Cold Archives - Com Namibia

At first glance, there is nothing about this coast that sets it apart from any other North Sea shoreline battered by wind. Yet, for about thirty years, it has built a solid reputation among surfing enthusiasts. Today, this region is undergoing a new metamorphosis: alongside wind-surfing schools and wild beaches, there are now Michelin-starred restaurants, contemporary art galleries, and even an outpost of the National Gallery of Denmark.

An evolution that makes “Cold Hawaii,” in Denmark’s Jutland, one of the most remarkable destinations in Northern Europe.

Waves That Changed the Destiny of This Danish Coast

The name may provoke a smile, but it has become a true hallmark. The expression “Cold Hawaii” appeared in the 1990s within the international surfing community, before being popularized by windsurfing world champion Josh Stone. This Danish coast owes its nickname to the contrast between its renowned waves, likened to those of Hawaii, and the frigid North Sea climate, and it designates nearly 50 kilometers of coastline between Hanstholm and Agger, where 31 official surf spots line the shore.

Here, there are no palm trees or turquoise water. The beaches stretch at the foot of the dunes, heathlands, and the forests of Thy National Park, the first national park in Denmark. The sea temperatures also necessitate wearing a wetsuit for much of the year, but that does not deter surfers, windsurfers, or stand-up paddle enthusiasts from enjoying the conditions offered by the North Sea.

The village of Klitmøller has become the nerve center of this scene. Each year, it hosts an international surfing competition and sees practitioners from all over Europe pass through. Surrounding this activity a new economy has developed: specialty shops, surf schools, coworking spaces, spas, and even a wine bar have gradually replaced the image of a simple coastal village. Several artists have also chosen to settle there, including the Danish visual artist Jeppe Hein.

The transformation is also evident in Vorupør. Once almost exclusively fishing-oriented, the village now attracts Danish, German, and Belgian visitors. New accommodations, restaurants, and shops are multiplying, without the sector losing its peaceful atmosphere, especially outside the summer season.

A Destination That Now Bets on Gastronomy and Contemporary Art

While Cold Hawaii remains a favored destination for water-sports enthusiasts, the region is now seeking to appeal to culture and gastronomy lovers. In 2022, chef Nicolas Min Jørgensen opened the Tri restaurant, awarded a Michelin star just one year later. His cuisine relies almost exclusively on local resources: North Sea fish and seafood, products from the nearby Limfjord, and ingredients gathered in Thy National Park.

The cultural development is equally spectacular. In 2025, the National Gallery of Denmark opened SMK Thy, an outpost installed in Doverodde, about a thirty-minute drive from Vorupør. The venue occupies a 42-meter-high grain silo dating from the 1960s, completely refurbished to host exhibitions. Visitors can notably discover the Living Landscapes exhibition, shown until October 18, which brings together works by Claude Lorrain, Edvard Munch, and the Danish artist Rasmus Myrup.

This surprising installation in a rural region has nevertheless quickly found its audience. “It’s hard to understand how the National Gallery of Denmark ended up in this peaceful region of Jutland, but it is already enjoying real success”, writes journalist Alice Godwin in The Guardian.

Just a few kilometers away, on the other side of the Limfjord, another project confirms this momentum. Opened in 2023 in an old barn on the medieval Boddum Bisgaard estate, the Kunsthal Thy gallery presents works by Danish and international artists specializing in sculpture, video, or contemporary installations.

For a long time regarded as a discreet destination reserved for surfing enthusiasts, Cold Hawaii is thus establishing itself as a territory where nature, gastronomy, and contemporary creation now progress in concert. A distinctive identity that allows this stretch of the Danish coastline to stand out from the country’s more frequented seaside resorts.

The cold air on airplanes has numerous health benefits

Additionally, the cool air in an aircraft helps keep passengers more alert, thus enabling quicker responses in cases of sudden turbulence or during an evacuation. It also contributes to slowing the heart rate, regulating breathing, stabilizing blood oxygen levels, and helping to prevent nausea and motion sickness by easing the body’s thermoregulation system and restoring its balance.

“Maintaining a cooler temperature in the airplane cabin also helps regulate the interior humidity” he explained. According to him, the low ambient humidity accelerates the evaporation of sweat and can lead to immediate dehydration. However, the increased ventilation prevents passengers from getting too hot, which slows evaporation. It also neutralizes the water vapor in the air, making the atmosphere feel less suffocating.

Travelers who tend to wrap themselves up in multiple light layers often end up stripping down rather quickly. Especially since in a closed cabin where hundreds of passengers are gathered, the crowding can indeed raise the temperature significantly. “You’re probably bundled up in a blanket, you may be wearing a hoodie to stay warm, and the person next to you is just a few inches away. With everyone’s body heat, you’ll quickly start feeling very warm”, the expert revealed.

Where to sit on the plane to avoid the cold?

For passengers who want to steer clear of the coldest areas of the aircraft, it’s best not to sit near the emergency exits, where icy air can seep in through door seals. Similarly, window seats are often cooler, as they are more exposed to the exterior of the aircraft. “The galleys”, these spaces devoted to cooking and meal preparation on board a plane, “are always colder than the rest of the aircraft,” notes Bobby Laurie.

Not only are they typically located close to a door, but they also house the powerful refrigeration units used to preserve the food. Yet the most effective approach remains to plan for warmly layered clothing, because, “on a domestic flight with 150 to 200 other passengers, it will be hard to please everyone at once”, he concludes.

Europe’s Coast Nicknamed Cold Hawaii Draws More Visitors

Waves That Changed the Destiny of This Danish Coast

A Destination That Now Bets on Gastronomy and Contemporary Art

Why Is It So Cold on Planes? An Expert Explains

The cold air on airplanes has numerous health benefits

Where to sit on the plane to avoid the cold?