Things to do in Esbjerg
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Esbjerg Kunstmuseum
The Utzon-designed Musikhuset Esbjerg is home to the small but eye-opening modern art collection of Esbjerg Kunstmuseum, which has notable works by Richard Mortensen, Robert Jacobsen and Per Kirkeby – also look out for work from Svend Wiig Hansen (he of Mennesket ved Havet). In quite a magnificent display of openness (and a nod to restricted space), the Åbne Magasiner (Open Stores) downstairs allows you to look up and admire undisplayed works from the museum’s collection. The other benefit to a visit is that from the museum it’s easy to admire the angles and details (especially the mushroomlike columns) of the Utzons’ architectural prowess.
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Dronning Louise
The Queen Louise commands a great position on Torvet and entertains her loyal subjects with something-for-everyone panache: she’s a café, restaurant, pub and even a nightclub (until the wee hours on Friday and Saturday). There’s also live music each Thursday. You can dine from the wonderfully broad all-day menu on the square, inside or in the rear courtyard. The brunch plate (95kr) offers serious bang for your buck, or try local boutique brews at the pub. You may not need to venture elsewhere.
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Mennesket ved Havet
On the waterfront opposite the Fiskeri- og Søfartsmuseet (4km northwest of the city centre) is Esbjerg's most interesting landmark, Mennesket ved Havet, comprising four stark-white, 9m-high, stylised human figures, sitting rigid and staring out to sea. They were created by Danish sculptor Svend Wiig Hansen to commemorate the city's centennial in 1995 and they make a striking backdrop to holiday snaps.
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Esbjerg Vandtårn
Esbjerg self-consciously attempted to manufacture a medieval appearance in 1897 when town architect CH Clausen built Esbjerg Vandtårn, now conveniently (for tourists) located next door to Musikhuset Esbjerg. You can climb up the impressive-looking tower and get your bearings while checking out the sweeping harbour and the new-looking ‘old’ town.
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Scandlines
In July and August Scandlines offers a 1¾-hour sightseeing cruise around the harbour and into Ho bay, with a chance of seeing seals in their natural habitat. Tours operate from Monday to Thursday and depart from the ferry harbour in Esbjerg two or three times a day, and from Nordby on Fanø once daily. Enquire at the tourist office for the schedule.
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Sand’s
If you’re in Denmark on a short break and want to sample traditional cuisine, make a beeline for this classy 100-year-old restaurant and order up big! The menu is an ode to old-school Danish favourites: lunchtime smørrebrød and herring platters, evening fish (try the bakskuld, a fish not unlike a flounder) and plenty of bøf (beef).
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Fiskeri- Og Søfartsmuseet
For an up-close-and-personal look at North Sea marine life you can head 4km northwest of the city centre to the saltwater aquarium at Fiskeri- og Søfartsmuseet. Here you can see assorted local fish species getting along swimmingly, plus entertaining seals being fed at 11am and 2.30pm daily. The aquarium can be reached on buses 1 and 8.
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Nord-Line
Nord-Line offers a longer (2½ hours) cruise with a nature focus (as opposed to Scandlines’ sightseeing aim). There is a nature guide on board, and you stand a better chance of seeing seals. Tours operate on weekdays from Esbjerg (from Museum Pier 1) and Fanø’s Nordby from late May to late October.
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Musikhuset Esbjerg
Famed Danish architect Jørn Utzon (he of the Sydney Opera House) designed Musikhuset Esbjerg together with his son, Jan. The performing arts centre opened in 1997 and is the city’s main venue for music concerts, classical and otherwise.
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Svømmestadion Danmark
On rainy days it’s worth knowing that Denmark’s largest indoor swimming complex is in Esbjerg. Svømmestadion Danmark is home to a wave pool, waterslides, kiddie pools, sauna and spa.
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Coffee & Bread
Fresh from the school of obvious business names, the modern, richly coloured décor complements the strong coffee, perky smoothies and filling sandwiches served here with aplomb. A good pit stop.
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Industrien
Cool Industrien is a local favourite for its changing art exhibitions, live music, late, late hours (until 6am Thursday to Saturday) and thumpin’ burgers.
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Paddy Go Easy
We like Paddy Go Easy for the real Irish accents behind (and often in front of) the bar, Kilkenny and Guinness on tap, and decent craic all round.
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PJ Feriehusudlejning
Bikes can be hired from the office of PJ Feriehusudlejning, about 2km from the city centre en route to Mennesket ved Havet.
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Ice-skating
From December to February a free outdoor ice-skating rink is set up on Torvet, the main square, with skates available for hire.
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Skolegade
Skolegade is where to head to when you're thirsty; it has plenty of bars to choose from.
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