The travel expert on the heart of Jutland: “Danish design and genuine hygge come together here”
Design, architecture and gastronomy: Denmark in its finest form is gathered in the heart of Jutland.
That’s what travel profiler Lottie Knutson thinks, who has found a new favorite destination.
– Everything is so close that you can actually cycle between them. Don’t forget that craft food is also an art form where the restaurants around the Heart of Jutland beat most.
Swedish travel expert Lottie Knutson has found a new favorite Scandinavian destination. Join us on a road trip towards magical experiences in the heart of Jutland – and be inspired by her hottest design and form favourites.
“Funnel to take to heart”
The eastern coastline of Denmark’s largest island Jutland is full of short distances – and impressions whose sweet flavors linger for a long time.
– This is really a tract to take to heart. Already when I drove over the bridge to Jutland, I was struck by the hilly cultural landscape. It is extremely beautiful where forest is mixed with pasture and a living farm, and like almost everywhere in Denmark bordered by the sea, says Lottie Knutson enthusiastically after a long weekend in Jutland.
Pleasure cycling and gourmet hiking
The region, known as the heart of Jutland, stretches between the medium-sized cities of Kolding, Vejle and Billund. The latter is an important hub thanks to Denmark’s second largest airport after Kastrup. The heart of Jutland is really worth a deep dive, says Lottie Knutson, both in terms of design, culture and gastronomy.
– A good way to discover the region is to either enjoy cycling or go on a gourmet hike. Regardless, you are met by environments embedded with charming half-timbered houses. Then of course it is nice that you can both live and eat well in the middle of the welcoming landscape. In short, it was a joy to discover this, to me at least unknown, part of Denmark.
Embedded in straw and glories
Lottie Knutson’s trip started outside Kolding, which is beautifully situated in a sea bay and has a lot to offer both culturally and gastronomically. Another unforgettable experience embedded in thatch and glories is Haraldskær, a 15th-century manor house with a completely contemporary tavern. There, head chef Ninna puts her signature with the help of local ingredients and smart drink choices.
– For obvious reasons, weddings are often held here. Already at sunrise you are met by grazing cows on the hills outside the hotel window, you are sold. It is only a short distance outside Vejle but nature is present and it really feels like being transported back a century.
Herbal safari with Nina
An unexpected event that lingers is when the aforementioned Ninna takes curious visitors on a tasty herb hike over hills and meadows. Here you can have it explained to you and can taste edible herbs and flowers, which this Jutlandian chef of course takes the opportunity to pick with him before the evening’s serving.
– I have really fallen for this vibrant and undulating cultural landscape with its farms, vineyards and grazing sheep. The area is in turn the basis of the food culture; The heart of Jutland is simply made for pleasure cycling and gourmet hiking.
Lottie Knutson’s 4 design tips in the Heart of Jutland:
Trapholt, Kolding
Anyone who wants to get an overview of local form and interior design takes a detour to the Trapholt Kunstmuseum outside Kolding. The store has everything from Arne Jacobsen’s wall clock to a mini-Panthon chair for children. In addition, a taste of local design is given, such as Verner Panthon’s flowerpot lamps and locally made battery-powered candles.
In addition to the permanent collections, Trapholt hides Arne Jacobsen’s unique prototype for the ideal summer house: Kubeflex. It is located in the park around the museum and is fully furnished with the swan armchair, thermoses and sea view.
The museum has permanent collections by, for example, Richard Mortensen, Asger Jorn and Anna Ancher. Also on view is a collection of Danish furniture design with a focus on chairs and names such as Børge Mogensen, Finn Juhl, Hans Wegner, Verner Panton and Arne Jacobsen.
Koldinghus, Kolding
The 13th-century castle Koldinghus is an ingenious mix of castle ruins and interior design where hyper-designed fixtures marry arched roof arches. Many interior design solutions make the castle a design attraction in itself. Everything from concert halls to treasures from the Danish court’s jewelery and art collections can be found here. Those who like selfies in princess dresses head to the dressing room, where grown-ups dress up Disney royalty with the same frenzy as children.
Fjordenhus, Vejle
One of Denmark’s and Europe’s most iconic buildings is out in the water in Vejle. It is free to walk across the bridge and take a closer look at the architecture and the hand-laid, specially designed bricks in varying shades from up close. Those who want to combine gastronomic art with pioneering interior design book a table at the Michelin-crowned restaurant Lyst, higher up in the building.
Christiansfeld
The village of Christiansfeld is not a World Heritage Site by chance: the straight streets and long rows of houses were built by the Hernhutta religious brotherhood and congregation at the end of the 18th century. Hearing about the philosophy behind town planning as well as the function and interior design of all the houses in the village is a unique experience.
Do not miss:
Fredericia. A cozy city that attracts with equal parts art walking in the canal village and close to nature, memorable Michelin food at the star restaurant Ti Trin Ned.
The article is produced by Brand Studio in collaboration with VisitDenmark and not an article by Dagens industri
