Palmestranden (Palm Beach), Frederikshavn
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.
Palmestranden is Denmark’s only true palm-fringed beach, a stretch of fine white sand on the edge of Frederikshavn overlooking the Kattegat and the town’s working harbor. In summer, real palms are wheeled out from greenhouses to create a surprisingly exotic, family-friendly urban beach with shallow, clean water, beach volleyball courts, a jungle-themed playground, lifeguard service in high season and an ice cream kiosk, all just minutes from the town centre.
A brief summary to Palmestranden
- Nordre Strandvej 22, Frederikshavn, 9900, DK
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Come on a calm, sunny day if you want the full palm beach feel; the shallows warm slightly and the white sand and palms look especially photogenic in clear light.
- If you are visiting with children, base yourselves near the Junglen playground and toilets so they can rotate easily between the sea, the play area and snack breaks.
- Pack layers and a windproof jacket even in summer; the Kattegat breeze can feel cool, especially later in the afternoon or when clouds roll in.
- Bring a volleyball or beach games to make use of the courts and wide firm sand; outside peak hours you will often find space for your own informal match.
- If you prefer quieter moments, aim for early morning or an evening stroll when day-trippers thin out and the harbor lights begin to glow across the water.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Local bus from Frederikshavn centre
From central Frederikshavn, use a local city bus heading toward the northern waterfront area; typical journeys take around 10–15 minutes including short walks at each end. Buses generally run at least once an hour during the day, with reduced frequency in the evening and on Sundays. Expect a single adult ticket within the town zone to cost roughly 20–30 DKK, with discounts for children and multi-ride cards. Check the latest timetable locally, as routes and exact prices can change seasonally.
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On foot from Frederikshavn town centre
The beach sits on the edge of town and can realistically be reached on foot from the central area of Frederikshavn in about 25–35 minutes, depending on your pace and starting point. The walk is mostly level and follows pavements and coastal paths, making it suitable for most visitors with basic mobility. Bring a windproof layer, as the route can feel breezy near the waterfront, and allow extra time if you are walking with children or carrying beach gear.
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Car or taxi within Frederikshavn
Driving from most parts of Frederikshavn to Palmestranden usually takes 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic and your starting location. There is a car park by the beach, but it can fill on warm summer days, so arriving earlier improves your chances of finding a space. If you prefer not to drive, a short taxi ride from the town centre typically costs in the region of 80–140 DKK one way, depending on distance and time of day. Confirm fares with the driver before departure.
Palmestranden location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Any Weather
Discover more about Palmestranden
An urban beach with a tropical twist
Palmestranden is Frederikshavn’s unlikely slice of the tropics: a broad, pale sandy beach where rows of real palm trees line the shoreline, set against views of the Kattegat and the industrial harbor beyond. Each spring, the palms are brought out of their winter greenhouses and positioned along the beach, transforming this corner of North Jutland into a playful, almost surreal scene that feels far warmer in character than the latitude suggests. The sand here is soft and light, inviting bare feet and lazy hours with a book or a picnic rug. Despite its urban location at the edge of town, the beach has a wide-open feel, with big skies and a continuous horizon. On clear days, the low northern light glows across the water, making the silhouettes of the cranes and ferries in the distance part of the atmosphere rather than a distraction.Safe swimming and family-friendly shallows
The gently shelving seabed makes Palmestranden especially appealing for families with small children. The water remains shallow for quite a distance, so paddling and first swims can take place close to shore, with firm sand underfoot and usually modest waves. The bathing water is known for being clean, and the combination of shallow depth and sheltered position helps it warm up slightly faster than the open coast on calmer summer days. In peak holiday season a distinctive red lifeguard tower appears on the sand, staffed by trained lifeguards who keep an eye on swimmers and beach games. Their presence adds an extra layer of reassurance, particularly when the beach is at its busiest in fine weather. Simple but useful facilities, including toilets near the ice cream kiosk, make it easy to spend several hours here without needing to leave the waterfront.Playgrounds, beach sports and active hours
Palmestranden is as much a playground as a place to sunbathe. Behind the main sand strip, beach volleyball courts invite casual games, and it is common to see locals arriving with a ball and simply joining whoever is already playing. The flat, packed sand around the courts also works well for informal football matches or frisbee. For younger visitors, the nearby playground known as Junglen, or The Jungle, offers climbing structures, slides and imaginative hideaways that echo the beach’s tropical theme. Children can shift easily between the swings and the sea, racing back to the water to rinse off sand. Scattered across the beach are simple, sheltered corners where families can set up for the day, while older kids roam between the sports areas and the shoreline.Ice cream breaks and slow seaside rituals
An ice cream house sits just back from the sand, serving cones and simple snacks that have become part of the beach ritual for many. Grabbing a cold treat and wandering back to a sun lounger beneath the palms feels pleasantly indulgent on a bright afternoon. The modest scale of the kiosk suits the setting: this is not a boardwalk crowded with shops but a straightforward seaside spot with just enough comfort. Away from the kiosk, the beach quietens quickly. You can find more secluded spaces towards the edges of the sand, where the soundtrack is mostly waves and seabirds, punctuated by the distant thrum of a ferry engine. It is easy to settle into an unhurried rhythm here, alternating swims with people-watching and stretches of contemplative gazing out over the water.Seasons, light and the character of the Kattegat
Summer is when Palmestranden is at its most obviously exotic, with green fronds moving in the breeze and towels scattered across the sand. Yet the beach also has off-season charm. On clear autumn days, the light slants low across the Kattegat, picking out the textures of sand ripples and the industrial silhouettes offshore. Winter walks bring crisp air, big clouds and plenty of space, even when the palms have been returned to their greenhouse refuge. Because the beach sits so close to Frederikshavn’s centre, it easily fits into a wider day in town. A morning stroll along the water, a few hours on the sand or an evening wander as the sky changes colour over the harbor can all be woven around other explorations. In every season, Palmestranden offers a reminder of how North Jutland continually blurs the line between working coastline and simple, everyday seaside escape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bunker Ved Palmestranden
0.3 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
1.8 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.
2.2 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
2.3 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
2.6 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
2.9 km
A deep-water working harbour where ferries, shipyards and offshore giants share the waterfront, shaping the maritime heart of Frederikshavn.
Frederikshavn Sogn
3.3 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
14.3 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
28.1 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
28.1 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
28.3 km
A bustling North Sea harbour where fishing fleets, cruise liners and a cosy marina meet under Skagen’s famous northern light.
Enjoy Skagen
28.8 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
29.1 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
29.4 km
Denmark's northernmost railway station, where historic yellow architecture meets the gateway to two seas.
Unmissable attractions to see
Palm Beach (Frederikshavn)
0.4 km
Denmark's only palm beach—a tropical escape where real palms sway above white sand and Baltic waters.
FunHouse Frederikshavn
0.9 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
1.2 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
2.2 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
2.3 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
2.3 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
2.4 km
A 17th‑century gunpowder tower turned harbourfront museum, where naval history, bold engineering and Frederikshavn’s maritime story meet in one compact landmark.
Versorgungsschiff „EDDA BOREAS“
2.6 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.
Tordenskjold statue
2.6 km
Experience the harmonious blend of art and nature at Skovhuset, Frederikshavn's cultural gem.
Triaden sculpture
2.7 km
Discover Mindesten in Frederikshavn: A serene memorial honoring local history amidst beautifully landscaped gardens.
Mindesmærke for Scandinavian
2.7 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
5.0 km
Denmark's premier botanical garden where English-style elegance meets Northern Europe's largest alpine crevice garden.
Boolsens Stenhave
5.1 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
5.1 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
5.2 km
Explore the harmonious blend of art and nature at Skovhuset, Frederikshavn's cultural gem.
Essential places to dine
Penna`s Restaurant
0.3 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
1.4 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
1.7 km
Compact Thai kitchen on Nytorv serving freshly cooked curries, stir-fries and noodles for fast, affordable dine‑in or takeaway in central Frederikshavn.
Farmors Café
2.2 km
Old-fashioned Danish coziness with hearty brunch, smørrebrød and a leafy courtyard hideaway in the quiet end of Frederikshavn’s main pedestrian street.
Cafe Hyggestunden V/pia Sørensen
2.2 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.
Gastropub L.A
2.2 km
Casual sophistication meets Nordic warmth in Frederikshavn's vibrant center.
Fregatten frederikshavn
2.2 km
Discover the lively atmosphere at Fregatten Frederikshavn - A must-visit beer hall blending local flavors with vibrant social experiences.
Fisk Og Grill
2.3 km
Harbourfront grill bar in Frederikshavn serving hearty fish plates, classic stjerneskud and burgers just steps from the working fishing boats.
Smørgåsen
2.4 km
Refined Danish smørrebrød and a leisurely lunch atmosphere in a cosy, centrally located Frederikshavn restaurant devoted to the art of the open sandwich.
Best Western Hotel Herman Bang
2.4 km
Historic 1882 hotel in Frederikshavn's heart, steps from train and ferry, with spa and Scandinavian breakfast.
Restaurant Empire
2.4 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
2.5 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
2.5 km
Seasonal Nordic fine dining where passion, precision, and exceptional value converge in intimate Frederikshavn.
Buffet Restaurant The Reef
2.5 km
Family-friendly buffet dining inside Frederikshavn’s tropical water-park hotel, blending Nordic comfort food with a relaxed Caribbean-inspired resort atmosphere.
Scandic The Reef
2.5 km
Caribbean-style water world and relaxed family resort vibes in the heart of Frederikshavn, steps from the harbour, beaches and North Jutland’s coastal adventures.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Butik Genfund
2.1 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
2.1 km
Compact shelf-market clothing shop in central Frederikshavn, mixing youth fashion, second-hand finds and local wardrobes in a relaxed, budget-friendly setting.
THE.BAANK.DK
2.2 km
Contemporary women's fashion in the heart of Frederikshavn's vibrant city center.
Mira Maja Jewellery
2.2 km
Handcrafted Danish jewellery and the original Mira Maja ring collection, created by goldsmith Birgitte Munch in an intimate boutique on Frederikshavn’s Danmarksgade.
LuxyKids
2.2 km
Family-focused children’s clothing store in Frederikshavn, offering Scandinavian-quality wear, outerwear and accessories for babies, kids and teens on quiet Ørnevej.
Spar Dame
2.3 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
2.4 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
2.5 km
Scandinavia's leading lingerie specialist with expert fitting and sizes A–K in Frederikshavn's pedestrian heart.
Kidsbrandstore
2.5 km
Nordic market leader in curated children's fashion, specializing in quality branded clothing for kids and teens.
Søstrene Grene
2.5 km
Scandinavian creativity and design inspiration in the heart of Frederikshavn
ONLY
2.5 km
Scandi high-street style, denim favourites and everyday womenswear essentials in a compact, central Frederikshavn fashion store on lively Danmarksgade.
Mondo Frederikshavn
2.5 km
Intimate women’s fashion boutique in central Frederikshavn, blending Scandinavian style, everyday practicality and friendly, personal service on busy Danmarksgade.
JACK & JONES
2.5 km
Casual Scandinavian menswear, denim and smart-casual essentials in a compact boutique on Frederikshavn’s main pedestrian shopping street.
Gerda
2.5 km
Independent neighborhood clothing boutique in Frederikshavn, offering relaxed Scandinavian style, personal service, and a calm alternative to high-street fashion chains.
H&M
2.6 km
Compact Scandinavian fashion hub in Frederikshavn’s Colosseum center, offering everyday style for women, men and kids just steps from the town’s main shopping street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
DK-Café
1.6 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
1.8 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
2.1 km
Relaxed café-bar hybrid on Skippergade blending sports, karaoke and pub vibes in a down-to-earth local hangout in Frederikshavn.
Sportsbaren Frederikshavn
2.2 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.
John Bull
2.7 km
English-style harbor pub blending maritime character with classic pub hospitality in Frederikshavn's waterfront district.
Freddy´s Bar
2.7 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
2.7 km
Cozy harborfront neighborhood bar in Frederikshavn with affordable drinks, local atmosphere and occasional live music on late-opening weekend nights.
Flying Hirsch
2.7 km
High-energy after-ski bar in central Frederikshavn, serving playful drinks, loud music and alpine party vibes late into the night.
Frederikshavner Kroen
2.8 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
2.8 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.
My Nordisk Mjød
2.8 km
Intimate mead bar and micro‑meadery in Frederikshavn, serving handcrafted Nordic honey wines inspired by a garden apple tree and regional Danish ingredients.
Two Step Up v / Brian Jensen
2.8 km
Frederikshavn's legendary late-night bar where locals and travelers unite over live music and Danish drinks until dawn.
Bangsbo Brewing Company
2.9 km
Intimate nanobrewery crafting rotating small-batch Danish beers in a welcoming taproom.
Le Drink
2.9 km
Cosy neighbourhood cocktail bar in Frederikshavn, serving unfussy drinks and relaxed conversation in an intimate, low‑key setting off the main streets.
Peder Wessel v/Lisbeth Wagner
3.0 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
2.6 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
59.0 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
59.1 km
Polished cocktails and high-energy club vibes collide at this compact, late-night hotspot on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade.
Club Stygge
59.1 km
Compact, late-night Aalborg nightclub with loud party hits, simple cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor on bustling Vesterå.
Happy Friday
77.2 km
Experience Støvring's vibrant nightlife at Happy Friday Cocktail Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails meet a lively atmosphere.
Rold Skov Orienteringsklub
80.0 km
Embark on an orienteering adventure with Rold Skov Orienteringsklub in Denmark's captivating Rold Skov forest.
Skørping Bodega
80.0 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
85.1 km
Experience the electrifying nightlife at Delirium, Gothenburg's premier night club with pulsating music and vibrant energy.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly