Region

East Jutland and the Lake District

East Jutland faces the Kattegat and holds Aarhus, the country's second city, along with gentler beaches, forests and bays. Inland, the area around Silkeborg is a lake district with rolling hills and woodland by Danish standards. The east coast has a more sheltered character than the west and suits swimming, sailing and walking. With good transport links, it makes a comfortable mix of urban life and nature, and it is easy to combine with a stay on Funen. The eastern side of Jutland faces the Kattegat and is gentler than the west: bays with calm water, beech forest down to the shore, and a landscape of small hills. Aarhus is the main urban centre, with a compact old core, a harbour front and a lively cultural scene. Inland, the lake district around Silkeborg is one of the few places in Denmark with real relief, with lakes, forest and long rivers linked by walking and cycling routes. Beach and swimming days are at their best in summer, while May and September to October are good for forest and lake walks with fewer visitors. Practical tip: combine a city stay with a day or two inland rather than the other way round, because trains and buses link the lakes with Aarhus, and the contrast between harbour life and still water is the best part of this region.