North Jutland is the furthest you'll get from the bright lights of Copenhagen, both geographically and in terms of the area's remote feel. Though it does have a few bright lights of its own in the shape of Aalborg, the country's fourth largest city, north Jutland has a distinctly no-nonsense, rural flavour; its population, meanwhile, are known for keeping themselves to themselves – understatement is the prevailing philosophy, and a modest smile here equates to what would be a raucous laugh in other parts of the country. The area is bisected by the Limfjorden, the body of water which connects the Skagerrak and Kattegat seas, and which served as the region's main transport artery for centuries until the western outlet at Agger (for more on which, West Jutland) was blocked off by sand drifts in 1100 (it reopened again in 1825). To the south of the Limfjorden and north of the much smaller Mariager fjord, the Himmerland area holds some remarkable remnants of the Viking era, most notable of which are the fortifications at Fyrkat and Aggersborg. More contemporary history comes to the fore at the country's largest forest, Rold Skov, where the tree-smothered hills of Rebild Bakker play host to the largest American Independence celebrations outside of the US each July; at other (quieter) times, Rold Skov – and specifically Rebild Bakker – offer some superb hiking and mountain-biking. Sitting snugly on the banks of Limfjorden, Aalborg is a convenient place to base yourself while exploring the region, with some great places to eat and party, and a few outstanding museums, too. To the north of the Limfjorden, the highlight of the Vendsyssel region is Skagen, a uniquely atmospheric town on the northern tip of Denmark, whose unusual natural light has long attracted artists. To the south, ferries from the east-coast port of Frederikshavn head out to the windswept island of Læsø, which offers an unusual history and an intriguing landscape. Southwest of Skagen, the Jammerbugt bay is graced with a string of excellent beaches and their accompanying line of holiday towns, which have served as the Danes' top vacation spots for decades. Here, Løkken is the destination of choice for party-hungry Danish teens and, unless you choose to join them, is best avoided.