Fjordland.
Step inside a historic Danish inn from 1521 and enjoy local dishes, cosy surroundings and authentic atmosphere.
