Discover the Charm of Vejle, Denmark
Travellers are flocking to Denmark in record numbers, yet many overlook the charming small towns beyond Copenhagen. Vejle, an unassuming former port city, is conveniently located about 30 minutes from Legoland in Billund and less than 2½ hours from the capital.
As you wander Vejle’s streets, you’ll quickly realize it’s a microcosm of what Denmark is best known for: innovative art and design, stunning architecture, and a diverse culinary scene that ranges from affordable food markets to exquisite dining options.
Explore Historic and Contemporary Architecture
The train drops you in the heart of Vejle’s charming downtown, where a 900m-long pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings invites exploration.
Begin your journey at the city’s oldest building, the Romanesque and Gothic red-brick St Nicolai Church, dating back to the 13th century and beautifully restored over the years. A short five-minute walk will lead you to another red-brick gem, the neo-Gothic Vejle Town Hall, constructed in 1878. This landmark faces the town’s bustling main square, with its bell tolling as it has since its days in a medieval monastery on the site.
The harbour, a pleasant 20-minute walk from central Vejle, showcases cutting-edge architectural wonders. Olafur Eliasson’s curvy glass and multicoloured-brick office building Fjordenhus, connected by a small pedestrian bridge, appears to float on the water. Moreover, Henning Larsen Architects’ apartment complex, Bølgen (‘The Wave’), is distinguished by its striking, undulating roofs that resemble a roller coaster.
Experience Vejle’s Art Scene
Art enthusiasts will appreciate that Vejle boasts 10 free historic and cultural sites, including the Vejle Art Museum, specializing in modern and contemporary Danish art. The Spinderihallerne Cultural Museum offers interactive displays highlighting Vejle’s rich industrial history as a former cotton mill town and the second-largest port in Denmark. The museum is home to Haraldskaer Woman, a well-preserved 5th-century body, previously showcased in St Nicolai Church.
Some of the finest art in Vejle is found outdoors, visible at almost every turn. Unique animal sculptures, like a horse in a serpent-shaped fountain, can be spotted downtown. For the past four years, the city has hosted a Floating Art exhibition each July, featuring large-scale contemporary sculptures beautifully integrated into the Vejle Harbour landscape.
Dine on Tapas, Greek Food, and More
Vejle’s dining scene is a treasure trove of delightful spots, often hidden within enchanting courtyards and side streets. Head toward the northern end of the pedestrian street to discover the Latin Quarter, adorned with vibrant umbrellas that provide shade to the cafes and shops from April to October. Here, standout options include the casual, family-friendly Greek restaurant Taverna Hellas, offering various vegetarian dishes, and the sleek, modern Scandinavian restaurant MadRick.
At the opposite end of town, you’ll find a lively patio behind a bright yellow 18th-century building, serving as the home of No. 14 Vinbar, a tapas and wine bar. If the weather isn’t ideal, enjoy the cozy, exposed-brick interior while tasting Iberico ham. For a laid-back choice, visit Street Food Vejle, a mini food hall offering a variety of cuisines including Mexican, Vietnamese, and Italian, alongside a bar serving cocktails, beer, and wine.
For a waterfront dining experience, head to Restaurant Remouladen, the area’s sole dining spot by the water. This venue offers stunning views paired with classic Danish dishes, featuring open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød) at lunchtime, and a seasonal fixed-price dinner menu.
