Central & East Jutland (Midt- & Østjylland)
Home of LEGO bricks and the smiling city of Aarhus 🎢
Central & East Jutland is the powerhouse of Danish family tourism, largely because it hosts the attraction that tops most children's wish lists: LEGOLAND Billund. Located conveniently near the international airport, the park and the nearby LEGO House offer days of immersion in creative play and rides. However, the region offers much more than plastic bricks. Just an hour away lies Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city. It is vibrant and youthful, featuring ARoS Art Museum with its rainbow panoramic walkway that lets kids view the city in different colours. The Den Gamle By (The Old Town) open-air museum is another highlight, where families can walk through living history, taste historical cakes, and meet actors in period costume.
For active families, the 'Lake District' around Silkeborg and Skanderborg provides Denmark's most scenic outdoor terrain. Here, you can rent canoes or take a trip on the world's oldest coal-fired paddle steamer, Hjejlen, to the foot of Himmelbjerget, one of the country's highest points. The hike to the top is manageable for children and rewards them with sweeping views of the lakes and forests. To the east, the Djursland peninsula is a holiday hotspot known for its child-friendly beaches and Djurs Sommerland, the Nordic region's largest summer land with varied roller coasters and a huge water park.
Nature encounters are also plentiful. In Randers Regnskov (Rainforest), you can walk freely among monkeys and bats in tropical domes. Givskud Zoo offers a safari experience where you drive your own car among lions and giraffes, getting thrillingly close to the animals. The region’s infrastructure is excellent, with easy driving distances between coast, city, and theme parks, allowing you to base yourself in a holiday home and take day trips to varied attractions without long car journeys.
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Activities & Best Times
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Aarhus offers a sophisticated blend of world-class museums like ARoS and the immersive Den Gamle By, set within a walkable, high-design urban environment. Peak summer provides the long daylight hours and pleasant 17-20°C temperatures necessary to enjoy the vibrant harbor and outdoor cafe culture; winter is dark and damp, limiting the urban experience.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Home to the world-renowned Moesgaard Museum, which sets international benchmarks for interactive archaeology, and the UNESCO Jelling Monuments. The May-September period offers the best conditions for exploring indoor-outdoor archaeological sites, while winter conditions make the essential outdoor components of these historic sites less accessible.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
The region features the Lake District's premium cycling and kayaking routes and the Aarhus Bugt for world-class sailing infrastructure. Peak conditions (Jun-Aug) offer the most stable winds and mild temperatures for active exploration; shoulder months are viable for cycling but face increased precipitation and cooler 11-13°C averages.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Pristine landscapes like Mols Bjerge National Park and the 'Himmelbjerget' hills offer gentle but authentic Nordic nature experiences for families. Peak summer is ideal for hiking and lake activities when temperatures reach 20°C; the shoulder season offers beautiful spring blooms and autumn colors but requires specialized gear for frequent rain.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
The Aarhus Festival (late Aug/early Sep) is an internationally recognized cultural event with high-caliber performances. December offers authentic Nordic Christmas markets, though the weather is cold (3°C); peak festival season in late summer benefits from the most reliable weather for outdoor art installations.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The scenic 'Marguerite Route' winds through rolling hills, coastal fjords, and charming manor houses with exceptional road quality. Best experienced from May to September when the countryside is lush and visibility is high; winter months are characterized by grey skies, heavy rain (up to 100mm), and short daylight hours that obscure the views.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
Djurs Sommerland is a highly-awarded regional park with world-class coaster quality and authentic landscaping that appeals to discerning families. Most attractions operate only from late spring to early autumn, with peak summer months providing the essential warmth (14-20°C) for water-based rides and full park programming.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
The region offers beautiful coastal beaches suitable for summer relaxation. While pleasant for domestic tourism, they may lack the pristine nature and tropical warmth expected by internationally experienced travelers seeking world-class beach destinations. Peak months (July-August) provide the warmest air and water temperatures; shoulder months (June, September) are cooler but still offer enjoyable coastal walks; other months are generally too cold for beach activities.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Discerning travelers can find high-end 'Badehoteller' (seaside heritage hotels) offering a unique Danish coastal relaxation experience. While the spas are indoor, the peak summer months (Jul-Aug) are essential for the authentic experience of blending coastal walks with wellness; winter months lack the serene atmosphere required for world-class wellness tourism.
Attractions (79 total)
Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
ARoS Aarhus Art Museum
Aarhus
One of Europe's largest art museums, featuring the spectacular Your Rainbow Panorama circular walkway on its roof with 360-degree city views.
Visit website →Glasmuseet Ebeltoft
Ebeltoft
A leading international museum for contemporary glass art located in a historic coastal town, featuring a modern wing and glass-blowing workshops.
Visit website →Randers Kunstmuseum
Randers
Located in the Cultural Center of Randers, it offers a comprehensive journey through Danish art from the 1800s to the present day.
Visit website →HEART - Herning Museum of Contemporary Art
Herning
Housed in a stunning building designed by Steven Holl, this museum showcases world-class conceptual and contemporary art.
Visit website →Museum Jorn
Silkeborg
Dedicated to the works of Cobra artist Asger Jorn, this museum houses an extensive collection of modern art in a beautiful riverside setting.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Botanical Garden and the Greenhouses
Aarhus
A diverse botanical collection featuring four different climate zones inside modern glass domes and expansive outdoor themed gardens for all ages.
Visit website →Rosenholm Castle Garden
Hornslet
A classic Renaissance garden with long avenues and a historic 'Pirkentavl' summerhouse, set against the backdrop of one of Denmark's oldest family-owned estates.
Visit website →The Geometric Gardens
Herning
A unique landscape architecture masterpiece consisting of high hornbeam hedges arranged in massive, precise geometric shapes creating secluded outdoor rooms.
Visit website →Clausholm Castle Gardens
Hadsten
One of Denmark's most beautiful Baroque gardens, featuring a cascading fountain system, symmetrical lime tree avenues, and meticulously manicured terraces.
Visit website →The Manor Gardens at Gammel Estrup
Auning
Historical Renaissance and Baroque gardens surrounding a red-brick manor house, featuring a large orangery, apple orchards, and traditional flower beds.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Den Gamle By (The Old Town)
Aarhus
An immersive open-air museum where families can walk through Danish history with relocated historic buildings and costumed actors.
Visit website →Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
Jelling
A UNESCO World Heritage site representing the birth of the Danish nation with 10th-century Viking runic stones and massive burial mounds.
Visit website →Moesgaard Museum
Aarhus
A world-class archaeological museum featuring the Grauballe Man and innovative exhibits set in a striking modern building with a walkable grass roof.
Visit website →Kalø Castle Ruin
Rønde
The picturesque remains of a 14th-century royal castle situated on a small island connected to the mainland by Denmark's longest medieval road.
Visit website →Viborg Cathedral
Viborg
A magnificent twin-towered granite cathedral famous for its extensive and vibrant frescoes by Joakim Skovgaard.
Visit website →Fængslet (The Prison Museum)
Horsens
A former state penitentiary transformed into an award-winning museum that explores prison life through interactive and gritty exhibits.
Visit website →Gammel Estrup - The Danish Manor Museum
Auning
A beautifully preserved Renaissance manor house offering a glimpse into the life of Danish nobility and their servants over centuries.
Visit website →Rosenholm Castle
Hornslet
One of Denmark's best-preserved Renaissance castles, owned by the Rosenkrantz family for over 450 years and featuring exquisite period interiors.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Djurs Sommerland
Nimtofte
Scandinavia's largest summer park offers thrilling rollercoasters and themed water play areas for families of all ages.
Visit website →Givskud Zoo
Give
A massive safari and dinosaur park where families can drive among lions and see life-sized prehistoric replicas.
Visit website →WOW PARK Billund
Billund
This massive forest adventure park features high-altitude rope bridges, giant net trampolines, and underground tunnels for active family play.
Visit website →Labyrinthia
Silkeborg
A fun and educational puzzle park where kids and adults can challenge themselves in complex hedge mazes and water labyrinths.
Visit website →Gorilla Park Vejle
Vejle
An outdoor climbing center offering varied high-ropes courses through the treetops of a beautiful Danish beech forest.
Visit website →Ree Park Safari
Ebeltoft
Families can explore an expansive safari park with off-road Land Rover tours and close encounters with rare animals from five continents.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Djurs Sommerland Vandland
Nimtofte
A massive outdoor water park within Denmark's largest summer park, featuring a huge wave pool and multiple high-speed slides set in a lush landscape.
Visit website →Lalandia Billund Aquadome
Billund
Scandinavia's largest tropical water park featuring numerous high-speed slides, wave pools, and a lazy river under a massive glass dome.
Visit website →Aqua Forum
Horsens
A modern aquatic center offering large indoor pools, a diving tower, and a relaxation area with a steam bath and sauna for family leisure.
Visit website →Vandkulturhuset DGI Huset Herning
Herning
A contemporary indoor swimming facility with diverse pools, climbing walls over the water, and wellness features in a striking architectural setting.
Visit website →Water & Wellness Randers
Randers
A large modern swimming and wellness center featuring Denmark's longest indoor water slide and extensive thermal spa facilities.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Givskud Zoo (Zootopia)
Billund
A massive safari park that includes an extensive petting zoo section and a dinosaur park perfect for families.
Visit website →Munkholm Zoo
Ebeltoft
A popular family-run petting zoo on the Djursland peninsula where children can get close to over 80 different species of animals.
Visit website →Det Grønne Museum (The Green Museum)
Auning
The national museum for agriculture, hunting, and food, featuring historic gardens and heritage livestock breeds in a rural estate setting.
Visit website →Hjerl Hede Frilandsmuseum
Vinderup
An open-air museum providing an authentic rural experience with live demonstrations of old-fashioned farming and animal husbandry.
Visit website →Jyllands Park Zoo
Herning
Widely known as the most child-friendly zoo in Denmark, offering numerous opportunities for hands-on contact and animal feeding.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Givskud Zoo - Zootopia
Give
A massive safari park where families can drive among lions and giraffes, and explore Denmark's largest dinosaur exhibit.
Visit website →Randers Regnskov
Randers
An indoor tropical zoo featuring three iconic geodesic domes that recreate the rainforests of Africa, Asia, and South America.
Visit website →Skandinavisk Dyrepark
Kolind
Specializes in Nordic wildlife with massive natural enclosures for polar bears, wolves, and brown bears accessible via long boardwalks.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Grenaa Beach
Grenaa
One of Denmark's premier beaches, featuring miles of fine white sand and shallow, family-friendly waters protected by dunes.
Visit website →Bellevue Beach Aarhus
Aarhus
A popular urban beach north of the city center known for its long pier, clean water, and excellent facilities for families.
Visit website →Fjellerup Beach
Glesborg
A wide, child-friendly sandy beach on the north coast of Djursland, famous for its shallow waters and proximity to local ice cream shops.
Visit website →Hou Beach
Odder
A quiet and extremely family-friendly beach south of Aarhus, known for its very shallow water and Blue Flag status.
Visit website →Moesgård Beach
Aarhus
A scenic coastal area where lush beech forests meet the sea, offering calm swimming conditions and beautiful walking trails.
Visit website →Sletterhage Beach and Lighthouse
Knebel
A scenic stony beach at the tip of the Helgenæs peninsula, popular for watching large ships pass close to the shore near the iconic white lighthouse.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Hærvejen (The Ancient Road)
Viborg
Approximately 500km total (central section ~140km), moderate difficulty, 6-8 days for the central portion. Elevation gain is low but undulating. Historical route following the Jutland ridge. Bike rental: Hærvejs-cykler (haervejs-cykler.dk).
Visit website →Mols Bjerge-stien
Rønde
60km, moderate difficulty, 3 days duration, approximately 1,000m elevation gain. Certified 'Leading Quality Trail - Best of Europe'. Loops through the National Park Mols Bjerge. Bike rental: Ebeltoft Cykelbørs (ebeltoft-cykelbors.dk).
Visit website →Bindeballestien
Vejle
36km, easy difficulty, 1 day duration (cycling) or 2 days (hiking). Follows an old railway track from Vejle through the scenic Grejsdalen valley to Bindeballe. Mostly flat and paved or hard gravel. Bike rental: Vejle Cykel-center (vejlecykelcenter.dk).
Visit website →Silkeborg MTB 'Den Blå' (The Blue Loop)
Silkeborg
12km, moderate/challenging mountain bike trail, 1-2 hours. Part of the larger Silkeborg North forest system, known as one of Denmark's best MTB destinations. Elevation gain ~250m. Bike rental: MTB Guide Silkeborg (mtbguidesilkeborg.dk).
Visit website →Gudenåstien: Silkeborg to Randers
Silkeborg
75km, easy to moderate difficulty, 3-4 days duration. Follows Denmark's longest river through wetlands and meadows. Terrain is mostly flat. Canoe rental often used for luggage transport via Gudenåen Camping.
Visit website →Himmelbjergruten (The Himmelbjerget Route)
Silkeborg
52km loop, moderate difficulty, 2-3 days duration, ~800m elevation gain. Encircles the Silkeborg Lakes with views of the historic Himmelbjerget hill. Bike rental: Silkeborg Cykeludlejning (silkeborgcykeludlejning.dk).
Visit website →National Cycle Route 4 (Aarhus to Søndervig)
Aarhus
310km total (East to West), easy difficulty, 4-6 days duration. A trans-peninsular cycling route connecting the East and West coasts through central farmland. Bike rental: Aarhus Bikes (aarhusbikes.dk).
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Kalø Castle Ruins
Rønde
Atmospheric medieval castle ruins situated at the end of a scenic 500-meter stone causeway in the Bay of Kalø.
Visit website →Dollerup Bakker
Viborg
Dramatic hilly terrain and deep valleys formed by glacial meltwater, overlooking the pristine and deep Lake Hald.
Visit website →The Recovered Bridge (Den Genfundne Bro)
Brædstrup
A beautifully restored 19th-century railway bridge that was hidden inside a dam for 85 years, offering great views of the Gudenå river.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Kattegatcentret
Grenaa
A premier shark-focused aquarium on the Djursland coast featuring an underwater shark tunnel and interactive marine exhibits.
Visit website →AQUA Akvarium & Dyrepark
Silkeborg
Northern Europe's largest freshwater aquarium, offering unique underwater views of lake life, otters, and outdoor water-play areas.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
LEGO House
Billund
An architectural marvel and creative center filled with 25 million bricks, offering interactive experiences for visitors of all ages.
Visit website →The Jelling Stones
Jelling
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring massive 10th-century Viking runestones that represent the birth certificate of Denmark.
Visit website →The Infinite Bridge (Den Uendelige Bro)
Aarhus
A unique circular wooden jetty on the coast that offers a continuous walk out over the water and back to the sandy beach.
Himmelbjerget
Ry
One of Denmark's most famous natural landmarks, featuring a scenic brick memorial tower overlooking the Silkeborg Lakes.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
LEGOLAND Billund Resort
Billund
The original LEGO-themed park featuring intricate brick models, family-friendly rides, and themed adventure lands.
Visit website →Lalandia Aquadome Billund
Billund
A massive tropical-themed indoor water park and activity center featuring high-speed slides and a lazy river.
Visit website →Tivoli Friheden
Aarhus
A charming urban amusement park located in the Marselisborg Forest featuring classic rides, gardens, and seasonal events.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Mols Bjerge National Park
Ebeltoft
A vast protected landscape of rolling glacial hills, heathlands, and coastal areas offering family-friendly hiking trails and panoramic sea views.
Visit website →Marselisborg Deer Park (Dyrehaven)
Aarhus
A beautiful seaside woodland where families can walk among free-roaming sika and fallow deer in a safe and accessible environment.
Visit website →Silkeborg Lakes (Silkeborgsøerne)
Silkeborg
Part of the Danish Lake District, this area offers serene boat trips on historic steamers and extensive forest trails perfect for nature-loving families.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Natural History Museum Aarhus
Aarhus
Denmark's second-largest natural history museum featuring extensive wildlife exhibits and evolution galleries.
Visit website →Randers Tropical Zoo (Randers Regnskov)
Randers
An immersive indoor discovery center with three giant domes representing different tropical continents and their ecosystems.
Visit website →The Kattegat Centre
Grenaa
A major marine science center and aquarium focused on the biology of the Kattegat sea and shark conservation.
Visit website →The Energy Museum (Energimuseet)
Bjerringbro
An interactive science center showcasing the history of electricity and sustainable energy solutions in a vast outdoor park.
Visit website →The Steno Museum
Aarhus
A dedicated science museum exploring the history of medicine and astronomy with an interactive planetarium.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
The Ancient Road (Hærvejen) Driving Route
Viborg
A historic 450km driving route (paved) following the spine of the Jutland peninsula. The central segment takes 1-2 days. Highlights include Viborg Cathedral, the protected heathlands of Midtjylland, the Gudenå river source, and the Royal Jelling rune stones.
Visit website →The Marguerite Route (East Jutland Segment)
Aarhus
Approx. 400km (in this region) of a 3,500km paved national scenic route marked by brown and white daisy signs. Typical duration 2-3 days. Highlights include the city of Aarhus, the hills of Mols Bjerge, the Lake District near Silkeborg, and the UNESCO site at Jelling.
Visit website →The East Coast Route (Østkystruten) Driving Tour
Randers
A paved coastal journey following the scenic fjords of East Jutland. The segment from Randers to Aarhus (~70km) takes 1.5 hours. Highlights include the Randers Fjord, the lush woodlands of the coast, and the small fishing villages along the Kattegat sea.
Visit website →Lake District Scenic Drive (Søhøjlandet)
Silkeborg
A ~60km paved loop through Denmark's highest concentration of lakes and hills. Typical duration 3-4 hours. Key highlights include the climb to Himmelbjerget (Sky Mountain), the winding shores of Lake Julsø, and the dense beech forests of the Gudenå valley.
Visit website →Mols Bjerge Coastal and Hill Route
Ebeltoft
A 50km paved touring route through the Mols Bjerge National Park. Typical duration 2-3 hours. Features include the dramatic coastal views of Aarhus Bay, the medieval ruins of Kalø Castle, and the steep glacial 'hills' of Mols.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Viborg Cathedral and Historic Quarter
Viborg
One of Denmark's oldest cities, featuring a massive granite cathedral and a medieval historic center with charming squares and alleys.
Visit website →Gammel Estrup (The Danish Manor Museum)
Auning
A beautifully preserved Renaissance manor house offering a glimpse into the life of Danish nobility and their servants over six centuries.
Visit website →Historic Old Ebeltoft
Ebeltoft
A picturesque coastal town famous for its cobblestone streets, crooked half-timbered houses, and the iconic 18th-century Old Town Hall.
Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Badeanstalten Spanien
Aarhus
A historic municipal bathhouse opened in 1933, celebrated for its 'Grossererbadet' (The Merchant's Bath) section. This restored area features authentic Art Deco architecture, a 34°C warm-water pool, steam baths, cold-water plunge pools, and traditional saunas, offering a 1930s-style bathing experience.
Visit website →