There’s a nostalgic charm about Danish seaside resort hotels. They exude a holiday atmosphere reminiscent of the days when nobody had a cellphone and proceeded at a more leisurely pace. And you’re never further than 30km from the sea. Here are our recommendations so that you can experience this luxury by the sea in Denmark.
Dyvig Badehotel, Dyvik, Nord Als
This impressive award-winning seaside hotel has an air of having been built for the more well-to-do of 100 years ago, but actually only opened in 2010. It sits in an idyllic location with water in front and forest behind. Gourmet food and classic Danish cuisine. Named best Hotel and Restaurant by the Luxury Prize Awards in London in 2016 and preliminarily nominated for Den Danske Spiseguide 2017 (Danish Good Eating Guide).
Gilleleje Badehotel, Gilbjerghoved
Spectacular seaside hotel in the beautiful green oasis of Gilbjerghoved near Gilleleje. Tasteful, summer romantic interior design with fantastic views over the sea. Hearth, good food and plenty of atmosphere in the restaurant and a gorgeous spa complex. Be sure to take a sunset stroll along the little path along the shore that takes you into Gilleleje.
Helenekilde, Tisvildeleje
This traditional Danish “badehotel” (bathing hotel) dates back almost a century, but is a picture of modern design inside. Rooms are painted in hues that mimic the Kattegat Sea outside. It is on the north coast of Zealand, in an area famed for dune-backed beaches.
Henne Mølle Å Badehotel, Henne
The man behind this delightful dunes-hotel dating from 1936 was no less a figure than Poul Henningsen, a Danish author, critic, architect, and designer, and one of the leading figures of the cultural life of Denmark between the World Wars. The hotel is situated in a protected dunes area close to the endless North Sea sandy beaches. The interior design is simple yet stylish with plenty of PH lamps, and the restaurant serves well-prepared, organic Danish summer food.
Hornbækhus Hotel, Hornbæk
Hotel Hornbækhus from 1904 is a North Zealand treasure, that has attracted the cream of society and regular guests from all parts of Scandinavia for over 100 years. The hotel has delightful gardens and rooms in a pale and cheerful, Nordic manor house style. It’s located very close to the beautiful Hornbæk beach and Hornbæk Plantage with wild forest and an 8km running/walking trail.
Melsted Badehotel, Gudhjem
This Bornholm treasure first opened in 1932. Meticulously maintained green areas where you can play cricket and golf, blue water and beaches are just below the terrace. Melsted Badehotel offers delightful rooms in a luxury resort hotel style with Swedish Hästens beds and sea views, plus a stunning restaurant.
Norlandet Hotel, Allinge
Hotel Norlandet is set by a rocky inlet in Bornholm, the Danish equivalent of Swedish Gotland. Its 17 rooms have been edited back to the serene essentials. The food aims to balance innovation with classic Scandi ingredients.
Ruths Hotel, Skagen
Close to the village if Skagen is the famously beautiful peninsula of Grenen where the Baltic and North Seas merge. First opened in 1904, and still with plenty of picket fence charm, Ruths has expanded to 52 rooms plus a large spa and two restaurants.
Skovshoved hotel, Charlottenlund
This seaside property, on the coastal road that trails north from Copenhagen, dates back to 1660. It is surrounded by fishermen’s houses of the same era. The hotel was brought up to date by its present owners in 2003, with classic Scandinavian style prevailing in the 22 bedrooms. The restaurant has gained attention for its seafood-focused menu and has a terrace for summer dining. A jetty offers the chance to cool off in the sea while the capital’s two sandy beaches and a nature reserve are a little further afield.
Stammershalle Badehotel, Gudhjem
Yet another amazing Bornholm treasure, this beautiful spa hotel from 1911 is located in the Bornholm archipelago with views over the foaming Baltic Sea. The hotel has a fantastic restaurant whose award-winning chef gets the very best out of local ingredients while adding a French twist.
Strandhotellet Blokhus, Blokhus
Sytandhotelle Blokhus opened late last year. Its 38 rooms, with French windows, uncluttered white-and-blue decor have a Cape Cod charm, while the restaurant offers casual Danish/French food. Jammer Bay offers 55km of white sand.
Luxury By the Sea in Denmark
In recent years, the simple life at a resort hotel has enjoyed a huge renaissance in providing a relaxing break from hectic everyday life. Many seaside hotels are open all year round, and in the off season, you may want to seek refuge in front of a blazing fire to read a book after a bracing windblown walk along the shore.
Luxury By the Sea in Denmark, compiled by Tor Kjolberg