Pikkerbakken Viewpoint
Forest-framed hilltop with a striking airwalk, sweeping Kattegat views and quiet wartime relics above the harbor town of Frederikshavn.
Pikkerbakken is a forested hilltop viewpoint rising about 71 meters above sea level on the southern edge of Frederikshavn. A striking steel-and-wood platform and airwalk project out toward the Kattegat, giving wide-open views across the town, harbor, and out to Hirsholmene and Læsø on clear days. Walking and MTB trails lace through Bangsbo forest, while remnants of Second World War bunkers hint at the site’s former military importance. It is free, always open, and feels close to nature yet just minutes from town.
A brief summary to Pikkerbakken
- Dronningestien, Frederikshavn, 9900, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 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
- Aim for clear weather if you want to see Hirsholmene and Læsø; low clouds or sea mist can significantly shorten the view.
- Bring layers, as wind on the exposed platform can feel noticeably cooler than in the forest or down in town.
- If driving, be prepared for an unpaved access stretch and limited parking; consider parking lower down and walking the final ascent.
- Combine the viewpoint with a walk through Bangsbo forest or a visit to Bangsbo Fort to explore the wartime bunkers in more detail.
- Photographers should try sunrise or late evening light for the most atmospheric shots over the harbor and coastline.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Picnic Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Car from central Frederikshavn
From central Frederikshavn it typically takes 10–15 minutes to reach the Pikkerbakken area by car. The final stretch includes a narrow, partly unpaved forest road where you need to drive slowly and be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists. Parking near the top is free but limited, so at busy times you may need to leave the car lower down and walk the last uphill section on foot.
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Local bus plus walk
City buses serving the Bangsbo area run from central Frederikshavn in roughly 10–20 minutes, with tickets usually costing in the range of 20–30 DKK for a single adult within the local zone. From stops near Bangsbo facilities, expect an additional 25–40 minutes of uphill walking on forest paths and paved lanes. Surfaces can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended and the route is less suitable for those with limited mobility.
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Cycling from town
A bicycle ride from central Frederikshavn to the foot of Pikkerbakken generally takes 20–30 minutes, starting out on ordinary town streets before climbing into the Bangsbo forest area. The final ascent is short but steep, popular with local cyclists and requiring low gears and reasonable fitness. There is no specific bike parking infrastructure at the viewpoint itself, so bring a lock and be prepared to leave your bike just off the track.
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Hiking through Bangsbo forest
For a more immersive approach, many visitors start in the Bangsbo area and follow marked forest trails uphill to Pikkerbakken, allowing about 60–90 minutes each way depending on route and pace. Paths can be muddy after rain, with roots and rocks underfoot, so waterproof shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are advisable. This option gives access to bunkers, clearings and viewpoints along the way but is not ideal in high winds or icy winter conditions.
Pikkerbakken location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Pikkerbakken
Clifftop panorama above Frederikshavn
Pikkerbakken crowns the southern rim of Frederikshavn, a wooded ridge that suddenly drops toward the Kattegat coast. From the main platform, you stand roughly 71 meters above sea level, with an uninterrupted sweep over the red roofs of town, the busy ferry harbor and the open water beyond. On days with clear air the line of the horizon sharpens and you can pick out the islands of Hirsholmene and, further away, Læsø sitting low in the sea. The light here is constantly shifting. Early in the morning it comes in soft from the east across the water, while in the evening the sun slides down behind the forested hinterland, silhouetting cranes, ferries and wind turbines. The sense of height is accentuated by the steep forested slopes that fall away just below the railings, giving you the feeling of standing between town and wilderness.A modern airwalk over an ancient slope
The most eye-catching feature at Pikkerbakken is the contemporary viewing platform and airwalk. Built of steel and timber, it projects out from the hillside like a stylised outline of Skagens Gren, Denmark’s northern tip. Stepping onto the airwalk, you move a little way beyond the safety of the cliff, looking straight down at the treetops and rocky slope beneath your feet while the harbor spreads out ahead. Design details are deliberately minimalist: simple lines, open railings and a restrained palette that allows the big view to dominate. In contrast, the surroundings remain rugged and natural, with patches of heather, exposed rock and wind-shaped trees reminding you that this was once an untamed coastal slope long before platforms and paths appeared.War bunkers in the quiet forest
Hidden among the trees behind the viewpoint are concrete traces of a very different era. During the Second World War, German forces used the height of Pikkerbakken to monitor shipping routes in the Kattegat. A network of bunkers, gun positions and installations was built into the hillside, forming part of a wider defensive complex together with nearby Bangsbo Fort. Today, many of these structures sit moss-covered and silent between birch and pine. Some are fenced or sealed, others can be viewed from the outside along forest tracks. They add a layer of atmosphere to a walk in the woods, turning a simple stroll into a quiet encounter with twentieth‑century history in the middle of otherwise peaceful nature.Forest trails, bike climbs and picnic corners
The surrounding Bangsbo forest makes Pikkerbakken more than just a quick photo stop. Waymarked walking routes wind up from the valley, including paths linking to Møllehuset and the Bangsbo museums, while a short but steep cycling climb draws local riders looking for a taste of elevation in otherwise gentle North Jutland. The combination of gradient, curves and views has made the hill a small classic in regional cycling circles. Near the top you find simple picnic spots with tables, typically placed to catch both sun and scenery. On calm days it is easy to linger with a thermos and sandwiches as ships come and go far below. Even when the breeze picks up, the trees just behind the edge provide shelter, and a few steps back from the railings the forest quickly closes around you again.Atmosphere through seasons and light
Pikkerbakken feels different with every season. In spring, new leaves brighten the slopes and the forest floor is dotted with wildflowers. Summer brings long, pale evenings when you can watch the town lights appear one by one. Autumn wraps the valley in muted reds and golds, while in crisp winter weather, clear skies can make the view over the cold blue Kattegat especially sharp. There is no admission or closing time, so you can time your visit to the moods you prefer: a solitary sunrise, a breezy midday stop during a day in Bangsbo, or a blue‑hour visit when ferries glide in under a darkening sky. Whatever the moment, the blend of coastal panorama, forest quiet and subtle history gives this modest hilltop an appeal far larger than its height suggests.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Frederikshavn Sogn
2.1 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.
Fisketorvet
2.8 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
3.1 km
A deep-water working harbour where ferries, shipyards and offshore giants share the waterfront, shaping the maritime heart of Frederikshavn.
Frederikshavn Church
3.2 km
Frederikshavn’s red-brick landmark church, blending National Romantic architecture, a Michael Ancher altarpiece and war graves into one evocative town centre stop.
Frederikshavn St.
3.3 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.
Cafe' Feen
3.6 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.
Bunker Ved Palmestranden
5.2 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.
Mindesten for Laurits Thomsen
7.9 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
9.3 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
33.2 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
33.3 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
33.6 km
A bustling North Sea harbour where fishing fleets, cruise liners and a cosy marina meet under Skagen’s famous northern light.
Enjoy Skagen
34.1 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
34.3 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
34.6 km
Denmark's northernmost railway station, where historic yellow architecture meets the gateway to two seas.
Unmissable attractions to see
Mindesten for de 3
0.2 km
A modest war memorial in Frederikshavn honoring three local lives lost during World War II, inviting a brief, thoughtful pause amid the town’s everyday rhythm.
Skovhuset
0.7 km
Rustic forest house in Bangsbo Dyrehave where woodland, deer and open-fire meals create a quietly atmospheric escape just outside Frederikshavn.
Bangsbo Botaniske Have
0.7 km
Denmark's premier botanical garden where English-style elegance meets Northern Europe's largest alpine crevice garden.
Mindesten for V. VANGSTED
0.7 km
Explore the harmonious blend of art and nature at Skovhuset, Frederikshavn's cultural gem.
Boolsens Stenhave
0.7 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.
Bangsbo Fort - Bunkermuseum
0.8 km
Hilltop World War II and Cold War fortress overlooking Frederikshavn and the Kattegat, with panoramic views, bunker explorations and immersive coastal history.
Kystmuseet Bangsbo
0.8 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.
Gravplads fra jernalderen
1.6 km
Wander a forested hillside near Frederikshavn where 62 Iron Age burial mounds, stone banks and hidden cellars quietly reveal over a thousand years of rural Danish life.
Vandværksskoven
2.3 km
Small, pine-scented Vandværksskoven offers Frederikshavn’s easiest escape into the woods, with mellow trails, a 3 km MTB loop and links to the Bangsbo hills.
Kongeegen
2.6 km
A quietly imposing oak on Frederikshavn’s northern edge, Kongeegen offers a simple, characterful pause between suburban streets and the open North Jutland landscape.
Triaden sculpture
2.7 km
Discover Mindesten in Frederikshavn: A serene memorial honoring local history amidst beautifully landscaped gardens.
Fladbjerg gravhøj
2.7 km
A modest prehistoric burial mound on a hill above Frederikshavn, where ancient ritual quietly meets the landscaped calm of a modern cemetery park.
Tordenskjold statue
2.8 km
Experience the harmonious blend of art and nature at Skovhuset, Frederikshavn's cultural gem.
Mindesmærke for Scandinavian
2.9 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.
Cloos Tower
2.9 km
North Jutland’s hilltop lookout: a 60 m tower above beech woods and fields, with sweeping views over Vendsyssel, family-friendly green space and woodland trails.
Essential places to dine
KFUMs Soldaterhjem i Danmark
0.4 km
Homely soldiers’ canteen and community house in Frederikshavn, serving hearty Danish meals and quiet companionship beside the local barracks.
Møllehuset - Restaurant i Bangsbo
0.5 km
Nordic fine dining where forest, stream, and seasonal cuisine create unforgettable moments in nature.
Hotel Lisboa
0.6 km
Cozy, family-run base on Frederikshavn’s quiet southern edge, blending simple comfort, honest Danish cooking and easy access to forest, shoreline and Bangsbo.
Restaurant NerD
1.4 km
Modern Nordic cooking and harbour classics served with sweeping views over Frederikshavn Marina and the Kattegat, in a relaxed, design-forward waterfront setting.
Skippers Grill
1.6 km
Unpretentious chicken and grill bar on Søndergade serving hearty Danish fast-food classics, generous portions and easy takeaway in central Frederikshavn.
Centergrillen
2.1 km
Casual grill bar meets Asian-inspired takeaway in a no-fuss Frederikshavn neighborhood favorite, serving hearty portions from lunchtime through the evening.
Samgor
2.4 km
Straightforward sushi and Asian comfort food in central Frederikshavn, balancing generous portions, friendly pricing and a strong takeaway focus for everyday dining.
La Vida Cafe Restaurant Pizza Pasta Place
2.6 km
Italian-American dining hub in Frederikshavn's center with pizzas, pastas, burgers, and Mediterranean fare for every taste.
WE MEAT Burger - Frederikshavn
2.6 km
Casual, central and comfort-focused, WE MEAT Burger serves hearty burgers, fried chicken and indulgent sides for easy-going evening meals in Frederikshavn.
Madbaren no 13
2.7 km
Intimate Frederikshavn gastropub pairing relaxed social dining with a standout selection of specialty beers in a warm, living-room-style setting.
Moby Dick
2.7 km
Hearty Danish comfort food with a maritime twist in the heart of Frederikshavn, where generous plates and warm lighting create a cozy harbor-side evening.
2takt Café & Brasserie
2.7 km
Historic industrial space reimagined as a refined Scandinavian brasserie with exceptional dietary inclusivity.
Bone's Frederikshavn
2.7 km
Harborfront American BBQ and hearty comfort food with a salad bar, soft-ice and plenty of space for families, groups and hungry travelers in Frederikshavn.
Bai Sheng
2.8 km
Interactive Mongolian BBQ and sushi buffet where chefs grill your selections before your eyes.
Hotel Jutlandia
2.8 km
Waterfront landmark hotel overlooking ferries and the Kattegat, steps from shops and the train station.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danmission Op Shop
2.0 km
Charity-driven thrift shop in central Frederikshavn, where changing shelves of second-hand finds turn everyday shopping into a sustainable treasure hunt for a good cause.
Frederikshavn Bazar
2.5 km
Compact international supermarket in Frederikshavn’s pedestrian heart, stocking global staples, spices and snacks with a no-fuss, everyday local atmosphere.
LePac
2.5 km
Cosy central Frederikshavn florist and gift shop, blending fresh seasonal bouquets with curated decorative presents for easy, thoughtful gifting in Søndergade.
Zoey
2.7 km
Sophisticated plus-size fashion celebrating curves and confident style in Denmark's north.
INTERSPORT Frederikshavn
2.8 km
Central Frederikshavn sports store for footwear, clothing and gear tailored to Danish weather, everyday training, family activities and active coastal holidays.
dansk Frederikshavn
2.8 km
Harborfront, budget-friendly clothing store in Frederikshavn, stocking practical styles for babies, kids, tweens, women and men under one bright, efficient roof.
SOLO - Frederikshavn
2.8 km
Compact, contemporary women’s fashion on Frederikshavn’s main pedestrian street, ideal for a relaxed browse between cafés, errands and harbor strolls.
Kop & Kande
2.8 km
A cosy central Frederikshavn homeware store where Danish design, practical kitchen tools and ready-to-wrap gifts make an easy, everyday stop during your town wander.
Tøjeksperten
2.8 km
Premium men's fashion with 365-day exchanges and seamless online integration in central Frederikshavn.
Butik NEXT
2.8 km
A curated second-hand boutique in the heart of Frederikshavn, where Scandinavian style, sustainable fashion and relaxed browsing come together on Rimmensgade.
Rosenborg SHE
2.8 km
Intimate women’s fashion and footwear boutique on Søndergade, offering wearable Scandinavian style in the heart of Frederikshavn’s cozy shopping streets.
Deres Collection
2.8 km
Modern women’s fashion in a relaxed Nordic boutique, set in the walkable shopping streets of central Frederikshavn.
Knud E
2.9 km
Long-established Frederikshavn womenswear boutique offering Scandinavian-inspired fashion, quality outerwear and warm, personal service in the heart of Danmarksgade.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
2.9 km
Playful Danish design shop in central Frederikshavn, brimming with colourful gifts, party supplies, stationery and clever everyday items at wallet‑friendly prices.
Marta du chateau Frederikshavn
2.9 km
Scandinavian women’s fashion with a French–Italian twist, set in the heart of Frederikshavn’s pedestrian shopping street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ship Inn ApS
1.8 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Frederikshavn, serving inexpensive drinks and harbor-town vibes in a compact, maritime-flavored setting.
Peder Wessel v/Lisbeth Wagner
2.4 km
Traditional, inexpensive neighbourhood bar on central Søndergade, offering no-frills drinks, cosy maritime character and an easygoing slice of Frederikshavn nightlife.
Le Drink
2.5 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
2.5 km
Intimate nanobrewery crafting rotating small-batch Danish beers in a welcoming taproom.
Two Step Up v / Brian Jensen
2.6 km
Frederikshavn's legendary late-night bar where locals and travelers unite over live music and Danish drinks until dawn.
Lygten I/S
2.7 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.
Frederikshavner Kroen
2.7 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.
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.
JOY´S PUB
2.8 km
Cozy harborfront neighborhood bar in Frederikshavn with affordable drinks, local atmosphere and occasional live music on late-opening weekend nights.
Freddy´s Bar
2.8 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.
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.
John Bull
2.8 km
English-style harbor pub blending maritime character with classic pub hospitality in Frederikshavn's waterfront district.
Sportsbaren Frederikshavn
3.2 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.
Café Pitstop Frederikshavn
3.4 km
Relaxed café-bar hybrid on Skippergade blending sports, karaoke and pub vibes in a down-to-earth local hangout in Frederikshavn.
Munken v/Aase Pedersen
3.6 km
Traditional Danish bar in the heart of Frederikshavn, offering straightforward drinks, long opening hours and a cosy glimpse into local everyday pub life.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Sportens Venner I Frederikshavn
3.0 km
Rock music venue on Frederikshavn's waterfront, hosting live performances and DJ sets in an electric harbor-side atmosphere.
Casino Aalborg
54.0 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
54.0 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
54.0 km
Aalborg's premier basement rock and metal nightclub, hosting live bands and DJ sets Friday through Sunday.
C Night Club
54.1 km
Craft cocktails meet dance floor energy on Aalborg's premier nightlife street.
ESCAPE CLUB & Shisha Lounge
54.1 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
54.1 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
54.1 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
54.2 km
Polished cocktails and high-energy club vibes collide at this compact, late-night hotspot on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade.
Club Stygge
54.2 km
Compact, late-night Aalborg nightclub with loud party hits, simple cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor on bustling Vesterå.
Happy Friday
72.1 km
Experience Støvring's vibrant nightlife at Happy Friday Cocktail Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails meet a lively atmosphere.
Skørping Bodega
74.8 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.
Rold Skov Orienteringsklub
74.8 km
Embark on an orienteering adventure with Rold Skov Orienteringsklub in Denmark's captivating Rold Skov forest.
Mjølner
76.1 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.
Mariager Fjord Golf
84.3 km
Mariager Fjord Golf blends a challenging 18-hole course with spectacular fjord views, laid-back Danish charm, and a welcoming clubhouse overlooking North Jutland’s scenic waters.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
