Planning a trip to Ebeltoft, Denmark? Check out this list of the very best sights and things to do in Ebeltoft and the surrounding area.
Ebeltoft is located on Djursland in Jutland and is one of the most popular holiday towns in Denmark. Here you’ll be greeted by old half-timbered houses and narrow cobbled streets that testify to an eventful history.
In the center of Ebeltoft, cafes, restaurants, shops, and sights stand side by side. A little further away from the city center, you’ll find long sandy beaches, idyllic harbors, and lovely holiday home areas. In addition, you can also find countless popular theme parks, zoos, and beautiful scenic areas a little further away.
The old market town is beautiful and perfect for a holiday in Denmark. So, if you’re planning a trip to Ebeltoft, don’t miss this list of the very best things to do in Ebeltoft and the surroundings.
Table of Contents
The best things to do in Ebeltoft:
1. Ebeltoft Old Town
Ebeltoft is especially known for having one of Denmark’s best-preserved market town environments with history hundreds of years old. The old town is so charming with narrow cobbled streets, old half-timbered houses, idyllic backyards, and fragrant hollyhocks.
The old town is also filled with cafes, restaurants, and specialty shops with associated workshops. When visiting Ebeltoft, don’t miss a stroll in the charming old town. Enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and visit some of the restaurants or shops.
2. Maltfabrikken
The old malt factory has been transformed into the town’s new meeting place. In Maltfabrikken you’ll find a culture house, a museum, and a library. But you’ll also find a dining house, a brewery, artist homes, workshops, and much more. A visit to Maltfabrikken offers lots of artistic and cultural experiences all year round.
3. Fregatten Jylland
One of the very best things to do in Ebeltoft is to visit Fregatten Jylland (the Frigate Jutland in English). Did you know that this is the world’s longest wooden ship? Well, it is! The ship has a length of 102 meters and was launched in 1860. Since then, it has had many functions such as warship, royal ship, and school ship.
Step aboard Fregatten Jylland and the associated museum to learn about the ship’s dramatic history. It’s definitely one of the funniest attractions in Ebeltoft for the whole family. You’ll easily be able to spend hours on Fregatten Jylland. The ship is a major landmark in Ebeltoft.
4. Zoos near Ebeltoft
Not far from Ebeltoft, you’ll find several of the most popular zoos in Denmark. Here’s a list of the best zoos in Ebeltoft and the surrounding area:
- Ree Park Safari (11 kilometers from Ebeltoft)
- Skandinavisk Dyrepark (20 kilometers)
- Munkholm Zoo (22 kilometers)
- Kattegat Centret (33 kilometers)
- Randers Regnskov (55 kilometers)
5. Ebeltoft Skudehavn
Ebeltoft Skudehavn is a marina filled with sailboats surrounded by charming red wooden houses. Here there’s plenty of facilities such as baths, toilets, playgrounds, and barbecue areas. You can also find several great restaurants and cafes. So, why not allow yourself to eat a delicious meal while enjoying the calm atmosphere of the marina.
6. Farvegården
Farvegården in Ebeltoft old town is the only preserved market town dyeing in Northern Europe. Here you can learn more about how the citizens of the city dyed their fabric and yarn in the old days. Farvegården is still intact and is well preserved as it was about 100 years ago. You can find a dyehouse, the dyer’s home, and associated breeding buildings.
Don’t forget to visit Farvegården’s lovely garden. Several of the trees and plants were once used to create colors in the dyehouse. You can also visit a lookout hill or a cave where the colorist and his family cooled off in the summer heat.
7. Kalø Castle Ruins
In Mols Bjerge National Park, you’ll find Kalø Castle ruins. This is one of the best things to do in Ebeltoft and the surrounding area. Kalø Castle ruins are the remains of an old castle that is one of Denmark’s best-preserved medieval castles.
The castle was built in 1313 by King Erik Menved. At the time, it had an extremely impressive defense. To get to Kalø Castle ruins, you must follow the old cobbled dam which is Denmark’s longest medieval road. Every Tuesday evening during the summer, a weekly veteran car meeting is held at Kalø Castle Ruins. There are usually a lot of cars, and the best part is that it’s completely free to attend.
8. Ebeltoft Fodboldgolf
Ebeltoft Fodboldgolf is a fun activity in Ebeltoft for the whole family. Fodboldgolf can be translated to football golf in English and is a mix of football and golf. That sounds weird, doesn’t it? I actually don’t know how widespread football golf is in other countries, but it’s fairly normal in Denmark.
Well, but at Ebeltoft Fodboldgolf, you can play on an 18-hole course. It’s located high above the sea and offers great views along the way. Around the course, there are tables and benches where you can enjoy some food in beautiful surroundings.
9. Sletterhage Lighthouse
Sletterhage Lighthouse is called Sletterhage Fyr in Danish and is located about 25 kilometers from Ebeltoft. This little white lighthouse is more than 100 years old. The lighthouse is located on the southernmost point of Djursland on the Helgenæs peninsula.
From here there is a beautiful view of the sea with ships sailing back and forth to Aarhus Harbor. The ships sometimes sail surprisingly close to land because the current-filled sea is up to 40-50 meters deep. If visiting Sletterhage Lighthouse in the summer, don’t forget to buy ice cream from the small ice cream parlor.
10. Glasmuseet Ebeltoft
Glasmuseet Ebeltoft is one of the best attractions and things to do in Ebeltoft. This glass museum has an impressive and recognized collection of modern international glass art. There are more than 1,500 works that have either been lent or donated to the museum by glass artists from most of the world.
Inside Glasmuseet Ebeltoft’s garden, you’ll find a glass workshop. During the summer, you can experience how professional glassblowers manufacture and shape glass in there. Also, don’t forget to visit the museum shop. The shop reportedly has Denmark’s largest selection of handmade glass.
11. Djurs Sommerland
If you’re on holiday in Ebeltoft with children, remember to visit Djurs Sommerland. It’s only a half-hour drive from Ebeltoft. Djurs Sommerland is Scandinavia’s biggest Summerland and is also home to Denmark’s largest roller coasters. However, you should know that roller coasters in Denmark aren’t particularly large compared to many other countries’ roller coasters.
With more than 60 rides for the whole family, it’s easy to spend an entire day in Djurs Sommerland. In the summer months, you can even visit the park’s large water park with lots of water rides. There’s no doubt that Djurs Sommerland is one of the best things to do in Ebeltoft and the surrounding area.
12. Night Watchmen in Ebeltoft
The night watchmen in Ebeltoft keep the tradition alive by going on their guard duty during the summer season and on special occasions. They start their walk in front of the Old Town Hall at 8 pm, 9 pm, and 10 pm during the summer season. After this, the night watchmen sing their way through the town‘s charming old streets.
Many years ago, the night watchmen were a natural part of Denmark’s market towns. They walked around the towns and provided peace and order. They turned the streetlights on and off and kept an eye out for any fires. Watching the night watchmen keep the tradition alive is definitely one of the best things to do in Ebeltoft.
13. The Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall was built in 1789 and is one of the most popular things to do in Ebeltoft. It’s located in the old town. Today, the old town hall still forms the setting for countless romantic weddings for Danes, but also foreign couples.
In addition, the Old Town Hall also houses a museum with a guard room, a dungeon, and other historic rooms. The Old Town Hall has played a major role in Ebeltoft’s history and is worth a visit if you’re holidaying in Ebeltoft.
14. Tinghuset
On the square just opposite the Old Town Hall is the courthouse. It was built as the town’s first foundation-walled house in 1839. Previously, it served as a town hall but also as a courthouse, and a police station.
For the last many years, the courthouse has been home to Ebeltoft Kunstforening (Ebeltoft Art Association in English). Here you’ll be able to experience art and other cultural initiatives in the museum’s changing exhibitions. A visit to the museum is the perfect thing to do in Ebeltoft if you’re interested in art.
15. Beaches in Ebeltoft
With a location close to the sea, it’s obvious to go to the beach if you’re visiting Ebeltoft in the summer season. Some of the most popular beaches in Ebeltoft and the surrounding area are Ebeltoft Strand, Femmøller Strand, and Ahl Strand.
But also, Vibæk Strand, Dråby Strand, and Boeslum Strand. Note that this is only a small selection of beaches. You’ll easily be able to find many other wonderful beaches in Ebeltoft and the surroundings.
16. Mols Bjerge National Park
Mols Bjerge National Park is located outside Ebeltoft and consists of a unique old ice age landscape formed thousands of years ago. Here you’re greeted by a hilly landscape with stunning scenery just waiting to be explored.
The highest point in Mols Bjerge National Park is Agri Bavnehøj, located 137 meters above sea level. You can also enjoy a beautiful view from Trehøje. Also, don’t forget to visit Tinghulen, a large former ice hole created by a huge ice block during the last ice age.
17. Spis & Bowl
On Strandvejen in Ebeltoft, you’ll find Spis & Bowl. In English, it can be translated to eat and bowl. Spis & Bowl is an excellent bowling center in Ebeltoft. Here you can easily spend a few hours bowling and enjoying a meal of food from the menu or buffet.
If you’re young and need a little partying, you should visit the bowling center on Fridays or Saturdays. On these days from 9 pm to 11 pm, there’s Moonlight Bowling. During the event, the music is turned up and the light is turned down. If you’re good at making strikes, you can even win draft beers and shots.
18. Ebeltoft Gårdbryggeri
Ebeltoft Gårdbryggeri is a family-owned farm brewery that brews their own beer and soft drinks from the best ingredients. In fact, you can buy their products in many places around Ebeltoft.
However, it’s much nicer to enjoy a freshly brewed beer or soda on their outdoor terrace. From here you’re greeted by a beautiful scenic view with the sea in the distance. It really is one of the best things to do in Ebeltoft on a hot summer day.
That’s all on this list of the very best things to do in Ebeltoft, Denmark. What are your favorite things to do in Ebeltoft? What are you looking forward to on your trip to Denmark? Feel free to leave a comment.
Planning a trip to Denmark? You might also like these articles:
… Or read all articles from Denmark.
Like this article? Pin it for later!
Leave a reply