European Cruise Ports You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
26. Esbjerg, Denmark: A Viking Coastal Secret

Forget Copenhagen—Esbjerg is Denmark’s rugged coastal gem. Located on the North Sea, this off-the-beaten-path port is the gateway to the Wadden Sea National Park, a UNESCO-listed wildlife haven famous for its seal colonies and tidal flats. Take a ferry to Fanø Island, where you’ll find thatched-roof cottages, endless sandy beaches, and a peaceful escape from modern life. Back in Esbjerg, don’t miss the "Man Meets the Sea" sculpture—a massive, haunting set of four giant white figures gazing at the horizon.