Hirsthals

At the turn of the century, Hirtshals was just a small fishing hamlet, but in 1919 the construction of the harbour commenced. Following a number of extensions over the years, Hirtshals has become an important traffic link. The large ferries which dock at Color Line's sculptural terminal on the harbour front in Hirtshals are not easily overlooked. They provide daily services to Kristiansand, Oslo and Moss. Hirtshals has grown in tune with its main industry – fishing. Hirtshals is with ca. 8000 people the most important port in terms of fish for consumption. A visit to the port is a very special experience at any time of the day. The daily life of a fisherman can be witnessed every time the trawlers arrive home – and at the fish auction every morning at seven.

The countryside around Hirtshals is full of unforgettable experiences and is easily accessible: An extensive network of footpaths and bicycle paths provide plenty of scope for activity and adventure. In Hirtshals, you can also go for a plunge in the swimming pool, have a game of tennis at the tennis courts or go riding. Fishing boats are ready to take anglers to the Yellow Reef, but fishing is also good from the piers or even from the beach. You can venture up into the 57-metre-high lighthouse for an amazing view over the town of Hirtshals itself and a good chunk of the beautiful Vendsyssel countryside which surrounds it. Treat yourself and your family to a visit to the North Sea Museum with its sealarium and Europe's largest seawater aquarium. Hirtshals Museum provides you with fascinating insights into the history of the town as well as the deepsea fishing from open boats in former times. Hirtshals has its own 18-hole golf course.

In Hirtshals a five-minute stroll takes you from the child-friendly and car-free "housewives' beach" to the bustle of the pedestrian streets where shoppers will find many specialist shops as well as supermarkets. Enjoy the special atmosphere in the green square right at the heart of town with views of the sea and the harbour.

Accommodation is plentiful and includes holiday houses, hotels, hostels, chalets and holiday flats as well as simple camp sites in the middle of the beautiful countryside. The town has a number of restaurants to satisfy your hunger and delight your palate – whether you like fish or not. Fresh fish is in plentiful supply in Hirtshals.

Tornby – Holiday resort near river, woodland and beach.

About 5 km from the centre of Hirtshals is Tornby close to the sea and well sheltered by the dune plantation. Tornby is one of the oldest village communities in Vendsyssel. An exhibition in the boathouse on the beach tells the story of when Tornby was a customs point and landing stage for vessels trading with Norway. In The Old Grocer's Shop in Tornby you can see for yourself how shops operated before supermarkets and plastic packaging took away the charm from trading – when you bought potatoes in bushels, beer in quarts and fabrics in feet.