Denmark’s Northern Coast has 19-hour summer days and a charming surf town called ‘Cold Hawaii.’

The summer in Denmark is unlike anywhere else. The sunset is delayed until after 10 pm, so there’s more time to ride a bicycle, enjoy natural wine by the water, or just relax. joyous vibes The country.

A recent trip to a wild and rugged part of Denmark known as Jutland revealed that the summertime buzz in this area is at a whole new level. This string of fishing towns in northwest Denmark has become an unlikely surfer hub in recent years—and more than just good waves have washed up on the area’s shore.

After a trip through the region, I found the only wild flat oysters left in Europe. There were also ambitious tasting menus and boutique hotels that oozed hygge. These are just a few of the reasons why you should venture out into this region to enjoy the untouched natural splendor.

Days 1-2: Klitmøller and Hanstholm

Aalborg is Denmark’s fourth largest city and a great getaway on the northern coast. Explore the art museums in this compact city and its walkable waterfront for a few days to discover why Travel + Leisure It was named one of the best best places to go in 2024. Our crew, however, found the promise and roar of the waves to be irresistible. So we all piled into our van for a 90-minute trip straight to coast.

Denmark is not a typical surfing destination. But this region—nicknamed “Cold Hawaii”—sits at a high latitude that allows it to usher in epic swells as storms pass through the north. In recent years, surfers started to talk about the great waves brought by the sometimes harsh weather. Red Bull heard the scuttlebutt and recently hosted its premier King of the Air qualifier event near Klitmøller, and the area is currently gearing up to host the World Championships For windsurfing.

On a rainy day, we arrived at a surf town with bobbing heads and a windy coast. Surf towns in warmer climates have cozy coffee shops, and beach bars with seafood shacks. sauna clubs line the beach in Klitmøller. The gray skies were perfect for a cup of coffee. But you can also grab a board and zip up your wetsuit at Cold Hawaii Surf Camp Do not waste time, but jump right in.

Chilly summer days aren’t uncommon in these parts—which makes sense considering the Jutland shares latitude lines with Alaska. Even on warm summer days, it’s important to end a day of swimming with a delicious meal. Just a few minutes drive along the coast, I discovered just that. Hanstholm MadbarThe dining room is lined with large, oversized windows that overlook the grasslands. As I walked up to the restaurant, shaggy cows and sea buckthorn bushes (tart orange berries which grow in abundance in this area) were all around me. The calm setting is ideal for enjoying steaming pots with mussels or seasonal specials.

All of the towns along this stretch of coast are teeny—some have just over 1,000 residents. Word of the premier surfing and opportunity to unplug have brought more and visitors, and a new slew hotels. A 36-room property owned by a famous chef is located at Svinkløv Badehotel Vipp, the popular Danish design brand that recently opened this restaurant, offers great food in a home-like setting. three-bedroom guesthouse The area is a natural paradise where guests can immerse themselves into the tranquility and nature.

I admit that the next morning I hit snooze in order to get some sleep after a long day of travel. The early risers headed to Hanstholm’s largest seafood market, where the freshest catches of the North Sea were sold in an energetic atmosphere during the weekdays.

Spend the rest of your second day in the ocean, but also visit Hanstholm Lighthouse. This space was the first and oldest lighthouse of Denmark. It now hosts the summer pop-up, Østlængen With pizza, you can enjoy traditional Danish plates made of sourdough bread and cheese. BirkesLocal baked goods that feature flaky, croissant like layers filled in with marzipan.

Day 3 – Thy and Agger

I drove about 20 minutes to the north of where I live. Thy National Park. The 94-square-mile protected area is awash with wetlands, sand-dunes and birds. Lodbjerg Lighthouse offers sweeping views of the rugged coast. You can also spot rare birds and red deer in the largest wildlife reserve of Denmark.

At the edge of the National Park Thy Whisky The farm is run by eighth generation farmers who are committed to the land. They turn it into a solid single malt. Before filling my glasses with four different whiskies, the owners led me through rolling hills filled with barley, wheat, rye and rye. While the single-estate distillery offers quick drop-in samplings, it is worth taking a tour in order to truly appreciate these terroir based pours.

After driving another 25 minutes down the coast I settled in for an amazing meal at Restaurant TriThe restaurant, located in a coastal town with fewer than 200 inhabitants, is a tribute to regional flavors achieved by expert sourcing and a palpable love for the area. The restaurant is chef Nicolas Min Jørgensen’s ode to regional flavors achieved by expert sourcing and a palpable love for the area. When I was there, a local farmer had just dropped by with a bounty of fresh produce and Jørgensen was upstairs drying mushrooms from a recent foraging trip—no wonder the Michelin Guide has awarded this spot both a standard star and a special green star award for sustainability.

After a night of hard work, treat yourself to a tasty meal. Vorupør Badehotel. The property has seven rooms and large windows that allow you to take in the stunning views.

Days 4-5 – Mors and Limfjorden

Oysters are another draw of the regionMy final day consisted of putting on waders, and heading out to the fjord that separates the island Mors from the mainland.

The area’s Danish Shellfish Center The team is committed to the research and conservation of some of Europe’s remaining wild oysters. The two-hour experience begins with a briefing on flat oysters in the area before you put on rubber waders to get on the water. With a waterproof suit, a net on a bamboo pole and a bucket for my catch, I went down to the water. I spent about 45 minutes scouring the bottom of the fjord and only found a few oysters. The team will still have plenty of fresh oysters available to shuck, even on a bad day.

Enjoy more seafood at Limfjordens Hus nestled in Glyngøre Havn. You can also visit if you want to try more oysters. Danish Oyster Bar Try a local beer brewed using oyster shells. It’s deliciously briny and can be enjoyed while overlooking the ocean.

Then we checked in to the Tambohus Inn We spent our last night at the Jutland. Its location is a prized asset. Before packing up for the airport, be sure to cross the street to enjoy the inn’s sauna and chilly plunge into the fjord to do as the locals do—it’s the only way to cap off this epic trip.