A romantic escape for two in Denmark’s hidden gem

Words: Emma Blackmore

Right in the heart of Denmark’s central Jutland region, Trekantområdet is where ancient Viking history meets dramatic Ice Age landscapes and bold, modern architecture. Fly into Billund airport, and you’re less than an hour’s drive from all the best spots in the region – a perfect set-up for a laidback couples’ escape filled with cosy moments of hygge. For a love story in the making, follow our four-day itinerary to wander through picture-perfect towns, tuck into candlelit, award-winning food and wine (hello, two Michelin stars) and immerse yourself in fascinating history – all against a sensory backdrop of magnificent fjords, lush forests and dramatic coastlines. Getting there is easy, too, with direct British Airways flights from the UK to Billund.

Day 1: Billund

Begin by tracing the history of LEGO® in Billund, birthplace of the beloved building blocks. Start early and soak up the town’s architecture – real and brick-size – before heading to LEGO® House, where colour-coded experience zones and exhibitions over 12,000sqm promise fun for all ages. Refuel at café-restaurant Spiseriet for a classic Danish lunch of tarteletter before strolling through Skulpturpark Billund – the 22 sculptures are free to visit. Next, learn about the history of the Trekantområdet region at the Mark Museum, from its agricultural beginnings (there’s even an on-site historical farmstead) to becoming an industrial powerhouse. Feeling ravenous? Head to waterside Billund Gastropub for dinner and dig into its elevated pub classics (think fish and chips), washed down with Danish ale.

Day 2: Kolding

Trapholt Museum for Modern Art and Design near Strandhuse is first on today’s agenda. Continue your art fix in the centre of seaport Kolding – a ten-minute drive from Strandhuse – which is dotted with boutique clothing shops and independent ceramics, sculpture and art ateliers. Don’t miss Koldinghus Castle, the town’s crowning jewel. Interactive exhibitions trace the story of the 750-year-old castle from mediaeval fortress to Renaissance palace and finally a royal residence. In the vaulted, softly lit basement lies Madkælderen restaurant, where you’ll want to share traditional Danish smørrebrød (open sandwiches). Want to swap castles for vino? Book an intimate guided tasting tour at award-winning winery Skærsøgaard instead, which is a 15-minute drive from Kolding. As the sun sets, settle down to three courses at Restaurant Valdemar. Dishes are hearty, seasonal and simply sensational.

Day 3: Fredericia and Lillebælt

A 30-minute drive from Kolding is Naturpark Lillebælt. Hire a paddleboard or kayak and breeze along Denmark’s largest maritime nature park – keep an eye out for porpoises, as up to 3,000 of these small whales frolic in the waves from June to September. Fancy snorkelling? The 100m Trelde Naes snorkel trail offers up the chance to spot crabs, sticklebacks and pipefish. Return to Fredericia for coffee and homemade pastries at the cosy Stillestund Kaffebar and spend the afternoon exploring the history of Fredericia at the Town Museum or the Historical Miniature Town featuring more than 800 buildings, working windmills and a harbour brought to life exactly as it was in 1849. Finish by soaking up the expansive views from the top of the White Water Tower. When sunset calls, take a romantic stroll through the canal district and enjoy a tipple together at Doktor Herman bar (doctor’s orders, we say…) before an indulgent dining experience at Michelin-starred Ti Trin Ned, where head chef Michael Nørtoft combines his technical skill with seasonal ingredients to create Nordic-centric dishes such as smoked eel with pickled cucumber and lovage.

Day 4: Vejle

Share a moment of spa relaxation at Comwell Kellers Park, home to multiple thermal zones and total tranquillity. Take the unique ‘shower walk’ together, where shifting temperatures, mood lighting and nature-inspired sounds – from birdsong to thunderstorms – create an immersive sensory experience. Once refreshed, dive into Vejle’s rich history at the free-to-visit Cultural Museum and meet the Haraldskær Woman, one of the world’s best-preserved bog bodies. For lunch, take a short drive to Hopballe Mølle, a restored historic cotton mill turned charming restaurant serving local delicacies (think smooth salmon mousse with rye). In the afternoon, choose between a guided whisky tasting at Fary Lochan Distillery or step into the country’s Viking past at Kongernes Jelling, a Unesco World Heritage Site where the stories of Denmark’s first kings come to life through immersive exhibitions. As evening falls, head to the iconic Fjordenhus, an architectural marvel by Olafur Eliasson rising from the waters of Vejle Fjord. Inside, you’ll find Michelin-starred Restaurant Lyst, where over four hours you’ll tuck into a tasting menu inspired by the four elements: air, fire, water and earth.

Where to stay

Whether you’re seeking a stylish apartment in the heart of the city or a secluded retreat, there’s something in the untapped Trekantområdet region to suit every taste and budget. Kolding Hotel Apartments offer sleek, modern living quarters with stunning views of Slotssøen – perfect for longer stays. For budget-conscious travellers, Millings Hotel sits conveniently in the centre of Kolding, opposite the train station. Looking for a base from which to explore the whole region? Scandic Kolding is a comfortable and practical hotel with easy access to the motorway. In Vejle, the white-painted Comwell Kellers Park overlooking the fjord is a romantic retreat with an extensive spa, while Haraldskær is a charming manor house from 1434, nestled in the middle of the scenic Vejle Ådal. Hotel Munkebjerg offers stunning views of Vejle Golf Club, a wellness spa and three restaurants, while Four Points Flex by Sheraton Vejle offers all the bells and whistles expected of a Sheraton, with sea-view studio apartments and rooms – all steps away from Restaurant Lyst. Those looking to get a little closer to nature can camp (or glamp in a safari tent) looking out over the stunning natural area of Trelde Naes in Fredericia. Catching an early flight? Billund Airport Hotel provides modern amenities just steps from the terminal.

Jet off to Billund

Plan your romantic escape today – fly directly with British Airways to Billund and discover Denmark’s hidden gem.