Sprawling across the western half of the Jutland peninsula, West Jutland encompasses historic seaports and protected natural areas overlooking the North Sea. Its coastal wetlands provide an important resting point for migratory birds while its storied past is showcased at one of several coastal defences built during World War II.
Keen birdwatchers shouldn’t miss a visit to Tipperne, a peninsula at the southern end of the Ringkøbing Fjord that provides an important stopover for migratory birds. Its salt marshes and meadows have been designated as a Ramsar wetland, with thousands of ducks, geese and waders arriving throughout the year. In winter, you might see Denmark’s national bird, the mute swan.
If you’re interested in the 20,000-year history of West Jutland, head to the Tirpitz Museum, which occupies an old bunker that was redesigned into a museum by Bjarke Ingels. You can learn about the Atlantic Wall coastal defences built by Nazi Germany, then admire the largest collection of amber in Denmark.
Getting there
Billund Airport is the main aviation gateway to West Jutland and has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Trains connect major towns across the region while buses serve smaller villages.