Sæby Old Town

Sæby is a charming coastal town and old seaport on the east coast of Vendsyssel in North Jutland, with a well-preserved historic centre that makes it one of the region's most photogenic stops. At its heart stands Sæby Church, a former abbey church whose famous frescoes are among the town's chief attractions. The cobbled streets are lined with colourful half-timbered houses, small shops and cosy cafes, while the little Sæby stream winds through town and lends the scene an idyllic calm. Down at the harbour you can buy fresh fish, and at the pier stands Fruen fra Havet (The Lady from the Sea), a 6.25-metre statue by the artist Marit Benthe Norheim unveiled in 2001. Other local sights include the Sæby Museum, the old watermill and Sæbygaard, a Renaissance manor just outside town. The broad sandy beach is popular in summer, when the town also fills with markets and events. Sæby was granted market rights in 1524 and was the main town of its own municipality until 2007, when it became part of Frederikshavn municipality; today it has around nine thousand inhabitants. Entry to the town and its streets is free, and it rewards an unhurried wander of a couple of hours. It is best experienced in summer for the beach and markets, though the historic core is enjoyable year-round. Sæby is reached by bus from Aalborg and Frederikshavn, and by car it makes a natural stop along the Kattegat coast. Be sure to step inside Sæby Church to see its striking lime-painted frescoes.