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
Save it!
You’ve just showed me how much more i have to discover from Denmark. Amazing! Thanks for the list.
Thanks Laura! You would love Northern Denmark – it’s the most beautiful part of Denmark. Definitely come back 🙂
Denmark is one of my favourite countries although I’ve yet to venture to this bit, it looks beautiful!
You have something to look forward to, Becky. The North is incredible! Let me know if you need any tips on what to see if you make it there!
I’m sold. The next time I’m traveling in Europe, I’m going to visit Denmark.
Fantastic, Samuel, you won’t regret it! When you’re in the area, let me know if you need any recommendations – I’d be happy to help.
Hi Miriam. Just saw a reference to your site in the Globe and Mail weekend paper in Toronto Canada. My husband and I will arrive in Copenhagen mid Sept for 3 nights and then on to Aarhus to visit with my nephew and his family. We have booked accommodation but would appreciate any tips on eating out and seeing the sites. Our Canadian dollar has dropped substantially recently so any info would be appreciated. While in Aarhus we plan to take my nephew, his wife and two small children out either for lunch or a childrens activity. The children are boys aged 3 and almost 1 Any suggestions would be appreciated From Aarhus we will go to Amsterdam where we have booked accommodation but would appreciate any tips you might have Thanks
Hi Katherine, I’m glad to hear that you’ll be visiting Denmark – and I’m especially excited that you’re adding Aarhus to your itinerary – this is my hometown. Regarding things to see in Aarhus, you should visit: Aros (art museum with a circular walkway in glass in all the colours of rainbows. It’s super fun for kids), Den Gamle By (The old town), Marselisborg castle, Moesgård museum, Tivoli, Strøget (for shopping), Aarhus Cathedral and the court hose. As for food – are you looking for traditional Danish food or will International food be ok, too? Because we mostly have the latter.
Last summer, my friend and I ate at blå ishuset many times! If I may, I’d like to suggest a couple places that we enjoyed for you to also explore. In Mygdal, there is a potter who also sells bottles of Vikingblud, and an amber jeweler. In Bindslev, there are the gammle Elværk and fisketrappen. The hyggelig ‘keeper’s cottage’ belongs to a lovely older couple, both are artists. Drop in to see their paintings!
I love Denmark and her people; I hope I can return again soon!
Hi Sherri, thanks so much for the tips! I’m planning a trip to North Jutland this autumn and again in the winter so your recommendations are much appreciated!
We are thinking of moving just outside Aalborg from the UK.
What was it like growing up as i have 2 children?x
Denmark is a lovely place to grow up, especially Jutland (but I might be biased 🙂 ). You have beautiful nature up north, the pace is slower and people are more down to earth than in Copenhagen. Did you or your husband get a job here since you’re thinking of moving?
Hi Miriam
Thank you for your blog!
The summehouse looks amazing. Would you have the name of a website to find this specific house (or similar ones)?
We will spend 1.5 weeks in Denmark this summer and are looking for a nice summer house.
Best regards,
Ben
Hi Ben,
North Jutland is definitely the place to rent a summer house! Ours was old and a bit far away from everything so I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it. Some great places are Løkken, Blokhus, Tornby, Skiveren, Sæby, Skallerup Klit, Tversted, Bratten beach – and Skagen of course. You might find some summer houses on this site: https://www.touristonline.dk/en But you’d probably find more by googling – there are many other sites. You should book asap because they’re high in demand.
Best from Denmark, and have a great trip!
Hi Miriam, i just came across your blog, we are an Indian family travelling to Denmark (July 12 to 26 2017) from Dubai, this being our first trip, we would love to have some tips on visiting places. We are travelling with our son 10 year old and daughter 6 year old.
We are planning to visit Copenhagen, Frederikshavn, Aalborg, Aarhus, Billund Legoland, Odense.
Your suggestions/tips, are all welcome regarding places to visit, food, weather 🙂
Thank you in advance
Hi Kripa John,
Welcome to Denmark! 🙂 I wrote this post last year that covers some of the places you’re going: https://adventurousmiriam.com/road-trip-in-denmark/
If I were you, I’d spend most time in Copenhagen, Odense, Aarhus and Frederikshavn (Legoland/Billund – just 1 day). There’s not much to see in Frederikshavn, but it’s a great base to explore Northern Denmark!
OMG! You have been a life saver and given me so much wonderful information! I will be in Denmark for 5 days and want to see as much as I possibly can! From Copenhagen, I want to explore Funen, Odense, Ribe, Vadelhavet, Mogeltonder, Sonderborg, Tornby, Aarhus and Saeby (as per a few of your road trip blog posts). Is this too much?? Do you suggest another itinerary??
Thank you!!
Judith
Thanks so much, Judith!
Well, anything is possible if you have a car 🙂 You schedule will be SUPER tight, but it’s doable. If you want to skip some of the places, I recommend leaving out Sønderborg and Møgeltønder. Also, Tornby and Sæby is very far from Copenhagen, so although those places are amazing I think you should save them for another time perhaps.
You can do it like this:
Day 1: Copenhagen
Day 2: Funen (Odense) (spend the night in Odense)
Day 3: Sønderborg, Ribe, Vadehavet, Møgeltønder (spend the night in Ribe)
Day 3: Aarhus (Spend the night in Aarhus)
Day 4: Aarhus (Spend the night in Aarhus)
Day 5: Drive back to Copenhagen (4 hours by car).
I go on a road trip with my son every summer (5th time this year & he’s only 12); Denmark has been on my list for some time; It’s an 8h drive for us (we’re from Belgium) and I only get 4 days from my wife 🙂
Next year I’ll negociate for 5 days and come to Denmark. Your blogs are extremely helpful to plan ahead, a great mix of nature, beautiful towns, beaches and culture; which is what we try to do every year.
Since my son is fascinated by everything from World War II (we did Normandy 2 years ago), can you recommend some locations to visit e.g. where the bunkers are best preserved?
Thanks a lot for sharing this!
Hi Jimmy, what a great idea! You’ll find the best preserved bunkers by the Western Sea. There are a lot at White Sands (south Denmark) and up North in Løkken, Blokhus and further north towards Skagen.
Have an amazing trip!
thanks for the info. My wife and I are travelling to danmark this sept. Weve been many times but never alone. my wife is Danish, so its always good to read about new perspectives.Hygge is Danmarks GREATEST resource and should be sought out everywhere you go. Thanks
Thanks so much for commenting, Paul & Mona. I hope you’ll have an amazing trip to Denmark this September with a lot of hygge 🙂