Palmestranden (Palm Beach)
Denmark's only palm beach—a tropical escape where real palms sway above white sand and Baltic waters.
Denmark's only palm beach, located in Frederikshavn on the North Jutland coast. This unique urban beach features real palm trees that are moved outdoors each May from heated greenhouses, creating an exotic atmosphere with white sand, shallow bathing waters, and family-friendly amenities including volleyball courts, a playground called Junglen, and an ice cream house. The beach offers both relaxation and activity, with lifeguard supervision during summer months.
A brief summary to Palm Beach (Frederikshavn)
- Frederikshavn, DK
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit between May and September when the palm trees are installed and the beach is fully operational with lifeguards, ice cream service, and playground facilities.
- Bring cash for ice cream and beach amenities, as not all vendors may accept card payments.
- Arrive early in the day to secure shaded spots beneath the palm trees, particularly during peak summer weekends.
- Combine your beach visit with nearby attractions such as the Coastal Museum at Bangsbo Fort or a hike toward Skagen, both accessible from Frederikshavn.
- The shallow, gentle waters and playground make this ideal for families with young children, but water temperature is warmest in July and August.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Train and Bus
From Frederikshavn train station, take local bus services or walk approximately 15–20 minutes to reach Palmestranden. Regional trains connect Frederikshavn to Aalborg (approximately 1 hour) and Copenhagen (approximately 5–6 hours). Bus services operate year-round with reduced frequency in winter months. Journey times from the station are minimal; single bus fares cost approximately 24–30 DKK.
-
Car and Parking
Drive to Palmestranden via Nordre Strandvej in central Frederikshavn. On-site parking is available at the beach. From Aalborg (approximately 50 km north), allow 50–60 minutes driving time. Parking is typically free or low-cost; verify current rates on-site. The beach is easily accessible from the E39 highway.
-
Walking from City Center
Palmestranden is located approximately 11–15 minutes' walk from Frederikshavn's city center and train station. The route is flat and straightforward, following coastal paths and main streets. This is a pleasant option during daylight hours and mild weather.
-
Cycling
Frederikshavn is part of the EuroVelo 12 North Sea Cycle Route. Cycle to Palmestranden via local routes from the city center (approximately 2–3 km, 10–15 minutes). Bike parking facilities are available at the beach. The route is flat and suitable for all cycling abilities.
Palm Beach (Frederikshavn) location weather suitability
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Hot Weather
Discover more about Palm Beach (Frederikshavn)
A Tropical Oasis in Northern Denmark
Palmestranden stands as Denmark's only palm beach, a remarkable feat of horticultural creativity that transforms the Frederikshavn waterfront into an unexpected tropical paradise. The beach's defining feature—genuine palm trees—are carefully cultivated and transported to the site each May after overwintering in heated greenhouses. This annual ritual has made the beach a beloved destination since its establishment in 2004, when what some called a daring idea became a beloved reality. The white sandy beach stretches invitingly along the North Jutland Baltic coast, offering visitors the surreal experience of sunbathing beneath swaying palms while gazing across Danish waters.Design and Atmosphere
The beach is meticulously landscaped to enhance the coastal experience, with careful attention paid to creating distinct zones for different activities and preferences. The wide sandy expanse provides ample space for those seeking quiet relaxation in the shade of the palms, while designated areas cater to more active visitors. The shallow, gentle waters are notably warmer than typical Danish coastal temperatures, making swimming comfortable during the summer season. The overall aesthetic creates an almost surreal contrast—the industrial harbor visible nearby serves as a reminder of Frederikshavn's working port identity, yet the beach itself feels worlds away from its urban surroundings.Activities and Family Amenities
Palmestranden caters to diverse visitor interests with thoughtfully integrated facilities. Beach volleyball courts invite friendly competition, while Junglen, a unique playground adjacent to the main beach, offers children opportunities to climb, slide, and explore both constructed play equipment and surrounding natural features. The ice cream house, Palmestrandens Ishus, serves as a social hub where visitors can enjoy refreshments while overlooking the beach. Clean, well-maintained toilet facilities are conveniently located near the ice house, ensuring visitor comfort throughout the day.Safety and Seasonal Features
During the peak holiday season, a distinctive red lifeguard tower becomes operational, with trained lifeguards monitoring swimmers and maintaining beach safety. The lifeguard service is sponsored by Trygfonden, reflecting community investment in visitor wellbeing. The beach's child-friendly designation extends beyond physical amenities to encompass water conditions and overall safety protocols, making it a trusted destination for families with young children.Accessibility and Location
Situated just a short walk from Frederikshavn's city center, Palmestranden is easily accessible via public transport or on foot from the train station. The beach is located approximately 11 minutes' walk from the broader Palmestranden area and benefits from convenient parking facilities on-site. Its proximity to the town center means visitors can combine a beach visit with exploration of Frederikshavn's restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, including the nearby Coastal Museum at Bangsbo Fort.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bunker Ved Palmestranden
0.4 km
Second World War bunkers half-buried in the dunes behind Frederikshavn’s palm-lined city beach, blending coastal history with a relaxed seaside setting.
Cafe' Feen
2.2 km
Aalborg’s beloved Kildeparken blends music, art, and green tranquility, offering a vibrant escape in the city center for relaxation, exploration, and community events.
Frederikshavn St.
2.6 km
Compact, coastal rail terminus linking Frederikshavn’s harbor, ferries and town center, and a relaxed stepping stone to beaches, bunkers and northern Jutland landscapes.
Frederikshavn Church
2.6 km
Frederikshavn’s red-brick landmark church, blending National Romantic architecture, a Michael Ancher altarpiece and war graves into one evocative town centre stop.
Fisketorvet
2.9 km
A modest central square in Frederikshavn where everyday small-town life, summer tourist hosts and a hint of maritime character quietly meet by the harbor.
Port of Frederikshavn
3.2 km
A deep-water working harbour where ferries, shipyards and offshore giants share the waterfront, shaping the maritime heart of Frederikshavn.
Frederikshavn Sogn
3.5 km
A grand Romanesque church and living parish at the heart of a North Jutland port town, where seafaring history, sacred art and everyday Danish life meet.
Mindesten for Laurits Thomsen
12.3 km
A modest roadside stone in rural Vendsyssel, the Mindesten for Laurits Thomsen quietly links a single life story with the open fields and farm roads of Gærum.
The Lady From The Sea
14.6 km
A towering harbour figurehead where Ibsen’s sea‑bound heroine, medieval Mary and hundreds of children’s symbols merge into one evocative coastal landmark.
Mindesten for Klitplantør Thygeson
27.8 km
A modest granite stone in Skagen Klitplantage honouring the dune inspector who planted millions of pines and transformed the shifting sands south of Skagen.
Kiosk v / The Buried Church
27.8 km
Delve into Esbjerg’s evolution from coastal hamlet to harbor city at this immersive museum, blending archaeology, wartime history, and lifelike local scenes in Denmark’s West Jutland.
Skagen Havn
28.0 km
A bustling North Sea harbour where fishing fleets, cruise liners and a cosy marina meet under Skagen’s famous northern light.
Enjoy Skagen
28.6 km
Esbjerg Museum reveals the city’s story through immersive exhibits on maritime legacy, archaeology, and daily life—offering an interactive journey into Danish west coast history.
Galleri Bo
28.8 km
Explore Denmark's vibrant west coast heritage at Esbjerg Museum, where local history, archaeology, and immersive exhibits bring Esbjerg's dramatic story to life.
Skagen Station
29.1 km
Denmark's northernmost railway station, where historic yellow architecture meets the gateway to two seas.
Unmissable attractions to see
Palmestranden
0.4 km
Denmark’s only true palm-fringed urban beach, blending soft white sand, safe shallows and playful seaside activities with views over Frederikshavn’s working harbor.
FunHouse Frederikshavn
0.5 km
1,500 m² of colorful indoor action by the Frederikshavn harbor, where kids climb, bounce and slide while adults pause with a coffee and a clear view.
Nordre Skanse
1.6 km
Grassy historic earthworks overlooking Frederikshavn’s harbour and the Kattegat, where simple ramparts, sea views and open sky tell a quiet coastal story.
Frederikshavn Kunstmuseum
2.5 km
Small in scale but rich in ideas, Frederikshavn Kunstmuseum og Exlibrissamling fuses contemporary art, ex libris treasures and a lively cultural calendar in one intimate venue.
Mindesten
2.6 km
A modest granite memorial on Frederikshavn’s church square, Mindesten quietly commemorates Denmark’s World War II liberation and invites a moment of reflection.
Frihedsmonumentet
2.6 km
Frihedsmonumentet is a tranquil memorial park in Frederikshavn, honoring Danish resistance and World War II victims in a peaceful, central garden beside the main church.
Krudttårnet
2.7 km
A 17th‑century gunpowder tower turned harbourfront museum, where naval history, bold engineering and Frederikshavn’s maritime story meet in one compact landmark.
Tordenskjold statue
2.9 km
Experience the harmonious blend of art and nature at Skovhuset, Frederikshavn's cultural gem.
Triaden sculpture
3.0 km
Discover Mindesten in Frederikshavn: A serene memorial honoring local history amidst beautifully landscaped gardens.
Versorgungsschiff „EDDA BOREAS“
3.0 km
A cutting-edge offshore wind support vessel occasionally moored at Frederikshavn’s working harbour, showcasing hydrogen-ready technology, cranes and gangways for the future of offshore energy.
Mindesmærke for Scandinavian
3.0 km
A solemn granite memorial on Frederikshavn’s harbourfront, commemorating the 159 lives lost in the 1990 Scandinavian Star ferry fire beside the waters they once crossed.
Bangsbo Botaniske Have
5.1 km
Denmark's premier botanical garden where English-style elegance meets Northern Europe's largest alpine crevice garden.
Boolsens Stenhave
5.3 km
A quiet stone garden in Frederikshavn where an author’s lifelong passion for geology now unfolds as an open-air story of ice, rock, and deep time.
Kystmuseet Bangsbo
5.3 km
Historic Bangsbo manor turned coastal museum, where medieval ships, wartime stories and a 1900s cultural salon meet in lush parkland on Frederikshavn’s edge.
Mindesten for V. VANGSTED
5.3 km
Explore the harmonious blend of art and nature at Skovhuset, Frederikshavn's cultural gem.
Essential places to dine
Penna`s Restaurant
0.1 km
Cozy harbour-side restaurant in Frederikshavn serving Penna’s famed Danish omelette, classic comfort dishes and seaside favourites on a sunny terrace.
Steff's Place, Frederikshavner grillen
1.6 km
Roadside Danish grill bar in Frederikshavn serving hearty burgers, sausages and barbecue-style fast food with daily opening hours and easy, casual dining.
Chang Thai Take Away
2.0 km
Compact Thai kitchen on Nytorv serving freshly cooked curries, stir-fries and noodles for fast, affordable dine‑in or takeaway in central Frederikshavn.
Cafe Hyggestunden V/pia Sørensen
2.4 km
Casual café next to Frederikshavn Svømmehal serving homely Danish comfort food, coffee and treats in a relaxed, family-friendly corner of everyday local life.
Farmors Café
2.4 km
Old-fashioned Danish coziness with hearty brunch, smørrebrød and a leafy courtyard hideaway in the quiet end of Frederikshavn’s main pedestrian street.
Gastropub L.A
2.5 km
Casual sophistication meets Nordic warmth in Frederikshavn's vibrant center.
Fregatten frederikshavn
2.5 km
Discover the lively atmosphere at Fregatten Frederikshavn - A must-visit beer hall blending local flavors with vibrant social experiences.
Wasabi Sushi
2.5 km
Fresh Japanese sushi rolls and sets in casual Frederikshavn—quality takeaway and dine-in dining made simple.
Fisk Og Grill
2.6 km
Harbourfront grill bar in Frederikshavn serving hearty fish plates, classic stjerneskud and burgers just steps from the working fishing boats.
Best Western Hotel Herman Bang
2.7 km
Historic 1882 hotel in Frederikshavn's heart, steps from train and ferry, with spa and Scandinavian breakfast.
Smørgåsen
2.7 km
Refined Danish smørrebrød and a leisurely lunch atmosphere in a cosy, centrally located Frederikshavn restaurant devoted to the art of the open sandwich.
Restaurant Empire
2.7 km
Casual American-style dining in central Frederikshavn, serving hearty comfort food, group-friendly menus and hotel guests in a warm, lively atmosphere.
Det Gule Pakhus
2.7 km
Casual Scandinavian dining in a 19th‑century warehouse setting inside The Reef hotel, blending harbor heritage with family-friendly, all-weather comfort.
Restaurant Sæson Frederikshavn
2.7 km
Seasonal Nordic fine dining where passion, precision, and exceptional value converge in intimate Frederikshavn.
Buffet Restaurant The Reef
2.8 km
Family-friendly buffet dining inside Frederikshavn’s tropical water-park hotel, blending Nordic comfort food with a relaxed Caribbean-inspired resort atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Butik Genfund
2.4 km
Small, homely and full of character, Butik Genfund turns second-hand treasures into affordable, sustainable finds in the heart of Frederikshavn’s main shopping street.
Reolsupermarked Frederikshavn
2.4 km
Compact shelf-market clothing shop in central Frederikshavn, mixing youth fashion, second-hand finds and local wardrobes in a relaxed, budget-friendly setting.
LuxyKids
2.5 km
Family-focused children’s clothing store in Frederikshavn, offering Scandinavian-quality wear, outerwear and accessories for babies, kids and teens on quiet Ørnevej.
Mira Maja Jewellery
2.5 km
Handcrafted Danish jewellery and the original Mira Maja ring collection, created by goldsmith Birgitte Munch in an intimate boutique on Frederikshavn’s Danmarksgade.
THE.BAANK.DK
2.5 km
Contemporary women's fashion in the heart of Frederikshavn's vibrant city center.
KiDS Cool Shop Frederikshavn
2.6 km
Bright, spacious toy and baby universe in Frederikshavn, where KiDS Coolshop fun meets Kære Børn practicality in a single, family-focused one-stop shop.
Living by Vanja
2.6 km
A cosy Frederikshavn boutique where Nordic design, quality yarns and carefully curated home décor come together to spark your next creative project.
Spar Dame
2.6 km
A small, specialist lingerie boutique in central Frederikshavn, offering quality European brands, expert bra fitting and calm, personal service on busy Danmarksgade.
VERO MODA
2.7 km
Contemporary Scandinavian women’s fashion in a bright, modern boutique on Frederikshavn’s main shopping street, ideal for quick wardrobe updates and stylish travel essentials.
CHANGE Lingerie
2.8 km
Scandinavia's leading lingerie specialist with expert fitting and sizes A–K in Frederikshavn's pedestrian heart.
Kidsbrandstore
2.8 km
Nordic market leader in curated children's fashion, specializing in quality branded clothing for kids and teens.
Søstrene Grene
2.8 km
Scandinavian creativity and design inspiration in the heart of Frederikshavn
ONLY
2.8 km
Scandi high-street style, denim favourites and everyday womenswear essentials in a compact, central Frederikshavn fashion store on lively Danmarksgade.
Mondo Frederikshavn
2.8 km
Intimate women’s fashion boutique in central Frederikshavn, blending Scandinavian style, everyday practicality and friendly, personal service on busy Danmarksgade.
Gerda
2.8 km
Independent neighborhood clothing boutique in Frederikshavn, offering relaxed Scandinavian style, personal service, and a calm alternative to high-street fashion chains.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
DK-Café
1.8 km
Local gaming den meets casual bar in a low-key Frederikshavn café where slot machines, screens and simple drinks create an everyday, untouristy hangout.
Munken v/Aase Pedersen
2.2 km
Traditional Danish bar in the heart of Frederikshavn, offering straightforward drinks, long opening hours and a cosy glimpse into local everyday pub life.
Café Pitstop Frederikshavn
2.4 km
Relaxed café-bar hybrid on Skippergade blending sports, karaoke and pub vibes in a down-to-earth local hangout in Frederikshavn.
Sportsbaren Frederikshavn
2.5 km
Lively central Frederikshavn sports bar with wall-to-wall matches, cold beers, betting, slot machines and pool in a relaxed, down-to-earth Danish pub atmosphere.
My Nordisk Mjød
2.9 km
Intimate mead bar and micro‑meadery in Frederikshavn, serving handcrafted Nordic honey wines inspired by a garden apple tree and regional Danish ingredients.
John Bull
3.0 km
English-style harbor pub blending maritime character with classic pub hospitality in Frederikshavn's waterfront district.
Freddy´s Bar
3.0 km
Cozy harbourfront bar in Frederikshavn with live music, a generous beer selection, and laid-back Danish pub vibes just steps from the ferry terminal.
JOY´S PUB
3.0 km
Cozy harborfront neighborhood bar in Frederikshavn with affordable drinks, local atmosphere and occasional live music on late-opening weekend nights.
Flying Hirsch
3.0 km
High-energy after-ski bar in central Frederikshavn, serving playful drinks, loud music and alpine party vibes late into the night.
Frederikshavner Kroen
3.0 km
No‑frills Danish pub in central Frederikshavn, pouring cheap beer, late‑night drinks and plenty of local atmosphere in a compact, well‑worn bar room.
Lygten I/S
3.0 km
Old-school Danish "brown" beer hall in central Frederikshavn, serving inexpensive drinks, thick pub atmosphere and local colour from early morning to late night.
Two Step Up v / Brian Jensen
3.1 km
Frederikshavn's legendary late-night bar where locals and travelers unite over live music and Danish drinks until dawn.
Le Drink
3.1 km
Cosy neighbourhood cocktail bar in Frederikshavn, serving unfussy drinks and relaxed conversation in an intimate, low‑key setting off the main streets.
Bangsbo Brewing Company
3.2 km
Intimate nanobrewery crafting rotating small-batch Danish beers in a welcoming taproom.
Peder Wessel v/Lisbeth Wagner
3.3 km
Traditional, inexpensive neighbourhood bar on central Søndergade, offering no-frills drinks, cosy maritime character and an easygoing slice of Frederikshavn nightlife.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Sportens Venner I Frederikshavn
2.9 km
Rock music venue on Frederikshavn's waterfront, hosting live performances and DJ sets in an electric harbor-side atmosphere.
Casino Aalborg
59.0 km
Compact, adult-only casino in the heart of Aalborg, pairing classic table games and slots with a relaxed Nordic nightlife atmosphere inside a city-center hotel.
CLUB MOONLIGHT Aalborgs dansested for voksne
59.0 km
Compact, nostalgic and unapologetically dance‑focused, Club Moonlight brings 80s, 90s and today’s hits to a mature over‑21 crowd in central Aalborg.
Rocken
59.0 km
Aalborg's premier basement rock and metal nightclub, hosting live bands and DJ sets Friday through Sunday.
C Night Club
59.1 km
Craft cocktails meet dance floor energy on Aalborg's premier nightlife street.
ESCAPE CLUB & Shisha Lounge
59.1 km
Intimate nightclub and shisha lounge in the heart of Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, mixing DJ-driven dancing, drinks and hookah corners late into the night.
Club Wolf
59.1 km
Compact, late-night nightclub on Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, blending chart hits, strong weekend energy and a tightly packed dance floor in the city’s bar street hub.
Night Cirque
59.1 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Aalborg, where pulsing beats, bold lighting and a stylish crowd keep the dance floor alive late into the night.
LouLou Aalborg
59.2 km
Polished cocktails and high-energy club vibes collide at this compact, late-night hotspot on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade.
Club Stygge
59.2 km
Compact, late-night Aalborg nightclub with loud party hits, simple cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor on bustling Vesterå.
Happy Friday
77.3 km
Experience Støvring's vibrant nightlife at Happy Friday Cocktail Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails meet a lively atmosphere.
Rold Skov Orienteringsklub
80.1 km
Embark on an orienteering adventure with Rold Skov Orienteringsklub in Denmark's captivating Rold Skov forest.
Skørping Bodega
80.1 km
A friendly local bodega near Rold Skov, Skørping Bodega captures the spirit of Danish bar culture with its authentic charm, inviting atmosphere, and vibrant community.
Mjølner
80.7 km
Small-town Nibe’s late-night heartbeat, where a compact dance floor, loud party tunes and local crowds turn a quiet fjord town into a lively night out.
Delirium
85.3 km
Experience the electrifying nightlife at Delirium, Gothenburg's premier night club with pulsating music and vibrant energy.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access