Ringköbing, historic market town on the fjord

Ringköbing is one of the oldest towns in Denmark, home to around 10,000 people. The little harbour town on Ringköbing Fjord was named the happiest town in Europe back in 2007. So what can you do to get your own slice of that happiness?

Maybe you'll find the answer behind the windows of the cosy brick houses or on the old cobbled streets. Careful restoration has preserved Ringköbing's original charm and gives "the little capital of West Jutland", as the locals quietly call it, a wonderfully old world atmosphere where everyone feels at home straight away.

Ringköbing is a classic Danish købstad (market town), and the name itself means "the market town by Rindum". Founded in the 13th century, it was for centuries the only real harbour town on the Danish west coast, sheltered from the North Sea by the fjord.

Several of the buildings here were designed by the Danish architect Ulrik Plesner, who was already known for his innovative architecture in Skagen and Copenhagen. In summer you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Ringköbing or explore the narrow lanes on foot. Many corners still remind you of the days when Ringköbing was a centre for trade and shipping. Merchant ships once brought goods like tobacco to the town, which were then sold in the old trading houses.

A sculpture in Ringköbing that went world famous

Ringköbing can do modern too, and a sculpture called "Den fede dame" (The Fat Lady) proves it. Sooner or later, a stroll through Ringköbing takes you along Vester Strandgade down to the town's little harbour. On the way you'll pass Den fede dame and, if you're lucky, watch other holidaymakers trying all sorts of poses to copy the sculpture for their holiday photos. Of course you're welcome to give it a go yourself!

Den fede dame was created by the artists Jens Galschiøt and Lars Calmar and shows a thin boy carrying a heavy woman on his shoulders. The boy is meant to symbolise the developing world, while the woman stands for the wealth of the West. The towering bronze sculpture is also known as "Survival of the Fattest". It gained international attention in 2009, when it was displayed next to the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen.

A relaxed holiday on Ringköbing Fjord

Life on Ringköbing Fjord is relaxed. Because the fjord only opens to the North Sea through a small passage at Hvide Sande, no big ships can sail in here, only small fishing boats and leisure sailors. Even so, Ringköbing Fjord is Denmark's largest coastal lagoon. Between the fjord and the North Sea lies Holmsland Klit, a long and very narrow strip of dunes, and at Hvide Sande a lock system regulates the water level of the 300 km² fjord.

Before that lock and channel were built in the early 20th century, Ringköbing was actually cut off from the sea, which is why the town's role as a trading port slowly faded.

Along Ringköbing Fjord, besides Hvide Sande and Ringköbing, you'll find the coastal resorts of Söndervig and Bjerregärd, with lots of wonderful holiday homes close to the beach and unique holiday homes with sea views. We highly recommend a bike ride out to Bagges Dæmning.

Activities in Ringköbing for the whole family

Ringköbing and Ringköbing Fjord are a true paradise for anyone who loves Danish culture. But active holidaymakers and adventure seekers won't be disappointed either: in and around Ringköbing there are not only several history museums telling the story of the region, but also plenty of attractions to keep you busy outside your holiday home with an activity room.

Naturkraft experience park in Ringköbing

At the experience park Naturkraft, the whole family can head off on an expedition. Adults and kids get lots of chances to discover the fascinating forces of nature in a playful and adventurous way.

In the huge outdoor area of Naturkraft, the first thing waiting for you is a wind machine where you can feel the power of an (almost) real North Sea storm. The bravest put their heads into the machine and feel the difference between a strong wind and a full gale. The others climb the bank behind the wind machine, where you feel the impressive force of a storm with your whole body, and the boldest even lean into the wind.

On the tree stump trail you test your balance crossing a stream, before hopping onto the zipline and taking off. The little ones can play in the sand of the adventure playground, while the grown-ups explore eight different West Jutland landscapes in one place, from heath and dunes to marshland and pine forest.

The 45 hectare Naturkraft site is open most of the year, with seasonal opening hours and a short winter break, so check naturkraft.dk before you go. If you arrive by car, the easiest way is via main road 15, Ringköbing's well known ring road. Parking is free, and in the spirit of sustainability there are even charging points for electric cars. Have fun!

More sights around Ringköbing Fjord

• Bagges Dæmning (photo below)

• Enemærkets Hostahave, a garden with a huge collection of hostas

• The sand sculpture festival in Söndervig

• The old hunting lodge Provstgaards Jagthus

• The old Bundsbæk Mølle, a watermill from the 17th century

• The historic dune farm Abelines Gård

• A bunker walk at Houvig Fæstning

• Lyngvig Fyr lighthouse, a popular viewpoint over the North Sea with its own webcam

• Fahl Kro Museum, an old inn from the 19th century

• Bork Vikingehavn, the Viking harbour in Bork Havn

Shopping in Ringköbing

Not a fan of crowded shops and packed high streets? Then Ringköbing is just right for you. The town centre is traffic calmed and perfect for a relaxed stroll. In the pedestrian streets (gågade, as we say in Danish) Algade and Nygade you'll find more than 50 shops, including lots of small boutiques, Danish design and interior shops, and souvenir shops.

When the weather in Denmark is on your side, grab a seat on the sunny market square, Torvet, and treat yourself to good food and drinks. In summer, Torvet hosts concerts and market days. And for even more atmosphere, look out for Ringköbing's singing nightwatchmen (vægtere), who keep the town's old traditions alive as they walk the streets singing on summer evenings.

If you fancy a bigger shopping trip, head inland to Herning or south to Esbjerg, Denmark's fifth largest city. Esbjerg has one of the country's longest pedestrian streets, with everything your heart desires for shopping in Denmark.