The North Atlantic Lighthouse: sleep where the lightkeepers once lived

Waking up in the assistants’ quarters of Denmark’s oldest west coast lighthouse is something few forget. Perched above the town of Hanstholm with the North Sea on one side and Thy National Park on the other, the flats at The North Atlantic Lighthouse in Hanstholm offer not just accommodation, but a historic atmosphere, unique cultural and culinary experiences – and a front-row seat to the wild heather-covered hills of the west coast.

Perched above what is now the popular exhibition space of the North Atlantic Lighthouse, each of the four lighthouse flats was once home to lighthouse staff and their families. And, though the flats are still a bit of a secret to most, those who stumble across them are immediately won over by their authenticity. “Everyone says the same thing: ‘I didn’t know you could actually stay here.’ But once they’ve experienced it, they always come back,” says general manager and lighthouse keeper, Simon Toftdahl Olesen. “Actually, many guests often book again right after leaving.”

Each flat is part of the listed building and has been carefully restored, with original colours, classic Danish furnishings, and wide sash windows. One of the unique attractions of a stay is, of course, the opportunity to climb the historic lighthouse to enjoy the stunning morning, evening, and midday views. The lighthouse is open from 9am to 9pm every day, and admission is free for staying visitors.

Between the sea and the heather

Built in 1843 and fully restored in 2017, The North Atlantic Lighthouse was once the most powerful lighthouse in the world. Today, it stands at the edge of Thy National Park, where wild heather-covered hills roll out to the sea. “It’s a funny contrast,” Olesen explains. “On one side, you have one of Northern Europe’s most pristine heath landscapes, with deer roaring in the distance. On the other hand, you’ve got Denmark’s largest fish landing port, with the biggest fish auction in Northern Europe. We sit right between them.”

The location is ideal for nature lovers with hiking, cycling, and wildlife experiences just steps away. But it is also well-connected. “We’re not a remote reserve. The town is ten minutes away on foot, and there are grocery stores, restaurants – even a surf club headed by one of the highly successful local surfers,” says Olesen.

The local dining scene includes Hanstholm Madbar: “a kind of mix between a hipster hangout and a local fisherman’s diner,” as Olesen calls it. The North Atlantic Lighthouse also has its own seasonal café and restaurant, currently operated by Simon Basballe and Emilie Qvist Kjærgaard, two chefs with Michelin experience. “It’s relaxed, warm, and focused on local produce with this homey feel and big communal tables – people love it,” says Olesen. For visitors looking for an extra special treat, the Michelin-starred Restaurant Tri in Thy might be just the thing.

A layered cultural destination

While the landscape and historic atmosphere might be what draws guests initially, the cultural programme also sets The North Atlantic Lighthouse apart. The entire complex is a listed heritage site, which means careful preservation but also rich storytelling potential. The former machine hall and Assistants’ Quarters now host rotating exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and screenings.

Since 2019, The North Atlantic Lighthouse has run a professional art programme. Each year, a curated selection of artists exhibits new works that respond directly to the site’s dramatic setting. “Almost all the artists stay here while they work,” says Olesen. “And that’s part of the magic. The light, the wind, the views – it gets into the art.”

The current exhibition, Everything Soft Slowly Turned to Bone, continues that tradition, exploring transformation and fragility in site-specific ways. In the past, The North Atlantic Lighthouse has hosted prominent artists from Canada to Finland, the Baltic, and everywhere in between.

Guests staying in the flats have free access to the exhibitions.

Steeped in history, the flats at The North Atlantic Lighthouse in Hanstholm offer an authentic and peaceful getaway

Not just a place to stay

For many guests, staying at The North Atlantic Lighthouse is more than just a typical holiday – it is a chance to disconnect, take in the surroundings, and enjoy a slower pace. “A lot of people tell us they came for the view, but left with something else entirely,” says general manager Simon Toftdahl Olesen. “It’s the kind of place where you start to think differently and slow down.”

Four of the lighthouse’s flats are available for booking via Airbnb, and the property has held Superhost status from the start. The fifth flat is kept in reserve and is often used by visiting writers or artists on short working stays. “We always have room if someone needs a quiet place to finish a manuscript or start something new,” Olesen says.

The apartments have private entrances, fully equipped kitchens, and bathrooms, and offer space for couples or small families, with dogs also welcome in two of the flats. Indeed, whether you are looking for hiking, art, or just a quiet break with the family dog, The North Atlantic Lighthouse can provide a memorable base for exploring this stunning part of Denmark.

Web: www.hanstholmfyr.dk
Airbnb: www.airbnb.dk/p/hanstholmfyr
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