Prepare to be enchanted by Esbjerg, one of the shining hidden gems of Denmark’s west coast! Often overlooked by tourists, this charming city is a treasure trove of quirky architecture and natural beauty waiting to be discovered.
While Esbjerg might be lacking in exotic tourist attractions or thousands of things to check off your itinerary, it makes up for it with tranquil coastal landscapes, unspoiled beaches, a picturesque center, and an overall soothing atmosphere.
Take a stroll along the scenic coastal paths or discover the city’s rich maritime heritage at one of the many museums. Indulge in the local delicacies, and sample some of the region’s famous seafood. Esbjerg is a destination that promises to delight and surprise first-time visitors in equal measure.
While Esbjerg may be one of Denmark’s youngest cities, you will be amazed at what it has become in just 150 years!
Esbjerg | The Basics
How many days in Esbjerg? The amount of days to spend in Esbjerg will depend on when you’re visiting and why. Outside of the summer season, you could easily breeze through the city in one day, visiting attractions such as the Kunstmuseum (art museum), the Esbjerg Museum, a walk along the main harbor, and strolling around the center.
During summer, it’s not uncommon to see travelers rent out a cabin by the beach for a weekend or an entire week, relaxing and enjoying some time away from the big city.
How to Get to Esbjerg
To get to Esbjerg, Denmark, you have several options:
By air | The city has its own airport, Esbjerg Airport (EBJ), although it doesn’t have many regular flights. At the moment, the only regular routes are to Aberdeen (Scotland) and Stavanger (Norway). The next best option is Billund Airport, which offers routes to more than 20 destinations around Europe, and is less than an hours’ drive.
By train | Esbjerg has one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe… So why not make a grand entrance by train? There are several train routes between Esbjerg and other cities in Denmark, including Copenhagen, Aarhus, Ribe, and Skjern. Likewise, travelers can travel to Esbjerg from Germany via Niebüll.
By bus | There are also regular bus services from cities such as Kolding, Odense, and Copenhagen to Esbjerg.
By ferry | Esbjerg is located on the western side of Denmark and, as such, there are no ferry routes to other cities. However, it’s possible to take a ferry to the nearby Fanø island as a day trip.
Transportation in Esbjerg
Once you have arrived in Esbjerg, there are several options for getting around the city and the surrounding area:
By bus | Esbjerg has an extensive bus network that connects the city center with the surrounding areas. The yellow buses circle around the city proper, while the blue buses travel between cities.
By bike | Esbjerg is a bike-friendly city, with bike lanes and paths throughout the city. You can rent a bike from one of the local bike rental shops.
By foot | Esbjerg is a small city, and many of the main attractions are within walking distance of the city center.
It’s also worth mentioning that Esbjerg is a coastal city, with a beautiful promenade that runs along the coast. Walking or biking along the promenade is a great way to see the city.
Where to stay in Esbjerg
LUXURY | Hotel Britannia:
Located in the absolute center of Esbjerg, this hotel is modern, cozy, and has all the amenities you need! Hotel Britannia is an all-around great hotel in Esbjerg that has a full-service breakfast bar (included in the price!), as well as a concierge, spa, and fitness center.
DESIGN | Scandic Olympic:
Just like other Scandic hotels, this one offers guests a unique design, a comfortable yet quiet location, and friendly service. The Superior Rooms in particular stand out with their interesting and eclectic design style, mixing modern industrial touches with antique portraits.
MID-RANGE | Hotel Ansgar:
A no frills and minimalistic yet cozy hotel set right in the heart of Esbjerg. Rooms are decorated in an appealing pastel palette with plenty of natural light (a Scandinavian classic!) and lots of space. As a bonus, breakfast is included in the price.
DESIGN | A Place To Hotel Esbjerg:
One of the coolest design hotels in Denmark! A Place To Hotel is perfectly located between the city center, the beach, and a park. Its unique design is the brainchild of Lars Kristensen (who grew up in Esbjerg) and Peter Høpfner, one of the premier architects in the country.
Located on the top nine floors of the buildings, A Place To Hotel is outfitted with a spacious lobby that includes a hotel shop, while the 17th floor is home to the Plates restaurant. All rooms have a kitchenette and a private balcony with a spectacular view of either the Wadden Sea or Esbjerg’s city center. If you’re looking for one of the best hotels in Esbjerg, this is it!
BOUTIQUE | Hjerting Badehotel:
An inviting ‘beach hotel’ with a whimsical design, Hjerting Badehotel features mood-boosting pastel colors, natural textures (rattan chairs!) and natural light. It’s an excellent place to spend a summer weekend or enjoy a relaxing day out on the beach. Don’t miss Strandpavillonen, the on-site restuarant.
BUDGET | Sweethome Guesthouse:
True to its name, this guesthouse is super sweet and feels like home! Tucked in a quiet part of Esbjerg center, Sweethome offers a variety of single and double rooms, plus a shared kitchen and a welcoming garden area.
VACATION HOME + FAMILY | Scenic Holiday Home in Esbjerg Amidst Nature:
Located between Esbjerg city and Hjerting, this fantastic vacation home features three spacious rooms (that can hold up to 5 guests), a kitchen and dining area, laundry room, and an outdoor deck. The beach is just a short walk away.
What to do in Esbjerg
Esbjerg offers a variety of things to see and do for visitors. Here are a few suggestions:
Learn about Esbjerg’s Fishing Heritage at the Fiskeri- og Søfartsmuseet
Learn about the history of Esbjerg as a port town and the important role it played in the Danish fishing industry at the Fiskeri- og Søfartsmuseet museum.
The museum has an aquarium, as well as exhibitions on the mysteries of the sea, Denmark’s Wildest Fishing Adventure (stories from skippers and fishermen), and Friland exhibition (what harbors and fisheries used to look like in the olden days).
Every day at 11am and 2:30pm, the museum has a special seal feeding session. You’ll be able to see two spotted seals (Pebbles and Arn) as well as two gray seals (Rasmine and Else) as they enjoy some snacks and company.
Visit the Esbjerg Art Museum
This museum features a collection of contemporary art (from the 20th century onward), with a focus on Danish and international artists. Besides the traditional medium of paintings, the collection includes sculptures (including works by Svend Wiig Hansen, the man who created the sculpture above!), illustrations, art installations, and more.
Discover the history of the city at the Esbjerg Museum
Get to know the city better with a trip to the Esbjerg Museum, which covers everything from the early days of the port to exhibits from the Iron Age, Viking period, and present day period.
Take a walk along the Beach Promenade
This scenic waterfront path offers panoramic views of the North Sea and is a great place for a leisurely stroll. The 650 meter-long promenade is made up of wooden planks and has plenty of amenities, like a beach volleyball court, picnic areas, benches, kiosks with drinks and snacks, and more.
During the summer, you can also rent a kayak or go on a fun stand up paddleboard or kitesurfing class.
‘Meet’ the Man Meets the Sea sculpture
While you’re walking along the beach, be sure to stop and say hello to the most famous tourist attraction in Esbjerg: Man Meets the Sea!
These four seated guys are 9 meters (30 ft) in height and face the North Sea, carefully watching over ships that enter Esbjerg Harbor. The sculpture was originally designed by Svend Wiig Hansen and installed in 1995, in celebration of the municipality’s 100th anniversary earlier.
Relax on Fanø Island
Located about 1.5 kilometers from Esbjerg is the fantastic island of Fanø, which makes for the perfect day trip from the mainland. The ferry to Fanø Island is less than a 15 minute ride, and the island is chock-full of interesting things to do, such as relaxing on the beach, seeing the traditional houses, and visiting a craft workshop.
See Ribe’s viking heritage on a day trip
Head to the nearby town of Ribe, which is one of the oldest towns in Denmark and home to a beautiful medieval center. The trip is less than 40 minutes, and there are direct buses between Esbjerg and Ribe.
Don’t miss the Ribe Viking Center, an open-air museum that recreates the daily life of the Viking Age, with reconstructed buildings, costumed actors and interactive exhibits.
Photo credits | Man Meets the Sea statue by Torben Meyer (courtesy of Esbjerg Kommune) | Esbjerg station by By Taxiarchos228 (Wikimedia) | Bus by Spoorjan (Wikimedia) | Fish Museum by Destination Vadehavskysten | Fano island windmill by Cnyborg (Wikimedia) | Hotel photos courtesy of respective hotels