Grenaa (or Grenå) is a Danish town and seaport on the east coast of the Jutlandic peninsula. Tourism, education and commerce are important sectors in the economy of Grenaa. It is the only larger town on Djursland. Grenaa is the municipal seat, and the largest town, in Norddjurs Municipality, which covers the northern half of Djursland.
Grenaa was first mentioned in 1231. It was granted the status of a market town in 1445.
Grenaa has a lingering production industry just as in most of the western world. Development of tourism and educational institutions is sought to play a larger role for Grenaa in the future. The 5 km sandy Grenaa Beach is significant for tourism, with a hinterland of summer cottages, including many rentals. Grenaa is a regional shopping centre for central-eastern Djursland, an about 40 km x 40 km peninsula, protruding into the sea, between Denmark and Sweden at the entrance to the Baltic Sea.
With 14.601 (2014) inhabitants Grenaa is also the largest town on the c. 40 km x 40 km peninsula, Djursland, where coastal tourism is important. Djursland has 22 sandy beaches along the three-sided 260 km coastline, with in the order of 7.000 summer-, and out of season-, rentals, primarily close to the coast and beaches. Grenaa Beach can be seen as the best of the beaches on Djursland, as it was elected as one of the two best beaches in Denmark in 2006. All coastlines in Denmark are accessible to the public by law, contributing to making the walkable and unspoilt coastlines of Djursland an asset for Grenaa's tourism.
The climate is coastal temperate, influenced by the Gulf Stream. Westerly and south-westerly winds are common. The yearly precipitation is 700 mm,[1]. The average summer temperature is 16 degrees Celsius.[2] The coldest month is January with an average temperature of 0.5 degrees.
The geographical region, Djursland, where Grenaa is situated on the east coast, has an average population density of 42 inhabitants per square km, as compared to 407 for neighboring England and 230 for Germany. This, combined with the long coastlines, means that it seldom gets crowded on the coast and beaches. Something that also applies to the geologically varied often roling-hill country-side and farmland of Djursland, of which a bit more than 10% is forest Many Danes have a working knowledge of English and to some extent German - the two main languages taught in Danish schools.
Grenaa is connected by ferry to Varberg in Sweden and the Danish island of Anholt. The town is also connected by railway to Denmarks second largest city, Aarhus, 60 km to the south-east, and is served by Grenaa railway station, terminus of the Aarhus-Grenaa railway line, and offering direct local train services to Aarhus and Odder as part of the Aarhus Commuter Rail service. Aarhus Airport lies 20 km in the same direction. The town has a commercial seaport that has been expanded in recent years.
Grenaa Beach - 5 km of sandy beach starting at Grenaa Marina. Nominated as one of 2 best Danish beaches in 2006Walks and hicking – North and south along the coastline from Grenaa, and along the other varied and accessible 260 km coastline of DjurslandFishing and diving - from Grenaa Beach and east and south of Grenaa along the 50 km east coast of DjurslandCliffs of Sangstrup and Karlby - Fossil rich coastal lime cliffs 8 km north of GrenaaKattegatcentret – Aquarium by the Sea in Grenaa with large sharks and a focus on Nordic salt water fish. 250 species of marine creatures from around the world, including seals.Grenaa Marina - marine environment with cafes, etc.Djurslands Museum & Danish Fisheries Museum in GrenaaBaunhøj Mill, View overlooking Grenaa and countrysideMushroom picking in the forests and non-farmed areas of Djursland from August, through autumn until first frost. Such as in, Plantagen, a wood starting at the southern end of GrenaaDansk Motor- og Maskinsamling / The Machine Collection with the largest collection of historical stationary engines in Northern Europe going back to 1860. Restored and functioning. 2 km from GrenaaSea trout and other fresh water fishing in Gren å, running through Grenaa, and in the adjoning, Sound of Kolind, canal systemSalt water fishing from the coasts north and south of Grenaa. Such as for sea trout, mackerel place and garfishRanders Regnskov – Zoo - Rain forest zoo by the river, Gudenaa, in transparent domes representing different continents. 60 km from GrenaaAarhus - Denmarks second largest town, with several international attractions, such as, The Old Town, Den gamle By, 60 km from GrenaaFjord og Kystcentret – visiting centre related to Randers Fjord in Voer 45 km from Grenaa – focus on activities with regards to fish, fishing and shore biology, exhibits, boat rentals, and guided tours. Mini car ferry across Randers FjordHerring fishing at Voer in Randers Fjord – seasonal - 45 km from GrenaaKalø Castle - ruined castle on a peninsula with bights, inlets on southern Djursland 35 km from GrenaaMols Bjerge National Park – Hilly ice age like steppe landscape – walks, sightseeing drives, and horseback riding, on southern Djursland 30 km south of GrenaaDjurslands medieval country churches. Thorsager is known for an atypical round church. Udby church by Randers Fjord is a picturesque navigation mark for incoming shipsKalø Vintage Car Rally (Tirsdagstræf) – Popular gatherings for motor enthusiasts, every Tuesday afternoon and evening except in winter, close to Kalø Castle Ruin on southern Djursland, 32 km from GrenaaDjurs Sommerland - Amusement park. The largest attraction on Djursland with regards to number of visitors. 22 km from GrenaaThe Agricultural Museum, Landbrugsmuseet, Farmlife through the times. Extensive historical vegetable gardens and fruit orchards at Gl. Estrup Castle, by the town, Auning, 35 km from GrenaaThe Manor Museum, Herrregårdsmuseet, at Gl. Estrup Castle, by the town, Auning, 35 km from GrenaaKatholm Castle, 6 km south of GrenaaRosenholm Castle - by Hornslet, plus other castles and manor houses on DjurslandGolf - Lübker Golf Resort by Nimtofte, also other golfing and golf-resorts such as by Grenaa-, Ebeltoft and UggelbølleMunkholm Zoo – Zoo for families with small children. Including friendly animals, and no long walks. 14 km from GrenaaRee Safari Park – Zoo - In hills including savanna-like landscapes. Also large animals. 22 km from GrenaaSkandinavisk Dyrepark – Zoo - Park with extensive Nordic wildlife including brown- and polar bears. 22 km from GrenaaGlasmuseet, Ebeltoft. Modern international glass art and craftsmanship. Also local glass-craft workshops in the Ebeltoft-area. 31 km from GrenaaJylland, Ebeltoft – One of the world's largest wooden warships, restoration for 15 million euros completed in 1998. 31 km from GrenaaDjurslandMolsMols Bjerge National ParkGrenaaEbeltoftGlatved BeachDanish steam frigate JyllandKalø Vintage Car RallyKatholm CastleKalø CastleGrenaa BeachBønnerup StrandCliffs of SangstrupLake Stubbe
