PASSAGE Festival 2025 featuring André Andersen Solo at Hotel Villa Strand in Hornbæk. Photo: Karsten Piper
Hornbæk Trade and Tourism has joined the Elsinore 2032 association, thereby becoming part of the growing network of local and regional stakeholders working to develop North Zealand as a cohesive cultural and tourist destination region leading up to 2032.
The vision for Elsinore 2032 is for cities and local communities in North Zealand to see themselves as interconnected hubs within a shared network, which together form an attractive destination for both residents and visitors year-round.
Hornbæk Trade and Tourism’s participation in Elsinore 2032 strengthens efforts to connect local initiatives, cultural life, and business across cities—while respecting the identity of each individual place and keeping in mind the shared narrative that extends far beyond 2032.
Hornbæk Trade and Tourism views this membership as an opportunity to both strengthen the town’s local community and actively contribute to a broader regional and European context. A particular focus is on developing cultural activities that benefit local residents and make Hornbæk more attractive even outside the peak summer season.
Christian Linning, chairman of Hornbæk Trade and Tourism, says:
“The association works to bring together the town’s businesses, enthusiasts, and stakeholders to make Hornbæk even more attractive—both for residents and business owners, and for those who visit us year-round. We view membership in Elsinore 2032 as an opportunity to further strengthen this community and develop activities during the shoulder season that create value for both locals and visitors.”
At the same time, he points to a responsibility that extends beyond the city itself:
“For us, membership isn’t just about Hornbæk; it’s about contributing to something bigger. Elsinore 2032 provides a framework for thinking in a spirit of solidarity and with a long-term perspective across cities, local communities, and borders. Culture is a common European language, and in this regard, smaller towns and coastal communities also have something important to contribute.”
Jens Frimann Hansen, Chair of Elsinore 2032, highlights Hornbæk’s unique role in the regional context:
“Hornbæk has grown from a historic fishing village into a prominent coastal and cultural destination, while maintaining close ties to Elsinore and the rest of the region through infrastructure, the workforce, and cultural life. For generations, the town has had a special ability to attract artists, creative communities, and city dwellers seeking proximity to nature, light, and a different pace of life. This is a quality that is important to the entire cultural ecosystem of North Zealand.”
This membership coincides with the Ministry of Culture’s announcement of the national competition to become the European Capital of Culture 2032, in which Denmark is participating alongside Bulgaria. In this context, Minister of Culture Jakob Engel-Schmidt has called for courage and innovative thinking:
“I hope to see some unexpected candidates in the mix. Although the larger cities have traditionally been included, it would be wonderful to also showcase Denmark’s villages, island communities, or something entirely different to the world.”
