Travel, taste, experience: Discover Northern Jutland and Thy
At the very top of Denmark, where the land narrows and the sky stretches endlessly, Northern Jutland and Thy open into a region shaped by the wind, the sea and the light. This is where surfboards lean against fisherman’s fences, where forests grow wild beside the dunes, and where small towns still carry traces of artists, seafarers and summer guests from decades past.
It’s a place to breathe deeply. To wander slowly. And to let the rhythm of nature set the pace - whether that means salt in your hair, a warm meal by the harbour, or an unexpected view that makes you pause mid-hike. From the raw beauty of Thy National Park to the soft golden glow of Skagen, here’s your guide to what to eat, explore and experience in Northern Jutland.
Taste
Food in Northern Jutland is all about simplicity and closeness to nature. It’s about knowing where things come from and letting the ingredients do the talking - often pulled from the sea, the forest, or small local producers. You won’t find much fuss here. But you will find quality, care and a quiet kind of pride.
Start in Klitmøller, where Kesses Hus serves up the most delicious pancakes in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Not far away, Hanstholm Madbar might just be the region’s most charming spot to eat with big views, thoughtful cooking and a love for everything local.
In Skagen, head to De 2 Have for Nordic flavours with a front-row seat to where the seas meet. Hyttefadet is an easy stop for fish and chips or a bowl of mussels fresh from the bay.
For something truly out of the ordinary, book a table at Isbunkeren near Kandestederne, a one-of-a-kind restaurant set inside a former bunker. Atmospheric and unforgettable.
Experience
The real magic of Northern Jutland and Thy isn’t just in what you see - it’s in what you feel. There’s something grounding about this region. Something that invites you to put your phone away, pull on a sweater, and just be where you are.
Thy National Park is the perfect place to begin. Denmark’s oldest national park stretches across heathlands, forests, and dunes, offering a real sense of wilderness. Climb the stairs of Lodbjerg Fyr for a view that takes your breath away and walk out to the cliffs, where the wind does the rest. For a shorter stroll, the Thagaard Plantage trail is a personal favourite: forest, big skies, and one of the best mid-hike viewpoints around.
Want even more silence? From the top of Isbjerg, in the heart of Hanstholm Wildlife Reserve, the world opens into heath and wild moorlands. Come in September and you might hear the distant roar of red deer - nature at its most cinematic.
Back in town, Skagens Museum and Anchers Hus offer a window into the region’s artistic past. See the works of P.S. Krøyer and Anna and Michael Ancher, painted under the very light that still floods these streets today. Along the way, keep an eye out for local galleries, ceramic studios and farm shops - the kind of places that invite you to slow down and bring a little piece of the north home.
In Klitmøller, the laid-back surf town also known as Cold Hawaii, the mood shifts. Wetsuits dry on fences, bikes lean in the sand, and there’s always time for a paddle or a post-swim coffee. In Løkken, you’ll find North Shore Surf, a beachfront café with board rentals, easygoing vibes and good brews; even if you don’t plan to hit the waves.
Handpicked holiday homes for magical moments
Whether you’re gathering the whole family, chasing waves with friends, or planning a quiet retreat in nature, we’ve selected a few holiday homes that offer something special - from ocean views to forest peace.
- Experience sleek lines, raw nature and front-row sunsets at this architectural gem with a sea view.
- Create space for togetherness in this spacious holiday haven for the big family.
- Immerse yourself in elegant simplicity at this design gem with the dunes at your doorstep.
- Soak in that golden light and enjoy seaside bliss in Old Skagen.
- Feel grounded and tucked away modern home in the forest.
- Unwind in the warmth of this classic holiday home with sauna - ideal after long walks or surf sessions.
Travel
Getting to Northern Jutland is easy - and beautiful. Let the journey become part of your holiday.
If you’re driving from Denmark, follow the west coast northwards. Stop for ice cream and sea breezes in Løkken or Blokhus, and let the road guide you toward quieter landscapes and softer light.
From Germany, take the inland route through Jutland. Stretch your legs with a stay near Djursland or pause around Limfjorden for views, farm shops and hidden lakes. The road to Thy rewards curiosity.
From Norway, the ferry from Larvik or Kristiansand takes you to Hirtshals in Northern Denmark. From there, it’s a short and scenic drive to the beaches of Klitmøller or the dunes of Skagen. Don’t rush. The wind, the sea and the slower pace will meet you there.
Northern Jutland and Thy aren’t loud destinations. They don’t try to impress. But they offer something better: space. Space to breathe, to reconnect, and to settle into a rhythm that’s all your own.
Whether you’re drawn here by surf or silence, by food or forest trails, you’ll leave with something rare: a sense of stillness that stays with you.
