Twenty beaches shape Frederikshavn Municipality: on the east coast, the water is calmer, shallow and sheltered, while the west coast has higher waves. Three beaches hold the Blue Flag, and ten have the Badepunkt flag. The figures for beach flags are seasonal and may change. This means that different conditions can be found along the coast—a contrast that also continues in the diversity of the region’s other landscapes.
Trails through coastal landscapes, forests and heathland
Marked walking and running trails lead through forests, rural areas and coastal landscapes. One specific way to experience different landscapes over a longer distance is the 60-kilometre Grøn Tur cycling route around Frederikshavn. It passes through moraine hills, coastal meadows, river valleys, dunes, heathland, and deciduous and coniferous forests. If you do not want to cycle the entire route, you can continue by train as a cyclist from Kvissel, Jerup, Rimmen (Nielstrup) or Strandby. Check connections in advance.
The marked trails in Bangsbo Dyrehave also provide clear guidance on distances: five trails range from 2.3 to 8 kilometres in length. There is also a nature playground, barbecue facilities and a shelter for meals brought along. Bangsbo Dyrehave is part of the Bangsbo Ådal wildlife area, whose extensive deciduous forests provide a habitat for wild red deer, roe deer, badgers, birds of prey, woodpeckers, small birds, otters, kingfishers and trout. The trails, facilities and forest area complement one another, while remaining distinct aspects of the natural environment.
For mountain bikers, the municipality identifies Katsig Bakker as an area for mountain biking. A municipal map of outdoor recreation also shows, for example, places for campfires, overnight stays outdoors, picnics and letting dogs run free. Free nature experiences include having a campfire, spending a night under the open sky, fishing for your own dinner and finding shelter from the rain. The map can help you take these options into account when planning your trip.
Harbour, shipyards and art
Krudttårnet houses an exhibition by the Coastal Museum about Frederikshavn Harbour. Visitors can see the cannons at the top of the tower. Historically, Krudttårnet was the central structure of the Fladstrand citadel, built in the late 17th century. The exhibition, the cannons and the history of the citadel each offer a different perspective on the tower’s maritime past.
Frederikshavn Slipway reveals another side of this history: it is the newest and only surviving one of the four small wooden shipyards in Frederikshavn. Old ships are renovated there. Guided tours, open days with working workshops, talks and exhibitions share the history of the shipyard, the harbour and the ships. Frederikshavn Art Museum has a different focus: established in 1978, it is dedicated to modern art and crafts. Its collection includes one of the world’s largest collections of bookplates, displayed in a permanent exhibition. In addition to exhibitions, the museum also hosts theatre, concerts, talks, an art school, art films and other events.
Painting is at the heart of Skagens Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of works by the Skagen Painters. Temporary exhibitions, an open workshop and a historic garden add to what the museum offers. Anchers Hus preserves the Ancher family’s private art collection and the house’s complete original furnishings, where Anna and Michael Ancher lived with their daughter Helga. Drachmanns Hus displays Holger Drachmann’s art collection, objects from his many travels and the house’s original furnishings. Bangsbo Hovedgård offers further insights of a different kind: the stable displays a unique ship from Ellingå dating to 1163; in the manor house, visitors can explore the town’s history, textile exhibitions and a collection of jewellery made from human hair.
The history of Bangsbo Fort can also be placed in chronological context. In 1952, it was commissioned as a Cold War fort under this name. In the early 1990s, it opened for guided tours. In 2004, it began opening to the public on a more permanent basis, including the Dronningestien walking trail; in 2005, Bangsbo Museum took over its interpretation and museum activities.
More discoveries
Recurring events in Frederikshavn Municipality include Tordenskioldsdage; dates and programmes change. Hirsholmene lies northeast of Frederikshavn, nearby, and can be reached by the small ferry “Seadog”. Ferry availability is seasonal and depends on the operator. If you would like to include the island in your plans, check sailing options and dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Bunken, Lodskovvad, Tolne, Ålbæk, Strandby, Frederikshavn, Hulsig, Jerup, Kvissel, Lyngså, Skagen, Sæby, Åsted, Kandestederne, Skiveren, Napstjært, Voerså, Nordby, Nielstrup, Thorshøj, Østervrå, Dybvad.
To the regional travel overview: North Jutland.
