A Danish coastal town with a rich maritime past, 800-year-old market square, and active harbor. Located in South Jutland, near the German border.
Aabenraa sits at the head of a deep fjord in Southern Denmark, 26 kilometers from the German border. Walk through streets lined with 1800s merchants' houses, explore the medieval St. Nicholas Church with its towering spire, or watch cargo ships dock at the 18-meter-deep port. In the restored Brundlund Castle, you'll find changing exhibitions of Danish art, while the surrounding streets mix Danish and German languages on their signs, reflecting the town's position near the border.
Getting to Aabenraa
You can reach Aabenraa by car via the E45 motorway, which connects the town to major Danish cities. Take a train to Rødekro station, 8 kilometers northwest of town, with regular connections to Copenhagen taking about 3 hours and 12 minutes. Local buses connect Rødekro station to Aabenraa's center. The town's location just 32 kilometers from Flensburg, Germany makes it convenient for cross-border day trips.
Things to See and Do
Walk through Slotsgade, Store Pottergade, and Skibbrogade to see well-preserved 1800s merchants' houses with their distinctive architecture. Inside St. Nicholas Church from 1250, you can see the restored medieval frescoes and climb the tower for views across the fjord. At Brundlund Castle Art Museum, housed in a 1411 fortress, explore exhibitions of regional artists and the castle's restored rooms.
Maritime Activities and Port
Watch large cargo ships navigate Southern Jutland's deepest commercial harbor, which handles everything from bulk materials to wind turbine components. If you sail, dock at Aabenraa Lystbådehavn marina, which includes showers, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi access. The harbor promenade makes for a pleasant walk with views of both commercial and recreational vessels.
Danish-German Culture
About 6% of Aabenraa's residents belong to the North Schleswig German minority. You'll notice this influence in the bilingual street signs and can read the German-language newspaper Der Nordschleswiger. Throughout the year, both Danish and German cultural events take place in the town's squares and meeting halls.
Nearby Excursions
Visit the Frøslev Camp, a 20-minute drive away, to learn about its World War II history through preserved buildings and exhibitions. Take a ferry from Løjt Kirkeby to the island of Barsø for walking trails and views across the Little Belt strait. In summer, swim at several beaches along the coast, including the sandy stretch at Sønderstrand.
