Vejle Mini Guide
What Can you Tell me About Vejle?
Vejle is a sizeable town and part of a municipality of over a million. The earliest record of it comes from medieval times when it was known as a hamlet serving the people that crossed the Vejle River at that point. It was a popular holiday destination in the early 20th century with its beach on the fjord and casino perched on the hill. Today, people still flock to the town for the beach although the casino is no more. The surrounding region is densely wooded with great walking and mountain biking trails for the active, making this a very pretty part of Denmark.
How Can I Get to Vejle?
Vejle municipality is one of the owners of
Billund Airport, about ten miles from the town, which has several flights from across Europe including budget airlines, Cimber Sterling and Ryanair operate routes. With many of the region’s attractions being out of the town, a hire car is recommended although many of the must see places are also connected by bus.
What Should I See and Do in Vejle?
In the town itself, you should pay a visit to the windmill that’s the symbol of the town. Whilst many windmills are used for grinding corn, Vejle’s was used to help drain the surrounding marshland. Another fascinating place is the St Nicolai Church which holds the mummified remains of the Haraldskaer Bog Woman, found in marshland nearby and thought to date from the Iron Age. Nearby in the small town of Jelling are the significant remains of the first Viking royal capital of Denmark which include burial mounds, rune stones and a stone ship together with an excellent and informative museum. Finally, a short distance from Vejle is Legoland, the home of the iconic toy bricks and probably the second best theme park in Europe after Disneyland Paris.
What Can I Buy as Souvenirs From Vejle?
If you’re interested in history, then there are a number of interesting souvenirs you can buy from the museum at Jelling including rune stones, Viking style clothing et al. Legoland also offers great souvenirs for the young including the latest editions of Lego toys.
What is the Food Like in Vejle?
For some traditional Danish food, or even just a coffee and some Danish pastries, try the café that’s found in the old prison. The owners have tried to maintain the authenticity and whilst a little intimidating, the café certainly has atmosphere! Elsewhere you’ll find many restaurants serving the traditional meatballs or any number of various fish dishes.
What do the Locals do for Entertainment?
In the summer, Jelling hosts one of Denmark’s biggest music festivals which attracts thousands of people from across Scandinavia. The town also has re-enactments of Viking culture throughout the year, particularly on Viking feast days.