Explore North Jutland, Denmark
Why Visit?
For fans of Danish TV dramas, it’s easy to conjure images of a somber country filled with shadowy landscapes and unresolved mysteries. Yet even the most stoic of Scandinavian detectives needs to unwind, and when they do, North Jutland is where they often find refuge. With serene, powder-soft beaches and vibrant seaside towns, this northern peninsula offers a welcome escape from the pervasive Nordic noir. The unique golden light here has drawn artists since the 19th century, and in recent years, the region has blossomed into a haven for innovative Scandinavian cuisine. Aalborg serves as the gateway to this picturesque area, conveniently accessible via direct flights from Gatwick (Norwegian.com).
What to Do
Skagen, with its charming fishermen’s cottages, engaging art galleries, and bustling marina, stands as the Scandinavian counterpart to St Ives. Don’t miss the Skagen Museum (skagensmuseum.dk), which showcases the works of local painters who flourished here. At Grenen, a narrow sandspit where the Baltic Sea kisses the North Sea, you can literally stand with one foot in each body of water. Meanwhile, Aalborg is reinventing its waterfront into a vibrant cultural center. Here, you’ll find the Utzon Center (utzoncenter.dk) dedicated to architecture and design, the striking Musikkens Hus concert hall (musikkenshus.dk), and the inviting Aalborg Havnebad, a lido nestled in the fjord.
Where to Stay
For an ideal seaside retreat, consider Hotel Plesner in Skagen. This delightful establishment embodies classic Scandinavian design, offering supremely comfortable beds, with doubles starting at £95 (hotelplesner.dk).
Where to Eat
Mortens Kro in Aalborg is the restaurant that firmly placed North Jutland on the culinary map (mortenskro.dk). However, it faces stiff competition from the charming Svinkløv Badehotel, tucked away behind the dunes in Fjerritslev (svinkloev-badehotel.dk), and the inviting Restaurant de 2 Have in Skagen (restaurantde2have.dk).
Insider Tip
Ninna Seerup from Visit Denmark recommends a visit to the Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse. “This is truly last-chance tourism,” she says, noting that rising sand dunes loom over the lighthouse, slowly engulfing it. “In just a few years, it might be gone, with only its top visible.”
Take a Break
Home: Words in Nature at Nidderdale
This summer, a new literary festival in the Yorkshire Dales will honor the art of nature writing. Niddfest promises an exciting lineup, featuring readings from acclaimed poets such as Carol Ann Duffy and Gillian Clarke, along with activities like moorland safaris, fairy hunts, foraging expeditions, and birdwatching walks. Set against the stunning backdrop of Upper Nidderdale valley, the festival will run from July 24-26 (niddfest.com).
Away: Adventure Holidays in Italy
This summer, UTracks, a European activity holiday specialist, has launched an exciting array of new trips in Italy. One standout option is a family-friendly adventure that takes you from Rome to Amalfi over eight days. This captivating itinerary includes a hike up Mount Vesuvius, a scenic boat trip to Capri, and a fun pizza-making class. Open to children aged eight and older, each excursion is led by a knowledgeable local guide. Packages start at £950 for adults and £870 for children (utracks.com).
