12 best things to do in North Jutland, Denmark

Looking for the best things to do in North Jutland? Let me help.

Denmark is my home and birthplace.

I grew up in the Central Jutland Region, but my parents are from North Jutland, so we spent all our summers up there when I was a kid.

I love to return because the area has so many good memories, and I always seem to be surprised by the beauty and unique landscape.

Stick around and I’ll share the best things to see in North Denmark!

Things to do in North Jutland Denmark

North Jutland is not only the most beautiful part of Denmark. It also packs a bunch when it comes to activities, attractions, nature, and history.

You’ll find things to do all year round, but I prefer Denmark in the summer, spring or autumn where the weather is warmer and daylight is longer.

Read next: The best time to visit Denmark

Costs

You probably already know that Denmark is not the cheapest country in the world. I’m not about to argue that fact because it is quite expensive.

But, most of the attractions in North Jutland, Denmark are actually free (yes, you heard me right). In fact, The Blue Ice Cream House is the only thing on this list that isn’t free!

How to get around

You can get around by train or bus. But if it’s possible, I advise you to go by car so you’ll have more freedom and can make stops along the way.

Read next: How to rent a car in Denmark

Where to stay

Skagen is the most expensive, but probably also one of the best places to base yourself in North Jutland.

If you’re looking for a less expensive and slightly bigger city, stay in Frederikshavn or Aalborg (which is further away though!).

If you’re the camping type, stay at a campsite or rent a summer house or cottage. To save money, you can cook your own food.

Read next: 30 unique places to visit in Denmark

The best outdoors activities in North Jutland

1. Blokhus beach

Blokhus has really fine white sand, and on a good day when the wind is just right, the sea is calm, clear, and not too deep.

The beach is about 100 meters wide and has big dunes.

Many beaches by the North Sea let you drive your car right onto the sand. At Blokhus, you can pack your car and drive it to the beach.

2. Palm Beach in Frederikshavn

The Palm Beach in Frederikshavn is an exotic oasis with something no other beach in Denmark has – palm trees and white seashells.

Every summer, around 70 palm trees are imported from the Canary Islands and set on the 400-metre beach to create a tropical scenery. 

Palm Beach is a child-friendly beach equipped with loungers and parasols, and you’ll also find volleyball nets and a little ice cream hut nearby. 

3. Råbjerg Mile desert

That’s right. We do actually have our very own desert in Denmark.

At Råbjerg Mile, there’s a somewhat huge dune area where you can get that Middle Eastern desert feeling. Sort of.

4. World War II bunkers and the North Sea

The West Coast and the Northern Sea are really something.

Compared to the rest of Denmark, the water is colder here, it’s windier and you have to be extra careful of current. 

It has a special ring to it… The many German bunkers from World War II… The large dunes and rough waves… The taste of salt you get on your lips.

5. Tversted ice creams (Det Blå Ishus)

Danes like ice cream from The Blue Ice Cream House in Tversted. A lot.

Some say they have the best ice creams in Denmark here, but I honestly like the ones in Fjellerup better.

Some of the most stunning lakes and forests in Denmark are also in the North. For me, Tversted Lakes are some of the most relaxing forests, perfect for long bike rides and picnics.

6. Sæby

Another little Jutlandic pearl is Sæby.

It’s a very small town and basically the quintessence of the Danish idyll, which makes it one of the best things to do in Jutland.

Sæby has a lovely beach, fresh seafood restaurants, and charming half-timbered houses.

7. Rebild Hills

Rebild Bakker has some of the best nature in Denmark. You can find heathlands all over, but Rebild National Park really stands out.

Go there in August to see the heather bloom; it’s a great time for a picnic or a walk in the purple scenery.

Rebild is also perfect for outdoor fun like biking, hiking, or fishing.

8. Skagen

The most popular place in North Jutland is Skagen. For that reason, it’s very touristy, but it does deserve the hype.

Skagen is a lovely little town where two clashing seas meet. If you walk out to Grenen, you can actually stand with each of your feet in a different sea (Kattegat and Skagerak).

Skagen is also popular for its Skagen painters from the 1880s. The most prominent Skagen artists are the Danish painters Anna and Michael Ancher and P.S. Krøyer.

If you’re interested, you can see a collection of their paintings at Skagens Museum.

9. The sand-covered church

Just south of Skagen is the Sand-covered Church.

It was built in the 14th century, but around 1600 sand began to bury the church faster than the townspeople could dig it out. 

By the late 1700s, the door was almost completely covered and had to be dug out regularly just to hold services.

The sand-covered church is free to visit and definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.

10. Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse

On the opposite coast by the Western Sea is the fascinating Rubjerg Knude.

The lighthouse tower is 23 meters high, and when it was built in 1900 there were no large dunes around it.

As time went by though, the sea moved in closer and now the lighthouse is standing alarmingly close to the edge.

11. Løkken

You’ll find some of the best beaches in Løkken, which is located on the West Coast.

During summer, this place really comes alive and it’s the place to find good seafood restaurants, beautiful white dunes, lots of activities for the whole family, and a vibrant and young nightlife.

Løkken is a popular holiday destination for Danes and Germans.

12. Tornby beach

Another of my personal favorites, and a far less known destination, is Tornby Beach.

It’s close to Blokhus and Rubjerg Knude and what makes it great is that it’s not a touristy place.

It’s very small actually and the area is dotted with summer houses. Oh, it’s so beautiful. And that beach….!

Before you go – don’t miss this:

• Denmark Road Trip: 7 amazing self-drive itineraries
• 12 best beaches in Denmark
• The 7 UNESCO sites in Denmark
• 20 Danish dishes you must try in Denmark

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