If you are new here, you probably feel that you have yet to explore your options. Esbjerg Municipality and the surrounding area offers a wide range of options. Once you get to know the area, you will probably feel more at home. 

We tried it ourselves

Pia and Nicole from the Newcomer Service moved to Esbjerg Municipality themselves and at one point had to explore the area.

Pia is a re-pat to Esbjerg municipality and Nicole is from Australia.

Our favourite spots

The Newcomer Service wishes everyone a good start with life here, therefore we would like to recommend some of the spots, that makes us feel at home here.

Amongst others, we recommend the places and experiences below.

Skibbroen in Ribe

Skibbroen is a stream harbor build around 700 A.D. and it is one of the oldest sights to see in Ribe. At the time it was built; little ships with flat keels would deliver fresh supplies to Ribe by sailing up the stream. The stream made sure, that the city of Ribe became a trade route and made it possible for the city to have a big marketplace with lots of foods and life.

In 700 A.D., Skibbroen looked different than it does today. The modern version we see today was created in the Middle Ages and but reminds us of an important time for global trading in Denmark.

Skibbroen is a beautiful sight. Go for a walk along the cobblestone and overlook the marshlands that surrounds the city.

The address is simply Sibbroen, 6760 Ribe. Have a nice trip!

Ribe and the Cathedral 

Go to Ribe and get a glimpse of the Danish history. The city will take you to a different time, when Danes known as Vikings were the rulers of the north and went to war with England, France and the Baltic states. The city is the oldest in Denmark. It was founded around 700 A.D. where a big market square became the life of the city. The market square attracted many both national and international people and traders to Ribe. The market made Ribe prosper and grow to a big city, that we still know today. Today, when you arrive at Ribe, you will feel the historic vibe going down small cobble streets with the old timbered houses build in medieval times on every corner.

Some of the old homes is now used as cafés, stores and has other experiences for you to discover, all you have to do is to go explore them.  Go to the café, drink a cup of coffee, find jewelry inspired by Vikings or discover the many unique boutiques in Ribe. On your way around the city, you might even stumble upon one of the old houses where historic figures grew up – there are lots of them around the city. You also find the oldest Danish town hall and an old monetary in Ribe

If you wish to get a view of Ribe from above, climb the tower at Ribe Cathedral. Ribe Cathedral is the oldest standing cathedral in Denmark, and it is not hard to miss as it towers over the little timbered houses of the city.

The beautiful Wadden Sea - Safari by the west coast

Visit the beautiful sights in nature by the west coast. There are seals, birds and oysters amongst others in the nature reserve around the Wadden Sea, so pack your bags and go on a safari at the Wadden Sea to catch a glimpse of them all.

Twice a year, something special is occurring at the Wadden Sea marshlands. The sky is painted black with little migratory birds who gathers around Ribe Marshlands in huge flocks. The starlings fly in giant flocks that is forming the phenomenon Black sun above the forests of reeds. You can experience the phenomenon of the black sun in spring and autumn either by exploring yourself where they gather by sunset and sunrise along the Wadden Sea for example by the dikes in Darum ro Ribe or you can book a guide tour at the Wadden Sea Centre here.

There is just as many – and maybe many more – seals by Fanø than permanent residents at the island. Over 3000 spotted seals and gray seals live around the Wadden Sea by Fanø and Mandø. You can find them at the big seal dune at Sønderho or just a short distance from the harbor at Nordby on Fanø. Here the seals often lie in the sun on the dunes at low tide.  

Gather oysters for tonight’s dinner. The oyster season runs from October to April. At the Wadden Sea Centre, you can book a tour with a guide, who will take you to the great mussel dunes in the middle of the Wadden Sea here. – Don’t worry; you will be equipped with waders for the trip.

Bird watchers can go to Fanø. Near the beach by Sønderho lays Sønderho Beach Lake where you can experience the native birds real close and up front. From the bird observatory cut into the dune, you can watch the birds on the lake without them noticing. On your way to the lake, you can find buckthorn and glasswort for dinner.

History and nature in Bramming

Bramming town lies east of Esbjerg and is set at the edge of the wild with Holsted stream on one side and Ilsted stream on the other side.

Bramming museum of the region is set in the building of the old power plant in town. The old and historic building stands out from the crowd and is a very beautiful sight to see. Come to find out, what happened during the “Bramming accident” in 1913, or who lost his head and now haunts Sct. Knuds church at night. Those who loves history will certainly like the museum which even offers free entrance.

You will find one of the oldest Danish movie theaters in Bramming. The old building is still in use today as a movie theater. Go see a movie in this historic setting of Kosmorama. You also find many other events at Kosmorama than just movies. You can listen to music at concerts, laugh your heart out with the stand-up comedians.

Bramming is set between two streams with great nature sights to see right outside of town giving you a great option to go into the wild. If you love nature or the outdoors, you should come to Bramming. For example, to go camping at Terp by Bramming. Here there is a camping spot with all the equipment; you need for a night under the stars. There is also great opportunity to rent a canoe and go upstream at Holsted stream if you like to go paddling away.

World forest in Gørding

Here you will find a playground in the shapes of South America and Africa. If you walk around the forest, you can meet wooden animal sculptures. Pet a lion, see the Loch ness monster or get a glimpse of a crocodile or a bear. You will find the world forest at Østparken in Gørding.

Hjerting Seafront

If you want to get out of the inner city to go for a swim in the ocean or for a walk at the seafront boardwalk, Hjerting is the place. Go to Hjerting by car or by bike, there is a separate bicycle path the entire way.

Hjerting has a 660 meters seafront boardwalk where you have a great view over Ho bay.  

In summer, you can go for a swim at the beach. If you come early or get lucky, you can get one of the permanent hammocks at the beach. If you get too hot by the summer sun, there is a small café with ice cream and soft ice by the seafront. At the end of the seafront, you will find a clubhouse for sailors and winter swimming.

If you do not stop at the seafront but continue your journey through Hjerting you wind up at Hjerting Beach Park. In the evening, the park is very beautiful, because of the circular white lights that lights up the path in the dark.

Sædding beach

Sædding beach is located between two streams. It is not allowed to swim in the sea at Sædding beach, but the place is worth a visit anyway.

Many people go to the area for a run or to bicycle by the sea. There is a path for bicycles, runners and for people on a walk close by the sea away from the main road. Here you can also experience the big ships that sails by towards Esbjerg harbor. A tip is to go to Sædding beach by sunrise or sundown in good weather. It is very beautiful to see the sky turn orange and pink as the sun rises from or sinks into the sea.  

At Sædding strand you will also find four white giant men, that is scouting the sea. The sculptures name is Man meets the sea - created by Svend Wiig Hansen. If you like art, you might like to experience this specific piece of inspiring sculpture. The sculpture is so big; you can go around and under the legs of the four white men with no problem. By the sculpture you can also find picnic tables.