Merely a two-hour drive from Copenhagen lies Billund, located at the heart of the Jutland peninsula. The vibrant town is renowned for its pristine summer beaches, the biggest amusement park, and historic market towns. After all, Jutland is the gateway to western Denmark and home to picturesque hills, crystal clear lakes, and abundant forests. It also stands out for its distinctive landscape, inspiring generations of Scandinavian artists.
Abuzz with Activity
During the summer months, Billund comes alive as hordes of tourists from all parts of Denmark and the world gather to explore the charming summer city. Regarded as the birthplace of Lego, the LEGOLAND Billund theme park is the most popular attraction in town.
The theme park is close to the LEGO factory and Billund Airport, Denmark’s second busiest airport. Since it opened on June 7, 1968, millions have visited the LEGOLAND theme park, which pays tribute to LEGO- a Danish invention.
LEGOLAND is the most visited attraction in Billund and the third most popular tourist attraction after the Little Mermaid and the Tivoli Gardens in Denmark. Made of millions of LEGO bricks, the theme park is gaining increasing global popularity. Most recently, LEGOLAND Billund added several original LEGO models and rides, expanding to cover 45 acres.
When the summer season kicks in, Billund thrives with an urban aura like no other city in Denmark. Because of its small size, everything in the town is within walking distance, including a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and bars. With an ever-growing number of visitors, you will also find a variety of Michelin-starred restaurants serving exquisite Danish cuisine. Spiseriet, a concept-based restaurant that serves seasonal and sustainably focused cuisine that speaks to the local landscape is an ideal example.
Exploring Nearby Towns
If you linger long enough in Billund, venture to the picturesque town of Ribe, considered one of Denmark’s oldest towns. Renowned for its cobblestone roads and the country’s oldest cathedral, visitors are charmed by the town’s unique ambiance boasting medieval historical relics, vintage art shops, and Danish restaurants. Ribe’s allure stems from the fact that locals find it close to the Wadden Sea National Park and the most extensive beaches on the tip of western Denmark and the Wadden sea islands.
Ribe’s Viking Center provides a timeless opportunity to explore the Vikings’ legacy and how they lived 1200 years ago. The Viking Center lets you learn everything about the Viking way of life. You will get to explore how Viking weapons and clothes were made and try activities like Viking cooking, wood carving, and archery. The gift shop at the entrance of the Viking center carries a range of souvenirs and Viking collectibles, including jewelry, ceramics, textiles, knives, and even Viking toys, along with a Danish delicatessen.
When you travel east of Billund, you will come across the pastoral and nomadic way of life in the city of Vejle. Vejle is only 30 minutes from LEGOLAND Billund and has beautiful architectural landmarks, cultural art centers, and unique shopping venues. Its renowned shopping street Norregade is one kilometer long and has a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars overlooking Vejle’s striking waterfront.
The Viking rune stones and burial mounds are among the most notable attractions in the town of Vejle. They are a short distance away from the town center. Considered a UNESCO world heritage site and part of the Danish National Museum, the huge vast carved stones are engraved with the inscription of King Harald Bluetooth.
In the inscription, King Harald Bluetooth describes how he conquered Denmark and Norway and brought Christianity to the region. In fact, Bluetooth technology is named after the Danish King due to his communicative skills in bringing warring factions together.
The unique Kongernes Jelling, home of the Viking Kings, also referred to as the Viking Kings Visitor center in English, explains Denmark’s fascinating Viking history. While you are here, explore the iconic Fjordenhus, an iconic building overlooking the town’s waterfront designed by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson.
