The Most Beautiful Beaches in Nothern Europe
This summer, we will not be able to easily travel outside of Europe. But don’t worry: I’m drawing up for you a list of the most beautiful beaches I have been to these last years on the European continent. Ready? Let’s go!
If you follow me on Instagram and if you read my blog, you know that I love Northern countries and especially Scandinavia. There are obviously many reasons why I love these cooler regions. The beauty of the nature and the landscapes are some of them.
Up North!
Nothern Europe beaches are often given the cold shoulder due to their variable weather. The North of France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Denmark and Norway are often thought to be cold regions and countries. That is the reason why only few tourists are interested in them (but this is starting to change).
Yet, Northern Europe hosts the most beautiful beaches I have been to until today. They are wild, untouched, exposed to winds and tides, and inhabited by wild animals: that is why they amaze me.
I have to admit that it is not always possible to go for a swim or sunbathe for hours. But the fulfilment you get from listening to the waves and seabirds, and the impression of being alone in the world is clearly worth it.
Which beaches to go to this Summer?
I don’t know if I’ll visit another country this year. But what I do know is that I will not take the plane, and if I leave Belgium, I will stay close to it. That is a good opportunity for me to show you that you do not have to go far from Brussels to discover dreamy places and see something different.
Yet, as the borders reopen, I want to give you a preview of the beaches which are, for me, the most beautiful ones in Northern Europe. This list is obviously not exhaustive and contains only places I have been to (which are also not placed in any preferential order). I’m taking you on a trip from Étretat’s cost to Faroe Islands. Follow me!
The beach of Étretat, a pearl made of albaster
Let’s start our trip in Étretat. It is probably one of the most renowned seaside towns in the North of France. It is famous for its cliffs, its “Needle” (l’Aiguille) and its arches that are all photogenic. The area is perfect for a 2 or 3-day weekend (it’s a 4-hour drive from Brussels). If the weather is good (don’t forget you are in Normandy), you will be able to see beautiful cliffs and turquoise sea.
Étretat is great for walking: you can go on the cliffs above the beach and on the beach itself (just make sure to check tide times!). You should also check the Jardins d’Étretat (Étretat garden), where poesy leads the way.
You can find other beautiful places in the surroundings of Étretat. If you are in the region for a few days, my advice would be to visit the neighbouring cities. The beaches in Fécamps and Vaucottes are also worth a visit.
For more information about Étretat, its surroundings, where to stay and where to eat, go check the article I wrote on the subject.
The beaches of Zeeland, hidden beauties of the Netherlands
You got it right: between the French and Dutch coasts is… the Belgian coast! But, while our beaches are large and clear, they do not make me wonder. And the reason is simple: it’s because of the dyke. I am not thrilled about this long strip of concrete where apartment buildings and restaurants align. Yet, the fact that I am not found of the Belgian coast does not (at all) mean that I don’t like my native Belgium. Our country has so much more to offer than the coast. We will talk about that later!
The alternative to Belgian beaches is easy to find: Dutch beaches and their nature. A few months ago, we visited Zeeland and were so happy about it!
The cities’ architecture is quite similar to the one you can find in our Flemish towns. You’ll find concrete in some coastal cities too, but it still possible to find true havens of peace at more or less 2 hours from Brussels (by car).
If you’re interested in spending a weekend in Zeeland, follow me here and read about the two beautiful days we had there.
The beaches of Denmark, lighthouses and dunes
If you read my article about Copenhagen, you already know that I fell in love with Denmark when I visited Louisiana museum, on the northern coast of Sealand, north of the Danish capital. That is where I sensed for the first time the whole potential the country had to offer.
Later, during my studies, I lived for a year in Aalborg, in the north of Jutland. I knew Copenhagen and its surroundings (and thus knew what to expect), but I had no idea that I was about to discover a beautiful natural jewel where the light itself is unique.
Aalborg is bordered by a fjord. It is not a coastal town, but starting from there, you are close to the most beautiful beaches of Denmark.
Blokhus, the charming one
Blokhus is a seaside town where the locals go on beautiful summer days. All year round, you will find a lot of space for long walks on the waterside. During the summer season, at the bottom of the dunes, identical beach cabins spread in the distance.
If you are in Blokhus in the morning, you could have the chance to meet the fisherman coming back from work. He sells his fresh products to the locals directly from his boat on the beach. This is what makes Blokhus’ charm.
The particularity of this beach is that you’re allowed to drive and park your car on it. You will often see camper vans stop there for the day. But don’t worry, the place is not less beautiful because of that.
Rubjerg Knude Fyr, a buried lighthouse
In Denmark, there is a lighthouse that gets slowly buried and comes dangerously closer to the sea. It is bound to fall into it. But that was without counting on a passionate man who, in 2019, convinced the local authorities that it was technically possible to make the lighthouse slide on a distance of 80 meters inland in order to protect it for another 40 years.
Rubjerg’s coast is always different. It changes over the months and over the years due to erosion and sand movements. I went there in 2012 and 2017. In 2012, the lighthouse could not be visited and was partly buried. The dune was covered with the remains of old buildings. In 2017, I saw fewer remains but, in the meantime, the authorities had tried to surround the lighthouse with concrete blocks, in an effort to try to save it, in vain. Two years later, in 2019, they made it slide on rails to better protect it from erosion cause by the sand cliff (check a time-lapse video of this technical achievement here).
Today, it stands proudly at its new spot, a little bit more inland. It is still possible to climb to its summit.
I really recommend you to go see Rubjerg Knude Fyr. It will undoubtedly steal your heart.
You will find the lighthouse in the town of Hjørring, which is close to Løkken, where the beaches are also worth a visit.
Skagen et Grenen, beauty in its purest form
The northernmost tip of Denmark is also the meeting point of two seas. That’s where the North Sea and the Baltic sea get together. Don’t miss the chance to put a foot in each sea at the same time, but be careful if you want to take a dip there: the currents are strong!
Grenen is a place apart. The beach is huge and is really great for wandering. You’ll find remnants of the war and old bunkers.
If you’re lucky you might get the chance to meet seals on the beach, alone or in shoal.
There is a lot to tell on Grenen and the small village of Skagen. Those places are really worth a visit. It is by the way the place where I have seen one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen.
Faroe Islands, through wind and waves
Faroe Islands are part of Denmark, along with Greenland. They are autonomous, but not independent. Located between Norway and Iceland, they are lost somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
The archipelago of the Faroe Islands is alone in the middle of the ocean. There is not obstacle to protect these small islands against the elements. The weather is quite harsh and the average temperature is 10°C. These islands are windswept, and fog comes and goes all the time.
The Faroe Islands host spectacular landscapes that you will find nowhere else: steep cliffs, rough sea and meadows where sheep graze without seeming to care about wind, rain or ocean spray.
Beaches there often take the form of coves, where the wind is slightly less strong. The area is renowned amongst surfers, but be careful: the water is very cold!
For me, the most beautiful beach is the one you can find in Saksun. You need to wait for the tide to be low in order to walk along the lagoon and find a small yet beautiful black sand beach. This is another place where you should check tide times before venturing yourself. If you don’t, you might just as well be stuck on the beach for almost 4 hours.
Lofoten, the Norwegian postcard
When talking about Norway, what often comes to mind are the wooden houses painted in red and white, bordered by a calm sea and isolated in the middle of high mountains with sharp peaks. Welcome to Lofoten.
The archipelago is located off the coasts of Northern Norway. While above the Arctic circle, they benefit from a microclimate that makes the temperature, on average, 10°C higher than at the same latitude on the continent.
The Lofoten archipelago is not famous for its white sand beaches and its crystal-clear water. And yet, the beaches in the Lofoten are marvellous.
Some beaches in the Lofoten are also ideal to experience the midnight sun: it goes down to reach the horizon before going up again right after. The beach of Eggum is the most popular one (but you need to pay to access it and many camper vans are parked there), but the one in Ramberg is perfect (tested and approved).
What would be your dream destination for this summer? Would you like to visit one of these beaches? What are your projects for this summer?
Useful links:
- Visit Etretat
- Discover Zeeland
- Visit the West Coast of Denmark
- Discover the Feroe Islands
- Visit Lofoten Islands
30 Comments
Sophie
Wow all these beaches are beautiful. I had no idea that there were white sands beaches in Lofoten! And they’re truly spectacular. Also, the seals in Skagen are adorable. I clearly need to explore more of northern Europe!
Hvelreki
Thank you, Sophie! I know Lofoten ARE spectacular and so is the rest of Norway! Seals in Skagen are really an attraction, people come as much for the place as to see them sunbathing on the beach or on the old bunker! Northern Europe has so much to offer, and you can be lucky with the weather!
Sarah - Last Minute Wanders
How beautiful! I am desperate to visit the Faroe Islands and Lofoten, it must be so cool to see the midnight sun! I also love that they managed to save the lighthouse in Denmark 🙂
Hvelreki
Hello Sarah, yes saving the lighthouse was a miracle. I would have never thought they could do it (except if they unbuild it to rebuild it further). Here they used kind of a railway. It was truly impressing. I hope you will have the chance to visit the Faroe and Lofoten Islands. The midnight sun is as beautiful as disturbing. You will not feel tired at all. That’s an experience.
Sara
Wow these look amazing! I never would have thought of beaches and Northern Europe! So cool! Adding to my bucket list 🙂
Hvelreki
Thank you, Sara! Happy to hear you enjoyed reading the article and are adding those places to your bucket list. This is sooo worth it!
Michelle Segrest
This is really a great article! These beaches are not what we normally see. They are all unique and special in their own way! I would really love to see the buried lighthouse in Denmark–i’m especially intrigued by that one!
Hvelreki
Thank you, Michelle! Happy to read you. The buried lighthouse in Denmark is an amazing place, it’s one of my favourite!
Kendall Steventon
Wow! So many beautiful beaches!! My list of places to see in Europe just got a whole lot longer! I’m not quite sure where I will go this Summer but I am planning a trip to Iceland for later in the year which I am solo excited for 🙂
Hvelreki
Hello Kendall, Iceland is also on my list, I hope I will be able to visit soon. The beaches there should also be memorable!! Happy to read you have added some places to your bucket list!
Ildiko
Wow, these beaches are so picturesque! I had no idea. I’ve never been to this area, only to Southern European beaches on the Mediterranean. I hope to explore the northern area soon. I especially live the the beach in Etrate with its cliffs and arches!
Hvelreki
Thank you! The area is beautiful, if you go to Etretat, make sure to check the rest of the Normandy coast. Etretat is uniquely stunning, but the rest is quiter 🙂
Melissa
I live right near Zeeland in the Netherlands and I can definitely recommend those beaches. They’re awesome.
Hvelreki
Thank you, Melissa! It means a lot to have someone living around backing up my impressions. I really loved the little week-end spent there! I hope to have the opportunity to come back and explore even more!
Olivia
WOW, these beaches are stunning! I was never one to associate the north with locations like this. I would love to visit Lofoten!
Hvelreki
Thank you, Olivia! Yes, the North is so underrated! Lofoten are a gem, but you have to like hiking to get the best of it!
Jori
So beautiful! Faroe Islands is on my bucket list! Although I’m moving to Paris soon so I think Etretat will be first!
Hvelreki
Thank you! Yes the Faroe were on my for 10 years, I’m glad I made it! Yes, from Paris, you will be close to Etretat, I recommend the visit. However, make sure to check the Normandy coast up towards Belgium (villages between Etretat and Le Tréport), they are worth a visit!!
Hannah
This is a great guide! There are some beautiful beaches here! Étretat looks spectacular! What a stunning beach! Also, the seals in Skagen look so cute! Hopefully we’ll be able to explore Europe soon to visit some in person. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hvelreki
Thank you! Etretat is spectacular and all the Normandy coast is. A new article will soon be published on the area! Skagen is beautiful and the seals, of course, they are the main atttraction! Hope we will be back on the road safely soon too! Thanks for reading me 🙂
Angella
I wish my husband and I visited more countries in Europe while we had the chance (only did France, UK, and Iceland)! I hope to visit the Faroe Islands and Norway someday! Looks so beautiful!
Hvelreki
I have never seen anything more beautiful than Norway! It is trully beautiful. The Faroe Islands are so rough and impressive. All have their charms, but if you are looking for dramatic landscapes, and enjoyed Iceland, Norway and the Faroe Islands should definitely rank high on your list!
Disha Smith
Wow! These beaches are gorgeous! I love the photo of the seals! The photos with the lighthouse are stunning too! I’d love to check some of these out someday!
Hvelreki
Thank you very much, Disha! The photos of the seals and the lighthouse are qll from Denmark. I guess you should give it a try and might enjoy it 🙂
Patri
It’s difficult to pick a favourite, but the most picturesque landscape is Reine. There are more reasons to go to the beach than just getting a tan 🙂 and you just showed us.
Hvelreki
Thank you so much, Patri!
Megan Lawrence
I loved reading about all the beaches in the area, and especially Zeeland (As I always wondered where that was. I’m in New Zealand). The lighthouse is an interesting story, and I think it would be incredible to experience a midnight sunset. More places to go on my list. Although, if I was back in Brussels, it would be hard to tear myself away from the chocolate shops and waffles …..
Hvelreki
Thank you for reading me. New Zealand must be fascinating too! Ho God, don’t tell me about the chocolate! :p
Cirrena
People don’t talk enough about beaches up north. Adding these to my bucket list!
Hvelreki
Hello Cirrena, thank you for your comment! Indeed, that is also the reason why they are so well preserved! Happy to see you are adding some to your bucket list.