FrederikshavnDenmark · Ferry Destinations

All About Frederikshavn

A port town on the north-eastern shore of Denmark’s Jutland peninsula, Frederikshavn is a major commercial center that was once a small fishing village named Fladstrand. Due to its prominent location between the Baltic and the North Seas, the port soon gained strategic military and trade importance. Taking a ferry to Frederikshavn is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

As a former naval base, it has seen many conflicts, including the Battle of Fladstand between Denmark and Sweden in 1712. In 1818, Frederik VI acknowledged Frederikshavn as a market town, giving it the present name. Today, the city that lies opposite Gothenburg is a popular day-trip destination known for its scenery, beaches, WWII bunkers, and shopping opportunities.
 

Routes and Ferries to Frederikshavn

What better way to reach a city with a vibrant maritime legacy than on a ferry? Boats from Oslo have sailed to Frederikshavn since 1979. Stena Lines offers an epic nine and a half-hour long journey, as does the ferry company DFDS. On the vessel Pearl Seaways, the cost of a return trip with a car starts at €230 for a standard cabin.

The more frequented ferry route to Frederikshavn is from Gothenburg. Locals from Sweden often visit Denmark to shop and enjoy calm beach life. Stena Lina has three vessels daily from here, with ferries taking between three to four hours for the trip across Kattegat.

Overseas travelers who want to stay in Frederikshavn need to land in Copenhagen first and then take a six-hour train to the coastal city. Otherwise, fly into the smaller yet well-connected Aalborg Airport situated one hour away from Frederikshavn.
 

Port of Frederikshavn

Catering to high industrial and tourism demands, the Port of Frederikshavn remains busy throughout the year. Over 4,500 ships and 1.8 million passengers pass through the harbor annually, which has been undergoing a massive expansion throughout the last decade. There are five berths reserved for ferries at the port, which has many separate piers and bays for commercial traffic.

The ferry terminal of Frederikshavn is a modern facility with free Wi-Fi, a café, toilets, and separate waiting areas. A 20-minute walk from the ferry terminal will bring you to the train and bus stations. Taxis, on the other hand, park just outside the exit gate. It takes roughly 15 minutes by car to reach the city center from the port.
 

Best Beaches

The waters of Kattegat and the North Sea are not necessarily warm enough for a comfortable swim, even during the summers. However, it is still exciting to be spending time on the sand whenever the sun is out. Luckily, Frederikshavn has plenty of beachside options nearby for such an occasion.

Palm Beach

Frederikshavn’s Blue Flag beach got its name because every summer, the local authorities put rows and rows of palm trees along this vast sandy stretch. As a result, Palm Beach has gained a somewhat iconic status, attracting tourists and locals whenever the weather permits. The presence of volleyball courts, shallow water, kiosks selling hot snacks and ice-cream, loungers on rent, and beachside facilities further add to its growing fame.

Grenen

The 45-minute drive to Grenen is meant to be more of an excursion than a day at the beach. A sandbar extending outwards, the beach is the northernmost tip of the Jutland peninsula. Since the North Sea meets Kattegat at this point, and the currents can be fierce, it is not the safest place to go swimming. However, Grenen is a paradise for observing migratory birds. During the trip to the beach, you’ll also come across WWII bunkers. Make sure to stick around until the evening because sunsets in Grenen are truly unforgettable.

Bratten Strand

An inviting sandy strip, 10km from Frederikshavn, Bratten Strand is a popular hangout spot with activities galore during July and August. Blue Flag status was awarded to the beach for being clean and family-oriented, for offering fun water sports like kitesurfing, and for its natural beauty.

Aalbæk Strand

A hidden gem, out in the open yet devoid of tourists, Aalbæk Strand lies 20 minutes north of Frederikshavn. A quiet beach, it is favored mostly by Danish holiday-goers who have summer homes on the other side of the dunes, bordering the coast. There is not much activity on this dog-friendly beach, which is why it remains uncrowded even during the summer months.

Løkken Strand

If you have a car, plan a trip across the peninsula to its western side for a day at Løkken Strand. This Blue Flag beach is sometimes referred to as ‘white town’ because of the 500 privately owned white beach cabins you’ll find here. Definitely a photo-worthy aspect of the beach, it is not the only reason for a visit. The North Sea here is great for swimming and surfing, while the sandy stretch perfect for sunbathing. In addition, the many cafes, saunas, and shops create a fun seaside atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.  
 

Places to Visit

Don’t be surprised to find a unique set of attractions around Frederikshavn. From historical sites to quaint vantage points, there is much to do and see here for the entire family.

Bangsbo Fort Bunkermuseum

A fortification made by the Germans during WWII, Bangsbo Fort still has restricted areas controlled by the Danish Navy. However, specific sections are now open to the public and can be viewed as part of a museum. When taking a guided tour, visitors can go inside old bunkers, some of which still have canons in them. Since the fort is at an altitude of 82m, the views from Bangsbo are quite memorable, particularly on a clear and sunny day.

Cloos Tower

There’s nothing more interesting than an attraction with an eccentric backstory. Cloos Tower is one such point of interest near Frederikshavn. Initially, the tower was meant to be a viewing point with a revolving restaurant on top. However, its construction took so much time that there wasn’t enough money in the budget left for the original plan. As a result, what stands now is a simple 200 ft high tower with a playground and picnic area at its base. Nevertheless, you can pay €4 and climb the 315 steps to the top for breath-taking panoramic views of the region. Those not wanting to climb can take a lift up to the third level.

Lady from the Sea

If Copenhagen has the famous Little Mermaid statue, the region of Nordjylland has Lady from the Sea. A 6.85-meter-tall sculpture inspired by Henrik Ibsen’s play of the same name, Lady from the Sea, can be found at Sæby harbor, 20 minutes south of Frederikshavn. Made by artist Marit Benthe Norheim, the sculpture consists of two faces, one looking towards the sea while the other stares inland. On it are small ceramic ‘protection symbols’ by 905 children. Besides a visit to the Lady from the Sea, this harbor is a wonderful place for a romantic evening stroll.

Farm Fun

One place you have to visit near Frederikshavn when traveling with children is Farm Fun in Albaek. The 10-acre playground, next to a kid-friendly beach, is only 20 minutes from the center, towards the north, along the coast. Farm Fun features an array of outdoor activities, swings, go-carts and allows children to play with domestic animals at the petting zoo. Having indoor gaming options for a rainy day, the Farm Fun also has a cottage you can book for a minimum two-day stay.

Eagle World

A nature reserve for birds of prey, Eagle World is situated 30 minutes north of Frederikshavn. Known locally as Ørnereservatet, Eagle World is a brilliant opportunity for children and adults to learn about different types of eagles and their habits while observing them from up close. The visit’s highlight is a one-hour show where you can watch the eagles fly around while their handlers feed them. The show is primarily in Danish, with intermittent commentary in English.
 

Transportation Around Frederikshavn

Frederikshavn is a pleasure to survey on foot. Still, a more apt transport option is the bicycle. There are many well-marked bike paths around the city, and tourists can borrow a cycle from the local tourism office for free during the summer months.

Car rental is another possibility, particularly if you wish to explore Jultland’s charming coastal towns. Several beaches and tourist spots in the peninsula offer free parking, keeping your overall rental expenses low. For shorter distances within the city, the limited public bus service is sufficient. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Frederikshavn.