You can explore the wildlife of the forests, creeks, or lakes, go seal-watching, feed a deer, or watch the natural phenomenon “Black Sun,” when impressive flocks of starlings gather before migrating, as they create beautiful formations in the sky.
Wildlife at the Wadden Sea
In the air, or at sea, the Wadden Sea area is full of wildlife that is unique.
You can hardly find a place with as many migrating birds as here. Between ten and twelve million waterfowls travel through the Wadden Sea area every year on their way from or to their breeding grounds. The Wadden Sea has Denmark’s largest population of harbour seals, and the shallow waters are breeding grounds for many of our most important fish species.
When the tide pulls away, it opens up a true cornucopia of food for the Wadden Sea’s birds. You can study the abundant birdlife, and if you are lucky, you may even see seals very close. The seabed also reveals the hidden treasures of the ocean; oysters on the banks, or amber – the gold of the sea.
Marbæk Plantage
You will find forests, heaths, beaches, trails, running routes and mountain bike trails in the vast Marbæk Plantation north of Esbjerg. Marbæk Plantation has over 30 kilometres of marked nature trails, 15 kilometres of bridle paths, and 3 kilometres of mountain bike trail.
The beautiful and varied area invites you to a lot of different outdoor activities. The lakes with their abundant bird life, the wide net of trails, the beaches, and the dunes are waiting for you to explore them.
Vognsbølparken og Dyrehaven
There is a green oasis in the middle of Esbjerg, right where you find the Vognsbøl Park and Dyrehaven (the Deer Park). Vognsbølparken and Dyreparken offer nature experiences for both old and young. If you stroll around the park and the lakes, you can feed the ducks and the goats, and see different kinds of deer in the Deer Park.
The green areas are ideal for ball games and other types of games, and they set the stage for a series of races and musical events every year.
Magnificent beaches
Some of the best beaches in Denmark are located less than 30 minutes away from Esbjerg. The North Sea is a preferred holiday destination for many tourists enjoying the impressive sand beaches along the West Coast. It only takes 30 minutes by car to reach the famous beaches of Blåvand. If you prefer an island atmosphere, it takes a mere 12 minutes by ferry to reach the island of Fanø, where long wide stretches of magnificent beaches await.
Esbjerg Municipality also partly covers Denmark’s largest national park – the Wadden Sea. The Wadden Sea is regarded as one of the world’s most rich tidal areas and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a unique nature reserve full of wildlife and truly spectacular nature experiences.
The beach and the sea in Hjerting
Hjerting is located north of Esbjerg. It has a charming beach promenade 660 meters long. Take a plunge in the waves, play sports on the beach, eat ice cream and bask on the beach, or take a walk and enjoy the splendid view.
You can also play volleyball or football on the beach or test your strength at the somersault bars.
Beaches in Esbjerg
Find more information about the beaches in Esbjerg Municipality.
The beaches in Esbjerg MunicipalityA maritime platform is used as furniture at low tide, and as a floating island at high tide. The platform is designed as a sun and swimming deck. There is a sailing club for sailors, surfers, and winter bathers at the end of the beach promenade.
With lots of wind and water, Esbjerg offers fantastic opportunities for water sports. The wind and the waves get your heart rate up and provide you with energy. The beach and the sea are perfect for kitesurfing in Hjerting. There is enough wind, and the waves are not too strong. The facilities at the yacht club together with the wind and water conditions make Hjerting one of the best places in Denmark for kitesurfing.
Explore the nature by mountainbike
If you like speed and action in nature, the nearest mountain bike trail is never far away. It is both a challenging and beautiful way to experience nature.
Marbæk Plantation is located north of Esbjerg. Stensbæk Plantation is located east of Ribe. On the island of Fanø, you find Fanø Plantation, and near Varde, Sønder Heden Plantation and South Plantation (Søndre Plantage). All around Esbjerg, there are excellent mountain bike trails.