Destination Kystlandet

Beaches on the east coast of Denmark

We love the gentle, east-facing beaches where the water is calm and safe, and where towels and sun loungers stay put instead of being swept away by the wind. Here, nature is peaceful, there is plenty of space for children to play freely, and every opportunity to relax, unwind and enjoy lif

En familie er på stranden ved Saksild Strand
Photo: David Jervidal

Bathing beaches on the east coast of Jutland

Do you dream of soft sand between your toes, gentle waves and views across the blue waters of the Kattegat? Along the east coast of Jutland, a string of inviting bathing beaches can be found near peaceful holiday home areas and charming harbour towns. Around the nearby fjords, beaches appear like hidden pockets within scenic natural surroundings. Here, we guide you to everything from family-friendly beaches and secluded gems to beautiful freshwater bathing lakes.

Our top recommendations

Beaches along the Odder Coast

Few places on the Jutland coast offer such long, uninterrupted stretches of sandy beach as the Odder Coast. Stretching between the harbour towns of Hou and Norsminde, south of Aarhus, this coastline is a haven for beach lovers. Saksild Beach is the best known, but the coast is home to several other beaches well worth a visit, especially for those looking for a quieter and more peaceful alternative.

Beaches in and around Juelsminde

The holiday town of Juelsminde is surrounded by beaches on three sides, making it a true seaside destination. Along the beautiful bays that stretch between Juelsminde and Horsens Fjord, you will find peaceful holiday home areas with excellent bathing conditions, calm waters and plenty of opportunities to enjoy a relaxing day by the coast.

Beaches by the East Jutland fjords

The beach experience along the East Jutland fjords is quite different from the beaches of the Kattegat coast. Here, the beaches are often small and sheltered, nestled within beautiful natural surroundings. Facilities are frequently excellent, and the stunning views across the fjords are often worth the visit in their own right. Whether you are looking for a peaceful swim, a scenic picnic spot or simply a place to enjoy the tranquillity of nature, the fjord beaches offer a unique coastal experience.

Bathing lakes with beaches

Even if you are not by the coast, there are still plenty of opportunities for outdoor swimming. The area is characterised by its many lakes, particularly in the southern part of the Lake Highlands and along the Gudenå River, where they are especially numerous. Some of these lakes have been developed with good facilities and their water quality is regularly monitored.

Family-friendly beaches

Shallow water, soft sandy beaches and gentle waves make the east coast of Jutland a safe place for children to play and swim. Here, you can relax and enjoy the peace, time and space for sandcastles, beach games and cosy family days by the water. Almost all beaches in Kystlandet are naturally family-friendly – here we highlight some of the beaches that also offer child-friendly facilities.

Beaches in the East Jutland Archipelago

On the islands of the Kattegat, there is always the chance to find a stretch of beach all to yourself. From fine sandy beaches to stony shores beneath high cliffs, the islands offer great variety and many kilometres of unspoilt coastline.

Questions and answers

Can I bring my dog to the beach in Denmark?

Yes, as a general rule, dogs are allowed on beaches in Denmark.

During the summer season (April–September), dogs must be kept on a lead.

During the winter season (October–March), dogs may run freely on beaches, provided they are under control and do not disturb other visitors.

There is, however, one exception.

Special rules apply on Blue Flag beaches. Dogs are not permitted to stay on the beach during the summer season when the Blue Flag is flying (April–September). It is permitted to walk through the beach area with a dog along the back of the beach.

The Blue Flag beaches in the Kystlandet area are:

Dogs are permitted on beaches displaying the White Bathing Flag. This applies to the following beaches along the Odder Coast:

Is there a naturist beach in Kystlandet?

Yes!

There is a naturist beach at N.F.J. Naturist- og Familiecamping.

You can visit the beach either as an overnight guest or as a day visitor.

Admission to the beach costs DKK 30, which also gives access to toilets and shower facilities.

If you are a naturist, you may also wish to stay at the campsite. If you do not have your own caravan or motorhome, you can book a cabin or a glamping tent.

What is the Blue Flag?

The Blue Flag is an international environmental certification awarded to beaches and marinas. The flag is a guarantee of high water quality, a strong focus on safety and good facilities. To receive Blue Flag status, a beach must meet a number of requirements relating to water testing, environmental management, visitor information, and access to lifesaving and first aid equipment. When you see the Blue Flag, you can enjoy your swim with added peace of mind.

In Kystlandet, the following beaches have Blue Flag status:

What is the White Bathing Water Flag?

The Bathing Water Flag (Badevandsflaget) is a Danish certification scheme that indicates that the bathing water at a beach meets the EU requirements for good bathing water quality. The White Bathing Water Flag marks beaches where water quality is monitored on an ongoing basis, allowing you to swim with confidence. Although the Bathing Water Flag does not set requirements for facilities and environmental initiatives in the same way as the Blue Flag, it is a clear sign of clean and safe bathing water.

In Kystlandet, the White Bathing Water Flag is flown at the following beaches – all of which have been awarded the maximum three stars:

Accommodation by the beaches

Do you prefer camping by the water, a hotel on the coast or a holiday home getaway?