Nivå Camping & Cottages — Hotel in Fredensborg Municipality

First impressions were ok, the staff was friendly enough, we just found it a bit peculiar that the owners insisted on escorting us to our pitch spot. But ok, the spot was nice...

Until a train passed by. And then another. And another. Roughly every 15 minutes. And roughly every hour during the night.

We went to eat out at a nice restaurant on the harbour. When we got back, the entrance to the campsite was blocked with a barrier. No nightman, no instructions on how to get in, the bar was simply padlocked shut. Luckily, the owner's cabin was just nearby so we asked him if he could let us in. He refused, saying that the barrier closes at 22:00. It was 22:05.

The next morning I expressed my concerns with the owner's wife, telling her how we were rudely dismissed by her husband the night before and were forced to park outside and how we were surprised that there was even a barrier policy in the first place (no one had told us about this during check-in).

I told her I was not comfortable with this setup and would like to shorten our stay. Not being able to enter the campsite during the night is a nuisance. But not being able leave is unsettling to say the least.

Not a sorry or a sign of concern for an unsatisfied customer leaving early. She simply said "yes, I think it's best that you leave today. But remember to checkout before eleven!"

Apparently, padlocking the campsite serves a dual purpose for the benefit of all: safety and quietness. When I questioned the safety part, pointing out that a locked steel barrier may become an issue in case of an emergency evacuation, she asked me if I was stupid.

Unfortunately nothing can be done about the noisy train which haunts the campsite, but the owners could truly benefit from a lesson or two in...

Very well organized, relaxed and spacious green hideaway surrounded by a dense belt of trees on all sides. Great trampoline and play area for children.

Owners are nice but have their own special set of rules. We arrived after 10 pm and ended up setting our tent up on the lawn outside the premises as there is no way in for late arrivals, apparently. Fine with us, as we didn't have to pay for the night either.

Also it is a bit tricky to charge your devices if you don't have an adapter for the CEE camping outlets and pay for electricity. Our neighbor told us the owner had removed his phone when he charged it at another neighbors adapter cord because he had not registered to pay for the energy it was using. We then asked the owner where to charge and he pointed to the bathroom. The next morning my powerbank and charger were gone. The owners don't believe there are thieves but "sometimes things disappear .." The solution? - "Sit next to your charger...

I was so lucky to have booked a small, basic camping hut to chill out after a few busy days exploring Copenhagen. Niva is a comfortable 30 minute train ride (the train service is so regular and reliable) and an easy 1,3 km walk from the station. The campsite is so beautiful and surrounded by forests for walking and cycling and very near a picturesque harbour and lovely flat coast road with designated cycle lanes for taking in the sea air. Eva and Bent were SO kind and accommodating we were very sad to have to leave. Our hut was so quaint and well equipped (water available from the spotless ablution block nearby) bed packs, bikes, wifi and hot shower water were all very reasonably priced as was the accommodation, even for us struggling to travel with the beleaguered SA Rand. We were able to explore Hilsingor and also relax in the peaceful surrounds. Thank you so much...