Introduction
Port town in DenmarkEbeltoft
EbeltoftPort townThe former town hall of Ebeltoft
Coat of armsEbeltoftLocation in DenmarkShow map of DenmarkEbeltoftEbeltoft (Central Denmark Region)Show map of Central Denmark RegionCoordinates: 56°11′37″N 10°40′41″E / 56.19361°N 10.67806°E / 56.19361; 10.67806CountryDenmarkRegionCentral Denmark (Midtjylland)MunicipalitySyddjursArea • Urban7.3 km2 (2.8 sq mi)Population (2026) • Urban7,437 • Urban density1,000/km2 (2,600/sq mi) • Gender 3,550 males and 3,887 femalesDemonymEbeltofterTime zoneUTC+1 (CET) • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)Postal codeDK-8400 EbeltoftWebsitewww.ebeltoftby.dk
Ebeltoft is an old port town on the central east coast of Denmark with a population of 7,437 (1 January 2026). It is located in Syddjurs municipality in Region Midtjylland on the larger Djursland peninsula of Jutland.
Ebeltoft is known for its old town center with cobble-stoned streets and centuries-old half-timbered houses. Plans for the conservation of this peculiar environment, was initiated in the 1960s by the city council and the National Museum of Denmark. Apart from this overall old-village charm, Ebeltoft holds several other notable institutions such as Glasmuseet Ebeltoft, one of the world's first glass museums, Fregatten Jylland, the longest wooden warship in the world and the European Film College, offering short and long courses in film making, especially for young people.
Tourism
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Ebeltoft and the surrounding countryside is one of the tourist centres of Denmark, with many summer houses and rentals, a marina, a golf course and many child-friendly beaches. In spite of its relatively small size, Ebeltoft is quite lively, especially in the summer season. The population soars in June, July, and August - but all year round, there are many more people staying here than the official number of inhabitants suggests. This is due to the Danish phenomenon of 'summer houses' (holiday homes): most are made of wood but often quite luxurious, and there are several thousand in this area. The tourism, the old traditions of trade in this harbour town, and the international schools in the area probably explain why most people in this small town are open-minded and friendly towards foreigners. The town is, generally speaking, also well-to-do. Quite a few people work in the city of Aarhus, which is only 50 km away by road and so within commuting distance. The Aarhus Airport is just 15 km by road to the north.
Ebeltoft itself offers fewer and fewer opportunities for employment. Several large companies that used to employ unskilled labour are now closed; traditional trades, such as fishing and farming are diminishing rapidly; and the ferry line, Mols-linien, has moved quite a few of its employees to the ferry port of Aarhus. However, the town is popular with artisans, such as glass workers, potters, painters, and jewellery designers. The Glasmuseet Ebeltoft, which shows contemporary glass art from all over the world, was established in 1985 by Ebeltoft glass artists Finn Lynggaard and his wife, Tchai Munch. The many general stores and supermarkets - as well as hotels, restaurants, and bars - offer opportunities to make a living.
