Classic Danish seaside hotel with a rich past, loaded with “hygge”
Hornbækhus / Hornbæk / Denmark
On the north coast of the Danish island of Sealand, you’ll find the cute little village of Hornbæk. A seaside resort that for many years has been a vacation spot for Copenhagers looking to escape the city for some beach life. A hotel that has been around forever (well, almost) is Hornbækhus. It was built back in 1904 and over the years it has changed owners several times until the current one bought it, renovated it and opened the doors again in 2018, bringing back the flair from beginning of the 20th Century.
The hotel is on a leafy residential street, a stones throw from the beach. It has 36 rooms spread over two floors and plenty of common areas to hang around in. And in Summer there is a large garden where you can sit under the shade of pine trees with a good book. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? At trust me, it is.
The style is very colorful and cheery. Not the atypical Scandi chic style that is so common in this part of the world but a different version of it. Josef Frank, who was working with Svenskt Tenn (a famous interior design store in Stockholm) for many years where he created beautiful prints are used all around Hornbækhus on wallpaper and textiles. This is one of the things that makes this place stand out as something unique.
The beauty that is Hornbaekhus is surrounded by tall pine trees which almost gives a Mediterranean vibe.
A very Autumnal staircase leading up to the entrance of Hornbækhus.
Everywhere you turn when you enter the hotel there are these cozy corners, perfect for a relaxing reading session.
Our cozy room.
The rooms follow the same design principle as the rest of the hotel. I salute all who dare to use bold color in their design.
I love this night stand that is built to look like a stack of books mounted to the wall.
This hairdryer bag is so cute, made of classic Josef Frank patterned fabric.
Even the bathrooms at Hornbækhus are colorful and dare I say, appealing.
A small corner of the hotel. A good example of the colorful furniture and the Josef Frank wallpaper that helps to lift your spirit.
Every evening they offer a “Fællesmiddag” (Communal dinner) where the menu is set and the people around you are new. Relaxed and typical Danish.
There are plenty of cosy seating areas around the hotel where you can relax and enjoy the seaside calm.
I love all these vintage chairs and sofas that have been updated with beautiful textiles by Josef Frank.
A still life in sunset
The local beach, just a short walk from the hotel. Perfect for a walk in all seasons.
M going for an early morning walk along the beach, just before breakfast.
Breakfast time where some pale Autumn light is setting the scene.
A short trip from Hornbaek you’ll find the city of Helsingør and the Kronborg Castle where Hamlet lived (in Shakespear’s story, that is).
Amazing modern art museum Louisiana is just a short drive away and well wort a visit.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…want to experience a traditional way of vacationing, Scandi style, were people from the city booked a room at a beach hotel and stayed the whole Summer. This kind of ambience still lives on in Hornbæk and at Hornbækhus. In line with this tradition, dinner every evening is served communal stay so this place is perfect if you want to get some new Danish friends.
My favorite thing about this place…
…I think I would say that this hotel is so typically Danish. For us Swedes the Danes have always excelled in the art of enjoying life and not taking things so seriously. That feel is ever present at Hornbækhus which makes this a great place to relax and kick back. Perfect for us Swedes. And everyone else, of course!
What not to miss when staying here…
…is the beach! It is a really great beach, regardless what time of year you are here. If you want to venture a little further, world renowned art museum Louisiana is a short drive away and well worth the visit. Especially if the weather isn’t agreeing with you.
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