Discover 5 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Grenå (Denmark). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Kattegatcentret, Baunhøj Mølle, and Grenå Kirke. Also, be sure to include Sostrup Slot in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Grenå (Midtjylland).
Table of Contents
Kattegatcentret
Aquarium in Grenaa, Kingdom of Denmark. Kattegatcentret is a public aquarium in Grenå, Denmark. Its name refers to the Kattegat sea.
The mission of Kattegatcentret is to mediate knowledge about the sea to the general public, so more people are able to enjoy, understand and guard the seas. Since its opening in 1993, the aquarium has been visited by around 6 million people, with 12,000 schoolchildren and students participating in the centers schoolservice every year. The center was expanded in 2005 and now comprise 5,800 m2 (62,000 sq ft), with all constructions designed by Kjaer & Richter.
The aquarium is home to more than 250 species from around the world, from the native herring, wolffish and seals (grey and harbour) to tropical lionfish and coral fish and sharks. The animals are on display in large tanks in a variety of engaging ways. The largest tank, Oceanariet, has a volume of 1,500,000 l (400,000 US gal) and shows a native marine scene from the Kattegat itself. It is possible to dive here for visitors. Another large tank is the 550,000-litre (150,000 US gal) tropical shark tank, Hajtanken, which is equipped with a shark tunnel and is home to species such as sand tiger shark, whitetip reef shark, nurse shark and stingrays. The smallest aquaria at the Kattegatcenter contain 250 l (66 US gal).
The Kattegatcenter cooperates on a broad scale with politicians, businesspeople, scientists, institutions and organizations from all over the world. The center is a member of both EAZA and DAZA, two important zoo and aquarium organizations, and are currently working towards being self-sustaining with animals. They have a large breeding program with both native and tropical species.
In cooperation with Danish Technological Institute (DTI) and Aarhus University, The Kattegatcenter created AlgeCenter Danmark in 2011. It is a Danish center for research, innovation and mediation of information about algae. AlgeCenter Danmark has a growing facility for kelp right next to The Kattegatcenter. Every year, the international Nordic Seaweed Conference are held here.[1]
Address: Færgevej 4, 8500 Grenå
Baunhøj Mølle
Baunhøj mill, a Dutch windmill, was built in 1849 on Grenaa's best viewpoint, 37 metres above sea level. The mill was built by district physician C.A. Arendrup, who had to sell the mill again at a forced auction in 1856. The mill's wings are 21 metres long and from the wing tip to the ground is 30 metres. The mill has a height of 24 metres.
The mill burnt down completely in 2002, ignited by a spark from a weed burner, and after a debate in the town it was agreed to rebuild the mill.
Address: Bavnehøjvej 31, 8500 Grenå
Grenå Kirke
Church
Address: Torvet 12, 8500 Grenaa
Sostrup Slot
Sostrup Castle is a Danish castle in Gjerrild parish, once in Djurs Nørre Herred, now in Norddjurs Municipality, Denmark. The main building was begun in 1599 and completed in 1606.
The castle occupies 20 hectares, with 239.8 hectares of adjacent farm and woodland. The castle is located on a rectangular bank west of a meadow and former seabed connected to the sea between Denmark and Sweden. Extensive farm and employees' quarters are situated west of the castle.
Possibly a farm where Sostrup Castle now lies was owned by King Christopher II, who pawned "Svorttorp" in 1327. The estate is first mentioned in writing in 1388, when Jens Lagesen Udsen was listed as owner, according to a parchment letter now kept in Sostrup's vault. In 1725 Sostrup became the manor house in the County of Scheel, which bore the name of Scheel until the county was wound up in 1823. In 1829 Jacob von Benzon took over the place, which became an entailed estate under the name Benzon. From 1944 the place was once again called "Sostrup".
From 1960 the castle was a monastery with retreat and boarding activities. The Cistercian order of nuns built a church placed south-west of the castle. According to the Catholic bishop's office, the plan was to restore the castle and to some extent use it for creative activities.
After the monastery was closed in 2012, Sostrup was sold on 1 June 2014 to sister and brother Kirsten and Anders Bundgaard. They are restoring the castle and plan to open a conference centre, rentable rooms and a restaurant, scheduled for completion in 2015. Currently the castle's largest room can accommodate 60, but the owners have sought permission to open a larger great hall.[2]
Address: Maria Hjerte Engen 2, 8500 Grenaa
Grenaa Municipality
Also known as: Grenaa Kommune
Until 1 January 2007, Grenaa municipality or Grenå municipality was a municipality in Aarhus County on the east coast of the Jutland peninsula in central Denmark. The municipality covered an area of 196 km², and had a total population of 18,641. Its last mayor was Gert Schou, a member of the Social Democrats political party. The municipality's main city and the site of its municipal council was the town of Grenaa. The municipality was located on the east coast of the peninsula known as Djursland, with the waters of the Kattegat to the east, defining the municipality's eastern border.
Grenaa municipality ceased to exist due to Kommunalreformen ("The Municipality Reform" of 2007). It was combined with Nørre Djurs and Rougsø municipalities, along with the eastern part of Sønderhald municipality to form the new Norddjurs municipality. This created a municipality with an area of 661 km² and a total population of 34,382 (2005). The new municipality belongs to Region Midtjylland ("Mid-Jutland Region").[3]