For our first holiday with Ollie (our dog), we chose Denmark — and it turned out to be an excellent decision. Denmark is known as one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe, and the facilities for people with food allergies are surprisingly good too. Our first base was Esbjerg, a harbour town in the south of the country, from where we took several day trips to places like Fanø, Ribe and Marsk Camp.​

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Staying in Esbjerg: A Place To Hotel

During our stay in Esbjerg, we spent three nights at A Place To Hotel. This modern hotel is located near the harbour and offers sea views. What stood out most was how welcome Ollie was. There were treats waiting for him, a water bowl, and even his own blanket. We were also given a map with recommended walking routes in the area – perfect for anyone travelling with a dog.

Esbjerg: a modern city with beaches and culture

Esbjerg itself is a relatively young city with a strong maritime character. It offers a pleasant mix of culture, nature, and good food. Some highlights include:

• The Four Men by the Sea – an impressive artwork overlooking the coastline, a great spot for a walk.

• Esbjerg Street Food – here we enjoyed a surprising variety of international cuisines, with plenty of options for people with allergies.

• Fiskeri- og Søfartsmuseet – an interactive fisheries and maritime museum where dogs are also welcome.

In addition, the city boasts wide sandy beaches and well-maintained walking trails—perfect for active days out with your dog.​

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​Fanø: an island just a 12-minute ferry ride away

One of the biggest surprises of this trip was the island of Fanø, accessible by a short ferry ride from Esbjerg. The crossing takes just twelve minutes, but the island feels like a completely different world. We took a walk through the picturesque village of Nordby, strolled along quiet beaches, and were lucky enough to spot seals on the sandbanks. For a coffee break, we recommend Kaffebanken, a cozy café with a relaxed atmosphere.

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​Ribe: Scandinavia’s oldest town

From Esbjerg, we drove about half an hour to Ribe. This town is steeped in history. We wandered through narrow streets lined with colorful façades, visited the Cathedral, and enjoyed coffee at Terpager & Co, a cozy spot with good allergy-friendly options. Ribe has even more to offer:

• The Hex! Museum provides an intriguing insight into the dark history of witch hunts.

• The Ribe Viking Centre is an open-air museum where you can experience Viking daily life – dogs are also allowed here.

 

Marsk Camp

On the same day, we also visited Marsk Camp, just outside Ribe. Here stands the Marsk Tower, a spiral-shaped lookout tower set in the flat Danish landscape. The climb to the top is manageable, and the view over the surroundings is impressive.

 

Whether you choose culture, nature, or simply relaxing walks with your dog, Southern Denmark offers it all at a calm, accessible pace.