Kolding is one of the biggest cities in Denmark but still surprisingly compact. It’s home to a well-known design school as well as many historical attractions, the most popular of which is the last royal residence to be found in Jutland, Koldinghus. The castle, found on the waterway that leads into the fjord, is very old and is quite spectacular inside.
With a hire car you can visit the other attractions of the city which include one of the country’s most interesting botanical gardens Geografisk and one of the oldest churches in the country.
Kolding Mini Guide
What Can you Tell me About Kolding?
Kolding is a small city and seaport at the head of a fjord of the same name in Jutland in Eastern Denmark. It’s the seventh largest city in the country and was the scene of an important battle in 1658 which sought to drive Sweden out of Danish territory. The city is compact with most of its sights reachable on foot from the centre although hiring a car to see the countryside around the city is worthwhile too.
How do I Get to Kolding?
The nearest airport to Kolding is Billund, around forty minutes away. Flights arrive there from many European cities with UK flights from Gatwick, Stansted and London City. The cheapest options for UK travellers are the Ryanair flight from Stansted and the Cimber Sterling flight from London City. The easiest ways to get to Kolding from Billund are by train or hire car.
What is There to See and Do in Kolding?
Everyone begins with a visit to Koldinghus, a former royal castle that dates from the 13th century. Whilst it looks like a factory combined with a church from the exterior, the interior more than makes up for it with a museum and a chapel that is used for high profile public events. Outdoors, you can spend some relaxing hours wandering the botanical gardens of the Geografisk Have. Elsewhere there’s an interesting art gallery displaying the work of national and international artists from the 20th century and one of Denmark’s oldest churches, St Nicholas, dating from the 1200s.
What can I Buy to take Home With me From Kolding?
Kolding is home to a design school and it’s possible to see many of the functional pieces for sale in local shops and in the outlet at the school. Much of the work is of home ware and it’s possible to pick up some unique pieces to grace your home.
What Food Should I try in Kolding?
There’s plenty of international food available in the city but for traditional Danish food, try frikadeller, which are Danish meatballs, often served with a tomato sauce. Denmark does its own version of the open sandwich which is popularly covered in cream cheese and smoked fish or smoked ham. Then there are the original Danish pastries which are far lighter in texture and come in many more flavours than those served in the UK.
What do People do for Entertainment in Kolding?
The presence of the design school means that there are a lot of young people in the city and many of them are found at night in the English pub called ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. More of an institution than a pub, you can eat there, drink coffee, read the papers or just have a good time with friends.
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