Is there anything better on a windy autumn day than getting in the car, driving out to the west coast, and getting thoroughly blown away? We were certainly excited by the idea when we decided one October day to drive two hours to reach Thorupstrand, get blown over, and see the beautiful fishing boats.
But why did we choose to make the long trip when we can see fishing boats in many Danish harbors and simply step outside to get blown away?
I’ve long wanted to see the beautiful fishing boats when they’re pulled up on land. And at the Danish west coast, specifically Thorupstrand, lies Northern Europe’s largest beach landing site for fishing boats.
Thorupstrand is located between Svinkløv and Bulbjerg in the beautiful area west of Fjerritslev. The drive from Aarhus meandered through the Jutland landscape, and as always, there were important things to discuss, with little focus on the scenery we passed by. But that changed.
As we approached the coast, the landscape dramatically shifted to become wilder and more rugged. The trees leaned eastward due to the westerly winds, and we could almost smell the salt in the air. The area around Fjerritslev is intriguing and always grabs my attention.
We turned off at Thorupstrand, and as soon as we reached the beach, the large, beautiful fishing boats were already waiting at the shore.
What makes the fishing boats at Thorupstrand so special?
Thorupstrand is home to about 19 fishing boats that operate daily using sustainable practices. They fish with gillnets and handlines, rather than trawls. This, in itself, is really interesting to me.
If you visit during their working hours, you can observe the fishermen’s activities, buy freshly caught fish from their shop, and perhaps even watch as they haul the boats ashore or launch them back into the water. There’s something truly captivating about seeing people do what they are passionate about and excel at.
Thorupstrand is also where the coastal rescue service is based. The thought of the many historical dramas that have unfolded here is incredibly intriguing. It’s something I plan to revisit on a non-windy day and explore in more depth.
Moreover, the area is both wild and rugged, yet incredibly charming at the same time. It represents Danish culture, nature, and history at its finest.
We weren’t the only ones who had driven to the beach to get blown away. Although we didn’t encounter any fishermen or see how they hauled the boats ashore or launched them with their winches, the trip was by no means in vain. The beach and the surrounding area are truly unique and an adventure to explore.
The wind was so strong that we could barely stand upright, and the sand whipped around us, settling into every crease and crack of our clothing. The North Sea roared and showed its teeth, with foam flying in all directions.
And there were so many beautiful, sand-polished stones lying there, tempting us with their myriad colors.
A perfect place for me – and for us.
Although we had to retreat due to the storm and the blowing sand, it was a fantastic experience and a delightful adventure for the day.
We highly recommend taking the short road trip and experiencing Thorupstrand the next time there’s a storm. Or perhaps on a sunny day, when you can really take your time and enjoy the beach and the unique nature of the area.
