Feel the ‘friluftsliv': why Denmark is the perfect destination for outdoor adventure
It's no secret that the people of Denmark love to be outside. Along with their Nordic neighbours, they even have a name for it – friluftsliv. Literally translating as 'living in the open air', the term encapsulates a long-held Scandinavian way of life that embraces being amidst nature – in all weathers. With more than 400 islands surrounded by thousands of miles of coastline, the sheer variety of natural landscapes is breathtaking. You'll want to lace up a pair of hiking boots or jump on a bike to see as much of it as you can.
For visitors to Denmark, it can be an exhilarating shift to head outside, whatever the season, and revel in the big outdoors. In summer, the beaches and wild-swimming spots obviously come into their own, while a warm sweater and waterproof jacket are always a good idea when trekking and cycling in spring or autumn. But there's no need to go without the comforts of the city either. With so many natural environments close to Denmark's urban areas, it's easy to combine days out in nature with a return to chic hotels in Copenhagen, great restaurants in Odense or a little bit of hygge in Aalborg.
Hiking in Thy national park. Photograph: Mette Johnsen
There are plenty of day-hike options out of Copenhagen, but the 13-mile circular trail around the perimeter of Furesø, just 12 miles north-west of the capital, takes some beating, with elevated pathways affording immense views of Denmark's deepest lake. You'll probably want to factor in enough time to take a dip at Furesøbad, a popular freshwater swimming spot for well over a century. Start early and make a full day of it, relaxing on the lake's beach or refuelling at the Furesøbad restaurant – where the ultimate reward is the stunning view over the lake you've just circuited.
Alternatively, head to the true wilderness of Thy national park and explore Denmark's dynamic and rugged north-west coast. The country's oldest national park, on the edge of the North Sea, has 49 marked hiking trails that wend through undulating heathland, tangled forests and wide sand beaches (which you could also see by bike or on horseback). It's free and open year round, perfect for multi-day adventures staying at guesthouses, inns or under canvas.
Clockwise from top: camping out under the stars in Thy national park; freshly gathered mushrooms; foraging for oysters. Photographs: Ruslan Merzlyakov; Ditte Ingemann; Mads Tolstrup
The old Rescue Road – once used to reach shipwrecked sailors – is now part of the West Coast Trail, which runs 50 miles alongside windswept dunes from the ferry harbour on Agger Tange through the national park to Hanstholm and Bulbjerg. Be prepared though – Hanstholm wildlife reserve is a breeding site for up to 40 bird species and the trail closes for several months during breeding season. (Always check ahead for updates and trail conditions on hiking sites such as AllTrails.)
Shaped by sea and weather, it's no surprise that nature is king in Thy, with free-roaming red and roe deer and common seals basking at the water's edge. Head to the highest point at Isbjerg for views of Nors Lake while searching for white-tailed eagles and ospreys. The north-west coastline also tells of Denmark's food heritage, especially stockfish – cod that's been hung out to dry, a centuries-old staple of local villages – and oysters, mushrooms and a multitude of berries. Luckily, it's free and legal for visitors to forage in the national park, just stick to the old Jutlandic law of 1241 and only take a 'hatful'. (Be careful, of course, with mushrooms, and always check if in doubt.) Better still, get a taste of Thy by ordering the national park platter at Stenbjerg Kro restaurant.
Cyclists riding past second world war gun emplacements near Løkken. Photograph: Visitnordvestkysten
You can take your bicycle anywhere in Denmark, from city to shore. But if you're after a cycle tour with a difference, head to the westerly Røsnæs peninsula. Jutting out some 9.5 miles from the Zealand coast, it's known by local people as Denmark's Napa Valley, with the perfect terroir for viticulture – including a dry and sunny climate. Book a tasting session or guided tour at one of the vineyards and stay for lunch at Dyrehøj Vingaard – Denmark's largest winery. Take home a bottle of sparkling white or rosé from STUB winery – it's the ideal summer accompaniment to a seafood plate – or cycle out to the lighthouse and discover its history and that of the Røsnæs reef.
Clockwise from top: Dyrehøj Vingaard; pottery in Lønstrup; the Rubjerg Knude Fyr lighthouse. Photographs: Jorgen Sevild/Dyrehoj; Mette Johnsen; Shutterstock
On the 11.5-mile Best of the West route from Løkken, in North Jutland, you can cycle over grass-strewn dunes past dramatic cliffs to another iconic lighthouse – the Rubjerg Knude Fyr. A working lighthouse until 1968, it was moved due to coastal erosion and now sits on the shifting sands of the Lønstrup Klint. Continue on to the old fishing village of Lønstrup – along the beach in low tide – where there's a choice of accommodation and the chance to explore local arts and crafts.
Winter bathers at Klitmøller. Photograph: Mette Johnsen
Wherever you are in Denmark, you're never more than about 30 miles from the sea. And though all visitors will get a taste of salty air and sand on their adventures, those in search of watersports won't do better than 'Cold Hawaii'. The nickname for Klitmøller on the North Sea coast, the currents here create waves and breaks for all types of surfers. It's become something of a mecca for Scandi surfers and has the chilled out vibe that'll make you want to linger. Plus, windsurfing options at nearby Vorupør make this part of Denmark the top spot for gnarly adventures – just don't forget your wetsuit.
Clockwise from top: surfers at Cold Hawaii; the South Fyn archipelago; on the beach at Klitmøller. Photographs: Mette Johnsen; Simone Juul Borring
Prefer a calmer day on the water? Head to the South Fyn archipelago, a stunning geopark of 55 islands and more than 680 miles of coastline. It's one of northern Europe's most beautiful regions, ideal for paddleboarding, sailing, boating, or simply island hopping on a day trip from Odense. And if you're driving from Copenhagen, you'll cross the Great Belt Bridge – one of the world's longest suspension bridges. Learn to sail a traditional smakkejolle in Strynø, or head to Svendborgsund where the waters are tranquil enough to suit paddleboard beginners. You might prefer a guided kayak or canoe tour, or perhaps an outdoor culinary experience. Chop wood, smoke fish and forage for herbs before cooking a meal over an open fire. Take in the views of Svendborgsund while you enjoy the fruits of your labour.
However you choose to experience it, on foot, by bike, or afloat, Denmark's embrace of the outdoors invites you to slow down and breathe deep – now that's friluftsliv.
Come discover how to experience Denmark
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times
14 hours ago
- Times
16 of the most beautiful places in Scotland
For many, Scotland is all about the great outdoors: hiking through Highland glens lined with lochs that look like slices of fallen sky, exploring the giant forests of Perth and Kinross, its rivers rippling with salmon. If the weather gets rough, there'll be a rugged castle at hand, usually with a legend attached, and a distillery tour just down the road. And then there are its biggest cities, Glasgow for cutting-edge arts and breezy good humour, and architecturally elegant Edinburgh, the serious seat of government — two cities that couldn't be more different if they tried. My mother comes from the Isle of Skye, so for many years family holidays were annual pilgrimages north to rendezvous with cousins, scramble up mountains and stagger into peat bogs, cursing at midges. In more recent years I've ranged more widely across the whole country, particularly for my book Four Scottish Journeys. And I am pleased to say that the days when the accommodation was basic and the food was mainly beige have long since gone. There's every kind of quality — here are the most beautiful places to start. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue There is a deeply spiritual aura to this little green chip of land that lies off the southwestern corner of the island of Mull. Iona has been a place of pilgrimage ever since St Columba arrived in AD563 and today pilgrims step off the ferry and weave their way to Iona Abbey. At Iona's northern tip is the White Strand of the Monks, springy machair — wildflower-rich grassland — lined with white sand. The turquoise water is the perfect backdrop for contemplation while watching the gannets dive into the Sound. The island is at its best when the day-trippers have gone, so stay over at the St Columba Hotel and enjoy produce from its organic garden. If there's anything that epitomises wild and romantic Scotland, it's the northwest coast up to Cape Wrath, the most exhilarating stretch of the popular North Coast 500 driving route. It begins at Applecross, a remote peninsula reached by a dramatic switchback road. Halfway up the coast is Ullapool, a free-spirited ferry port on Loch Broom, full of creativity and gastronomy. And while hiking Cape Wrath itself is only advisable for the fit and brave, this northwestern tip has surprisingly fine white sand beaches at Balnakeil. Stay in Ullapool's Ceilidh Place, where there's live music most nights. • Read our full guide to Scotland The Dukes of Atholl, who some 200 years ago owned most of the land between Perth and Inverness, planted 25 million trees, including larch, Douglas fir, maple, western hemlock and redwood, which is why this region has been designated Big Tree Country. The Queen's View, a historic viewpoint high above Loch Tummel, is particularly fabulous in autumn. Key resorts are Victorian Pitlochry and genteel Dunkeld, on the silvery Tay, where you should stay in the Dunkeld House Hotel for riverbank views. It's a 20-minute walk downstream to Birnam Wood, as mentioned in Macbeth. The Great Glen is a giant fissure that runs diagonally from Fort William in the west to Inverness in the east. Several lochs line its length, including awe-inspiring Loch Ness, and there's a long-distance trail to pack your walking boots for too ( The lochs have all been linked to create the Caledonian Canal, connecting sea with sea, with cruises and boat rental. Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, at 1,345m (4,413ft), looms over its western end by Fort William. The Ben is an arduous but straightforward 11-mile hike for the fit and the well prepared. Stay above Loch Ness in the quirky-cum-traditional Whitebridge Hotel. Regularly cited as the most remote part of mainland British Isles, Knoydart is a mountainous peninsula on the west coast, opposite the Isle of Skye, with eagles overhead and whales and dolphins offshore; you can look out for all on a boat trip. A handful of small settlements are distributed along its only road, with the main community and Britain's most remote pub, the Old Forge, gathered at Inverie on a sheltered bay in Loch Nevis, where regular ferries connect it to the port of Mallaig. Stay at Doune Knoydart, which is on the peninsula's point looking towards Skye. • More great hotels in the Highlands Too often overlooked in the hurry to get north, the peninsulas around Scotland's west coast south of Oban are delightful tessellations of water and land. Probably the best known is the dangling Mull of Kintyre, mainly thanks to Paul McCartney and his song of the same name. Here you'll find Campbeltown, which is well known for its whisky festival held in May, and on a clear day you can see Northern Ireland from its west coast. Moving north, other notable landmarks are the Crinan Canal and the Ardfern peninsula, busy with yachts in summer. Don't miss Seil, with its Bridge over the Atlantic, which may sound grand but is actually a narrow tidal stream. Here you can get cosy in Ardfern's Galley of Lorne Inn, popular with overnighting yachtsmen. The Heart 200 is a much easier and more varied drive than the North Coast 500 and does what its name suggests, looping around Scotland's striking heartlands, linking the towns of Stirling, Crieff, Perth, Dunkeld, Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Callander. That means gorgeous castles at Stirling, endless golf courses at Gleneagles, great whiskies at Dewar's distillery in Aberfeldy, a thriving salmon river in the Tay and plenty of brilliant hiking routes, particularly the two-and-a-half-mile Birks of Aberfeldy circuit. Aberfeldy is the centre point of Scotland, so the Fortingall boutique hotel just outside the town in Glen Lyon makes for a handy place to stay. • More great Scottish road trips• Best Airbnbs in Scotland It's the archetype of mystical and romantic Scotland — eagles overhead, deer in the glens, lochs that look like fallen slices of sky, and the Cuillin mountains rising into the mist. Skye's clan legends and crofting culture have long attracted visitors, but until the opening of the bridge that linked it to the mainland, its hospitality was spartan. These days the island has new distilleries, great gastronomy and hotel accommodation, and that has encouraged a steady flow of film directors who come to use the dramatic landscapes of the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr as locations. The Bracken Hide is a stylish base, with glamping pods and an excellent bar. • Best luxury hotels in Scotland• Best spa hotels in Scotland The border between England and Scotland has long been heavily contested, which is perhaps why the towns that lie just to its north — the likes of Melrose, Hawick, Kelso and Coldstream — have been such a force in Scottish rugby, and in the Scottish military, over the years. This is a place of handsome Georgian and Victorian town centres, of striking abbey ruins (at Melrose), and of rolling hills that nurture salmon rivers (the Tweed). It is also the location of grand country mansions such as Abbotsford, the home of author Sir Walter Scott. Schloss Roxburghe is the place to lay your head nearby, with huge, old-world rooms and a great spa. Each of the Outer Hebrides has its own natural beauty. Barra is rugged, with its airstrip making use of a tidal beach. The Uists are low lying and waterlogged, lined on the west with springy wildflower-rich machair. But it is Lewis and Harris, two separate 'islands' but actually the same lump of land, which have the big-ticket attractions. On Harris it's the west coast's Caribbean-style white sand beaches such as Luskentyre, plus the architect-designed homes (some of which you can rent out). On Lewis, the standing stones at Callanish draw the visitors — as does Stornoway, the metropolis of the Outer Hebrides. As for where to bed down after a day of exploring, consider the boutique, modern Hotel Hebrides, conveniently located right by the Tarbert pier. The archipelago that lies offshore from John O'Groats is quite unlike the Scottish Highlands. Orcadian accents are far gentler, reflecting Scandinavian origins, and the land is smoother and more fertile, well suited for grazing. Most remarkable on Mainland, the biggest of the islands, are the neolithic tombs and excavated villages, which had to be well built to withstand the weather. Also long-lasting is the tradition of the Ba' Game, a rugby-related mass scrum that rampages through the main town of Kirkwall every winter. Stay at the centrally located Ferry Inn for its comfortable rooms, bar, and restaurant serving posh pub grub. • What to do in Orkney Not as well-trodden as their northern relatives Skye and Mull, the Southern Hebrides are gentler, quieter landscapes, well worth an island-hopping odyssey. Colonsay, reached by ferry from Oban, is a land of farms and immaculate beaches, particularly up at Kiloran. Islay, which is ferry-connected to Colonsay and to the mainland, is whisky heaven, with nine distilleries, including Bowmore, Ardbeg and Laphroaig, all producing distinctive and peaty single malts. Family-run Port Askaig Hotel is known for its seafood and proximity to some of Islay's best beaches. • Best distillery tours in Scotland Ben Nevis may be the highest of Scotland's mountains, but the wildest are in the Cairngorms National Park, which cover a massive 1,748 square miles. Among the tops, a series of plateaux create a bleak, boulder-strewn semi-tundra, littered with rocky outcrops and rich in wild species such as capercaillie and golden eagle, as well as the UK's only free-ranging herd of reindeer. Aviemore is the adventure hub, but also in the national park is Braemar, known for the annual Braemar Gathering with its Highland games. For a unique, stylish stay, book into the Fife Arms, a former coaching inn in Braemar with a fabulous art collection and a fittingly cool crowd. Read our full review of the Fife Arms The Neuk (nook) of Fife is an intimate place of fishing villages such as Crail and Pittenweem, whose red-roofed cottages cluster together along the harbour wall. Colourful boats bob in the bay, and Pittenweem still has a morning fish market, mostly for lobster and crab. Further round the Neuk, the scene changes at St Andrews. This handsome town is dominated by two institutions, the Royal and Ancient, one of the most historic golf clubs in the world, and the university, which attracts students from the top echelons of society, including royalty. The Peat Inn is the place to stay, a 15-minute drive from East Neuk's villages, with elegant rooms and an excellent, Michelin-starred restaurant. This hugely accessible national park just north of Glasgow has a bit of everything. Scenic Loch Lomond is a place of boat cruises and water sports, with the long-distance West Highland Way following its eastern shore. There are more cruises over in neighbouring Loch Katrine, which visitors can cruise aboard the steamship Sir Walter Scott. Between the lochs, the hills and glens are cloaked in oak and fir, particularly around the adventure centre of Aberfoyle. And finally, several mountains rise silently out of the northern part of the park, a foretaste of the wilderness beyond. Cameron House has an unbeatable location on the southwest banks of Loch Lomond, as well as a sprawling spa and rooftop infinity pool. A dramatic set of hills, the seat of government, a famous castle, a major annual festival and a long literary tradition — it's hard to know where to begin with the Scottish capital. Experience the views from Edinburgh Castle, which hosts its Royal Military Tattoo every August; take a ghost tour through the dank alleys and staircases of the Old Town; and see the elegant New Town, which — despite the name — is mostly from the late 18th century. Affordable stays in Edinburgh aren't always easy to come by, but we love 3 John's Place, which has B&B doubles from just over £100. • More great affordable hotels in Edinburgh• Best restaurants in Edinburgh
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Island nation nine times larger than UK banned from World Cup as statement released
GREENLAND'S hopes of playing competitive football on the world stage were dashed when the country was told it cannot join the confederation that also represents the Caribbean. The Arctic territory of Denmark started exploring entry to Concacaf — which covers North and Central America — three years ago. 3 3 With a route into Uefa blocked, the Confederation that also includes the sun-kissed Caribbean was seen as the only alternative for the world's largest island, which is mostly covered with ice and has a population of just 57,000. Incredibly the country has 5,500 registered players. But Concacaf's ruling committee killed off the Polar Teddy Bears' dream at its Congress. A statement said their membership application had been reviewed and 'unanimously rejected'. Greenland is the world's largest island and bigger than western Europe, but 81% of its land is topped by sheet ice. And it has never played official international football. Although it is a sovereign territory of Denmark, its considered to be part of North America geographically. Joining Uefa was a no-no - as European football chiefs only accept countries formally recognised by the United Nations. 3 Greenland have played friendlies - but they are NOT sanctioned by football's world rulers Fifa. And now Concacaf have declined to help the country, which is nine times larger than the UK, make the next major step forward. The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will see the World's best players decide which club is the greatest They said in a statement: "Based on a thorough assessment conducted by the Concacaf administration and Council, and in accordance with the Concacaf Statutes, the Member Associations reviewed the membership application submitted by the Greenlandic Football Association and unanimously rejected it." It comes with US President Donald Trump claiming he . But the the ice-covered nation, as well as Denmark, insist there is no chance of that happening.
The Guardian
3 days ago
- The Guardian
Feel the ‘friluftsliv': why Denmark is the perfect destination for outdoor adventure
It's no secret that the people of Denmark love to be outside. Along with their Nordic neighbours, they even have a name for it – friluftsliv. Literally translating as 'living in the open air', the term encapsulates a long-held Scandinavian way of life that embraces being amidst nature – in all weathers. With more than 400 islands surrounded by thousands of miles of coastline, the sheer variety of natural landscapes is breathtaking. You'll want to lace up a pair of hiking boots or jump on a bike to see as much of it as you can. For visitors to Denmark, it can be an exhilarating shift to head outside, whatever the season, and revel in the big outdoors. In summer, the beaches and wild-swimming spots obviously come into their own, while a warm sweater and waterproof jacket are always a good idea when trekking and cycling in spring or autumn. But there's no need to go without the comforts of the city either. With so many natural environments close to Denmark's urban areas, it's easy to combine days out in nature with a return to chic hotels in Copenhagen, great restaurants in Odense or a little bit of hygge in Aalborg. Hiking in Thy national park. Photograph: Mette Johnsen There are plenty of day-hike options out of Copenhagen, but the 13-mile circular trail around the perimeter of Furesø, just 12 miles north-west of the capital, takes some beating, with elevated pathways affording immense views of Denmark's deepest lake. You'll probably want to factor in enough time to take a dip at Furesøbad, a popular freshwater swimming spot for well over a century. Start early and make a full day of it, relaxing on the lake's beach or refuelling at the Furesøbad restaurant – where the ultimate reward is the stunning view over the lake you've just circuited. Alternatively, head to the true wilderness of Thy national park and explore Denmark's dynamic and rugged north-west coast. The country's oldest national park, on the edge of the North Sea, has 49 marked hiking trails that wend through undulating heathland, tangled forests and wide sand beaches (which you could also see by bike or on horseback). It's free and open year round, perfect for multi-day adventures staying at guesthouses, inns or under canvas. Clockwise from top: camping out under the stars in Thy national park; freshly gathered mushrooms; foraging for oysters. Photographs: Ruslan Merzlyakov; Ditte Ingemann; Mads Tolstrup The old Rescue Road – once used to reach shipwrecked sailors – is now part of the West Coast Trail, which runs 50 miles alongside windswept dunes from the ferry harbour on Agger Tange through the national park to Hanstholm and Bulbjerg. Be prepared though – Hanstholm wildlife reserve is a breeding site for up to 40 bird species and the trail closes for several months during breeding season. (Always check ahead for updates and trail conditions on hiking sites such as AllTrails.) Shaped by sea and weather, it's no surprise that nature is king in Thy, with free-roaming red and roe deer and common seals basking at the water's edge. Head to the highest point at Isbjerg for views of Nors Lake while searching for white-tailed eagles and ospreys. The north-west coastline also tells of Denmark's food heritage, especially stockfish – cod that's been hung out to dry, a centuries-old staple of local villages – and oysters, mushrooms and a multitude of berries. Luckily, it's free and legal for visitors to forage in the national park, just stick to the old Jutlandic law of 1241 and only take a 'hatful'. (Be careful, of course, with mushrooms, and always check if in doubt.) Better still, get a taste of Thy by ordering the national park platter at Stenbjerg Kro restaurant. Cyclists riding past second world war gun emplacements near Løkken. Photograph: Visitnordvestkysten You can take your bicycle anywhere in Denmark, from city to shore. But if you're after a cycle tour with a difference, head to the westerly Røsnæs peninsula. Jutting out some 9.5 miles from the Zealand coast, it's known by local people as Denmark's Napa Valley, with the perfect terroir for viticulture – including a dry and sunny climate. Book a tasting session or guided tour at one of the vineyards and stay for lunch at Dyrehøj Vingaard – Denmark's largest winery. Take home a bottle of sparkling white or rosé from STUB winery – it's the ideal summer accompaniment to a seafood plate – or cycle out to the lighthouse and discover its history and that of the Røsnæs reef. Clockwise from top: Dyrehøj Vingaard; pottery in Lønstrup; the Rubjerg Knude Fyr lighthouse. Photographs: Jorgen Sevild/Dyrehoj; Mette Johnsen; Shutterstock On the 11.5-mile Best of the West route from Løkken, in North Jutland, you can cycle over grass-strewn dunes past dramatic cliffs to another iconic lighthouse – the Rubjerg Knude Fyr. A working lighthouse until 1968, it was moved due to coastal erosion and now sits on the shifting sands of the Lønstrup Klint. Continue on to the old fishing village of Lønstrup – along the beach in low tide – where there's a choice of accommodation and the chance to explore local arts and crafts. Winter bathers at Klitmøller. Photograph: Mette Johnsen Wherever you are in Denmark, you're never more than about 30 miles from the sea. And though all visitors will get a taste of salty air and sand on their adventures, those in search of watersports won't do better than 'Cold Hawaii'. The nickname for Klitmøller on the North Sea coast, the currents here create waves and breaks for all types of surfers. It's become something of a mecca for Scandi surfers and has the chilled out vibe that'll make you want to linger. Plus, windsurfing options at nearby Vorupør make this part of Denmark the top spot for gnarly adventures – just don't forget your wetsuit. Clockwise from top: surfers at Cold Hawaii; the South Fyn archipelago; on the beach at Klitmøller. Photographs: Mette Johnsen; Simone Juul Borring Prefer a calmer day on the water? Head to the South Fyn archipelago, a stunning geopark of 55 islands and more than 680 miles of coastline. It's one of northern Europe's most beautiful regions, ideal for paddleboarding, sailing, boating, or simply island hopping on a day trip from Odense. And if you're driving from Copenhagen, you'll cross the Great Belt Bridge – one of the world's longest suspension bridges. Learn to sail a traditional smakkejolle in Strynø, or head to Svendborgsund where the waters are tranquil enough to suit paddleboard beginners. You might prefer a guided kayak or canoe tour, or perhaps an outdoor culinary experience. Chop wood, smoke fish and forage for herbs before cooking a meal over an open fire. Take in the views of Svendborgsund while you enjoy the fruits of your labour. However you choose to experience it, on foot, by bike, or afloat, Denmark's embrace of the outdoors invites you to slow down and breathe deep – now that's friluftsliv. Come discover how to experience Denmark
