Guide to Accommodation and Attractions in East Jutland

Animal Parks and Adventure

East Jutland is paradise for families and thrill seekers. Within short driving distance you will find:

• LEGOLAND Billund – Denmark’s most famous amusement park.
• Randers Rainforest – a tropical zoo with animals and plants from South America, Africa and Asia.
• Djurs Sommerland – Scandinavia’s largest summer amusement park.
• AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park in Silkeborg – focusing on Nordic nature.
• Kattegat Centre in Grenaa – dive into the world of sharks.
• Ree Park Safari and Scandinavian Wildlife Park in Djursland – experience lions, bears, wolves and polar animals.
• Givskud Zoo – known as the “Lion Park,” where you can drive through safari enclosures. Stay at Danhostel Givskud Zoo and wake up to the sounds of roaring lions.

On Djursland, you’ll find National Park Mols Bjerge, a protected area of rolling hills, heathlands, forests and unique wildlife. The national park is perfect for hiking, cycling and picnics. Enjoy stunning views as well as the cosy old town of Ebeltoft with its cobblestone streets, glass museum and speciality shops.

More Djursland Experiences
Djursland offers great experiences further north. Visit scenic Nordstrand (beach) by Gjerrild, which is close to Danhostel Gjerrild. Stop at the Kattegat Centre in Grenå or Djurs Sommerland. Randers Rainforest is also an exciting location as you move deeper into the Danish countryside.

 

Djursland is full of hidden gems:

• Nordstrand by Gjerrild – a scenic sandy beach close to Danhostel Gjerrild.
• Kattegat Centre in Grenaa – home to real sharks and tropical fish.
• Randers Rainforest – step into a tropical jungle.
• With its mix of beaches, coastal towns and attractions, Djursland is ideal for family holidays and nature lovers.

Aarhus – Denmark’s Cultural Capital

Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city, is often called the “City of Smiles” – and with good reason. Located by the bay and surrounded by forests and beaches, Aarhus combines big-city experiences with small-town charm. Here you will find world-class museums, trendy cafés, historic quarters and easy access to nature.

Art and Museums

• Aarhus is internationally known for its museums and cultural attractions:
• ARoS Art Museum – one of Northern Europe’s largest art museums. Don’t miss the iconic rooftop “Your Rainbow Panorama,” offering 360° views of the city.
• The Old Town (Den Gamle By) – an open-air museum where you step back in time to experience life in Denmark from the 16th century to the 20th century.
• Moesgaard Museum (MOMU) – a spectacularly designed museum with exhibitions about archaeology and ethnography. Famous for the Grauballe Man, a preserved bog body from the Iron Age.
• Women’s Museum (Kvindemuseet) – focusing on women’s lives, history and gender debates in Denmark.

Historic Aarhus

• Aarhus has roots dating back to the Vikings. Visit:
• Aros Viking Museum, located beneath Nordea Bank, to see the city’s earliest history.
• Aarhus Cathedral – Denmark’s longest church and a landmark of Gothic architecture.
• Latin Quarter – the oldest part of Aarhus with narrow cobblestone streets, boutique shops and cosy cafés.

Food and Drink

• Aarhus is a gastronomic hotspot. You’ll find everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to trendy street food.
• Aarhus Street Food – global flavours in an old bus garage.
• Aarhus Central Food Market – local produce, Nordic delicacies and international cuisine.
• Nordic fine dining – restaurants like Domestic and Frederikshøj showcase New Nordic cuisine.
• For casual bites, enjoy freshly caught fish at the harbour or coffee at one of the many cafés along Aarhus River.

Nature in and Around Aarhus

One of Aarhus’ greatest strengths is its proximity to nature:

• Risskov Forest – perfect for walks, running and cycling, located right by Danhostel Aarhus.
• Den Permanente Beach – a popular bathing spot within walking distance of the city.
• Marselisborg Forests and Deer Park – walk among free-roaming deer just a short ride from downtown.
• Harbour Bath – designed by Bjarke Ingels, offering a modern twist on city swimming.

Festivals and Events

• Aarhus hosts some of Denmark’s most exciting annual events:
• Aarhus Festival (Aarhus Festuge) – one of Scandinavia’s largest cultural festivals, filling the city with art, music and performances.
• NorthSide Festival – a major music festival attracting international artists.
• Aarhus Jazz Festival – a week of live jazz concerts across the city.
• Christmas in Aarhus – charming markets, lights and activities in the old town.

After a long but exciting day, relax at Danhostel Aarhus located in the area of Risskov near the beach, Den Permanente and Danhostel Aarhus City which lies in the centre of Aarhus.

Samsø
If you stay at Danhostel Horsens, visit Denmark’s most sustainable island. From Hou near Horsens, take the ferry to Samsø, Denmark’s most sustainable island, known for its renewable energy. The island offers:

• Beautiful villages and coastlines.
• Gourmet food and local produce.
• Hiking and cycling trails.
• Golf courses and family activities.

The Jelling Monuments
The Jelling Monuments, located only 9 km from Danhostel Vejle,one of Denmark’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The runestones, burial mounds and palisades tell the story of the Vikings and the introduction of Christianity in Denmark. At the Jelling Experience Centre, learn about King Harald Bluetooth’s history and view the ancient landscape from the rooftop terrace.

Søhøjlandet
Known as Denmark’s “Lake District,” Søhøjlandet is a landscape of rolling hills, deep forests, rivers and more than 50 lakes. Formed during the Ice Age, it is ideal for hiking, cycling, canoeing and horseback riding. The area also offers golf, tennis, saunas and cultural experiences in towns like Silkeborg. Danhostel Silkeborg and Danhostel Skanderborg are located right on the lake, so you have opportunities to enjoy nearby Søhøjlandet.
 

Other Highlights in East Jutland

• Gudenå River – Denmark’s longest river, perfect for canoe trips.
• Marselisborg Deer Park near Aarhus.
• Himmelbjerget – one of Denmark’s highest hills, with stunning views.
• Odder and Juelsminde – charming coastal towns with beaches and harbours.