Esbjerg may be compact in size but there is a juxtaposition of all things modern and natural experiences. As the capital of the west coast, it is a vibrant city with shopping, exhibitions and many walking routes to enjoy this coastal area.
Esbjerg is both Denmark’s youngest city and largest port, and it’s the hub of the country’s North Sea oil activities.
Historically, Esbjerg owes its existence to the German invasion of Schleswig and Holstein in 1864, which forced Danish farmers to find another harbour from which to export goods to Britain. Thus, in 1868, the city of Esbjerg was created in what was then a desolate and far-flung corner of the country. In a relatively short time it has developed into a key industrial centre, growing into the nation’s fifth-largest city.
Getting to Esbjerg from the UK is simple. With a regular ferry from Harwich, you arrive in Esbjerg around midday. You can get the number 5 bus, just outside the terminal from Esbjerg port to the railway station in the centre of town.
Ferry services also connect Esbjerg via Ho Bay to Nordby on the island of Fanø via Nordic Ferry Service. Outside the summer period, Smyril Line operate to Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands.
The city of Esbjerg is a large transport hub for both rail and road traffic, and is an important port for Danish North Sea oil offshore activity. It has an airport, and is a center for machine building. The municipality has a number of museums, theatres (staging opera, ballet and drama), and several libraries.
Things to see and do in Esbjerg
Esbjerg is more than just an ordinary costal town. With a rich history of culture and combined with its maritime routes, there's plenty to do and see in this beautiful town from the Grundvigs Church, Marbaek Nature Park, fishing habour and more:
Esbjerg water tower
Providing a brilliant panoramic view of Esbjerg, you can view the stunning seaside town and watch the fishing boats come in and out of the harbour from the top of this tower.
The Old Lightship
Board this old wooden lightship moored in the harbour, and see how sailors use to live in the old days.
Maritime & Fisheries Museum
Visit Esbjerg's local maritime museum, built in memory the fishermen lost at sea. With a large collection of fishing boats and equipment, the museum also contains a fresh water aquarium with a large collection of fish found around the Danish coast.
Shopping in Esbjerg
For a town it's size it surprises many that Esbjerg is the main shopping area for most of southern Jutland. Home to the longest pedestrian street in Jutland, Esbjerg's one kilometre long 'Kongensgade' has it all.
With around 150 shops all located on the 1 kilometre long shopping street, the Kongensgade sells everything, from top of the range branded clothes to holiday souvenirs.
Eating out in Esbjerg
Being situated so close to the sea, it's no surprise that fish plays such an important role in the food in Esbjerg. With it being caught and cooked on the same day, you are guaranteed that your food is as fresh as it comes. Esbjerg also has it's very own special dish called 'bakskuld', which is lightly salted smoked dab fried in Danish Lurpak butter.
Dronning Louise
Renowned for its bakskuld the Dronning Louise serves a selection of fish and meat dishes at an excellent quality. With live music every night Wednesday-Sunday you can relax and enjoy a superb meal in a relaxed atmosphere. www.dr-louise.dk
Bones
Claiming to be the only place in Denmark that serves original American spare ribs, Bones offers you everything that's American from burgers to steaks. www.bones.dk
Sydvesten
Serving fabulously fresh fish, the Sydvesten's slogan 'Fish should be eaten at the harbour' perfectly describes why their food is so good. With several other meat dishes available on the menu, they can all be served outdoors allowing to the taken in the scenery as you enjoy top quality cuisine. http://www.sydvesten.dk
Papa's Cantina
Designed perfectly with a South American Latino theme Papa's specialises in Mexican Tacos and Argentinean steaks. Perfect to relax in and enjoy a meal, Papa's adds a something a little special to every meal.
