North Sea Travel Guide

Discover the rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and outdoor adventures of the North Sea. Plan your trip with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring the top places to visit, food and drink scene, and more.


Introduction to North Sea

The North Sea is a marginal sea in northern Europe. It is bordered by the coasts of Norway, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. The region surrounding the North Sea has a rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and outdoor adventure opportunities that attract travelers from all over the world.

List of Places to Visit in North Sea

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The North Sea region is home to many historic sites and museums that showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage. The following are some of the must-visit museums and historical places in the North Sea:

  • Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, Denmark: This museum features five original Viking ships that were sunk in the Roskilde Fjord over a thousand years ago.
  • Ribe Viking Center in Ribe, Denmark: This open-air museum showcases Viking culture and daily life in a recreated Viking market town.
  • The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, Netherlands: This museum is located in the house where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II, and it provides a poignant insight into the Frank family’s experience.
  • The Maritime Museum in Rotterdam, Netherlands: This museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of Dutch maritime trade and shipping.
  • The Wadden Sea Visitor Center in Wilhelmshaven, Germany: This visitor center provides an insight into the unique ecosystem of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Natural Attractions of North Sea: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The North Sea region offers breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities. Hiking, biking, and water sports are just a few of the activities that visitors can enjoy. The following are some of the top natural attractions in the North Sea:

  • The Jutland Peninsula, Denmark: Explore the rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and heathland of this peninsula on foot or by bike.
  • The Frisian Islands, Netherlands and Germany: These islands offer stunning beaches, dunes, and wetlands. A ferry ride is needed to reach these islands.
  • The Sognefjord, Norway: This is the largest fjord in Norway and provides stunning views of mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers.
  • The Hautes Fagnes Nature Reserve, Belgium: This reserve offers hiking trails through beautiful landscapes that are particularly colorful in the autumn.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North Sea

The North Sea region is famous for its scenic hiking and biking routes. The following are some of the top routes:

  • The North Sea Cycle Route: This is the world’s longest coastal biking route, stretching over 6,000km along the coasts of eight countries, including the North Sea.
  • The Kungsleden Trail, Norway: This trail runs through the Lapland region and offers stunning views of the Northern Lights.
  • The Westweg Trail, Germany: This trail is known for its beautiful views of the Black Forest and runs from Pforzheim to Basel.
  • The Dovrefjell Hiking Trail, Norway: This trail takes hikers through the Dovre Mountain range and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in North Sea: Activities and Tours

The North Sea region offers a wide range of activities and tours for travelers of all ages. Visitors can explore historic towns, go whale watching, take a guided tour of museums or natural reserves and outdoor activities. The following are some of the top things to do in the North Sea:

  • Take a guided tour of Amsterdam’s idyllic canals.
  • Take an overnight trip to Norway’s Lofoten Islands to go whale watching.
  • Explore the charming historic city of Bruges in Belgium.
  • Take a day trip to the island of Helgoland, Germany, and enjoy stunning views of the sand dunes, cliffs, and wildlife.
  • Go on an adventure activity offered by Nordic Adventure tours such as paddling, cycling, and hiking trips.

Week-Long Itinerary for North Sea

Here’s an itinerary for a fabulous and culturally rich week-long trip to the North Sea region.

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrive in Amsterdam and take a canal tour.
Day 2 Visit the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
Day 3 Explore The Hague with its beautiful architecture and royal palace.
Day 4 Drive to Bruges, Belgium, enjoy its medieval streets and canals.
Day 5 Visit the Frisian Islands on a day trip.
Day 6 Go hiking in the beautiful Jutland Peninsula of Denmark.
Day 7 Depart from Copenhagen, Denmark after exploring its rich history and heritage.

Food and Drink Scene of North Sea

Must-Try Dishes

The North Sea region is renowned for its seafood, beer, and local delicacies. The following are some must-try dishes:

  • Raw herring in the Netherlands and Germany: This is a traditional Dutch snack consisting of eaten whole, bones removed with a flag or an ornamental small fork.
  • Belgian Waffles in Belgium: A light, fluffy waffle, topped with chocolate, cream, or seasonal berries.
  • Danish Smørrebrød: A variety of open-faced sandwiches served with fish, cold cuts, cheese, or vegetables.
  • Norwegian Salmon: Norway is famous for its delicious salmon cooked with various ingredients.

Local Beverages

The North Sea region is known for its fantastic beer and coffee culture. The following are some must-try drinks:

  • Belgian beer: Belgium is famous for its wide variety of beer and brewing styles. A visit to Belgium would not be complete without sampling some local beers.
  • Dutch koffie: Dutch coffee is strong black coffee, topped with a splash of whipped cream.
  • Akvavit: This is a Scandinavian, distilled spirit flavored with herbs that is typically served chilled as an accompaniment to seafood.

Where to Stay in North Sea: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The North Sea region offers a wide variety of accommodations for travelers of all budgets. Visitors can choose between luxurious hotels, cozy bed and breakfasts, or economical hostels. The following are some of the top places to stay in the North Sea:

  • Hotel De L’Europe in Amsterdam, Netherlands: A five-star hotel with stunning views over the Amstel River.
  • Snooz Inn in The Hague, Netherlands: A budget-friendly hostel offering bright and colorful rooms.
  • Hotel Garni in Keitum, Germany: This picturesque guesthouse offers comfortable rooms and is located in the heart of a historic village.
  • Hotel Strandgaarden in Ribe, Denmark: This hotel is located near the Wadden Sea National Park and is an excellent choice for hiking enthusiasts.

What to Buy in North Sea: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The North Sea region is known for its handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, and chocolates. The following are some of the must-buy souvenirs and local products from the North Sea:

  • Belgian chocolates: Belgium is famous for its high-quality, delicious chocolates, and no trip to the North Sea is complete without trying some.

  • Delft Blue Pottery and Ceramics: Delft pottery is a famous Dutch tradition and makes excellent gifts or home decor items.

  • Danish design items: Danish design is world-renowned, and travelers can buy stylish and functional items like furniture, lamps, and home accessories.

Local Culture and Customs of North Sea

The North Sea region has a rich cultural heritage that has been influenced by centuries of trade, migration, and conflict. The people in the region are known for their friendliness, openness, and tolerance.

Best Time to Visit North Sea

The North Sea region is beautiful and enjoyable year-round. However, the summer months of May-September offer the best weather and ideal for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of North Sea

Do:

  • Dress warmly: The North Sea region can be cold and windy, so be sure to bring some warm clothes for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
  • Respect local customs: The North Sea region is home to various areas and cultures, and visitors should be mindful of local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Litter: The North Sea region is home to pristine natural surroundings and visitors are expected to respect it by not littering.
  • Ignore bike etiquette: Biking is a common mode of transportation in the North Sea region, and visitors should follow bike etiquette and return shared bikes properly.

Safety and Health

Safety in North Sea

The North Sea region is generally safe for tourists. However, visitors should be cautious in areas with high tourist density. Pickpocketing may happen in areas like Amsterdam and Brussels, so travelers must always be vigilant.

Health in North Sea

Visitors to the North Sea region should have all necessary vaccinations, including tetanus, diphtheria, and hepatitis A and B. It’s essential to keep insect repellent for ticks as tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease is prevalent in the area.

Getting to North Sea: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near North Sea

The main airports that service the North Sea region are:

  • Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Hamburg Airport in Hamburg, Germany
  • Billund, and Copenhagen Airports in Denmark

Bus Stations Near North Sea

The North Sea region also has an extensive network of bus services that connect major cities.

Other Options

Train and ferries are other common modes of transportation to the North Sea. Trains are an ideal way to travel through the region quickly, while ferries are great for exploring offshore islands.

How to Get Around in North Sea

The North Sea region is well connected by trains, buses, motorcycles, and bicycles. Buses are the most economical and convenient way for short-distance travel, and trains are ideal for long hauls. Visitors can also rent a bicycle or hire a motorcycle to explore the region’s scenic countryside.

Where to Go Next from North Sea: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

The North Sea region is located in northern Europe and is centrally located near many popular European destinations. Some popular excursions include:

  • Aalborg, Denmark: This coastal city is known for its beaches, museums, and restaurants.
  • Bruges, Belgium: This medieval city is known for its cobbled streets, stunning architecture, and canals.
  • Berlin, Germany: This historic city is just a few hours’ drive from the North Sea region and is known for its museums, dining, and nightlife.

Conclusion

The North Sea region is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and outdoor activities. Visitors can indulge themselves in the region’s culinary scene, explore historic buildings and museums, and enjoy hiking and biking through the beautiful countryside. Book your trip to the North Sea today!

The North Sea. The North Sea.