Brrr! Discover Cold Hawaii, An Icy Paradise in the Heart of Europe

By Mighty Travels Premium November 28, 2023 3:19 AM UTC

Brrr! Discover Cold Hawaii, An Icy Paradise in the Heart of Europe - Surf's Up! Ride the Waves in the North Sea

split photography of body of water and coconut trees, The view from the water of Big Island. In this cove south on the Kona side you can swim with dolphins in the deep.

mountainous terrain covered with fog, The Canyon

people swimming near shore with waves during daytime, Road tripping around Oahu, the smaller northern beaches are great to catch some sun and watch local surfers

You may not think of surfing when you picture the chilly northern coasts of Europe. But the powerful waves of the North Sea provide an exhilarating surfing experience for adventurous souls. The conditions in Cold Hawaii rival some of the top surfing destinations in more tropical climates.

The village of Klitmøller is known as Cold Hawaii's surfing epicenter. Its exposed beach breaks churn out swell after swell, creating rides that seem to go on forever. The village even hosts an annual Pro Cold Hawaii surf competition that draws top surfers from around the world. They flock here not just for the waves, but for the uniqueness of surfing under the Nordic skies.

The best time of year for surfing Cold Hawaii is autumn through spring when storms track across the North Atlantic. Winter often brings the biggest waves, some topping 15 feet on the faces. Make sure you have the proper wetsuit and surfing skills before paddling out in these frigid but exhilarating conditions. Even on smaller days, you'll want at least a 4/3 wetsuit to handle the bone-chilling water temperatures.

Some of the top surfing spots include Stenbjerg, Agger and Vigsø. Stenbjerg features sandy beach breaks that are more forgiving for beginners and intermediate surfers. Meanwhile, Vigsø and Agger offer reef and point breaks for advanced surfers seeking to charge bigger waves. Whenever you paddle out, keep an eye out for pods of dolphins that frequent these waters.

When you need a break from the water, enjoy beachcombing along the windswept shores. Look for pieces of amber washed down from eroding sea cliffs. Afterwards, grab a craft beer and swap stories with fellow surfers at one of Klitmøller's cozy cafes. They'll regale you with tales of monster waves and the trials of surfing through Nordic winters.

Brrr! Discover Cold Hawaii, An Icy Paradise in the Heart of Europe - Bundle Up! Brave the Elements on the Beaches

Brrr! Discover Cold Hawaii, An Icy Paradise in the Heart of Europe - Chase the Northern Lights Under Midnight Skies

Brrr! Discover Cold Hawaii, An Icy Paradise in the Heart of Europe - Hot Cocoa and Hygge: Apres-Adventure Activities

Brrr! Discover Cold Hawaii, An Icy Paradise in the Heart of Europe - Castles and Legends: Exploring Cold Hawaii's History

Brrr! Discover Cold Hawaii, An Icy Paradise in the Heart of Europe - Fat Bikes and Frozen Trails: Winter Sports in the Outdoors

Brrr! Discover Cold Hawaii, An Icy Paradise in the Heart of Europe - Seafood and Spirits: Savoring Cold Hawaii's Cuisine

green and brown mountains beside body of water under white clouds during daytime, Kvalvika Beach

birds flying over the sea near mountain,

red and black houses beside sea, Famous view of the fisher village Hamnøya on the lofoten islands

After a day out in Cold Hawaii's frigid but beautiful landscapes, nothing warms you up like the region's hearty cuisine. Seafood plays a starring role on menus, spotlighting the day's catch from the bountiful North Sea and Baltic waters. Herring, cod, salmon and shellfish make frequent appearances, served smoked, cured, baked or fried. Be sure to try the fiskesuppe, a traditional fish soup brimming with chunks of whitefish and salmon in a creamy, dill-flavored broth.

Seafood shines at Nordic eateries like Kystens Perle. Diners rave about their fish platter laden with golden fried filets, juicy shrimp and steamed mussels. It's a surf lover's dream. For fine dining, book a table at Ruths Gourmet in nearby Nykøbing. Their 7-course tasting menu takes you on a culinary tour from the sea to the forest, with dishes like scallops with seaweed and venison with juniper berries.

Carnivores need not worry — you'll find plenty of meaty dishes as well. Game meats like reindeer, elk and wild boar are menu mainstays. The region even has its own Oluf Brøndum signature sausages made from local free-range pork. Pair it with fried potatoes, pickled beets and onions for a true Danish feast. At eateries like Restaurant Klitgården, choose the "Cold Hawaii surf and turf" for the best of both worlds: a tender beef filet topped with sautéed shrimp.

Of course, seafood this fresh demands a crisp, cold beer. Fortunately, Cold Hawaii has a booming craft brewing scene. Down a pint of Thisted Bryghus' Vesterhavsdunkel, an earthy dark lager, after a day chasing waves. At Ølhallen microbrewery, belgian-style ales provide a complex complement to rich seafood dishes.

For a truly immersive experience, visit the Cold Hand Winery, Denmark's northernmost estate vineyard. Sample their ice wines made from grapes harvested and pressed while frozen. The labor-intensive process concentrates the sugars, yielding a luscious elixir. Sip it with Bleu d’Auvergne cheese and lingonberry preserves. Before you leave, stock up on a few bottles for savoring back home. They make the perfect souvenir.

Of course, you can't visit Scandinavia without partaking in the coffee-drinking culture. Luckily, Cold Hawaii's cozy cafes serve up plenty of kaffe to warm your hands after long days outdoors. Sit by a crackling fire with a cup of strong, black coffee or opt for a warming caffè latte. Pair it with a kanelsnegle, a decadent Danish cinnamon bun, for a quintessential hygge experience.

Brrr! Discover Cold Hawaii, An Icy Paradise in the Heart of Europe - Plan Your Trip: Tips for Visiting Cold Hawaii

aerial photography of houses on field near body of water viewing mountain under white and blue sky,

house on body of water near mountain alps, Shot on a tripe to lofoten with 3 friends - wondering through the village of Reine.

green aurora lights during night time, my instagram: @didiofederico</p><p>www.fdsmilano.it</p><p>Federico Di Dio | FDS Milano

Cold Hawaii may be an off-the-beaten path destination, but it’s worth the extra effort to reach this Nordic surfing mecca and outdoor playground. The key is planning ahead to make the most of your time in the chilly but breathtaking landscapes.

First and foremost, book lodging well in advance. Tourism in Cold Hawaii spikes during the peak summer months. Reserve at least 6 months ahead for the warmest weather and endless daylight. Opt for beachfront cottages or guesthouses in Klitmøller or nearby villages to ensure proximity to the waves.

Surfers flock here September through April when swells consistently roll in off the North Sea. Late fall brings overhead waves and fewer crowds. Just be prepared with your thickest wetsuit and booties. Contact local surf shops like Cold Hawaii Surf Camp for the latest conditions. They also offer lessons for newbies.

If your trip coincides with colder months, pack plenty of insulating layers, waterproof boots and gloves. Locals suggest wearing wool or synthetic base layers instead of cotton to stay dry. And always pack a down jacket and windshell.

While temperatures hover above freezing most winter days, freezing rain and snow are common. Check road conditions and closure reports before driving, especially in remote areas. Leave ample time to reach your destination safely. Consider adding a cold weather driving emergency kit to your rental car in case you get stranded.

Take advantage of long nights to chase the northern lights. Download an app like Aurora Forecast for real-time alerts when solar activity is high. Then find an open area away from light pollution and look north. Patience is key with fickle but magical light shows.

Hikers and mountain bikers flock here too for the trails crisscrossing Cold Hawaii’s wild interior. Lace up your boots to traverse the mining trails winding through Thy National Park’s sand dunes and pine forests. Or grab a fat bike for riding the off-road routes around Klitmøller.

Cold Hawaii abounds with pristine beaches and dramatic cliffs ripe for exploring. But use caution near the unstable sandstone seabanks. Steep drop-offs combined with underwater caves make these shorelines prone to landslides. Heed warning signs and keep your distance.

Wildlife lovers will delight in spotting Arctic seals, porpoises and white-tailed sea eagles. Take boat tours into Skagerrak Strait for close encounters with these local species. You might even catch migrating whales during summer.

Fishing reigns supreme across the region’s lakes and coast. Try casting for pike, trout and salmon under the Midnight Sun. Late summer brings prized sea trout and garfish nearer the shore. Just be sure to acquire proper permits.

Aviation and cold weather enthusiasts won’t want to miss the North Sea Wave Project. Grab a front row seat in Hirtshals to watch record-setting kiters getting air off the ramp-like waves. The event also showcases daring big wave surfers and hydrofoil windsurfers.

Venture inland from the coast to soak up cultural offerings too. Gandtårnet tower in Vrå provides panoramic views of fjord country. And Fur Museum offers an illuminating look at the region’s history of fox and mink fur trade.