Almost every Baltic Sea skipper has already explored the Danish South Sea on their own keel. And most have at least heard of the Småland fairway. This is, of course, due to the fact that the waters of the German Baltic Sea coast lie directly "in front of the bow", so to speak. Round Funen" is also well known.
But almost nobody knows the Bay of Aarhus, which awaits explorers just 40 nautical miles north of the Great Belt on the east coast of Jutland.
Admittedly: This small area seems so well hidden that even the Danes tend to head for other destinations - which means that between Aarhus and Ebeltoft, in the shallow bays of the Djursland peninsula and on the gentle heights of Mols Bjerge, things are more relaxed in summer than on many other stretches of Danish coastline.
Not only is Aarhus the second largest settlement in the country and its most important harbour (almost 1.4 million people live in the metropolitan region), but last year it also hosted a special event - as European Capital of Culture 2017. Diversity is therefore guaranteed in every respect. We took a look around. Clear the stage!
Marselisborg marina
There is no more convenient starting point for exploring Aarhus: the Marselisborg Lystbådehhavn ( marselisborghavn.dk ) leaves nothing to be desired by skippers - full service and several restaurants are available on the premises, park and beach are next door.
From here, you can travel by public transport, bike (or on foot) to the vibrant centre of the cultural capital - Midtbyen and Latinerkvarteret - around two kilometres away, with its many venues. Denmark's largest container terminal ensures that the port is also very busy: the giant ships of the Maersk Line measure 400 metres - that's four times as long as the nave of St. Clemens, the medieval cathedral church of Aarhus.
Aarhus marina
If you prefer something more traditional, you can also visit the Aarhus Lyst bådehavn ( www.aarhuslystbaadehavn.dk ), whose jetties are located in the inner part on the west side of the northernmost harbour basin. Next door, a new residential neighbourhood, Aarhus Ø, is currently being built with exciting architecture. The city centre is about one kilometre away.
Egå Marina
This large, modern marina is located at the entrance to Kalø Vig and is particularly interesting for guest sailors if Aarhus is too busy. It also offers a full range of services and is connected to the city centre, which is around nine kilometres away, by public transport. www.egaa-marina.dk
Kaløvig marina
Five kilometres further north, the Kaløvig Bådelaug ( www.kblsail.dk ) is another well-equipped "alternative harbour" - even if the bus from here to Aarhus takes a little longer. Approaching by day is no problem at all: the Studstrup power station chimney rises directly to the north of the harbour area and, thanks to its height of 190 metres, serves as a landmark for the entire area.
Nappedam marina
Once you reach the north of Kalø Bay, you will find yourself in the countryside: Nappedam Bådelaug ( www.nappedam.dk ) is also fully serviced, but from here you can also explore the nearby Mols Bjerge National Park with its gently undulating, ice-age landscape. To the east, the small side bay of Egens Vig, where the harbour is located, is shielded by an artificial headland, at the end of which the medieval ruins of Kalø Castle rise on a hill. In the past, its now-broken walls also served as a prison - for Gustav Vasa, for example, who managed to escape in 1519 and later became King of Sweden.
Skødshoved Bro Jollehavn
The small club harbour of Skødshoved, ( skoedshoved.dk ), where guests are welcome - if you can find a free space: The beach starts right at the harbour and is perfect for a swim. A slightly further walk leads along the southern cliffs of Mols Hoved - with beautiful views across the bay to Aarhus on the other side.
Ebeltoft
The small town of Ebeltoft is a real holiday resort: holiday homes line the bay, and the town itself has excellent amenities. There are two harbours on offer: the smaller Trafikhavn (traffic harbour) in the centre ( www.visitdjursland.de ) and the much larger Skudehavn in a holiday resort a few hundred metres to the south ( www.ebeltoftskudehavn.dk ). The biggest attraction is the restored screw frigate "Jylland", which fought against an Austrian-Prussian squadron off Heligoland in 1864. The wooden veteran now has its own museum.
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REVIER
The area described includes Aarhus Bugt with the side bays Kalø Vig and Begtrup Vig as well as Ebeltoft Vig in the east. It is divided by the three small peninsulas that form the south of Djursland and separate the waters from the Kattegat to the east. Important landmarks are the tips of the three peninsulas (from west to east): Skødshoved, Sletterhage (with lighthouse) and Hassenør. The coast is hilly and runs flat towards the water, narrow strips of beach (sand or stone) are common, and break-offs are rare. The water tourism infrastructure in the area is very good - considering the small area - and the harbour density (especially around Aarhus) is high. In contrast, there is little shoreline development, which contributes to the very natural appearance of the bay.
NAVIGATION
Especially in the shore area there are extensive shallow areas, such as Skødshoved Flak on the southern edge of Kalø Vig, or the sandbank Sandhagen, which runs from the shore into the middle of Ebeltoft Vig (so that Ebeltoft harbour must be approached from the WNW). Thorough chart work and attentive navigation are particularly important. The buoyage is good, approaches and harbour entrances are almost always lighted. However, if you do not know the area well, you should confine yourself to the large marinas at night and in uncertain weather. There is also a restricted area between Egå and Skødshoved, which may only be passed in the buoyed channel. Also be careful when approaching Aarhus: the harbour is used by large ships and regularly by high-speed ferries.
SEA RESCUE
The coordination of all SAR tasks in Denmark is the responsibility of the armed forces. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Aarhus is responsible for this. Alerts are sent via VHF channel 16 and DSC 70 (Lyngby Radio) or by telephone: +45/89/43 30 99. www2.forsvaret.dk/eng/Organisation/Search-and-Rescue
TIPS
▪ARoS Art Museum in Aarhus: exciting art, visionary architecture - and vice versa. A top attraction in the European Capital of Culture 2017, don't miss the view from the "rainbow panorama" on the roof. en.aros.dk
▪Screw frigate "Jylland" from 1860 in Ebeltoft: a magnificent piece of maritime history with great entertainment value for young and old - perfectly restored. Close your ears when the old 30-pounder is fired! www.fregatten-jylland.dk
