Denmark Itinerary: 10-Day Road Trip on the West Coast Denmark Itinerary: 10-Day Road Trip on the West Coast

Denmark Itinerary: 10-Day Road Trip on the West Coast

Our Denmark road trip might just have been our wildest and most natural yet — 10 days of driving along the west coast of the Jutland peninsula, passing pretty lighthouses, wind-swept dunes, and charming villages. At some points, we were even able to drive right along the beach itself! We traveled by campervan, which is the ultimate way to experience the country’s natural beauty; the coastal area is perfect for camping, and the hospitality was truly unmatched. Discover our complete route in this ultimate Denmark itinerary.

Denmark Jutland Road Trip

Let the Denmark Jutland road trip begin! We started in the Netherlands, rented our campervan via GoBoony, and set our maps for Tønder, Sønderjylland — the first beautiful stop of many on this route.

Day 1: Sønderjylland

On day 1, we crossed the border from Germany into Jutland, Denmark, and we were on our way, filled with excitement for what was to come. 

Day 1 Route: Tønder — Møgeltønder — Schackenborg Slot — Højer Mølle — Marsk Tower.

A woman in a red shirt sits on a white bench outside a thatched-roof cottage in Møgeltønder, surrounded by flowering plants and climbing vines—a picturesque stop on any Denmark itinerary.
Mormors Lille Café

Tønder

First stop, the pretty village of Tønder, located in Sønderjylland, which quickly became one of our favorite towns on the west coast of Denmark. The cobbled old streets are lined with colorful brick houses, each with its own unique doorway. For something a bit different, head to the Sculpture Park nearby, where you can bounce on trampolines tucked between art installations.

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Denmark Itinerary: 10-Day Road Trip on the West Coast

Breakfast tip: We started the day at Johanne’s – Vores Kaffebar. The smørrebrød here was so delicious! 

A yellow building is seen in the background with two abstract sculptures on a green lawn surrounded by trees, making it a perfect spot to add to your Denmark itinerary.

Møgeltønder

Not far away lies Møgeltønder, a picture-perfect village where roses climb up the houses. It really feels like stepping into a storybook! Snap some photos and then walk to Schackenborg Slot, where a little bridge leads into the castle gardens. The grounds are free to enter, and although it is a quick stop, it’s well worth a visit.

Food tip: Mormors Lille Café is the spot here, serving homemade cakes in a cozy setting that feels like someone’s living room. 

A person in a red shirt walks across a small bridge toward a white historic building with a red-tiled roof in Møgeltønder—an ideal stop on any Denmark itinerary.

Højer

Further north, the flat marshes stretch around Højer, dominated by the striking black windmill known as Højer Mølle. We loved the café in the garden next to it, which has the best views of the sails turning slowly above.

A traditional Dutch windmill stands next to a white house with a red-tiled roof in Højer, surrounded by a manicured garden under a blue sky—an idyllic scene to inspire any Denmark itinerary.

Sunset at Marsk Tower

We ended the day at Marsk Camp, one of the best-designed campsites we have ever stayed at. The facilities are modern, and the on-site restaurant has a natural, Scandinavian feel. (Book your table here)

A highlight for any Denmark itinerary, this spiral observation Marsk Tower rises above landscaped gardens with a winding stream, benches, and educational signs under a clear sky.

The highlight, though, is the Marsk Tower, a spiral viewing platform that rises high above the marshlands. We climbed it for sunset and had panoramic views over the Wadden Sea, glowing gold in the evening light. Tickets cost 95 DKK/13 EUR to climb the tower, but it’s well worth it!

A person stands at the base of a tall, spiral observation tower called Marsk Tower at sunset—an unforgettable moment for any Denmark itinerary—as another individual takes in the view from the top, all surrounded by lush greenery and an open sky.

Day 2: Rømø Island & Ribe

On Day 2 of our Denmark itinerary, we headed for the wild and untamed Rømø Island. The long causeway across the water feels like a road into the sea, and the reward is one of the widest beaches in Europe. We were actually able to drive our camper straight onto the sand, which was a surreal moment as we looked out at the four kilometers of open shoreline in front of us.

Day 2 Route: Rømø — Naturcenter Tønnisgård — Ribe — Black Sun tour

A cobblestone street with outdoor cafes and pedestrians, lined with brick buildings, leads to a large historic church with a tall tower and green roof in Ribe—an ideal sight on any Denmark itinerary.

Rømø Island (Naturcenter Tønnisgård)

One of the highlights was joining a foraging experience with Naturcenter Tønnisgård, led by our lovely guide Bente. She showed us how to collect edible plants, like samphire and other herbs growing wild by the shore.

A wicker basket with three patterned bowls containing herbs, placed on grass surrounded by wildflowers—perfect inspiration for your Denmark itinerary.

We then used these ingredients to make a simple yet delicious lunch: hot dogs topped with a homemade tomato and apple sauce, along with our freshly gathered greens. It was a sustainable, hands-on experience, and one of the most memorable meals of the trip.

A hand holds a topped hot dog outdoors, with a blurred traditional building and Danish flag in the background—an appetizing pause on any Denmark itinerary.

Ribe, Jutland: Denmark’s Oldest Town

From the island, we drove to Ribe in the region of Vadehavskysten, Denmark’s oldest town and one of the prettiest places to visit in Jutland. The narrow streets twist past half-timbered houses and small shops, all leading to the towering cathedral in the center. 

Top Tip: Stop for ice cream at Temper Chokolade — delicious!

A woman walks along a cobblestone street lined with colorful buildings and flowers in Ribe, a charming highlight for any Denmark itinerary.

Black Sun Tour in the Marshes

Our evening was spent on the Black Sun Tour at the Vadehavscentret. Standing in the marshes as thousands of starlings moved together in dark swirling patterns was absolutely mesmerizing. We are not usually birdwatchers, but this was something completely unique and unforgettable.

We stayed at Ribe Camping, a really cute site, where every pitch comes with a wooden deck and picnic table.

A large flock of birds flies across a colorful sky at sunset, with shades of blue, pink, and orange in the background—capturing a moment as magical as any view on your Denmark itinerary.

Day 3: Exploring Fanø Island

On day 3 of our Denmark road trip, we woke bright and early, ready to continue exploring the region of Vadehavskysten. Today, we were headed on the ferry to Fanø for some adventurous activities!

Day 3 route: Fanø — Blokarting — Sønderho

Fanø

A short ferry from Esbjerg takes you to Fanø, a windswept island with wide beaches and two charming villages. We instantly fell in love with the laid-back atmosphere here. Here is the ferry timetable (tickets cost around 329 DKK/44 EUR return for a camper)

Cars and a camper van with bicycles on the back are parked on the open deck of a ferry to Fanø island, an ideal sight for any Denmark itinerary, as it travels across serene waters under a clear sky.

Lunch tip: Fanø Krogaard, a wonderful restaurant by the harbor of Nordby, that serves traditional Danish open sandwiches (smørrebrød)

A cozy café interior perfect for planning your Denmark itinerary, with wooden tables and chairs, floral upholstered seating, framed art, and glass jars on a high shelf. A small vase with flowers sits on a table in the background.

Blokarting in Fanø

The highlight of Fanø for us was this blokarting experience on Rindby Strand. You sit in a small three-wheeled cart with a sail and let the wind push you across the sand. I was a bit nervous when I saw how fast they could go, but it was surprisingly easy to learn and a lot of fun! 

Three people ride blokarts with colorful sails on a sandy beach under a cloudy sky, with grassy dunes in the background—a perfect addition to your Denmark itinerary.

Sønderho in Fanø

Later, we wandered around Sønderho, a village filled with thatched-roof cottages and small cafés. We also stepped inside Sønderho Mølle, the old windmill, and enjoyed the peaceful vibe that makes this village feel timeless. (Entrance fee: 20 DKK/3 EUR)

Two people walk on a road beside yellow houses with thatched roofs, white picket fences, and green lawns on a sunny day in Sønderho—an idyllic scene perfect for any Denmark itinerary.

We finished the day with dinner at Kellers Badehotel, a stylish and cozy spot that felt like the perfect way to wrap up our time on Fanø.

Day 4: Tirpitz Museum + Dune Walks

On day 4 of our Denmark itinerary, we discovered the region of Vesterhavet, famous for its watersports and windswept dunes.

Day 4 route: Nordby – Tirpitz Museum — Blåvand — Børsmose Sunset dune walk.

Stroll through Nordby

Before you depart from Fanø, stroll through Nordby. This is the vibrant heart of Fanø and one of the island’s most charming villages (it was one of our favorite places during the road trip). Narrow streets are lined with colorful thatched-roof houses, and there are plenty of small boutiques and art shops to browse. For a coffee break, we recommend Haven Fanø, a lovely spot with a great atmosphere and a beautiful garden.

A young couple stands smiling together on a sidewalk in front of colorful houses with white picket fences, capturing a perfect moment for their Denmark itinerary on a sunny day.

Tirpitz Museum (Blåvand)

One of the most impressive museums on the west coast of Denmark is the Tirpitz Museum near Blåvand. Built directly into the dunes, it tells the story of World War II through immersive exhibitions, while also featuring beautiful displays about amber and the Ice Age. What makes it so special is the design: from above, we could hardly see the museum at all, as it blends into the landscape.

Interior of a modern exhibition space in Tirpitz Museum , perfect for your Denmark itinerary, featuring large yellow geometric structures, illuminated display cases, and tall black columns under a concrete ceiling.

Grab a Takeaway in Blåvand

Blåvand itself is a lively coastal town with plenty of small shops and cafés. Wine & Delights is a nice place for lunch or dinner.

Plates of pasta and a cup of water on a table—perfect for fueling up before mapping out your Denmark itinerary.

Evening in the Dunes of Børsmose Strand Camping

We camped at Børsmose Strand Camping, a site spread out across the dunes where you can choose your own pitch. From our spot, we could watch paragliders drifting above the coast. In the evening, we walked straight over the dunes to catch the sunset on the beach, which felt like the perfect slow end to the day.

Several camper vans, tents, and cars are parked among grassy sand dunes under a partly cloudy sky on a camping site—an ideal stop on any Denmark itinerary.

Day 5: Hvide Sande + Lyngvig Fyr

On Day 5 of our Denmark itinerary, we continued to explore the region of Vesterhavet, in particular, Hvide Sande. This narrow strip of land is all about wind and water; it’s one of the most exciting places to visit in Jutland!

Day 5 route: Naturkraft — Cable Park — Lyngvig Fyr lighthouse.

Naturkraft Outdoor Park

Naturkraft is an outdoor park that mixes play with learning. Kids and adults can cross rope bridges, pull themselves across small lakes, or step into a wind tunnel that shows what it feels like to stand in a storm. Indoors, the exhibitions are also interactive, showcasing the change of seasons through a digital “Tree of Life” and telling the story of Danish wind energy. 

A person stands on a red footbridge over a pond with reeds at Naturkraft Outdoor Park Denmark, near modern geometric buildings and grassy hills under a partly cloudy sky.

Lunch Tip: On the way back toward the coast, we stopped at Vestkystens Gårdbutik, a small farm shop specializing in local specialties, including cheese and honey. Great for picnic supplies!

Cable Park in Hvide Sande, Denmark

For those who love a bit of adrenaline, the Cable Park in Hvide Sande is the perfect destination. You can wakeboard or waterski along a cable circuit, with easy loops for beginners and ramps for pros. We enjoyed just watching too, especially with the summer buzz around the harbor. (Book your spot here)

A person in a wetsuit performs an airborne trick on a wakeboard, holding a tow rope, while spectators—perhaps planning their Denmark itinerary—watch from the water’s edge.

Climb the Lighthouse: Lyngvig Fyr (A must-see in Jutland, Denmark)

The evening was dedicated to Lyngvig Fyr, a tall white lighthouse surrounded by dunes. You can climb the spiral staircase to the top for views of the entire coastline, which was magical. (Tickets cost 75 DKK/10 EUR, and you can book them online)

Two people walk on a path through grassy fields toward Lyngvig Fyr, Denmark’s tall white lighthouse with a red top, under a clear sky.

Camping Tip: We stayed at DCU Lyngvig Strand Camping. From here, you can simply walk over the dunes and watch the lighthouse at sunset. This campsite was one of our absolute favorites; it featured an outdoor pool and a stunning dune setting that felt far removed from everything.

If you prefer a nice dinner this evening, RI10 in Hvide Sande is a popular option!

Aerial view of a coastal campsite, perfect for any Denmark itinerary, with numerous RVs and winding roads near dunes and a sandy beach beside the ocean.

Day 6: Relaxed Day in Vesterhavet

The 6th day of our Denmark road trip was more relaxed; you won’t be covering long distances today, just soaking up the summer atmosphere of this beautiful area.

Day 6 route: Ringkøbing  — Holmsland Klit — Søndervig Sand Sculpture Festival — Lazy beach afternoon.

A plate with sliced cucumber, cheese cubes, and cherry tomatoes, a bowl of bread, and a board with cheese spread and chopped cheese on a striped tablecloth—perfect for planning your Denmark itinerary.

Scenic Drive Along Homsland Klit

After a slow coffee stop in Ringkøbing, we followed the scenic drive along Holmsland Klit, a narrow sand spit with water on both sides. The views are endless, with dunes rolling into the horizon and little pull-offs where you can park and walk straight onto the beach.

Søndervig Sand Sculpture Festival in Jutland, Denmark

From May to October, this stretch of coast also hosts the Søndervig Sand Sculpture Festival, where artists from around the world create huge and intricate sculptures. Wandering through the festival feels like stepping into an open-air museum made entirely of sand, and it is one of those events that you will only see if you happen to be here at the right time of year.

Lazy Beach Afternoon

The rest of the day, we kept it simple. Picnics by the fjord, long beach walks, and enjoying the day. After so many stops packed with activities, this was the perfect way to slow down and soak up the summer atmosphere.

A woman stands in the doorway of a white camper van parked on grass at sunset, with a chair, table, and Lyngvig Fyr lighthouse in the background—an idyllic stop on any Denmark road trip.

Day 7: Drive into Nordjylland: The Surf Hub of Jutland, Denmark

On day 7, we drove along the beautiful coastline of Nordvestkysten, most famous for its quaint fishing villages and fantastic surf.

Day 7 route: Husby Klitplantage — Thyborøn — Ferry to Agger — Lodbjerg Fyr lighthouse — Beachtime

Husby Klitplantage + Bovbjerg Fyr

Heading further north, our first recommended stop is Husby Klitplantage, a stunning landscape featuring pine forests, dunes, and heathlands. After, visit Bovbjerg Fyr, a red lighthouse that stands proudly on the edge of dramatic clay cliffs.

Thyborøn

Next, continue to Thyborøn. This little town is full of quirky details, like the shell-covered Sneglehuset and the colorful Røde Huse fishing huts. Both are quick stops, but they give Thyborøn a unique character.

Scene with red wooden buildings, outdoor seating, gravel paths, and sparse landscaping under a clear blue sky—a charming stop to include on your Denmark itinerary. A watchtower rises in the background.

Ferry to Agger

The ferry from Thyborøn to Agger is a short but scenic route, crossing the waters in approximately 25 minutes. Tickets are easily purchased at the machine in the harbor (approximately 260 DKK/35 EUR for a camper).

A white and blue ferry named Thyborøn-Agger is docked near the shore with greenery and water in the foreground under a clear sky, making it a scenic stop on any Denmark itinerary.

Lodbjerg Fyr

On the Agger side, we headed straight for Lodbjerg Fyr, a lovely lighthouse set among heath and dunes. The climb to the top offers incredible views of the coast, and several trails start right at the base for those who want to stretch their legs.

A person walks along a forest path toward the tall brick lighthouse Lodbjerg Fyr surrounded by trees on a sunny day—a perfect stop on any Denmark itinerary.

Cold Hawaii (Klitmøller)

By afternoon, we had reached Klitmøller, better known as Cold Hawaii. It’s all about the surf scene here, but you don’t have to surf to enjoy it. We also spent time relaxing on the beach, watching the waves, and soaking up the lively yet laid-back atmosphere. Later, we had a cozy stop at Café Break, which felt like the perfect way to end the day. 

Two people surf small waves near a sandy beach with grassy, sloping dunes in the background under a partly cloudy sky—a perfect scene to include in your Denmark itinerary.

Day 8: Surf Lesson & Bulbjerg Klint

On day 8 in Jutland of our Denmark itinerary, we were excited to learn to surf in Nordjylland. We’ve done a few surf lessons before, but never in the North Sea, so this was something totally new for us.

Day 8 route: Surf lessons + Afternoon at Bulbjerg Klint.

Take a Surf Lesson

Cold Hawaii is the kind of place that makes you want to try surfing, even if you have never done it before. We joined a beginner lesson with Viking Surf House, and within a couple of hours, we were riding waves in the North Sea. The instructors are great at making it fun and approachable, and just being out there with the boards was an incredible experience.

Snack tip: Afterwards, we warmed up at Kesses Hus, where Hannah was delighted to discover the gigantic (!) pancakes. It was the perfect post-surf treat.

A person wearing a wetsuit rides a hydrofoil board on the water, holding a purple and blue handheld sail—an adventure you might add to your Denmark itinerary.

Bulbjerg Klint (Our favorite spot in Jutland, Denmark)

Then we drove to Bulbjerg Klint, Denmark’s only bird nesting cliff, apart from Bornholm. The white chalk cliffs rise sharply above the water, and from the top, you get expansive views over the coastline. Signs are warning about rockfall and changing tides, so it is worth keeping a little distance, but it is still one of the most dramatic viewpoints on the west coast of Denmark.

After, we headed back for a relaxed evening and a cozy dinner at our campsite: Vorupør Camping.

A person stands on a grassy cliff called Bulbjerg Klint overlooking a sandy beach and blue ocean under a clear sky, arms raised in the air—an inspiring stop on any Denmark itinerary.

Day 9+10: Route 181 to Lønstrup

The last days were our favorite finale of the Denmark Jutland road trip: wild nature, cozy food stops, and experiences we will never forget.

Day 9+10 route: Route 181 beach drive — Løkken — Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse — Lønstrup.

Two people sit on chairs outside a white camper van parked on a sandy beach, enjoying a peaceful stop along their Denmark road trip itinerary, with grassy dunes in the background under a blue sky with clouds.

Route 181 (Drive Along the Beach in Jutland!)

The last stretch of our Denmark road trip took us north along Route 181 to Løkken, one of the most scenic drives in Jutland and one of the few places in Denmark where driving on the beach is still allowed.

  1. At Rødhus, turn onto the sand.
  2. Follow the beach all the way to Blokhus.
  3. Continue to Løkken.

We prepared coffee right on the beach, chilled for a bit, and cruised right at the edge of the surf with dunes on one side and the sea on the other, one of those unforgettable road trip moments.

A white camper van drives on a wide sandy beach is the perfect addition to any Denmark road trip itinerary, with several vehicles and grassy dunes in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Løkken

Løkken is lively and full of atmosphere. From the beach, climb the wooden “Stairs to Heaven” for views over the coastline. After, wander into town to grab a quick bite to eat at:

Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse (Our favorite place in Jutland, Denmark)

The finale was Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse, which was famously moved 70 meters inland in 2019 to save it from being claimed by the sea. We hiked up the dunes to reach it, but we also saw the option to hop on the quirky tractor shuttle, which looked like a lot of fun!

A woman in a red jacket walks toward a tall, beige lighthouse called Rubjerg Knude surrounded by sand and sparse vegetation on a foggy day—a classic scene for any Denmark itinerary.

From the top, the views stretch endlessly over sea and sand, with the wild beauty of Denmark’s Jutland on full display. 

A person stands near the edge of a grassy cliff, perhaps following their Denmark itinerary, gazing over a beach and calm blue sea beneath a clear sky.

Lønstrup

Our Denmark Jutland road trip ended in Lønstrup, a charming artists’ town. We loved all the workshops, selling incredible glassware and ceramics. Some of our favorites were:

Tip: Kegels Bageri was perfect for pastries, or grab a cozy coffee at Keramikcafé Møllehuset.

A brightly colored pottery shop in Lønstrup, perfect for any Denmark itinerary, displays various handmade ceramics—mugs, bowls, and vases—along with hanging plants and shelves against pastel blue walls.

Where to Stay in Denmark: Booking Campsites

Denmark campsites are well-organized but popular in the summer. Ask for dune-side pitches if available (the absolute best views!). Expect excellent facilities: hot showers, kitchens, and often bakeries. We stayed at:

For more campsites and information, you can check out our Denmark road book on Goboony.

A man sits inside a camper van parked by a sandy beach, looking out at the ocean through the open side door under a partly cloudy sky—an idyllic stop on his Denmark road trip itinerary.

Budget for Your Denmark Road Trip

In Denmark, the local currency is the DKK (Danish Krone), and we always recommend paying in this currency when using a card. We always use Wise to avoid high bank fees and exchange rates.

  • Campsites: 150–300 DKK (20-40 EUR) per night
  • Entrance Fees: Up to 100 DKK (14 EUR) per attraction
  • Ferries: ± 35-50 EUR return for a camper
  • Activities: 40-70 EUR per activity
  • Camper rental: 100-300 EUR per day (via Goboony)
  • Fuel: 1.97 EUR and Diesel 1.34 EUR per liter
  • Restaurants: 30-40 EUR per meal
A hand holding a Danish 200 kroner banknote, with a teapot and cup blurred in the background—perfect inspiration as you plan your Denmark itinerary.

Practical Tips for Your Road Trip

Apps & Websites

Packing List

  • Layers: T-shirts, fleece, and a windproof jacket
  • Beanie & scarf (even at the beach)
  • Flip flops for campsite showers
  • Leveling blocks for uneven pitches
  • Thermos for long, windy beach walks. 
View from inside a camper van looking out at a couple embracing on a grassy area near the beach—an idyllic stop on any Denmark road trip itinerary, with the ocean and sky stretching out in the background.

Hygge on the Road

Bring fairy lights, candles, or a lantern to make evenings at the campsite extra cozy. Pair with Danish beer or a smørrebrød picnic and you’ve got hygge on wheels!

Best Time to Visit Denmark

We traveled to Denmark in early September, and it was a beautiful time of year to visit; we had sunny days that were perfect for driving along the sandy beaches. The western coastline is windy, which means rain clouds can suddenly appear, so always carry a jacket.

If you’re visiting in summer, be aware that it will be much busier, and you’ll need to book a campsite in advance or have a look at all the campsites in Denmark.

A man sits alone on a wooden bench overlooking a sandy beach and calm sea at sunset, with green bushes and tall grass in the foreground—a peaceful stop on any Denmark itinerary.

Absolutely. Distances are short, campsites are excellent, and the west coast of Jutland offers a mix of nature, towns, and unique experiences, such as beach driving and the Black Sun.

Our highlights include:

  • Ribe
  • Rømø and Fanø islands
  • Blåvand’s Tirpitz Museum
  • Hvide Sande
  • Lyngvig Fyr, Bovbjerg Fyr, and Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse
  • Cold Hawaii

We recommend 10 days for the whole West Coast route. If you have only 7 days, focus on the southern half (Days 1–7), which is home to our favorite spots.ou

Jutland is the mainland peninsula of Denmark, stretching north from the German border. This 10-day Denmark itinerary follows the entire west coast of Jutland.

This guide was created in collaboration with VisitDenmark as part of a paid partnership.

Hannah & Nick - Salt in our Hair
About the author
Hannah & Nick

Hey! We're Hannah & Nick. From hikes and city breaks to tropical islands — we've been traveling together since 2016. And it all started with a €11 GoPro. Read our full story here

10/10/2025 https://www.saltinourhair.com/denmark/denmark-jutland-itinerary/
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