Denmark – Palm Beach – Fredrikshavn, Grenen
The most interesting attractions of Northern Denmark in 3 days. Mission impossible?
Day 1
This year, instead of heading to the warm southern climates, I decided to travel to the northern parts of Europe to visit some friends. After a rather exhausting 7-hour drive, we finally arrived in Hobro, located in the northern part of Denmark. We dedicated the first day to relaxing, having a barbecue, and gathering energy for intense sightseeing.
Palm Beach in Fredrikshavn
The next morning, we set off towards Fredrikshavn to visit Palm Beach. During the summer season, from around early June, real palm trees are placed on the beach to give the place a tropical vibe. This has been happening for about 28 years, which is why Fredrikshavn is also called the “Palm City.” Interestingly, the beach is not large, only about half a kilometer long, but its unique atmosphere attracts many tourists. After the holiday season, the palm trees are moved to a conservatory so they can be replanted for the next summer season.
After visiting several beaches in Europe, I was quite surprised to find that when we arrived at the beach, there were deckchairs set up everywhere, which could be used for free while sunbathing. There are also portable grills set up all along the beach, which visitors are welcome to use. This was quite remarkable compared to the situation on Polish beaches – with fences made of windbreakers and littering by tourists.
Palm Beach is located on the Baltic Sea side, so the water is much warmer during the summer season. Despite our visit in mid-July, the temperature was around 20 degrees Celsius, making it not that easy to get into the sea. Moreover, for several meters into the water, it only reached up to our thighs. During our stay, the water was freezing, and we had a fairly strong wind. By the time we reached a point where we could fully submerge ourselves and swim a little, we were already slightly cold. Nonetheless, I consider Palm Beach a must-see during a trip to Denmark. A beautiful, clean beach – a small tropical paradise in Northern Europe.
Grenen
The next stop was Grenen Cape, the northernmost point of Denmark, where the North Sea and the Baltic Sea meet.
We reached the northernmost paid parking lot, where there is a small shop selling souvenirs and snacks. From there, we had about a 2-kilometer walk along the beach to the cape. For those who don’t enjoy walking along the beach, there are red tractors that take you nearly all the way. We chose to walk. Along the way, we came across bunkers; unfortunately, the entrance was bricked up, but they still looked beautiful. With our shoes in hand and our feet wet up to our ankles in the Baltic Sea, we leisurely made our way to the destination.
From a distance, it was already clear that there was a difference between the seas, with the North Sea appearing much darker than the Baltic. Up close, we could observe how the two seas meet, forming a large branch. Interestingly, the seas meet but don’t mix due to the different water densities. Grenen, from the Danish language, means “branch,” which is where the name comes from.
The cold weather discouraged most tourists, so we didn’t have to wait in line to take photos and finally stand in both seas at once. With great satisfaction, I placed my right foot in the North Sea and my left foot in the Baltic Sea. It’s not an experience you have every day!
On the way back to the parking lot, we encountered a rather unusual sculpture made by the artist Oscar Reutersvärd. His art was based on impossible figures, which initially seem real but are physically impossible to build in practice. I tried to translate the quote below, but unfortunately, even Google Translate struggles with Danish…
This concluded our first day of sightseeing.
If my article helped you plan your route and gather the necessary information, I would be grateful for your support in making my dreams come true by buying me a coffee!
