Jutland is the largest region of Denmark, connecting the otherwise island-based country to the rest of continental Europe. Some of the country’s best natural wonders are found in Jutland, along with adorable small towns and interesting cities. There are some incredible things to do in Jutland, even in the winter months. This list includes a mix of indoor focused activities for the coldest days and outdoor activities, because we all know we need that fresh air to make it through the dark, grey season.
Getting to/around Jutland
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Flights: Jutland is home to three main airports: Aarhus (AAR), Billund (BLL) & Aalborg (AAL). If you’re coming from outside of Denmark, you will almost certainly go through Copenhagen to reach one of these. You can look for flights here.
More likely, you will come by train or car to Jutland. Constant connections and excellent public transportation make it easy to explore the cities and most towns in Denmark. You can get any Danish transport information you need here or through the Journey Planner (Rejseplanen) app.
To explore the National Parks and nature areas listed, you’ll probably want to have access to a car. You can book rental cars here.
LEGO House
Located in Billund, LEGO House is a destination for any even casual fan of the beloved bricks. You can make a whole day of this experience, checking out incredible displays, interacting with building projects, filming LEGO movie scenes and more. It’s truly incredible for both kids and adults.
Be sure not to confuse LEGO House with LEGOLAND, a seasonal theme park. They are right next door to each other, but the House is sure to be a much better winter option.
Quick tip: The MINI CHEF restaurant allows you to build your own meal, which is then created and delivered by a robot. It is incredibly popular, so if it interests you, be sure to book in advance. There are other cafes on site to buy sandwiches, pastries, etc. if you don’t choose to go the restaurant route.
Even if you don’t have time for a full day at LEGO House and you’re passing through the area, make a quick stop to check out the areas that are free to visit – the public LEGO square, the BRICKACCINO café, the gift shop and the rooftop playgrounds. It’s a nice way to at least get a taste of LEGO.
Once you’re in Billund, you can also spend a day at the nearby Lalandia, a Danish indoor water park. It’s a perfectly fun day for kids, with pools, water slides and games galore. If you’re combining with LEGO House, you can opt for the day pass even if you’re not staying on the property.
Thy National Park
Located on Denmark’s rugged, wild west coast, Thy is one of the most beautiful places you’ll find in the country. It is worth a visit in any season.
In winter, you’ll find the beaches quiet. Stop by the famous Cold Hawaii to see the best (and only?) waves in Denmark and explore the surfer’s town of Klitmøller. Highly recommend Surf Pro – Cold Hawaii for a cool souvenir. You can catch a great deal in the winter!
Explore the numerous World War II bunkers in the surrounding beaches. Built as a part of the Atlantic Wall during the German occupation of Denmark, it’s a fascinating landscape, with these massive concrete structures now nestled into the soft white sand of the dunes. Truly remarkable and a favorite way to spend a few hours for my kids, climbing and exploring the structures amongst the dunes. You can spot bunkers on Klitmøller Strand or at Coastal Battery Klitmøller.
Bulbjerg sits just outside of the park, but is worth making a short detour for. Small cliffs make the views of the coastline incredible and their are paths all over for walking and exploring.
Skagen
Consider a winter weekend trip to one of the most beautiful areas of Denmark. Pair cozy cafés or cabins with long walks in some truly gorgeous natural areas. It’s the perfect combination.
The lovely stretch of coast at Grenen, the Tip of Denmark, showcases where two seas meet. A busy place in summer, it’s nice to have the coast to yourself and a few other hardy souls in the winter months. Spot more bunkers on the beach and throw a shell or two into both seas.
Råbjerg Mile is a massive migrating sand dune that’s worth half a day. Take a walk in what looks like the middle of the desert. It’s truly incredible.
Stop in the the village of Skagen and wander the charming traditional yellow houses. It’s a great place to find a coastal bed & breakfast or a cute VRBO close to the dunes. You’ll also find a few art and nature museums tucked into this village, but winter opening hours can be spotty.
Rainforest Zoo in Randers
The Randers Regnskov Tropical Zoo is a great place to stay warm for a day if you’re traveling to Jutland with kids. Because most of its inhabitants are tropical animals, the majority of the zoo’s exhibits are located inside a giant (and heated) bio dome. There are a few cool things outside, including jaguars and playgrounds, so make sure to bring your jackets along, but enjoy dropping them in the coatroom for the majority of your visit.
My kids loved seeing manatees and climbing the rope bridges, as well as the black panthers on site.
The town of Randers also makes for a great stroll once you’re done at the zoo. It’s got a lovely little walking street for pedestrians, cafes and shopping options.
Museum Crawl in Aarhus
Aarhus is Denmark’s second city and boasted the title of Europe’s Culture Capital in 2017. Aarhus has its own flare. A winter weekend here is the perfect amount of time to hit the highlights of this city.
Den Gamle By is an open air museum, so you’ll have to brave the cold, but was our family favorite when we visited Aarhus in February. Step back into several different eras of Danish history, including exploring inside shops and apartments from different time periods. Our children loved playing in markets and kindergartens from days gone by. There’s a restaurant on site if you need time to warm up.
ARoS is a modern art museum housed in a gorgeous building in the middle of the city. It’s famous for the circle-shaped rainbow bridge that sits on top of the building, offering transitioning colorful views of the city.
It’s also simply a lovely place to spend a cold day. Bright and full of interactive areas for children (and adults) to create. If you’re with kids, make sure to check out the room where you can draw on the walls – our kids flipped for this.
We also love ducking into the Botanical Garden Greenhouses (just next door from Den Gamle By) if the weather turns (speaking from experience!). It’s warm and lovely for a couple of hours.
Be sure to check out some of the incredible local bakeries in Aarhus. Look specifically for fastelavnsboller, a fun treat made in the winter months following the holidays and leading up to the Danish carnival holiday. We loved DavidBreadHead and La Cabra.
Finally, check out Dokk1 for a lovely cultural center, featuring an incredible library and surrounded by creative playgrounds looking out at the water. Visit Aarhus Street Food (indoor, heated seating!) for interesting food and beer.
Jutland may be a bit off the beaten path, but it’s full of special places. Brighten up your winter with a few road trips this year and check out one of these gems.
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