Men by the Sea: Esbjerg’s Monumental Coastal Guardians
Experience the awe-inspiring Men by the Sea in Esbjerg—a monumental coastal sculpture, blending art, history, and breathtaking North Sea vistas.
Men by the Sea is an iconic set of nine-meter-tall white sculptures facing the North Sea near Esbjerg. Created by artist Svend Wiig Hansen in 1995, these four monumental seated figures evoke both power and tranquility. Located at the edge of the coastline, they are visible to all ships entering Esbjerg harbor and symbolize the relationship between humankind and nature.
A brief summary to Men by the Sea
- Sædding Strandvej 1, Esbjerg Municipality, Esbjerg V, 6710, DK
- +4575125599
- Visit website
Local tips
- Sunset is a magical time for photographs; the sculptures glow as the sun dips over the North Sea.
- Bring windproof clothing—even summer days can be blustery along the exposed coastline.
- The walk from Esbjerg harbor or the fisheries museum offers scenic views and a gradual approach to the sculptures.
- Informational panels at the site offer context in English and Danish for a deeper appreciation.
- There is a small, free parking area nearby, but it can fill during busy weekends and holidays.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Fanø, reach the Esbjerg harbor via the frequent passenger ferry (Fanøfærgen), which covers the crossing in about 12 minutes. Adult tickets typically cost around DKK 30–40 one way. After arriving at Esbjerg harbor, local buses depart regularly toward the northern coastal stretch where Men by the Sea is prominently visible, commonly stopping near the Fisheries and Maritime Museum. Bus tickets are about DKK 24–30; the final stretch from the stop is a gentle walk along the shoreline, with the statues unmistakable on the horizon.
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Bicycle
Cyclists can take their bikes aboard the Fanø ferry for a small additional fee (around DKK 15), then enjoy a scenic ride from Esbjerg harbor along dedicated paths northward toward the beach. The route is popular among locals, offering open sea views and takes roughly 20–30 minutes. Bicycle racks are available near the artwork.
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Taxi
Taxis are available outside Esbjerg harbor’s terminal; a drive to Men by the Sea takes approximately 10–15 minutes depending on conditions. Expect a fare in the range of DKK 120–160 for a standard car. Taxis can drop off at the dedicated parking area near the sculptures.
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Walking
For those arriving to Esbjerg by ferry, a direct coastal walk to Men by the Sea offers panoramic sea and harbor views. The journey takes about 45–60 minutes at a steady pace, passing local landmarks such as the Fisheries and Maritime Museum and stretches of sandy beach.
Discover more about Men by the Sea
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Begravet bunker
2.6 km
A preserved German WWII bunker revealing the hidden lives of occupation soldiers beneath Danish soil.
Denmark
3.4 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’s urban beach escape, offering sandy shores, a classic pier, family-friendly facilities, and beautiful views right at the city’s edge.
Vadehavskysten
3.4 km
An iconic copper bridge tower turned cultural gem, offering harbor panoramas, intimate events, and a taste of Copenhagen’s creative spirit on Knippelsbro.
FanøFærgen, Esbjerg
3.5 km
Compact harbor terminal in Esbjerg serving the fast 12‑minute Fanø ferry, linking mainland bustle with island calm in the Wadden Sea UNESCO landscape.
Dronning Louise
3.5 km
Urban beachfront serenity meets Danish royal heritage at Marselisborg Strand, Aarhus’ favorite local escape for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside strolls year-round.
Esbjerg Water Tower
3.6 km
Historic red-brick water tower on a Bronze Age mound overlooking Esbjerg’s harbour, blending medieval-inspired architecture with the story of a young, ambitious port city.
Namaste Esbjerg
3.6 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ vibrant urban beach, blending sandy coastline, tranquil bay views, and easy access to city highlights and lush forest parks.
Fanø Tourist Office
4.3 km
Centrally located on Fanø, the Tourist Office is the ideal starting point for discovering authentic island charm, local culture, and practical travel advice.
Fanø Krogaard
4.4 km
Experience the timeless charm of Fanø Krogaard, a historic inn blending Nordic cuisine, island tradition, and warm hospitality in the heart of Nordby harbour.
Fano Bed and Boats
4.6 km
Charming seaside bed & breakfast and boat rental in Nordby, Fanø—offering cozy rooms and authentic maritime experiences on Denmark’s storied North Sea island.
Hjerting Badehotel
5.4 km
Picturesque sandy beach blending serene sea views, lush forests, and family-friendly facilities just minutes from Aarhus city center.
Sønderho Church
15.7 km
An 18th‑century island church filled with Denmark’s largest flotilla of votive ships, anchoring Sønderho’s seafaring history in a tranquil Wadden Sea village.
Æ Kåver
16.1 km
Reborn wooden seamark on Fanø’s southern edge, Æ Kåver recalls 17th‑century seafaring in a wild Wadden Sea landscape of wind, sand and wide horizons.
Kammerslusen Ribe
23.6 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
27.9 km
A contemplative statue on Ribe’s former castle hill, honouring the gentle 13th‑century Queen Dagmar where her life and legend became entwined with Denmark’s history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Fiskeri- og Søfartsmuseet
0.2 km
Denmark’s museum of the sea, where Esbjerg’s fishing past, offshore present and North Sea wildlife come together in one immersive waterfront complex.
Brillesøerne
0.3 km
A pair of calm urban lakes in Esbjerg V, Brillesøerne offers easy paths, birdlife and open green space for tranquil walks and everyday nature escapes.
Museumsfyrskibet Horns Rev
0.5 km
Historic lightship turned museum at Esbjerg’s harbourfront, preserving the story of Horns Rev and life aboard a floating lighthouse on Denmark’s west coast.
Fishermen memorial
0.8 km
A quiet granite grove on Esbjerg’s windy coast, honoring generations of local fishermen who never returned from the sea.
Sædding Mellem Fyr
1.3 km
A modest but historic leading light on Sædding’s shoreline, quietly recalling Esbjerg’s maritime navigation heritage beside the sands of the North Sea.
Esbjerg Havn
1.4 km
A vast working harbour and marina where offshore wind giants, fishing boats and yachts share the docks on Denmark’s windswept North Sea coast.
Dyrehaven
2.0 km
A tranquil deer-filled woodland in Esbjerg’s Nørreskoven, where city life fades into rustling leaves, soft hooves and unhurried forest walks among graceful herds.
Swimming Stadium Denmark
2.0 km
Denmark’s largest indoor swim and water park: 10,000 m² of slides, waves, competition lanes and wellness under one roof in Esbjerg’s sports district.
Skulptur “Frihedskæmpere”
2.0 km
Step into Esbjerg’s past at this hands-on city museum, featuring a recreated historic street, archaeological treasures, and stories of seafaring ambition.
Fish Auction for tourists
2.0 km
Bid on fresh catches at Denmark's largest fishing harbour in this authentic, working auction.
Vognsbølparken
2.0 km
Esbjerg’s big back garden: 178 hectares of woodland, lakes, lawns and play areas offering easy everyday nature, peaceful walks and relaxed family time.
Skulptur “Kobberkors”
2.3 km
Explore Esbjerg Museum and discover the fascinating tale of Denmark’s west coast, from bustling port origins to maritime heritage and daily life exhibits.
Nördlich Odden (Let flakbatteri)
2.9 km
Evocative WWII bunkers and flak remains hidden in Fanø’s dunes, where Atlantic Wall history meets the wide skies and shifting sands of the Wadden Sea.
Brunnen Park
3.2 km
A small fountain-side green space on Kirkegade, offering a quiet pause of trees, lawns and benches in the very heart of Esbjerg’s urban grid.
Borgmesterhaven
3.2 km
A small, low-key neighborhood park in central Esbjerg, offering simple greenery, benches and a brief escape from the surrounding streets and apartment blocks.
Essential places to dine
Den Røde Okse
0.5 km
Long‑running Esbjerg restaurant and catering house serving classic Danish menus, festive banquets and sustainable “mad ud af huset” in warm, roomy surroundings.
Catering i Esbjerg
0.6 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine in the heart of Esbjerg at Spisestuen.
Sydvesten ApS
1.7 km
Harbour-side Danish seafood canteen turned local classic, serving hearty fish dishes and open sandwiches beside Esbjerg’s working fishing quay and marina.
Restaurant Plates Esbjerg
1.8 km
Sky-high Nordic dining and cocktails on Esbjerg’s 17th floor, where harbour panoramas meet shareable plates, seasonal flavours and an easygoing, modern buzz.
Restaurant Parken I/S
1.9 km
Classic Danish cooking with park and lakeside views, combining bright modern interiors and a terrace that opens directly onto Esbjerg’s green Vognsbølparken.
ECH Restaurant
2.4 km
Relaxed buffet-style dining inside the ECH Park complex, serving hearty grill dishes and Scandinavian breakfasts on Esbjerg’s leafy Stormgade.
Kanda's Thai Cuisine
2.6 km
Compact, award‑winning Thai takeaway on Strandbygade, serving wok‑fresh curries and noodles that bring Southeast Asian warmth to the heart of Esbjerg.
Asia Restaurant Esbjerg
2.7 km
Lively all-you-can-eat Asian buffet in Esbjerg’s northern outskirts, mixing Chinese favourites, sushi and Mongolian grill in a casual, group-friendly setting.
Café Danmark
2.7 km
Old-school Danish lunch café in central Esbjerg, serving generous smørrebrød and stjerneskud in a warm, nostalgic dining room with relaxed midday atmosphere.
Spyddet Le Grill
2.7 km
Casual Middle Eastern grill in central Esbjerg, serving juicy skewers, build‑your‑own plates and hearty comfort dishes in a relaxed, family‑friendly setting.
O-Shi Sushi
3.1 km
Compact, modern sushi spot in central Esbjerg serving fresh rolls and warm Japanese-inspired dishes for both casual dine-in and convenient takeaway.
Rådhuskroen
3.2 km
Traditional Danish kro-meets-pub in central Esbjerg, serving hearty plates and cold beer in a warm, wood-paneled setting filled with everyday local hygge.
Sand's Restauration ApS
3.2 km
Century-old Esbjerg institution serving hearty Danish classics, local seafood and regional specialties in a cosy, wood-accented setting on lively Skolegade.
Restaurant Lyokoi - Japansk Sushi
3.2 km
Compact, lively Esbjerg hotspot where colorful sushi platters meet sizzling Korean barbecue grills in a relaxed, social Skolegade setting.
La Scala Ristorante Pizzeria
3.3 km
Long-running Italian pizzeria in central Esbjerg, serving stone-baked pizzas, hearty pastas and relaxed, cosy dinners from Tuesday to Sunday evenings.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
dansk Esbjerg
1.3 km
Curated Danish fashion and Nordic design in the heart of Esbjerg.
Gaveshop.nu
1.6 km
Curated corporate gifts delivered with elegance—where business appreciation meets thoughtful selection.
Esbjerg Asian Shop
2.5 km
Compact Asian grocery on Strandbygade, stocking noodles, spices, sauces and snacks that bring East and Southeast Asian flavours to everyday life in Esbjerg.
SLIK FOR VOKSNE
3.1 km
Playful by name and refined in taste, SLIK FOR VOKSNE is Esbjerg’s grown‑up candy store for wine, spirits, chocolate and beautifully wrapped gourmet gifts.
Kongehuset
3.2 km
Curated fashion and quality outerwear in a handsome historic corner store on Esbjerg’s main pedestrian street, blending Scandinavian style with international brands.
Boutique Elenor
3.2 km
A small, stylish clothing boutique on Kronprinsensgade, offering a curated alternative to big-brand shopping in the heart of Esbjerg’s lively city center.
Coast Women
3.2 km
A polished multibrand women’s fashion boutique on Esbjerg’s main shopping street, blending Nordic ease, international labels and attentive personal service.
Collabo
3.2 km
Core skateshop and streetwear hub in central Esbjerg, blending Scandinavian simplicity with global board culture, sneakers and subculturally inspired apparel.
KORN180
3.2 km
A hidden courtyard workshop in Esbjerg where reuse, upcycling and social enterprise turn ordinary cast-offs into inventive, one-of-a-kind designs.
Greenfriends
3.2 km
Esbjerg's dedicated cannabis retail shop with convenient city-center location and flexible weekend hours.
LE Kirk
3.2 km
Curated women's fashion in Esbjerg's vibrant city center with personalized service and contemporary style.
Incado City Roholt
3.3 km
Denmark's premier creative supply destination where artists find inspiration, materials, and community.
Kop & Kande
3.3 km
Bright, central Esbjerg homeware and gift shop specialising in practical Scandinavian design, quality kitchen tools and thoughtfully wrapped presents for any occasion.
Esbjerg Storcenter
3.3 km
Spacious indoor shopping hub in northern Esbjerg, combining supermarkets, fashion, toys and cafés with plentiful free parking and easy, all-weather browsing.
Flittiglise
3.3 km
A cozy Esbjerg yarn haven where shelves of color, quality fibers and friendly advice invite you to slow down, browse and bring a bit of Danish craft home.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Pub Bibas i Esbjerg
1.2 km
A classic brown Danish bodega in Esbjerg’s Sædding centre, serving cold beer, local stories and unpretentious bar life from late morning until late evening.
Corners Pub
2.1 km
A cozy neighborhood pub where cold beers and warm hospitality define the Danish experience.
Riverside Pub
2.1 km
Relaxed neighborhood pub in Ådalsparken, serving cold beer and cozy Danish hygge in a low-key, local setting west of central Esbjerg.
Horns Rev Bodega & Bar
2.3 km
A no-frills Danish bodega in central Esbjerg, where wood-panelled warmth, affordable drinks, and local camaraderie capture the city’s everyday pub culture.
Havkatten
2.6 km
Old-school Esbjerg harbour bar with 80s tunes, pool, darts and everyday prices, offering a relaxed window into the city’s down-to-earth nightlife.
Vinbaren
3.4 km
Intimate, dimly lit and disarmingly casual, Vinbaren is Esbjerg’s brown-bar style wine hangout for late-night chats, cheap pours and the occasional close-up concert.
HomeRun Esbjerg
3.5 km
Lively gastro sports bar above Esbjerg’s main square, with wall-to-wall screens, bar games, casual bites and late-night energy on weekends.
James Bond Esbjerg
3.5 km
Late-opening dance bar on Skolegade in Esbjerg, where a mature crowd sings along to classic hits and keeps the party going until early morning.
Kasket Karl
3.5 km
Legendary Esbjerg pub on Skolegade, pouring beer and hosting darts, dice and laid‑back evenings since 1975 in a warmly lit, unpretentious setting.
Industrien
3.5 km
Historic Danish bar where 130+ years of tradition meets contemporary hospitality on Esbjerg's vibrant Skolegade.
Pioner Bar Esbjerg
3.5 km
Late-night Esbjerg bar on Torvet with cheap cold beer, classic party hits from the ’80s to today, and a lively dance floor packed with locals and visitors.
Dokken City Beach
3.5 km
A pocket of sand, deckchairs and drinks on Esbjerg Harbour, Dokken City Beach turns the working waterfront into a relaxed urban seaside escape.
Skræddergården Esbjerg ApS
3.5 km
Adult-friendly dance bar in Esbjerg’s Skolegade nightlife strip, mixing DJ sets, live music nights and easygoing drinks in a former tailor’s house.
King George
3.6 km
Esbjerg's beloved beer hall where Danish tradition, lively atmosphere, and authentic hospitality converge on Skolegade.
Rustik - Bar & Natklub
3.6 km
High‑energy bar and nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, mixing industrial style, cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor late into the night.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
No.31 - Bar & Natklub
3.5 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, blending late-night bar vibes, loud DJ sets and a youthful dance floor in the heart of the city.
NewsBar - Shakespeare Nightclub & Eventhouse
38.3 km
Ølgod's premier nightclub and event venue, where celebration and community connection meet.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
44.2 km
Compact late-night club on Grindsted’s main street, mixing local vibes, DJs and simple drinks for weekend nights that run into the early hours.
Romo Golf Links
45.7 km
Romo Golf Links offers an authentic coastal golf experience amid the windswept dunes and wild beauty of Rømø, blending challenging play with stunning North Sea views.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
45.8 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
Fishi
52.6 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
Rotes Kliff
59.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rotes Kliff in Sylt, a premier disco club and cocktail bar perfect for unforgettable evenings.
Koldingtivet Engen
66.4 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
Discoteque Tordenskiold
66.9 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
67.1 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
67.3 km
Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.
Jazz 6000
67.5 km
An essential stop in Kolding for jazz lovers, Jazz 6000 brings world-class live music, community spirit, and a cozy club atmosphere to southern Denmark.
Al Capone
67.9 km
Tønder’s sole nightclub, Al Capone blends a rustic 1920s‑inspired mood, late‑night beats and strong drinks into an intimate speakeasy‑style party den.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
67.9 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Tucan Swinger & wellness Club
71.1 km
Adults-only swinger and wellness retreat in rural Jutland, blending erotic exploration, spa comforts and themed rooms in a discreet, rules-based environment.
