The beaches of Jutland are popular places to spend a summer day in Denmark.
When wanderlust strikes, travelers often dream of jetting off to globally recognized cities, often overlooking lesser-known destinations that offer a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty every bit as good.
That’s often the case in Denmark, where the capital city Copenhagen dominates tourism brochures. Copenhagen is well worthy of a visit, of course. But by only staying in Denmark’s capital city, you miss out on a lot of traditional Danish culture.
Denmark is small enough to get around quickly, so a visit to the Jutland peninsula on mainland Denmark is well worth your time. From its deep Viking Age roots to the global home of Lego, the Jutland peninsula offers something for all the family.
Why visit Jutland, Denmark?
The best reason to visit Jutland—known in Danish as Jylland—is to dive deep into the roots of the nation and unearth its Viking history. Jutland is full of tales of Norse gods, epic battles, and historic settlements, proving a treasure trove for history buffs.
While lacking the dramatic scale of other Nordic beauty spots, Jutland does provide visitors with a diverse range of natural attractions. From its sprawling coastline to dense forests and expansive heaths, the region is a haven for those who cherish the outdoors and seek refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life.
While cities like Copenhagen are flooded with tourist attractions, Jutland offers a more authentic Danish experience.
'Den Gamle By' is an old town museum in Aarhus, Denmark.
Here, one can savor the traditional cuisine, engage with local festivals, and understand the genuine warmth—and frankness—of the Danish people.
Must-visit destinations in Jutland
Plan your trip to Jutland to include at least one or two of the bigger cities plus some of the rural or coastal gems.
Aarhus: Often dubbed as the "Cultural Capital" of Denmark, Aarhus boasts a lively arts scene, cutting-edge architecture, and a rich historical background. The ARoS Aarhus Art Museum offers visitors a 360-degree view of the city from its iconic rooftop rainbow panorama. For history enthusiasts, the open-air museum, Den Gamle By, paints an authentic, vivid picture of Danish life from centuries ago.
Aalborg: One of Denmark’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Aalborg is best known for the cobbled streets and half-timbered houses of its medieval old town. But the town also looks to the future, particularly evident in its redeveloped waterfront. The Utzon Center, designed by the renowned architect Jørn Utzon, stands as a modern icon in Aalborg.
Jelling: This historical site features two renowned rune stones, one of which is notably dubbed 'Denmark's birth certificate’, tracing the nation’s shift from paganism to Christianity. Upon declaring Jelling a World Heritage Site, UNESCO stated the rune stones are “striking examples of pagan Nordic culture.”
Jelling was an important Viking Age destination in Denmark.
Other historic highlights include the 12th-century frescoes inside the whitewashed Jelling Church, and the Viking Age burial mounds.
Ribe: Being Denmark's oldest town, Ribe is a journey through time. Its cobblestone streets, well-preserved medieval architecture, and the majestic Ribe Cathedral make it an essential stop. The town also offers a Viking Center where visitors can experience life in a Viking settlement.
Legoland in Billund: Perfect for families or those young at heart, Legoland is a vibrant theme park built almost entirely from Lego bricks. Beyond the colorful displays, it offers rides, shows, and a sneak-peek into the magic of Lego creation. The theme park dominates the town of Billund.
Skagen: Positioned at the northernmost tip of Denmark, the town of Skagen and its fabulous beaches are famed for its distinctive light that has attracted many artists over the years. Its wild landscapes, complemented by yellow houses and unique art galleries, make Skagen a must-visit for artistic souls.
Thy National Park: Denmark's first national park, Thy offers an expansive landscape teeming with wildlife, dunes, and forests. Ideal for hiking, bird-watching, or just a day in nature, this park showcases the best of Jutland's untouched beauty. The National Park Center in Vorupør is a good place to start your exploration.
How to get to Jutland, Denmark
Jutland, the mainland heart of Denmark, is surprisingly accessible, offering a range of transportation options for visitors from near and afar.
Summer houses at the island Fano in the Danish Wadden Sea.
If you're flying in, Billund Airport is the central gateway thanks to the demand for travel to Legoland. It provides routes to many European cities, including London, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam, but it’s not the only option.
Aarhus and Aalborg also boast their own airports, with Aalborg featuring connections to destinations such as Stockholm, Oslo, and Barcelona, and the recently-launched direct summer route from New York.
For those already in Denmark or nearby Germany, the train is a delightful way to venture into Jutland. The country's train operator, DSB, operates regular intercity services from Copenhagen, ensuring a scenic, comfortable journey into Jutland's heart. A direct train even connects Hamburg to Aarhus in a mere four and a half hours.
Buses too offer a comfortable and efficient way to reach Jutland. Both Kombardo Expressen and FlixBus operate routes connecting the capital to Jutland's cities.
If you’re arriving from Germany or Copenhagen, renting a car is also a good option to retain the most flexibility.
