You’re probably familiar with Denmark’s cool capital, Copenhagen, but the country’s natural beauty lies in the mainland peninsula of Jutland, home to scenic landscapes and charming old towns.
Jutland is also home to Danish designer Lin Routhe, who has just launched her eponymous fashion line OMHU – Danish for ‘to look after with care’ – in which she pays homage to Denmark, naming each piece in the collection after a Danish island. The brand focuses on mindfully-crafted, long-lasting knitwear pieces made using Icelandic, Italian and British wool – each designed to be forever pieces in your wardrobe.
Here, Lin reveals Jutland’s must-visit cultural hotspots as well as its restaurants using fresh, seasonal produce – and tells us where to go for the best minimalist shopping experience.
The best time to visit Denmark and the region of Jutland is…
During the summer months, for the best weather.
Our first pitstop should be…
Go to the west coast of Jutland to discover its beautiful beaches. It’s an incredibly beautiful landscape, full of sand dunes and endless views.
Your favourite hotel to check-in at is…
Along the west coast of Jutland you can find a style of boutique hotel called “badehoteller” which directly translates to ‘swim hotels’. These are traditional seaside resorts full of Danish charm, and have been a staple of summer vacations since the 19th century. My favourite is Svinkløv Badehotel – it’s the perfect place to escape the noise of the city.
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For an early morning workout head to…
Do it like the Danes, and start the morning with a swim in the sea.
Where should we go for breakfast?
I’d head to the largest city in Jutland, called Aarhus. In the old part of Aarhus, you’ll find the Latin Quarter, and here you’ll find a spot called Grød. It’s a restaurant that exclusively makes traditional Danish porridge with endless foodie twists – and it’s delicious.
Where can we find the best coffee?
Staying in Aarhus, I always head to La Cabra coffee roasters, they do great coffee – and pastries!
How about for a long, lazy lunch?
My favourite fuss-free lunch is at Vesterlauget on Vestergade. It’s great for the famous Danish open sandwiches, called Smørrebrød.
Your favourite restaurant in Aarhus?
My current favourite is L’estragon. It’s a great restaurant that uses only organic and local produce.
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And for dinner with friends?
Capo is a sweet wine bar, with great seasonal food and plenty of beautiful natural wines.
The drink to order at the bar…
You can’t visit Denmark without ordering a snaps.
The best place for people watching..
Have a drink at Café Englen in Studsgade. Sit outside.
The culture spot to rave about…
Godsbanen is located in a former railway yard and is now a cultural hub for a wide range of activities including markets, theatre, music and workshops. Especially Institut for (X) which is a non-profit, neighbourhood driven organisation. They run a whole variety of events from open mic jam nights to planting gardens. It’s always worth checking what’s taking place there during your visit.
Where can I go shopping?
Badstuegade and Volden streets. Both have lots of small independent shops focusing on fashion and homeware. For fashion, I like the shop Carroll & Carmen; they have a great selection of designers and always have an incredible, colourful edit. The shop RAASTED is beautiful if you’re into minimalism; they focus on the craftsmanship of clothing, beauty, furniture, ceramics, and literature, echoing a way of life that cherishes everyday objects.
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For the best views head to…
Aarhus’ modern art museum, Aros. They have a great permanent collection, and on the roof of the museum, the Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson’s has designed Your Rainbow Panorama – a 150-metre-long circular walkway, with rainbow-coloured glass overlooking the city. It’s beautiful.
One place only locals know about…
Øst for Paradis is a great cinema that focuses on independent and arthouse films.
A book to read before we go?
The Angelic Avengers by Karen Blixen. She is a favourite of mine and one of the major Danish authors to know about – who used to publish her books under male author names, to reach a bigger audience. The Angelic Avengers is one of her less famous books and was originally published under the pseudonym name Pierre Andrézel, in 1946. It’s a great gripping story, a clever satire of Nazi-occupied Denmark at the time.
For a change of pace try…
If you like architecture and design then you will like Den Gamle by – an open-air museum that explores how Danes lived across three decades – the 1860s, the 1920s and the 1970s. The museum has 75 historical houses relocated from around Denmark.
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Souvenir to take home?
Den Gamle by has a great shop with lots of old and new Danish classics, both designer objects and stylish kitchen utilities.
In one word, Denmark is…
Flat.
A must-try spot for date night?
LYNfabrikken is a co-working space, located in a former factory building. In the evening the rooftop terrace turns into a great wine bar serving small plates.
The best place to treat yourself is…
Grossererbadet is a small wellness and spa area located in a beautiful old swimming pool called Badeanstalten Spanien, it was built in the 1930s.
Your favourite neighbourhood?
The Latin Quarter in Aarhus which is full of small independent shops, cafés and bars, all hidden away on narrow, cobblestoned streets.
Great day trips include…
The Moesgaard Museum has a magnificent collection of archaeological and ethnographic treasures. It’s located just a short drive from Aarhus, in the middle of beautiful nature. Plus the museum building is built by Henning Larsen Architects.
How should we spend the final day of our trip?
If the weather is nice, go for a dip in The Harbor Bath. Designed by the Danish Bjarke Ingels Group, it’s located in the newly built neighbourhood Aarhus Ø.
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What’s your best kept secret about Denmark?
Fastelavns boller, meaning Carnival Buns. The Danes celebrate Fastelavn every year: it’s a kind of Carnival that starts on the Sunday before Lent, and is celebrated by children who go trick-or-treating in fancy dress and bash a wooden barrel full of sweets, like a piñata. The weeks before and after you will find this amazing pastry cream-filled bun at every local baker.
Essential items to pack?
Teva sandals – for walking, beach or city. Skirt from Mark Kenly Domino Tan – it’s versatile and great for mild Danish summers. A jersey rib top for layering, like this Arket Rib Silk Top. OMHU’s Venø vest in Sand – this is a great little layering piece to bring in your bag around town. OMHU, the Trekroner sweater – for colder summer evenings. Suncream – La Roche-Posay Anthelios.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?