Things To Do in Frederikshavn

Although most of Frederikshavn is modern, the oldest part of town, Fiskerkylyngen, lies to the north of the fishing harbor. Here you'll encounter a number of 17th-century houses, each well preserved. You can also see a former military fortification, Norde Skanse (North Entrenchment), which was constructed by the troops of Wallenstein during the Thirty Years' War.

Opposite the railway station rises Frederikshavn's most famous symbol, Frederikshavn Kirke, Kirkepladsen (tel. 98-42-05-99; www.frederikshavnkirke.dk). Most of this church dates from 1690, although it was significantly rebuilt in 1892. Inside you can see its major attraction, an altarpiece painted by Michael Ancher, the Skagen artist. The cemetery at the church contains graves of both Allied and German soldiers killed in World War II. Admission is free, and the church is open Tuesday to Saturday 9am to noon.

You can climb the whitewashed gun tower, Krudttårnet, at Havnepladsen (tel. 98-43-19-19), a remnant of the famed citadel that stood here in the 1600s. The tower actually stood at another place in Frederikshavn, but when the shipyards had to be expanded it was moved here instead of being torn down. The former gunpowder magazine, built of stone in 1688, has been turned into a Museum of Military History, displaying weapons from the 17th to the 19th century. Admission is DKK25 ($4.30/£2.50), free for children 17 and under. Hours are June to mid-September Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm.

Another tower worth a visit is Cloostårnet (tel. 98-48-60-69), lying 4km (2 1/2 miles) southwest of town at an altitude of 165m (541 ft.) above sea level. This observation tower rises 60m (197 ft.) above that, offering panoramic views over the sea and the countryside of Vendsyssel. An elevator will take you to the top, and in fair weather you can see most of the surrounding district. Admission is DKK20 ($3.40/£2) adults or DKK10 ($1.70/£1) children. Hours are May to mid-June Wednesday to Monday 1 to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm; mid-June to mid-August daily 10am to 5pm; mid-August to August 31 Wednesday to Monday 1 to 5pm. Closed the rest of the year.