Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Beloved by discount-hungry Norwegians and largely inhabited by hardened Hirtshals sea-
men, this modern town makes a reasonable base for sightseeing, but its appearance won't
take your breath away. It has ferry connections to points further north (way north, such as
Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Norway); beaches and an impressive show of sea life may
add to the appeal.
Sights & Activities
Nordsøen Oceanarium
AQUARIUM
(
www.nordsoenoceanarium.dk
; Willemoesvej 2; adult/child Dkr170/90;
9am-6pm daily Jul-Aug,
10am-4pm or 5pm rest of year, closed Dec-early Jan; )
If you've always wondered what lurks beneath, head to the impressive North Sea Ocean-
arium, home to one of the largest aquariums in northern Europe. Here, 4.5 million litres of
seawater is home to thousands of elegantly balletic mackerel and herring in a huge, four-
storey tank. Check the website for feeding times: in summer, these are 11am and 3pm in
the oceanarium (done by a diver with a video camera), and noon and 4pm at the outdoor
seal pool.
Touchpools and an excellent playground make this a perfect family excursion.
By car the E39 passes close to the aquarium (signposted); if you're coming by train
from Hjørring, get off at Lilleheden station, from where it's a five-minute walk.
Tornby Strand
BEACH
If all you're after is a long stretch of white sand, Tornby Strand delivers it in spades (and
buckets), 5km south of Hirtshals. As the sand is compact enough to drive on, many park
next to the breakers. Hiking is possible among the high mounded dunes and into the
coastal woodlands that back the southern side of the beach.
Tornby Strand can be reached from Hirtshals via Rte 55 and Tornby Strandvej. The vil-
lage here has a summer campground and a handful of sleeping and eating options.
Sleeping & Eating
Danhostel Hirtshals
HOSTEL
