Why magical Blåvand should be on your radar

During my University years, I worked as a caregiver for the elderly.

One of my clients was a 100-year-old woman, who each summer defied her age and went to a place called Blåvand. She had been going there for years and her eyes always lit up talking about it.

I was by her side, holding her hand, when she passed away a few years later, but I never forgot her stories about how lovely Blåvand was. 

Many years passed, and then one day Thomas, his mother and I decided to take a Denmark road trip. When we got to Blåvand, I finally understood what she meant. It is very special.

If you’re wondering if you should visit Blåvand Denmark or what to do there, this post is for you. I’ve listed all the main activities and facts, so you can have an amazing trip just like we did. 

What’s in Blåvand Denmark?

Blåvand is Danish for blue water. And if you look at any of the pictures in this post, you’ll see how it got that name.

Blåvand is mainly known for its calm and shallow water, which is not at all common for the North Sea (it’s usually wild, untamed, and windy).

Add to the fact that it’s surrounded by children-friendly, snow-white beaches and pretty vast dunes.

All of this makes Blåvand Denmark perfect for families or anyone, really, who likes the dramatic and unspoiled nature of the North Sea, but without the strong current. 

Read next: 12 best beaches in Denmark

Things to do in Blavand, Denmark

Blåvandshuk (Blåvand beach)

When we got to Blåvand, we went straight to Blåvandshuk. It’s the most western point in Denmark and is marked by a huge lighthouse.

From Blåvandshuk, a shallow sandy reef called Horns Reef reaches about 40 km into the North Sea. This almost forms a lagoon and is the reason why the water is so unusually calm. 

Climb Blåvand fyr (lighthouse)

Blåvand fyr is a must-visit if you’re in the area. It’s a 39 m tall lighthouse that warns the ships about the hidden reef Horns Rev.

Sailors used to fear these waters because of the many shipwrecks that happened here before the lighthouse was built in 1900.

We climbed the 170 steps to the top of the lighthouse and were rewarded with a fantastic view of the surrounding dunes, small wooden cottages, and the North Sea.

You can see all the way out to the offshore wind parks 30 km from the coast when the weather is clear. Just like today.

Entrance fees:

Children 0-2 years: FREE
Children: 3-11 years – 20 DKK/ $3
Adults: 40 DKK/ $5.8

Visit the Tirpitz bunker

Blåvand is also a hotspot for bunkers.

During WWII, more than 200 concrete bunkers were built for Nazi soldiers along the Danish coast. One of the world’s largest bunkers was the Tirpitz Bunker.

It measures 7,500 square feet and is located in Blåvand. It sat empty for many years until it recently was transformed into the Blåvand Bunker Museum.

You enter the bunker through an underground exhibition tunnel from Tirpitz. While you’re there, you can also see exhibitions with information about the Atlantic Wall (an extensive system of coastal defense built by Nazi Germany) and the largest collection of amber in Denmark.

Blåvand was one of the most heavily defended areas along the Danish west coast. So if you walk along the beach, you can’t help but notice more bunkers. 

Blåvand camping

You already know that I love camping. 

It reminds me in many ways of Denmark: down to earth and super hyggeligt. It’s the kind of experience that can be wonderful in any kind of weather because if it rains, you’ll just stay inside with a candle & snacks and hear the rain pounding on the roof.

Now, that’s Danish hygge in its essence. 

A lot of Germans visit Blåvand Denmark, and most of them stay at Hvidbjerg Strand Resort. It’s a campsite with camping (obviously), cabins, beach villas and a hotel. They also have a spa with wellness and treatments. 

If you decide to stay here, make sure to book well in advance. It’s quite popular, especially during high season (July and August).

Henne Strand & Henne Mølle Å Badehotel

We also went on a trip to Henne Strand, which is about 20 minutes drive north of Blåvand Denmark.

What’s so special about Henne is that it’s one of the most popular beaches on this stretch of the North Sea, but it never really gets crowded here.

So, basically, this is the perfect place to soak in the North Sea vibe, the vast dunes, and the overall feeling of wilderness. 

Henne Mølle Å Badehotel

This is also where you can find Henne Mølle Å Badehotel. It was built in 1936 by no less than Poul Henningsen, an iconic Danish architect and designer. His designs are very famous here, especially the PH lamps. 

You might remember I went to Bornholm two years ago and stayed at a traditional Danish beach hotel (like this one in Henne).

If not, you can read about it here. Denmark’s beach hotels (badehoteller) are a never-ending mix of great food, waves, wellness, and an empty agenda. They’re the perfect place for a unique seaside break in Denmark.

Although we didn’t spend the night at Henne Mølle Å Badehotel, we got to taste their organic Danish summer food. Let’s just say, I wouldn’t mind coming back for an extended stay.

Nearby amazing sights

Whether you plan to stay for a while or just travel though, there are other nearby sights worth a visit. Like Ribe and the Wadden Sea.

Ribe

Ribe is not only the oldest town in Scandinavia, but it’s also easily one of Denmark’s loveliest spots to soak up some history.

Its charming half-timbered 16th-century houses are overseen by the country’s oldest cathedral. Definitely worth a visit.

The Wadden Sea

In the Wadden Sea (in Danish, National Park Vadehavet), the North Sea floods the mud flats with seawater twice a day.

When the tide is low, you can drive or take tractor-bus rides to offshore islands and watch harbor seals on the sandbanks.

Planning to visit Blåvand Denmark? Ask me anything in the comments!

More posts about Denmark you might like

• Must-see:  25 best places to visit in Denmark
• Summer: Summer in Denmark: 25 amazing activities
• Winter: Winter in Denmark: 15 hygge cold-weather activities
• Beaches: 12 best beaches in Denmark
• Nature: 12 mind-blowing places for nature in Denmark
• Camping: Camping in Denmark for beginners
• Wild camping: The ultimate guide to wild camping in Denmark
• UNESCO sites: Experience the 7 UNESCO sites in Denmark
• Danish food: 20 amazing dishes you must try in Denmark

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