With 1,450 km of broad, white sandy beaches, North Jutland brings together wide open spaces, clean seas, fresh air and unlimited family fun – all in a safe, extremely family-friendly environment. Many of the beaches have EU Blue Environmental Flags, meaning that water quality and great facilities are guaranteed – and with Danish school holidays ending in mid-August, there are always great deals to be found on accommodation in the latter part of the summer, when prices in the rest of Europe are sky high.

Skagen
North Jutland is known locally as the ‘Land of Light’ on account of the peculiarly pure quality of the daylight that’s said to lift the spirits and awaken the senses. The area’s unique light has attracted many artists over the years, especially to the artists’ colony in Skagen at the far north-eastern tip of the country. In fact, this year sees the centenary of Skagens Museum, which houses more than 1,800 works of art by Skagen’s artists in the very surroundings in which they were painted. The museum today includes a gift shop, café and children’s workshop where creative kids can follow in the footsteps of Skagen’s painters and create masterpieces of their own.

Active Family
Opportunities abound for kids to get active all across the North Jutland region. As well as the typical range of activities associated with beach holidays, North Jutland boasts one of the widest networks of cycle paths in the whole of Denmark, with continuous routes all along the coastline. Keen horse riders of all ages may enjoy a guided hack on an Icelandic pony through the pristine coastal scenery, while those who prefer their fun that little bit wetter will appreciate wave surfing. There are several surfing schools along the coast offering coaching for beginners and experienced surfers alike, with wetsuits and surfboards available for hire. In addition, the many campsites and holiday centres that line the coast offer sports facilities including swimming pools and tennis, squash and other ballgames.

Attractions
There are also plenty of attractions that will keep the family entertained if it’s not warm enough for the beach. For watery fun, the Atlantis Waterland at Skallerup Holiday Centre is a tropical, indoor aqua park with water slides and swimming pools. For hands-on animal encounters, Skallerup’s 1950’s-style farmyard allows children to get involved with such activities as feeding the animals, collecting eggs and milking the cows. Though your not a gueat at teh holiday centre you can buy day tickets for its facilities.

One of the region’s most unique attractions is the sweet factory at Bolcheriet Løkken, which will appeal to anyone with a sweet tooth. Visitors can watch lollipops and boiled sweets being made by hand and then buy them fresh from the sweet shop.

Theme park fans, meanwhile, will enjoy Faarup Sommerland, the region’s largest amusement park which is located in the woods near Løkken. The park is home to Falken - Denmark’s biggest wooden rollercoaster – as well as a new 4-D cinema and aqua park.

And for the Adults...
It’s not all about the kids though; grown-ups will also find plenty of entertainment in North Jutland. The city of Aalborg plays host to Denmark’s only Opera Festival in March, with performances taking place all over town. Aalborg really comes into its own in May (17-23 May, 2009), when the spectacular Aalborg Carnival brings over 100,000 revellers to the city – either to participate in the colourful parade or simply to experience the colour, spectacle and wonderful atmosphere for which the event is famed. Another exciting event takes place over in Frederikshavn in June (26-28June, 2009), when the Days of Tordenskjold transport visitors back to the year 1717. Highlights include a play and fashion parade (in period costume), sword fights, authentic music and typical foods from the era - served as a 100-metre-long banquet! 

Where to stay?
Much of the accommodation in the region comes in the form of campsite pitches and cosy chalets located in extensive holiday centres boasting excellent facilities (such as swimming pools, spas, sports equipment and activities such as horse riding). There are campsites and holiday centres strung all along the coast, with options ranging from the fairly basic to the extremely well-appointed. One popular choice is the Klim Strand campsite where a week in a two-bedroom thatched cottage costs from £300.

For additional on the region click on: VisitNordjylland

Getting there...?
Norwegian has, except for saturdays, daily direct flights to Aalborg from Gatwich airport.