Denmark's 'Cold Hawaii': the artfully cool surf zone on the Jutland coast

Denmark’s “Cold Hawaii” is becoming a dual destination for surf culture and contemporary art along the Jutland coast. The term was coined in the 1990s and later popularized by world champion windsurfer Josh Stone, referring to a laid-back shoreline with windier conditions than tropical Hawaii. The article describes 31 official surf spots stretching for about 30 miles (50 km) from just north of Hanstholm to the beaches of Agger, within and near the Thy National Park. Surfers, windsurfers and paddleboarders visit year-round, with access described as more difficult by public transport, making car travel practical. The unofficial center, Klitmøller, hosts an annual international surfing competition and has expanded with surf schools, shops and cultural venues. Nearby Vorupør features artists including Jeppe Hein, as well as a hotel expanded from a Vø Surfshop opened in 2011 and expanded in 2023.