Photo: Mette Johnsen
Experience South Jutland
As Denmark’s historic borderland, South Jutland is rich in opposing histories and unique culture. It's changed hands more than once over the centuries and you can sense that turbulence when you visit the region’s many diverse, historical sites.
The landscape is at odds with its difficult history and you’ll find South Jutland to be a gentle, open land, bordered by Little Belt beaches to the east and the Wadden Sea National Park to the west. Today, Flensburg Fjord acts as a natural border with Germany, but there is no longer a physical border to cross.
Southern Jutland is, in all senses, a borderland. Its tumultuous history has marked the languages, food, and lifestyle of Southern Jutland in a way unparalleled by any other region of Denmark. The area’s ancient castle towns and villages each carry their own charm. Southern Jutland boasts a wide variety of natural diversity from the harsh Wadden Sea in the west, to the mild landscape of Als in the east. Southern Jutland’s attractions include both relaxed and highly active experiences.
Visit Ribe Viking Centre
Southern Jutland boasts a variety of museums with activities for the whole family. Ribe Viking Centre includes a ”living” Viking market and archery enactment. You can also try your hand at digging for fossils at the Gram Lergrav pit at the Natural History and Paleontology Museum or experience Denmark’s pivotal 1864 war at Dybbøl Banke.
Photo: Niclas Jessen
Photo: Mads Tolstrup
Photo: Jacob Lisbygd
Get in touch with history and nature
Try seal watching
The Wadden Sea and the wetlands are not just flat marshy meadows but are also ideal spots for seal watching in summer, and also play host to the yearly wonder of starling murmurations in late summer and early fall. Given that the Wadden Sea presents a veritable buffet for birds, it is no wonder that thousands of ducks, geese, and wading birds choose to make it their home for most of the year.
In addition to its unique natural beauty, the western part of Southern Jutland contains amazing cultural and historical sights, such as Ribe, Denmark’s oldest town, and Tønder, a former maritime provincial town. The castle town of Møgeltønder is also a must-see.
Shallow inlets and small islands characterise the eastern coast of Southern Jutland. The inland hills are covered with forests large and small, as well as open fields dotted with stone dolmens and passage graves: a testament to the long history of rich soil in this area.
Aabenraa was originally a fishing village but over time has become an important maritime trade centre. Haderslev, Gråsten, Sønderborg, and Augustenborg all sprang up around a fortress or a castle. The Moravian Church city of Christiansfeld, with its honey cakes and Denmark’s only gender segregated cemetery, is also worth a visit.
Cake paradis
The quintessential, opulent Southern Jutland ”kaffebord” (”coffee table”) with homemade cake in abundance is something that you simply must treat yourself to. A true ”kaffebord” must include seven soft cakes (tarts and layer cakes) and seven hard cakes (biscuits). The following locations serve the ”kaffebord”: Dyvig Badehotel, Oldemorstoft, Fruens Vilje, Gram Slot, Krusmølle, Den Gamle Kro in Gråsten, Hohenwarte, and Kommandørgården. It’s a good idea to book well in advance.
South Jutland
Arrild Ferieby Camping
Arrild Ferieby Camping is a lovely family campsite where both adults and children will find themselves at home.
South Jutland
Foldingbro Camping - put & take
In southern Jutland - next to Kongeåen - the campsite is situated in beautiful nature. It is attractive for family holidays and ideal for anglers.
South Jutland
Aabenraa Citycamping
Aabenraa Citycamping - formerly Fjordlyst camping is located in beautiful surroundings close to town, forest and beach.
South Jutland
Mandø Camping
Mandø Camping is a nice little 2 star place, which is located in the middle of the Wadden Sea, approx. 20 km from Ribe.
South Jutland
Vikær Strand Camping
Vikær Strand Camping is located right on a beautiful sandy beach. Surrounded by fields and forest. Perfect for fishing and sailing. Very family friendly.
South Jutland
Ribe Camping
Ribe Camping has a unique location in walking distance to Ribe and close to the Nationalpark Wadden Sea.
South Jutland
Kommandørgårdens Camping & Feriepark
See the activities and facilities you'll find at Kommandørgårdens Camping & Feriepark.
South Jutland
Sandersvig Camping og Tropeland
Cosy and modern, well-appointed family ground, 300 meters from a safe beach next to the Little Belt. There is a big tropical indoor swimming pool area.
South Jutland
Enderupskov Camping
See the activities and facilities you'll find at Enderupskov Camping.
South Jutland
Haderslev Campingplads
Haderslev Camping lies in picturesque location near the lake, Haderslev Dam, and is located only 10 minutes walk from Haderslev’s historic centre.
South Jutland
Hejlsminde Strand Camping
At Lillebælt’s coast you will find Hejlsminde Camping, located near a bird sanctuary and close to a child-friendly beach with blue flag and marina.
South Jutland
Grønninghoved Strand Camping
Camping between the apple trees with a view over the Little Belt. Right by the forest and beach – close to Kolding, Funen and Southern Jutland.
Top 10 activities in South Jutland
- Biking along the Wadden Sea, and make sure to combine your trip with watching the starling murmuration or going oyster hunting if you’re visiting in autumn
- Hiking along the 74 km Gendarmsti path from Flensborg Fjord to Sønderborg Bugt
- Taking a bike ride on the Tunneldal paths in Haderslev
- Swimming or hiking on the vacation island of Rømø
- Fishing at Varnæs
- Mountain biking in the woods around Aabenraa
- Cruising the fjords of Southern Jutland: Als Fjord, Aabenraa Fjord, Haderslev Fjord
- Visiting the east coast beaches: Kærneland on Als and Hejsager Strand
- Enjoying a kid-friendly bike trip on Årø (bikes available for rent on the island)
- Kayaking on Alssund
For more information about South Jutland
Waddensea Nationalpark - UNESCO World Heritage
The Wadden Sea is Denmark’s largest national park. Here you can experience the nature phenomenon Black Sun and see seals in their natural environment.
Ribe Cathedral
It is Denmark’s only church with five naves. The 53 m high castle tower from 1333 offers an impressive panoramic view of Ribe.
THE WADDEN SEA CENTRE
THE WADDEN SEA CENTRE 1000 m2 exhibition is a journey through the landscape of the Wadden Sea, as seen through the millions of migratory birds.
Ribe VikingeCenter
Take a journey 1300 years back in time to when the Vikings ruled Ripa (Ribe). In Ribe VikingeCenter history is alive and you are part of it!
Fisheries and Maritime Museum in Esbjerg
Experience the sea! Meet seals, fish and whale skeletons.Immerse yourself in the history of fishing and discover an authentic harbor environment.
Hex! Museum of witch hunt
A witch panic hit Europe from 1500 to 1700. During that period, between 40,000 and 60,000 people were burned at the stake - convicted of witchcraft.
Musikhuset Esbjerg
Musikhuset Esbjerg, is a music venue designed by Jan and Jørn Utzon. Here experiences that come alive in a spectacular and unique scenery.
Ribe Kunstmuseum
The romantic garden is perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee on the terrace and a stroll down to the stream, where a garden pavilion completes the idyll.
Esbjerg Art Museum
Esbjerg Art Museum is known for functioning as an experimentarium where both children and adults can have surprising experiences.
Fanø Art Museum
Throughout the past 100 years and up till today Fanø has attracted a constant stream of artists, who more or less settled down on the island.
Ribe Kammersluse
The nature of the Wadden Sea is the focal point of the menu card and reflects the ingredients available outside the front door at Kammerslusen
Museet Ribe vikinger
Explore Ribe’s history by taking a stroll down the market place in the year 800 and step aboard a reconstructed Viking ship like a true Viking.
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.
Universe Science Park
Exciting experiences with the whole family in South Jutland's largest and funniest adventure park. We promise aha-experiences and hiss in the stomach.
History Centre Dybbøl Banke
Step right into the history of Denmark during the war on the Dybbøl Banke between the Danes and the Prussians in 1864.
The royal kitchen garden
Do you want to experience the kitchen garden from which the Danish royal family gets their vegetables and fruit during their stay at Graasten Castle.
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.
Pamhule Buebane
Archery after true-to-life animals of foam on the Pamhule course. A fun and competitive activity for both children and adults.
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.
Haderslev Dambåd
Experience an atmospheric and silent sailing trip with great nature experiences on South Jutland's largest Dam. There are 4 jetties along the sailing route
Photo: Claus Visby
Sønderjysk coffee table
Gramgaard at Gram Castle invites you to the large South Jutland coffee table with 7 hard, 7 soft and 6 dry cakes. Board the homemade cakes.
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.
Photo: Acturepark
HighPark Sønderjylland – High Rope
Do you have courage, strength and balance- and are you ready for a natureexperience far beyond the normal.
Rail bike in Aabenraa
Enjoy a fun bike ride in beautiful surroundings on the old Aabenraa railway. Bring your own lunch and take a ride in the beautiful forests.
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.
Adventure Minigolf
Play golf in miniature format. Adventure mini golf is a mix of golf and mini golf. All holes are designed like real golf holes
Marsk Tower
Visit Southern Jutland's new landmark Marsh Tower. From the 25 meter tower, you have a view of the Wadden Sea - UNESCO World Heritage and National Park.
Safari i UNESCO Verdens Naturarv Vadehavet
Great nature experiences in the Wadden Sea National Park. Sail out and look a seal in the eye and feel the wild buzzing of large flocks of birds.
CO2 Neutral experiences
Beach Surf, Block Map, Kitebyggy, Kitesurfing, Kitewing and Electro Boards. Action experiences for the whole family on Rømø Strand.