Kolding: the family-friendly harbour town in the South of Denmark
Kolding is located in the south of Jutland on the fjord of the same name, just over an hour’s drive from Flensburg. Here you will find the Danish mix of small-town flair, forest, sea and beach – without having to travel far. With these tips, you can discover the cultural and harbour town in Denmark, which is particularly suitable as a stopover and for a family holiday.
Sights and activities in Kolding
Highlight: Koldinghus Castle
The main attraction in Kolding is Koldinghus Castle. It is the last royal castle in Jutland and is now around 700 years old. It was rebuilt in its present form at the end of the 19th century after being reduced to ruins by fire in 1808. The castle’s stables also tell their own dark story.
Today, the castle can be visited as part of a classic guided tour. It houses exhibitions on the treasures of the kings and queens of Danish history. In summer, there is a special programme for families on site with workshops and dressing up.
Beaches in Kolding
Kolding is not only located on the Koldingfjord, but also in Denmark’s largest nature park. That’s why the real Danish holiday feeling is not neglected here in summer. There are 11 beaches in Kolding where you can sunbathe or go surfing. Most of them are located in particularly shallow areas and are therefore very child-friendly.
Sights in the city
But there is even more to see in Kolding: The Trapholt Art Museum combines modern art and Danish design. The architecture of the museum building alone is worth seeing.
At the Harteværket adventure centre, around 3 kilometres away, even the little ones will get their money’s worth and have plenty to experience. There are interactive stations centred around energy, water and movement, as Kolding has been supplied with electricity from here since the First World War. In summery weather, you can also hire a kayak or canoe and paddle into the centre of Kolding – sightseeing with a difference.
The geographical garden of Kolding, called Geografisk Have, is a botanical garden on the edge of the city centre with more than 14 hectares and 2 thousand plant species. For children there is a petting zoo, two playgrounds and “Kolding Miniby”, a miniature image of the city.
Shopping is very relaxed in the pedestrianised area of Kolding. The town also has a modern shopping centre with over 120 shops. The cosy old town is characterised by its old houses, which are home to small cafés and pubs in addition to the usual shops.
Other attractions in the neighbourhood
For families, a trip to Legoland in Billund, just 40 kilometres from Kolding, is a great idea. In less than an hour, you can be in the huge theme park and at the same time in the place where the LEGO brand was founded. It is the oldest of the nine LEGO theme parks. If you wish, you can also book an overnight stay here.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site Christiansfeld is around 20 minutes by car from Kolding’s city centre, but still belongs to the municipality of the same name. The idyllic little town is known for its settlement of Yellowstone houses and cobbled streets. The fairytale town of Odense is also only an hour away, making Kolding a perfect stopover on the journey north.
Accommodation
Kolding: camping
As a typical Danish town, Kolding naturally has various options for overnight accommodation. If you are travelling through to the north of Denmark, Sweden or Norway, for example, you can find a pitch on a campsite for as little as one night.
Kolding has several campsites of different categories, including some right on the water and with something for the whole family.
Hotels and holiday homes in Kolding
Hotels in Kolding are varied and range from simple B&Bs to luxurious star hotels, so there is something for single travellers, couples and families and for every budget.
If you don’t want to miss out on Danish charm in your accommodation, you can rent a cosy holiday home in Kolding. Danish guest houses are a particular highlight, where you can stay overnight and enjoy a typical Danish meal.
