Photo: Robin Skjoldborg
Experience East Jutland
East Jutland is not only home to Denmark's dynamic second city of Aarhus, it also offers you a wonderful combination of fertile landscape, expansive forests, sandy shorelines and bustling cities.
The green and hilly landscape of the region was formed by the glaciers of the last glaciation. Valleys, gorges and deep fjords were all carved by the flow of glacial melt water and when the ice finally disappeared around 14,000 years ago, it left a beautiful, hilly moraine landscape. You’ll find that East Jutland is easily accessible and full of varied, outdoor experiences.
The diverse landscape
In the East, Djursland, also known as the ‘nose’ of Denmark, juts out into the Kattegat Sea. While the northern part of this area is mostly chalk, the southern part contains troves of bays and coves. The diverse landscape houses some of the country’s largest stone dolmens, interesting churches with breath-taking frescoes, beautiful mansions, and quaint towns. The old market town of Ebeltoft is a unique mixture of idyllic cobblestone streets, harbour life, and picturesque beaches.
In terms of scenery, Søhøjlandet surrounding Silkeborg, has the country’s biggest number of lakes, as well being home to Denmark’s highest point called Ejer Bjerge. Don’t miss a trip on the Hjejlen steamboat along the Gudenå river, or a hike up Himmelbjerget, one of Denmark’s highest peaks. At Aqua Akvarium & Dyrepark you can encounter playful otters and raccoons, and of course, the kids will love the park’s unique water playground!
Photo: Dennis Borup Jakobsen
Photo: Mette Johnsen
Photo: Jakob Vingtoft
Feel the rush of the city and the nature
Hands-on activities
If you’re looking for hands-on activities where you can learn about water and energy, then make sure you visit the Energy Museum on Tange Sø near Bjerringbro or perhaps you’d like a whirlwind journey to the rainforests? Then do check out Randers Regnskov. For an exciting trip into the past Moesgaard Museum in Aarhus is the place for you. The baroque period can be experienced at Clausholm Slot, while at Gammel Estrup you can visit the ”deadly, green, tower room”.
The broad-mouthed Horsens and Vejle Fjords cut into the countryside creating harmonious and eye-catching scenery. The coastal forests near Vejle in particular offer peaceful walking trails. Eastern Jutland’s coast is dotted with small islands including Endelave and Tunø and the larger island of Samsø.
Further inland, the Skjernå and the Gudenå originate from the same valley but run out to Kattegat and the North Sea respectively. Taking a canoe from Tørring, you can flow along the current to Silkeborg or further past Tangeværket or Randers. There’s also an opportunity to hike along the old barge transport path from Silkeborg to Randers.
History
In Eastern Jutland, you can still see the remains of the old Hærvej (Army Road), starting in Viborg and going south from there. Originally it was used to transport cattle, but these days cyclists and hikers mostly use the trail. In the Viking Age, the king resided in Jelling, consequently ensuring that today there is an abundance of cultural heritage here. Fredericia on the other hand, is a prime example of a Danish fortress town. Even during the Viking Age, Aarhus was an important town, while the town of Skanderborg grew large because of its royal castle. Silkeborg only became a certified market town in the middle of the 19th century when a paper factory was established.
East Jutland
Elsegårde Camping
Small camp with lots of flowers and several level of terraces. Only 500 m from the ocean.
East Jutland
Langå Camping
The site is situated in a protected forest in the middle of an attractive nature area with 300 meters to Denmark's best fishing water "Gudenaa".
East Jutland
Brande Camping
See the activities and facilities you'll find at Brande Camping.
East Jutland
Skyttehusets Outdoor Camp
Campsite with a relaxed atmosphere in one of the most beautiful areas of Denmark, featuring plenty of opportunities for outdoors activities.
East Jutland
Bøllingsø Camping
See the activities and facilities you'll find at Bøllingsø Camping
East Jutland
Sælvigbugtens Camping
The campsite is located a stone's throw from Sælvigbugtens child-friendly beach. A good starting point to explore the island's many offerings.
East Jutland
Egtved Camping
Lots of space, "Tøffetid" and socializing are the cohesive force at our campsite. It will definately be a nice holiday!
East Jutland
Saksild Strand Camping
The site has one of the best beaches in the Eastern Jutland. It is situated in a scenic area - only 25 kilometers from Aarhus.
East Jutland
Velling Koller
See the activities and facilities you'll find at Velling Koller
East Jutland
Hjarbæk Fjord Camping
At Hjarbæk Fjord Camping we are close to nature. It's peaceful and quiet with a great atmospere. Plenty of experiences are waiting, e.g. hiking and biking.
East Jutland
Dalgård Camping
Quiet family camping, where parents and children are guaranteed a nice holiday together. The site has a private path leading to a lovely sandy beach .
East Jutland
Vorbasse Camping
A child-friendly and scenic campsite close to Billund. Here, you will find many possibilities of fun, cosiness, and relaxation for your family.
Top 10 Activities
- Seal watching and hiking on the island of Samsø
- Taking a kid-friendly bike ride on the nature path between Horsens and Silkeborg
- Trout fishing at Vejle Fjord
- Hiking on Hærvejen, the ‘Army Road’, at Gudenåen
- Canoeing on the Gudenå from Tørring to Silkeborg
- Mountain biking as part of a tour in Søndre Plantage near Ebeltoft
- Kayaking at Mols Bjerge National Park
- Enjoying the kid-friendly sandy beaches at Grenaa and Fjellerup in Northern Djursland
- Fishing in the beautiful Sangstrup Klint setting
- Take a nature walk and picnic at the ruins of Kalø Castle
Djurs Sommerland
Visit Djurs Sommerland and try Denmark’s biggest roller coasters and more than 60 rides for kids of all ages.
Randers Regnskov
In Randers Regnskov you get a tropical experience with free-living monkeys, iguanas and etc. The rainforest is a sensory experience of nature and animals.
Ree Park Safari
Visit Ree Park Safari and have an unforgettable visit to the exciting world of animals with wild experiences and activities.
Photo: Billede: ARoS Aarhus Art Museum. Fotograf: Anders Trærup
ARoS
ARoS is one of Northern Europe's largest art museums and one of the most visited art museums in Scandinavia. Come and see "Your rainbow panorama" and more.
Kattegatcentret
Feel the thrill when Denmark's only sand tiger shark in the Kattegat Center shows teeth, kayaking in the Arctic Ocean and fall in love with the cute seals!
AQUA Akvarium & Dyrepark
AQUA Aquarium & Animal Park is a very special place in Denmark, where you can meet Danish animals in wildly natural surroundings.
Fregatten Jylland
Experience the buzz of history and the harsh sailor life on the Frigate Jylland, which is beautifully situated by Ebeltoft Vig.
Mønsted Kalkgruber
Mønsted Kalkgruber, an endless labyrinth of mine tunnels with caves as large as cathedrals and narrow passages where a grown man cannot walk upright.
The Energy Museum
The Energy Museum connects the past with the present and the future. Get to know the physics, technology and history of electricity.
Photo: Skandinavisk Dyrepark
Skandinavisk Dyrepark - Scandinavian Wildlife Park
In the middle of Djursland, is Denmark’s most natural wildlife park, where there is lots of room for both animals and people.
Den Gamle By
'Den Gamle By' (The Old Town Musuem) is a perfectly unique attraction in Aarhus for the whole family to go on fascinating journey back in history.
Photo: Fotograf: David Jervidal
The Prison Museum
Explore life behind bars in the old Horsens State Penitentiary. See the original cells, meet the shadows of former inmates, and escape through a tunnel.
Photo: Fotograf: Jesper Rais
The Industrial Museum
Experience living history in the machine hall and printing workshop, explore the workers’ homes, and compete against each other at the production line.
Photo: Fotograf: Ulrik Rauch
Horsens Art Museum
Meet art that will make you open your eyes wide as well as bite your lips. And do not miss out on the Horsens-born contemporary artist, Michael Kvium.
Photo: Fotograf: Per Bille
Glud Museum
Sniff around the old farmhouses and rural workshops, and challenge each other in some good old fashioned games at the open-air museum in the village Glud.
Photo: Fotograf/kreditering: Destination Kystlandet
The East Jutland Archipelago
Get a taste of true idyll on the small islands Endelave, Tunø, Hjarnø, and Alrø. Rabbits, treasure hunt, Viking tales and giant patty shells wait for you.
Photo: Fotograf: Melissa Villumsen
Biking around Horsens fjord
52 km on a bicycle is easy peasy when you can use the inlet as your compass. You can even jump on the small bicycle ferry and go island hopping.
Photo: Fotograf: David Jervidal
Gudenåen
Get a jungle feel, canoeing on the Danish version of the Amazon River. Or stay on land and explore the nature and cultural history along the stream.
Photo: Fotograf: Hanne Nielsen
The Uncovered Bridge
For 85 years the bridge lay hidden and almost forgotten inside a dam. Today, the railway bridge is experiencing a renaissance as a popular attraction.
Photo: Fotograf: Jesper Rais
Food Map
Feel the local way of life in your bones as you visit the dedicated food manufacturers and farms shops. Are you ready to fill up on tasteful memories?
Photo: Fotograf: Stensballegaard Golfklub
Golf in The Coastal Land
How about a view of the see or the forest as the background for your day on the green? In The Coastal Land you will find golf courses suiting all levels.
Photo: Fotograf: David Jervidal
Juelsminde Nature Playpark
Calling all curious toddlers, restless school children and competitive teenagers – and their parents. This is not just another playground.
Photo: Fotograf: AQUA Forum
Aqua Forum
Splash around, feel the rush of the water slide, and enjoy the feeling of weightlessness. The smile will reach your ears after a trip to the swimming pool.
LEGOLAND, Billund
LEGOLAND gives you butterflies and lots of excitement for young and old. Also experience the great mini world built by more than 20 million. LEGO bricks.
LALANDIA
Lalandia is Scandinavia's largest holiday center. Enjoy the tropical climate in Aquadome with water activities of all kinds and lots of fun for all ages.
Givskud Zoo, Vejle
Holen der Nähe von Wildtieren, auf Safari-Touren oder vergangenen Riesen der Dino-Park treffen. Givskud bietet auch mehrere Spielplätze und viele spannende Natur.
LEGO House, Billund
Unleash your imagination among 25 million LEGO bricks and in six different experience zones. Build your own creations and watch them come to life.
The Jelling Monuments (UNESCO)
Museum and visitor center. Jelling Monuments tells the story of the time when Jelling was the center of the Danish history. UNESCO World Heritage site
Koldinghus
Jutland's last royal castle. Today, the castle has great historical and architectural value. See the country's largest collection of modern, Danish silver.
The Geographical Garden
Geographical Garden is a large adventure park and botanical garden with over 2000 different plants. There are also playgrounds, caves and animal folds etc.
Trapholt - Museum of Modern Art and Design
At Trapholt you can experience changing exhibitions with art, design and crafts as well as a large collection of Danish furniture design.
Vejle Art Museum
Here you get art experiences with a large collection of i.a. graphic works, works of the golden age, portrait and expressionist art from Danish artists.
Cultural Museum, Vejle
The Culture Museum is located in the old spinning halls and tells the Danish history seen from Vejle - from ancient times to yesterday.
Karensminde Agricultural Museum
Here you enter another age and can get really close to the animals. The work is carried out as it was done in the farm's heyday in the 17th / 19th century.