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Hotel Havnebakken, Vesterø Havn

Laid-back harbour hill hotel on Læsø with sea views, local seafood dining and easy access to Vesterø Havn’s beach, marina and bike-friendly island landscapes.

4.2

Perched on a low hill above Vesterø Havn on the island of Læsø, Hotel Havnebakken is a light-filled seaside retreat blending simple Scandinavian comfort with wide views of the harbour and Kattegat. Rooms range from bright main-building doubles to annex accommodation with terraces, while the on-site restaurant focuses on fish and local produce. With the ferry, beach, marina and small-town amenities just a short stroll away, it makes an easy, car-free base for exploring Læsø’s beaches, bike routes and distinctive seaweed-roofed houses.

A brief summary to Hotel Havnebakken

  • Havnebakken 12, Vesterø Havn, 9940, DK
  • +4598499009
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 72 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Book a harbour-view room in the main building if sunset light and watching the ferry traffic are priorities; annex rooms trade some views for quieter terraces.
  • Plan at least one dinner in the on-site restaurant to try local scampi or flatfish, but reserve ahead in summer, when island dining options can fill quickly.
  • Use the hotel as a car-free base: rent bikes nearby to explore Læsø’s saltworks, seaweed-roofed houses and dune-backed beaches on easy, mostly flat routes.
  • Pack layers and a windproof jacket even in warm months; the exposed harbour setting means breezes can be cool when you sit outside on the terrace.
  • Ask at reception about current ferry times on your departure day so you can time checkout with a last stroll along the harbour and beach.
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Getting There

  • Ferry from Frederikshavn plus short walk

    The most straightforward route is to take the passenger and car ferry from Frederikshavn to Vesterø Havn on Læsø, a sailing of around 90 minutes each way. Standard adult tickets generally cost in the range of 150–250 DKK one way, with extra charges for vehicles and high-season departures. Once you arrive, Hotel Havnebakken is within a comfortable 10–15 minute walk from the ferry terminal along level harbourfront paths, suitable for wheeled luggage.

  • Car and ferry from North Jutland

    If you arrive by car from elsewhere in North Jutland, drive to Frederikshavn and board the Læsø ferry with your vehicle. The crossing to Vesterø Havn takes about 90 minutes, and combined with regional driving you should allow 2.5–4 hours in total depending on your starting point and traffic. Vehicle fares on the ferry typically range from 400–800 DKK per car one way depending on size, season and time of day. On Læsø, the drive from the ferry berth to the hotel is only a few minutes through the harbour area, but summer arrivals should book ferry space in advance, as capacity can be limited.

  • Regional bus and foot passengers via Frederikshavn

    From larger towns in North Jutland such as Aalborg, regional buses and trains connect to Frederikshavn in roughly 1–1.5 hours, often with at least one change. Combined bus or train tickets typically cost about 80–160 DKK one way, depending on distance and discounts. From Frederikshavn station it is a short urban walk to the ferry terminal, where you board as a foot passenger for the 90‑minute crossing to Vesterø Havn. On arrival, expect a 10–15 minute level walk through the compact harbour village to reach the hotel.

Hotel Havnebakken location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Cold Weather
  • Weather icon Any Weather
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Discover more about Hotel Havnebakken

Harbour Hill Setting Above the Kattegat

Hotel Havnebakken sits on a gentle rise just behind Vesterø Havn, the main harbour on Læsø, giving it sweeping views over the ferry dock, marina and the open Kattegat. From the front of the hotel you watch fishing boats and the Læsø ferry gliding in and out, with the broad sandy beach stretching off beside the pier. The building itself is modest in scale, more seaside villa than grand resort, which suits the low-key, maritime character of this small Danish island. Inside, common areas are simple and airy, often framed by large windows that pull in the changing coastal light. On bright days the water seems to shimmer straight into the lounge and restaurant; in wilder weather you can observe whitecaps and clouds rolling past while staying snug indoors.

Rooms Shaped by Light, Sea Air and Simplicity

Guest rooms are spread between a main house, where many enjoy partial harbour views, and an annex set slightly back with its own small terraces. Interiors lean toward clean Scandinavian lines: pale walls, practical furnishings and an emphasis on natural light. Heated floors and climate control keep things comfortable outside of summer, and most rooms open easily to fresh sea air. The layout favours function over frills – expect good beds, private bathrooms with showers, and space for bags and outdoor gear rather than elaborate décor. Some annex rooms have sunny outdoor spots sheltered from the wind, handy for drying swimsuits after a dip or enjoying a late-evening sky over the harbour.

Local Flavours in the Harbourview Restaurant

On the ground floor, Havnebakken’s restaurant makes the most of Læsø’s fishing traditions. Menus often feature local scampi, flatfish and other seasonal catch, alongside classic Danish dishes and simple children’s options. Breakfast is typically a continental spread with breads, cheese, cold cuts and fruit, designed to fuel a day of cycling or beach walking. Large windows bring the harbour scene directly to your table, so meals are accompanied by the sight of masts, quay lights and the slow movement of ferries. In fine weather, the outdoor areas and terrace become an extension of the dining room, with seabreezes and gull calls as part of the backdrop.

Gateway to Beaches, Bikes and Island Life

Step outside and you are within a short walk of Vesterø Havn’s child-friendly beach, the marina with its red fishermen’s sheds, and a compact cluster of cafés, ice-cream kiosks and small shops. The island is famously flat and bike-friendly, so many guests base themselves here and explore salt meadows, seaweed-roofed farmhouses and quiet forest tracks by bicycle. Marked trails and quiet lanes lead from the harbour towards Læsø’s saltworks, dune-backed beaches and riding stables. Between outings, the hotel’s garden and picnic corners offer somewhere to pause, read or simply watch harbour life drift past at island speed.

Calm Island Atmosphere with Practical Comforts

Despite its central position, the overall feel at Hotel Havnebakken is relaxed rather than busy. There are meeting rooms for small gatherings, reliable Wi‑Fi for staying connected, and straightforward self-parking on site. Families appreciate that children can stay in the same room and that there is easy access to the beach and harbourfront promenade. Evenings are often quiet, with guests lingering over dinner or stepping out for a slow stroll along the water at sunset. Combined with the gentle sound of halyards in the marina and the distant rumble of the ferry, the hotel’s hilltop perch creates a soft, maritime soundtrack that underlines its role as a tranquil base on this North Jutland island.

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