A Weekend of Indulgence in Sæby

Kick off your weekend getaway with a visit to Kystmuseet Sæby (Sæby Coastal Museum). Housed in a charming half-timbered merchant’s house in the heart of historic Sæby, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past. Consul Ørum’s House was once one of Sæby’s most prominent trading estates, ideally located between Algade and the river, close to the road to Frederikshavn. Today, the beautifully preserved building serves as a museum where history comes to life for visitors of all ages. What was it like to go to school in the old days? How was amber fishing carried out? And why does the town look the way it does today?

Take a break from everyday life and immerse yourself in Sæby’s fascinating history. The museum regularly hosts special events and guided tours, and each month features a new story that delves deeper into a specific aspect of the area’s past. Before your visit, we recommend checking the museum’s calendar to see what is on during your stay.

Later, enjoy dinner at the acclaimed Essens Gaarden, where a truly memorable culinary experience awaits. With a strong focus on locally sourced ingredients, the restaurant showcases the best flavours of the region. The farm’s ambition is to grow as many organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, and berries as possible in its own garden, ensuring freshness and quality in every dish. A variety of themed dining experiences are offered throughout the year, ranging from classic favourites and delicious wood-fired pizzas to exquisite multi-course menus. Essens Gaarden is a must-visit destination for food lovers and culinary adventurers alike.

After a day filled with history and culinary delights, retreat to Hotel Aahøj. Nestled in peaceful surroundings near the Sæby River, this charming hotel provides the perfect setting to unwind and recharge.

Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Hotel Aahøj. The kitchen is built around the finest available ingredients and products, with a strong commitment to sourcing from local farmers, dairies, and producers whenever possible. The breakfast buffet features Grandma’s freshly baked rolls, warm and flaky croissants, traditional rye bread with a crisp crust, homemade jams, soft-boiled eggs, organic cultured dairy topped with homemade muesli, honey, and seasonal berries, as well as cheeses from Ostefruen and cold cuts from Slagter Tranholm. Tea, coffee, and cold-pressed juice are, of course, included.

Once you have enjoyed a hearty breakfast, head to Sæby Harbour for a breath of fresh sea air. Here you can admire the impressive sculpture The Lady from the Sea (Fruen fra Havet), created by the renowned Norwegian artist Marit Benthe Norheim. The sculpture holds a special connection to the local community, as more than 880 children from schools and kindergartens across the former Sæby Municipality contributed small protective symbols that were cast into the artwork. Standing proudly by the harbour, it has become one of Sæby’s most distinctive landmarks and a symbol of the town’s close relationship with the sea.

Treat yourself to a delicious gourmet ice cream at Snedkergaardens Iscafé. Here, you can enjoy premium Kastberg ice cream topped with homemade marshmallow fluff in the café’s charming courtyard. Whether you choose an ice cream, a glass of wine, or a freshly brewed coffee, the peaceful surroundings invite you to slow down and savour the moment. In this cosy historic setting, time seems to stand still. If the weather is less inviting, or if you would like to experience the atmosphere of an authentic Danish heritage building, you can also relax indoors in the beautifully preserved 400-year-old carpenter’s house.

Ready to recharge? As part of your stay at Hotel Aahøj, you can enjoy access to the Aahøj Sauna Retreat. This beautiful cedarwood barrel sauna offers panoramic views across the idyllic Sæby River, allowing you to unwind while watching the flowing water and abundant birdlife up close. For those seeking a refreshing challenge, the retreat also features a cold-water bucket for a bracing cool-down between sauna sessions.

Whether you visit in summer or winter, in the morning, afternoon, or evening, the stunning riverside views create a truly memorable wellness experience. To complete your retreat, you can sit back and enjoy a refreshing drink while soaking in the peaceful surroundings.

Hotel Aahøj now offers a brand-new service: a professional massage therapist brought directly to your hotel room. Your room is transformed into a haven of wellbeing, complete with relaxing scents, oils, soothing music, and a prepared massage table. Hotel massage therapist AnneGro Sunde Franer creates a wonderful and restorative experience.

In the evening, head to Jacob’s Fiskerestaurant. The restaurant is famous for its extensive fish and seafood buffet, but also offers a variety of à la carte dishes.

Start the day with a refreshing dip in the Sæby River or the cold-water tub in luxurious surroundings. Alternatively, skip the cold plunge and head straight to the warm barrel sauna for a few hours of relaxation, self-care, and quality time together.

Another relaxing and almost meditative experience is exploring your creativity. Visit Sæby Just Creative, a cosy creative workshop and boutique in the heart of Sæby. Here, you can decorate beautiful glassware and create your own designs using sandblasting techniques. Additional creative activities are offered throughout the year. While you create, enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate with cake, or treat yourself to delicious gourmet ice cream from Kastberg.

This guide may end here, but your journey does not have to. Whether you are drawn to historical discoveries, culinary experiences, wellness, or creative pursuits, there is always something new to explore in and around Sæby.

We look forward to welcoming you to our corner of North Jutland.