Europe's Most Unexpected Surf Paradise Is A Danish Beach Area Best Known As 'Cold Hawaii'

In one part of the Atlantic Ocean, just a few hours away from where the Baltic Sea meets the North Sea, you'll find a cooler version of Hawaii, aptly named by the locals as "Cold Hawaii" –– a surfer's paradise with legendary waves and majestic sand dunes. The dramatic landscapes of Vorupør, combined with a sea that is optimal for catching waves, make it the closest thing you'll get to surfing in Hawaii for those vacationing in Europe.

This under-the-radar destination in Denmark is famous amongst the locals, earning a somewhat cult status since the birth of surfing in Scandinavia in the 1980s. With 31 surf spots that stretch from the southern shores in Agger to the northern strand of Vigsø, the area around Vorupør is also historically a fishing town, and also has some other great outdoor activities including windsurfing, kitesurfing, windfoil, sub surfing, and coastal fishing, with hikers often making a detour to the neighboring Thy National Park. The sheer variety of activities on offer makes this one of Scandinavia's most exciting beach destinations.

Vorupør and the neighboring Klitmoller earned the name "Cold Hawaii" in the '90s when surfers discovered its roaring rip tides and started to build more of a surfing community there. The Danish coastlines initially began to be populated by surfers around the 1980s, during the surfing boom which drew people from Germany and neighboring Scandinavian countries to the area of Vorupør after word spread about their legendary waves. With optimal weather and surf forecasts for watersports, a Danish foundation called Realdania later came into the area and made itself officially responsible for transforming the region, funding the "Cold Hawaii" project to attract a business and tourism boom. Vorupør's first surf shop, Folke's, opened in 2009, and since then, the beaches have transformed into a global European capital for surfing.

Today, not only is it a famed surf spot, but also welcomes many digital nomads who have found a thriving co-working community on the beach. The beaches are a sports mecca that also welcomes fans of other water sports, as well as hikers and cyclists who come to enjoy the surrounding landscapes. For first-timers, or those unable to travel with their own board, you can rent surfboards and paddle boards at numerous businesses and surf schools in the area. Denmark, in general, is also famous for its water activities –– you can even rent a free kayak in Copenhagen.

For those looking to reconnect with nature, the northwestern coast has various family-friendly campsites, offering spots to pitch a tent or park an RV. Vorupør Badehotel is a great place to stay if you're looking for a more luxurious break. The beach hotel offers chic Scandinavian-style rooms with sea views and is frequented by surfers and locals. This is a very convenient spot for a surfer's holiday as Vø Surfshop is located at the same address, and offers surfboard rentals, beginner's surfing lessons, and even stand-up paddleboard safari in the greater Thy area. Bistro 123, a cozy and elegant restaurant offering French cuisine with a focus on seafood and local produce, as well as an extensive wine list from Danish suppliers. You'll also find numerous other cafes and restaurants on the coast including Cafe Hawgus, which offers variations on the traditional Danish Smorrebrod, Kesses Hus, specializing in crepes and French galettes, and Le Garage, a bar and grill offering "Cold Hawaii" beer from the local Thisted Brewery.

If you're keen to explore beyond the coastline, Thy National Park is a paradise for hikers, with trails and areas good for foraging, and an abundance of natural wildlife. Hanstholm Wildlife Reserve, situated within the grounds of Thy, is home to many bird species as well as the emblematic Danish Red Deer, which you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of while visiting the nature reserve. The sheer amount of diversity at Vorupør means that the zone is ideal for naturists, sports fanatics, or simply those who want a relaxing beach vacation. Add this destination to one of the many reasons you should learn to surf.