Land of Contrasts...

A land of windswept moors, white sandy beaches and savage sea-battered coastlines, Jutland is without question one of the most distinctive regions in Denmark. Areas of bustling activity contrast with secluded, calm spaces where nature has reigned supreme for millions of years. This region offers the best of both worlds, ranging from sleepy pastoral areas to the busy and sophisticated city of Aarhus to fun-packed Legoland, Denmark's most visited tourist attraction outside of Copenhagen. Also, Jutland offers a number of historical sites from the Viking and middle ages.

The cultural capital of Jutland is Aarhus. Located a mere 15-minute cycle ride from unspoiled beaches and flower-laden woods, Aarhus is a lively university city as well as being an important trade centre and seaport. Intimate enough to know in the space of a couple of hours but large enough to fill both days and nights with culture, fabulous food and the very best Denmark has to offer in live entertainment, Arhus really is a must for any visitor to Jutland. Not to be missed in Aarhus, is The Old Town (Den Gamle By) which is a living picture of what life was like centuries ago, with its homes, crafts, activities, and inhabitants in historical costumes. Take a trip to the north of the region with its dramatic coastal landscape dominated by heaths, dunes and beaches. While in the north, marvel at the stunning landscape at Skagen, a fishing port whose remarkable light has attracted artists since the 19th century. In central Jutland, enjoy a more active time in the Lake District, a haven for those who enjoy canoeing, cycling and hiking, or simply take a cruise on board the Hjejlen, one of the oldest operational paddle steamers in the world. Take a biking tour along the coastline, encountering some wonderful fjords as you go. Savour the atmosphere and hear the echoes of history at Fredericia, a city whose ancient earthen embankments played a crucial role in Denmark's battles with its neighbours over the centuries. To the south, pay a visit to Ribe, the oldest town in Scandinavia and one of Denmark's most important centers during the Viking and middle-ages. Dating from the 9th century, Ribe was Denmark's first bishop's seat and has, in Ribe Cathedral which was constructed in 1151, one of the best preserved Romanesque cathedrals in Northern Europe. The cathedral has, from the middle ages, restored canon chairs, an eight-foot brass chandelier, a bronze baptism fount, and a sculpture of St. George and the dragon. The pulpit (1596) is from the renaissance and several paintings, mosaics, and stain glass pieces are from the 1990s. While in Ribe, make sure you visit Ribe Viking Centre, where you can see and participate in life in the Viking Age, including exploring their dwelling and enjoying archery, falconry, and other games. Also, take an excursion to one of the many quaint villages and towns scattered around nearby, and especially the enchanting West Coast islands of Fanø and Romø.

Legoland in Billund is one of the primary attractions in Denmark probably because is has something for everyone. A world of fun and fantasy has been created with 50 million Lego® blocks to fuel the imagination of young and old. What is called "The Greatest Playground for the Whole Family" offers knights in armor, pirates, cowboys and Indians, and much more. Miniland, the heart and original piece of Legoland presents the whole world in a microcosm including attractions and cities of the world made from Lego blocks. The youngest can explore on their own in Lego® Explore Land where soft surfaces protect knees and elbows as well as the nerves of parents. For the older kids, the rollercoaster, X-treme Racers offers a wild and fast ride that is just the ticket for the tougher at heart. Another favorite is the Driver's School (ages 8-13, extra fee) where you negotiate a small town under the watchful eye of instructors that communicate to the drivers, in their own language, when help is needed. At the conclusion of the driving session, a driver's license with photograph is issued to each participant.

Several other noteworthy attractions are easily reached south of Haderslev in central Jutland. First, the ancient Army Road (Hærvejen) which was the primary north-south route in the middle ages is near and parallels E45, today's primary north-south thoroughfare. Sections of the Army Road, by which armies, cattle, and commercial goods have been transported through the ages, are marked and can be driven by car. Also nearby and easily reached (and crossed by car) is the Bridge at Immervad (Immervad Bro), one of the best preserved stone beam bridges in Denmark and an important element of the Army Road. The present bridge was built in 1786 and reveals huge granite beams which were cleaved from a huge block of granite which was transported to the region in the ice age. Third, consider visiting Koldinghus, the castle in the city of Kolding and the last permanent royal dwelling in Jutland. Koldinghus has recently been restored from its ruins in a spectacular architectural design and houses a number of significant permanent and traveling exhibits. In addition, look out for festivals (fairs, music festivals and historic celebrations) that are presented in various towns in the region, including "Ringeridning" a festivity unique to Southern Jutland and stemming from games of the knights in the middle ages. Besides various rides and fascinating crafts and foods, the main event is the "ringeridning" competition where riders tilt at a ring at a full gallop.

As unique as it is beautiful, exciting and surprising Jutland presents the richest variety of Denmark's delights. From the raw and beautiful tip of its peninsula to the patchwork of villages and towns to the south, Jutland is a truly memorable experience.

MORE ON NORTH JUTLAND (NORDJYLLAND):

Northern Jutland is beautiful in its starkly contrasting landscapes from the white beaches and breaking waves of the west coast, to the moors of the inland areas, to the cozy fishing villages, and protected beaches of the east coast. On the eastern side the beaches frequently yield to wetlands and lagoons with their rich bird sanctuaries. In the middle lies the Island of Mors, probably the most spectacular beautiful area in Denmark (The Danes will tell you that when Denmark was created, God first made a model and - on the seventh day after everything was done - He saw that the model was far more beautiful than anything else. So he named it Mors and set it as an island in Limfjorden.) The region is also scattered with old village churches, castles, manor houses, farms, and historic memorials.

The three largest towns are Skagen to the north and Frederikshavn and Aalborg further south. Skagen is remarkable in its history as an important merchant town and beautifully preserved yellow buildings in its old town. The town has emerged as the place to be in the summers when visitors literally reflect the who's who of Denmark, including the Crown Prince and his fiancé who spend much of the summer in Skagen. Skagen also is home to a famous group of painters, "Skagen's Painters", who made their mark in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Their paintings are displayed in the museum in town. A traveling collection of the paintings will make a North-American tour in 2005.

Frederikshavn and its neighboring town, Strandby, are among the cozy fishing villages along North Jutland's eastern coast. Frederikshavn serves the transfer point for travel by highway to ferry for travelers coming north on the European thoroughfare, E45, with destinations in Norway or Sweden. A day-trip can take you to Sweden or Læsø, a small island off the coast. Frederikshavn is home to the wonderful Tordenskiold Days (Tordenskiolddagene) during which the town celebrates the hero of Danish naval warfare with period crafts, foods, costumes, skits, and a naval battle in the harbor.

Aalborg, Denmark's fourth largest city, is known for its theatre, music, opera and carnival, its museums, art and historic quarters, its fun for children at Waterland, Tivoliland, the Zoo and much more, and its reputation for being the city of the nighthawks with more than 300 restaurants and a casino. In the famous and much-loved street known as Jomfru Ane Gade, the night lasts till the small hours. Here, you will find discotheques, pubs, cafés and bars wherever you look. Aalborg is known as a festive city that never sleeps, with a nightlife that has given the city the nickname "The Little Paris of the North". With more than 300 restaurants and pubs in the city there is food and drink that will satisfy all tastes.