Esbjerg, Denmark

South Jutland's only city is ESBJERG – and if this is your first view of the country, bear in mind it's an entirely untypical one. Esbjerg is a baby by Danish standards: purpose-built as a deep-water harbour during the nineteenth century, it went on to become one of the world's biggest fishing ports. Nowadays, it's used as a supply point for the North Sea oil industry and holds a large fish-oil factory, though it does maintain an air of its original Victorian-era charm, and handsome townhouses abound. Since both DFDS Seaways ferries and regular Ryanair and British Midland flights from the UK arrive here, you may find yourself staying for a few days. If you do, there are a few places worth a nose, most notably the Esbjerg Performing Arts Centre and the Fisheries Museum. The city also makes a great base from which to explore the surrounding area, particularly the superb beaches on the island of Fan, a short ferry ride away.