Ålborg, Denmark

While Ålborg may not be the first place that comes to mind as an international travel hub, this hidden gem is Denmark's fourth-largest city, boasting around 120,000 residents. Scandinavian Airlines is taking notice of its charm, launching new flights from Newark Liberty International three times a week from April through October. Wander through the cobbled streets of Ålborg's old town, adorned with half-timbered houses and pastel exteriors, or explore the attractively renovated waterfront, home to the newly revamped Pier 5 Hotel. Delve into the city's vibrant cultural scene with visits to its modern art museum, architecture center, and the recently opened Regan Vest, a Cold War museum housed in a former bunker since February 2023. Ålborg serves as a gateway to North Jutland, offering access to the dramatic coastline near Skagen, a longtime haven for Danish artists, as well as the windswept dunes of Thy National Park. Notably, the region is also home to 2,000-year-old Viking ring fortresses, recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site