Summary
Located in central Jutland, Billund is an unassuming town with an impressive narrative: it is the birthplace of LEGO, housing both the original LEGO factory and the Legoland resort.
The amusement park serves as the primary attraction for visitors to Billund, being a world-class destination that children truly enjoy.
For those venturing beyond the confines of the town, the broader region presents opportunities to witness Denmark’s remarkable Viking runestones, explore various open-air museums, and encounter wildlife at the Gifskud Zoo.
Additionally, day trips to several vibrant cities and charming villages in the surrounding countryside or along the coast are readily accessible.
Here are the top activities to engage in while in Billund:
1. Legoland Billund
Recognized as the world’s first Legoland, this remarkable attraction has flourished for nearly fifty years and ranks as the most popular site in Denmark outside of Copenhagen.
Comprising nine LEGO-themed lands for young explorers, the highlight is undoubtedly Mini Land.
This particular zone showcases iconic monuments and cityscapes rendered in LEGO’s 1:20 scale, featuring notable structures such as the Statue of Liberty, the Acropolis, and the Egyptian Abu Simbel temples, alongside the Copenhagen district of Nyhavn.
Legoland also boasts four roller coasters, complemented by numerous smaller rides designed for children and toddlers.
2. Kongernes Jelling – Home of The Vikings
As part of the Danish National Museum, Kongernes Jelling is a complimentary attraction that safeguards a UNESCO-listed Viking monument from the 10th century, established by King Harald Bluetooth.
Here, monumental runestones detail Harald’s conquests of Denmark and Norway, alongside the introduction of Christianity to the area.
This site signifies Scandinavia’s transition from Pagan religions to monotheism.
One of the runestones features an illustration of Christ, which is even reproduced on Danish passports, reflecting the site’s significance in Danish history.
3. Givskud Zoo
This zoo and safari park is a short distance from Legoland.
Visitors with personal vehicles can navigate through expansive open enclosures to observe African savannah species such as rhinos, antelopes, lions, giraffes, and zebras in their naturalistic habitats.
Notably, the pride of lions at Givskud Zoo is the largest in Northern Europe.
For those without a car, the Safari Bus offers a guided journey throughout the park.
Approximately one-third of the species at the zoo are endangered, highlighting its involvement in international breeding initiatives.
4. Vandel Bunker-Museum
Located less than ten minutes by road from Billund, Vandel features a significant German military airport established during the war.
The construction in 1943 displaced eight hundred local residents from their homes.
After the conflict, the airport was utilized by the Danish army and police until 2003; currently, only a sizeable bunker remains as a remnant of that era.
Inside the bunker, visitors can explore wartime artifacts and gain insight into the airport’s history and its impact on the region.
5. Skulpturpark
Situated between the town of Billund and Legoland, Skulpturpark offers a 1.3-kilometer nature trail embellished with modern sculptures.
The leisurely walk takes approximately thirty minutes, with opportunities to pause and appreciate the interactive artworks designed for children’s enjoyment.
With a total of eighteen sculptures created by leading Danish artists, the park also provides benches along the trail for visitors wishing to bring a picnic during the summer months.
6. Lalandia Billund
Lalandia Billund is a recreational complex that commenced operations in 2009.
During the summer months, children can eagerly dive into the Aquadome, the largest water park in Scandinavia.
Various attractions cater to both teenagers and younger children, including thrilling slides and a wave pool, while adults can unwind in the wellness area that offers massages, saunas, and spa treatments.
Additionally, young visitors can enjoy Monky Tonky Land, featuring climbing structures and supervised games, while families can partake in activities such as a climbing wall, skating rink, ski slope, bowling alley, and mini-golf course.
7. Museumsgaarden Karensminde
This scenic attraction offers an immersive experience of Danish heritage, showcasing a historic farm that dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
Guests can observe traditional farming practices and interact with various animals such as sheep, pigs, goats, chickens, horses, and rabbits, either roaming freely or housed in open enclosures.
Children particularly enjoy close encounters with the animals and engaging in activities alongside costumed staff.
Opportunities include horse and cart rides, participation in carpentry workshops, painting eggs in the traditional manner, or assisting in the kitchen to make jam.
8. Grindsted Kirke
In the midst of the energetic atmosphere generated by local attractions, Grindsted Kirke serves as a tranquil reminder of Billund’s rural essence.
Visitors may pause for a moment to appreciate the centuries-old interior of this church before continuing to their next destination.
Most of the structure dates back to the 1100s, with renovations completed two centuries later, and the church’s tower added in the 1920s.
9. LEGO Factory Tour
This experience is not available spontaneously; LEGO factory tours must be coordinated months in advance and the visit spans a duration of two days.
For dedicated LEGO enthusiasts, this experience promises an insightful glimpse into the design and production processes of LEGO bricks and mini-figures, as well as a visit to the residence of the founder Ole Kirk Kristiansen, showcasing vintage LEGO sets from the 1930s.
During the two-day experience, participants engage in discussions with LEGO designers who provide an insider’s perspective on the creation of LEGO sets.
At the conclusion of the tour, attendees receive a uniquely crafted LEGO gift, selected by Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, the founder’s grandson, to serve as a memorable keepsake.
10. Biking
Biking and Denmark complement one another flawlessly.
The flat terrain accommodates individuals of all ages, with ample infrastructure established by the government to support cyclists.
In the countryside surrounding Billund, numerous biking routes are available; one such option is a 37-kilometer path leading to Engelsholm Castle, which features scenic picnic spots by the nearby lake.
The route traverses lush forests and picturesque farmland, providing glimpses of aircraft taking off and landing at the nearby airport.
11. Vorbasse Market
During the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of the 29th week of the year (July), Vorbasse, located 15 kilometers south of Billund, hosts a significant gathering.
Since its inception in 1730, this market has become Denmark’s largest and is held only once annually.
Originally focused on horse trading, 400-500 horses still change hands at this field outside the village each year.
The site welcomes 200 pet breeders alongside 650 vendors offering an extensive assortment of products.
In addition to market stalls, the event features food tents, live performances, and amusement rides for younger attendees.
12. Vejle
A short drive east from Billund leads to the town of Vejle.
Although Denmark is not renowned for its diverse landscape, Vejle’s topography can be characterized as relatively mountainous by national standards!
Visitors frequent the town and its surroundings to traverse the forested hills and appreciate the beauty of the Vejle Fjord.
The town is positioned at the western edge of this expansive inlet, which stretches 22 kilometers, framed by gentle banks of deciduous woodland and heathland.
The central area of Vejle features a typical Danish pedestrian mall that winds through a deep ravine filled with historic houses, thriving with shoppers during weekends.
13. Kolding
Situated thirty minutes southeast of Billund, Kolding is a Baltic seaport town.
The former royal castle, Koldinghus, stands on the outskirts of the city center.
Originally constructed in the 1200s by Christoffer I, the oldest existing sections were built during the reign of his descendant Christoffer III in the 15th century.
This castle was historically significant for military campaigns during the middle ages, now serving as a museum focused on historic furniture, ceramics, and fine art, particularly from King Christian IV’s residency.
14. Fredericia
This fortified town, named after King Frederick III who founded it in 1650, once had aspirations of becoming Denmark’s capital. Following the upheaval caused by the Thirty Years’ War in the early 1600s, Frederick IV determined that Jutland required a robust military stronghold.
Fredericia emerged as a planned town, constructed anew in 1650, featuring a complex array of defenses.
Remarkably, many of these fortifications remain part of modern Fredericia’s park landscape.
15. Varde
Jutland’s geography allows for an easy drive across the west coast, revealing breathtaking seascapes along the North Sea.
Varde is a charming market town centered around the 11th-century Church of St. Jacob, prominently recognized for its whitewashed spire.
The coastal route from Varde to Esbjerg is particularly interesting for enthusiasts of military history.
The Tirpitz Position, a substantial German bunker, was constructed to defend Esbjerg but remains incomplete.
The area also features the seaside resort of Vejers, characterized by an expansive beach of golden sand, bordered by dunes and caressed by gentle waves.
