Fishing Boats on the Beach: An Iconic Coastal Scene of Denmark
In September we were in North Jutland. It was the same trip as our hike to Bulbjerg Knude that I wrote about last week: a week full of peace, space, and the kind of light that constantly changes. The coast of North Jutland has its own atmosphere – rugged, quiet, and always in motion. Denmark feels like home. Not surprising, I’ve been there very often. In the past for work. Now for relaxation and occasionally a week of fresh air and photography.
We stayed in a holiday home near Slettestrand. The perfect base to explore this region. Early in the morning we could walk straight into the dunes or head to the beach for sunrise. And it’s precisely those early hours that always yield beautiful images. It’s my favourite time of day. Everything is still quiet and waking up.
Why Are the Fishing Boats on the Beach?
Along the north coast of Jutland in Denmark, you’ll find several locations where fishing boats rest on the beach. It creates a unique coastal scene. There are no harbours where the boats can moor, so they are launched directly from the beach and pulled back up after a day of fishing. They’ve been doing this here for generations.
The reason is both practical and traditional. The coastline of North Jutland consists of wide sandy beaches without natural harbours. The strong sea currents constantly reshape the seabed, making harbour construction impossible. In the past, it was simply the only way to fish: the boats were pulled onto the beach at high tide using winches and tractors. And because this way of working has become part of the local DNA, it’s still done this way today.
It creates a beautiful, almost timeless image: robust boats in blue and white or red and white colours, tilted in the sand, ready for a new day at sea. For a photographer, it’s a feast: shapes, lines, textures, and always that changing coastal light.
Interesting: The traditional clinker-built boats (constructed using the same techniques as Viking ships) were recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage in 2021. At Slettestrand, you can visit the Han Herred Havbåde museum and shipyard to see how these traditional boats are still being built and restored.
Slettestrand – Sunrise by the Sea
On one of the mornings, the alarm went off early. I was on the beach well before sunrise, just in time to see the first light appear above the horizon. In that soft light, the fishing boats looked beautiful – still, sturdy, and anchored in the sand. Sunrise always has something magical about it. It brings an enormous sense of peace.
The beautiful thing about Slettestrand is that the light constantly changes: cool blue before sunrise, then warm daylight, and later softer, diffused light through mist or clouds. The coast continues to fascinate, no matter how often you visit. The position of the boats is also perfect. The rising light shines beautifully on the sides of the boats while also colouring the sky magnificently.
Photography Tip: At Slettestrand, the boats face southwest with their bows, perfect for sunrise sessions. Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise to choose the best position. The blue hour before sunrise often yields the most beautiful soft colours.
Thorup Strand – Fishing Life Under Threatening Skies
The images I captured at Thorup Strand were completely different. We were on a walk nearby. I saw an enormous rain shower approaching. We quickened our pace to find shelter near the beach where the boats are positioned and some buildings stand.
Quickly chose a spot and set up my camera. The sky closed in, a rain shower hung over the sea, and the light became dark and dramatic. In those conditions, the boats immediately take on a different character: sturdier, rougher, almost heroic against the weather.
Thorup Strand is actually a working fishing village – the last in the Nordic countries where fishing is still done in this traditional manner. You see boats coming and going, tractors pulling the vessels onto the beach, and fishermen busy with nets and equipment. It feels authentic and unpolished – exactly the atmosphere that makes this place so special.
The Thorupstrand Kystfiskerlaug (Coastal Fishermen’s Guild) was founded in 2006 as a reaction to the privatisation of fishing quotas that virtually wiped out small-scale fishing in Denmark. With approximately 14 fishermen and 8 boats, this collective keeps centuries-old traditions alive. They fish sustainably, with minimal impact on the seabed – a practice dating back to the Viking Age.
Culinary Tip: At Thorupstrand Fiskehus right on the beach, you can enjoy fresh fish straight from the cutters. The fiskefrikadeller (fish cakes) with homemade remoulade are a local specialty. Eat outside with your feet in the sand and views of the North Sea!
Hiking Route: Beach, Forest and Dunes at Slettestrand
Around both locations, you can enjoy wonderful walks. High dunes, quiet paths, low heathlands, and wide beaches make this a lovely area to wander for hours. At Slettestrand, we did a beautiful hike that combined beach, forest, and dune – exactly the kind of variety this region is known for.
Route Details
| Distance | Approximately 11 km |
| Duration | 2,5-3 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy – flat paths and beach |
| Terrain | Sand, forest paths, dune trails |
| Start/Finish | Slettestrand car park |
| Type | Loop walk |
| Suitable for | All levels, including families with children |
Hiking Tip: Start early in the morning for the best light conditions and tranquility. The route combines beach, forest, and dune – bring a drink and snack to enjoy the views along the way. The dunes provide shelter from the wind.
Photography Tips for Slettestrand and Thorup Strand
Just like at Bulbjerg, we found September to be ideal. The light is softer, the beaches are quieter, and the weather can change quickly – which is actually wonderful for coastal photography. A sunrise with pastel colours or threatening rain clouds over the sea: both are characteristic of this region. Or a fierce wind that always produces beautiful images along the coast.
Slettestrand: Best for sunrise. The boats face east with their bows. Arrive 30 min before sunrise. The beach is sheltered from westerly winds.
Thorup Strand: Beautiful in dramatic weather and stormy skies. Check if boats are active – early morning or afternoon for action. Blue cutters are characteristic.
In Conclusion
Slettestrand and Thorup Strand are among the most beautiful coastal spots in Denmark for me. Not because of grand views or famous attractions, but because of the simplicity: boats in the sand, light that constantly changes, a coast that lives. It’s a place you want to return to – again and again, in all seasons.
Want to read more about North Jutland? Check out my stories about Bulbjerg Knude or Rubjerg Knude, or browse through my photo book Denmark – Land of the Sea. Also available are fine art prints such as Resting – Fishing Boats on the Beach, Thorup Strand.
Practical Information
Locations
| Region | North Jutland (Nordjylland), Denmark |
| Slettestrand | Jammerbugt Municipality, coast of Jammerbugten |
| Thorup Strand | 12 km south of Slettestrand |
| Distance from Aalborg | Slettestrand: 65 km (50 min), Thorup: 55 km (45 min) |
| Nearest town | Fjerritslev (10 km) |
Parking
| Slettestrand | Free car park directly at the beach (Slettestrandvej 158-162) |
| Thorup Strand | Free car park at the beach (Thorup Strandvej 329) |
| Facilities | Public toilets available at both locations |
Access and Costs
- Beach access: Free, accessible 24/7
- Parking: Free at both locations
- Han Herred Havbåde (museum): Free entry, open on weekdays and first Saturday of the month
- Thorupstrand Fiskehus: Fish dishes from DKK 75 (approx. €10)
Best Time to Visit
| May-June | Long days, mild temperatures, few tourists |
| July-August | High season, warmer, more crowded |
| September | Ideal for photography, soft light, quiet |
| October-November | Dramatic weather, storm chances, very quiet |
| Winter | Cold but characteristic, less active fishing |
Best for photography: September offers the perfect combination of soft light, changing weather, and tranquility. Sunrise at Slettestrand, stormy skies at Thorup Strand.
Food and Drink
| Thorupstrand Fiskehus | Fresh fish straight from the cutters, fish cakes, fish & chips (Thorup Strandvej 329) |
| Restaurant Slettestrand | Local specialties and seafood |
| Svinkløv Badehotel | Historic beach hotel with summer menu (10 min drive) |
Accommodation
The region has numerous holiday homes for rent, especially in the dunes around Slettestrand. This is the ideal way to explore the coast – you can get up early for sunrise without a long drive.
What to Bring
- Windproof clothing (always windy at the coast)
- Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
- Rain jacket (weather changes quickly)
- Camera with lens cloth (salt and sand)
- Tripod for sunrise
- Warm jumper (even in summer)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the fishing boats on the beach in Denmark?
The coastline of North Jutland has no natural harbours. The strong sea currents constantly reshape the seabed, making harbour construction impossible. Therefore, boats have been pulled onto the beach with winches and tractors for centuries. This is the last place in the Nordic countries where fishing is still done in this traditional way.
What is the best time for photography?
For sunrise, Slettestrand is ideal – the boats face east with their bows. Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise. Thorup Strand is spectacular in dramatic weather and stormy skies. September offers the best combination of soft light and changing weather.
Can you buy or eat fresh fish?
Yes! At Thorupstrand Fiskehus right on the beach, you can buy fresh fish and eat on the spot. The fish comes directly from the local cutters. Specialties include fiskefrikadeller (fish cakes), fish & chips, and smoked fish. Prices from DKK 75 (approx. €10).
Is there parking available?
Yes, both locations have free parking directly at the beach. Slettestrand has a large car park at Slettestrandvej 158-162. Thorup Strand has parking at Thorup Strandvej 329. Public toilets are also available.
Can you see the boats coming in?
Yes, especially at Thorup Strand there’s a good chance of seeing active fishing. The boats are pulled onto the beach with tractors. Best times are early morning (return from night fishing) or afternoon (departure). Thorup Strand is a working fishing village with approximately 14 fishermen and 8 active boats.
Are there hiking opportunities?
Certainly! Around both locations are beautiful walking routes through dunes, forest, and along the beach. At Slettestrand, there’s a lovely loop walk of 8-10 km that combines beach, forest, and dune. The dunes provide shelter from the often strong wind.
Location on the Map
Gallery
Useful Links
- Visit Nordvestkysten (tourism) – visit-nordvestkysten.com
- Thorupstrand Fiskehus – thorupstrandfiskehus.dk
- Han Herred Havbåde (shipyard) – havbaade.dk
- Slettestrand tourism – slettestrand.dk
- Thy National Park – nationalparkthy.dk
- Visit Denmark – visitdenmark.com
- Morten Hilmer (Danish nature photographer) – youtube.com/@MortenHilmer