Southeast Jutland: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
Between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea in the west of Denmark lies the region of Jutland. It stretches from the German-Danish border to the Skagerrak in the north. The southeast of Jutland is considered one of the most romantic spots in Northern Europe and has always attracted travelers from all over the world.
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Southeast Jutland - The most beautiful cities
Aarhus
Aarhus on the Jutland Peninsula is Denmark's second-largest city and offers diverse vacation experiences. It is located on the east coast, characterized by fine sandy dune beaches, extensive forest areas, and hilly fjords. Here you will find an enchanting natural paradise for relaxing beach days and active excursions with the whole family. In historic Aarhus, you can expect a cozy small-town atmosphere with attractions within walking distance. Visit the open-air museum Den Gamle By, which showcases life between the end of the 19th century and the 1970s in an entire city district. Travel to the 18th century in the Møllestien alley with colorful houses and blooming rose bushes.
Kolding
High above the city rises Koldinghus Castle from the 13th century, the last royal castle in Jutland. Visit the Royal Danish Collection, the castle church, and the knight's hall. You can learn about the city's eventful history at the Kolding Museum in the Stable Yard. Also worth seeing is the St. Nicholas Church from the early Gothic period with its enchanting carillon. Kolding's city forest Marielund invites you to exciting short hikes or bike tours with its diverse wildlife, old trees, and rare plants. You can easily reach the child-friendly Baltic Sea beaches by bicycle. Buses also go there. Half an hour's drive northwest of Kolding, the famous Legoland Billund attracts visitors with its many attractions.
Silkeborg
Silkeborg is located in the idyllic Lake District about 40 kilometers west of Aarhus, not far from the Danish east coast. The region is celebrated as the most beautiful outdoor paradise of the Nordic country. Blue shimmering lakes like Brassø and Julsø characterize the surroundings of the small town. These invite you to enjoy swimming as well as fishing trips and kayak tours. Varied adventure trails like the Silkeroute lead through the surrounding forest areas. On the 12-kilometer route, you hike through magnificent nature and discover numerous sights. You can visit the Museum Jorn with an extensive art collection from the 20th century. Children love the AQUA Aquarium, where lively otters are the stars.
Horsens
Charming houses from the 18th century line the streets in the center. The Danish Industrial Museum invites visitors to explore former industrial and work techniques on the site of a former power plant. A forge is fired up for visitors. The art museum presents modern Danish works. An exciting detective hunt awaits the young museum visitors. The Caroline Amalie Lund Park, with its playground and various sculptures, is a popular leisure oasis. The New Theater offers performances for both young and old. On the last weekend in August, the European Medieval Festival takes place in the streets and squares of Horsens. Look forward to knight tournaments, street theater, and live music.
Sønderborg
Not far from Flensburg, Sonderburg is a popular destination for weekend trips and short vacations. Many of the attractions are located in the charming old town, which is on the island of Als. There, the harbor promenade lined with colorful house facades invites you to stroll. You can also visit Sonderburg Castle with the art history museum. Sonderburg also offers many highlights for nature lovers. A wonderful way to explore the coastal landscape of southeastern Denmark is by bike tours with the whole family. In the region characterized by blue water and green forests, you will discover a wealth of animals and plants. These include blooming orchids, protected tree frogs, and kingfishers.
Haderslev
Stroll through the cozy old town with its many colorful houses from the 17th to 19th centuries towards the cathedral. The cathedral, built in the 13th century, is considered the most beautiful Gothic church in Denmark. Its rich interior shines with an impressive triumphal cross from around 1300, masterful historical portraits, and artistic epitaphs. The Haderslev Museum presents exciting archaeological finds. The city's vibrant cultural history is also entertainingly depicted. Visit the Schleswig Carriage Collection in the halls of a former cloth factory. Beautiful walking paths, a rose garden, as well as great playgrounds and a pedal boat rental await you in the park around the 6 km long Haderslev Dam reservoir.
Christianfeld
Christiansfeld has a special feature, as the small town was designed as a planned city in the late 18th century. This is reflected in the straight arrangement of the streets with a cohesive cityscape. Even the settlement of the Moravian Church, which is the origin of the town's founding, is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Characteristic of the townscape are the brick houses that invite you to stroll along the old alleys. From Christiansfeld, trips to the Little Belt are worthwhile, where you can spend a relaxing day on long sandy beaches. The rural surroundings around Christiansfeld, meanwhile, offer perfect conditions for cycling tours.
Jelling
The two giant burial mounds, the runestones erected by kings in the 10th century, and the Jelling Church from the 11th century mark the transition from paganism to Christianity. On one runestone, the oldest mention of Denmark on Danish soil can be seen. The Romanesque church houses the remains of King Gorm the Old. At the Kongernes Experience Center, you can learn the exciting history of the Vikings and the monuments of that time. Through digital binoculars, you can see the townscape of Jelling as it was 1,000 years ago. A trip to the nearby Fårup Lake is a must. Here you can hike, cycle, and paddle boat to your heart's content.