Calm Danish town on the Vejle River, known for its historic buildings and proximity to Vejle Fjord. Popular for shopping and nightlife, with 35,000 residents.
Vejle, Denmark's ninth largest city, sits at the head of Vejle Fjord where forested hills meet the water. This city of around 60,000 people has the wave-shaped Bølgen apartments, the 13th century St. Nicolai Church, and the circular Fjordenhus office building. You can walk through Vejle's main street for shopping, dine at waterfront restaurants, hike in nearby forests, or kayak on the fjord.
Location and Landscape
Vejle is in southeastern Jutland where two river valleys intersect. The city center is at the confluence of the Vejle River and Grejs River, which flow into Vejle Fjord. Hills covered in trees rise to the north and south. The 22-kilometer long Vejle Fjord connects the city to the Kattegat sea.
Architecture
Vejle's skyline includes several eye-catching modern buildings. The Wave (Bølgen) apartment complex has five undulating buildings along the waterfront. The Fjordenhus office building is a circular structure that seems to emerge from the water. In contrast, you can see older buildings like the windmill from 1847 on a hilltop overlooking the city.
Shopping and Dining
You can walk along Vejle's main pedestrian street, which extends for nearly a kilometer through the city center. Here, you'll find Danish and international retail chains as well as local boutiques. For more shopping options, visit the Bryggen or Mary's malls. When you're hungry, try the restaurants along the waterfront or in the cobblestone side streets. Many eateries serve fresh seafood caught in the fjord.
Outdoor Activities
The forests and fjord around Vejle give you many options for spending time outside. You can hike or bike through Nørreskoven forest north of the city. At Gorilla Park Vejle, you can challenge yourself on treetop rope courses. Take a kayak or canoe out on Vejle Fjord, or relax at the urban beach at Albuen. If you enjoy birdwatching, visit the nearby Kongens Kær wetlands.
Museums and Culture
Learn about local history and art at Vejle's museums. VejleMuseerne runs several sites including the Vejle Museum of Art, which has a collection of Danish and European graphic art. At the science center Økolariet, you can interact with exhibits about nature, energy, and technology. In the evening, you might want to see a show at Vejle Music Theatre or try your luck at Casino Munkebjerg.
Getting There and Around
Trains frequently connect Vejle's central station to major Danish cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense. If you're flying, Billund Airport is about a 30-minute drive away. Once in Vejle, you can walk to most attractions. Local buses can take you to areas further out. Renting a bike is a good way to see the surrounding nature.
