2 Best Sights in Jutland, Denmark

Rising gracefully over the center of town, the Aarhus Cathedral was originally built in 1201 in a Romanesque style but was expanded and redesigned into a Gothic cathedral in the 15th century. Its soaring, whitewashed nave is one of the country's longest. The cathedral's highlights include its chalk frescoes in shades of lavender, yellow, red, and black, which grace the high arches and towering walls. Dating from the Middle Ages, they depict biblical scenes and the valiant St. George slaying a dragon and saving a maiden princess in distress. Also illustrated is the martyrdom of St. Clement, who was drowned with an anchor tied around his neck. He became a patron saint of sailors. Climb the tower for bird's-eye views of the rooftops and streets of Aarhus.

Ribe Cathedral stands on the site of one of Denmark's earliest churches, built around AD 860. The present structure, which dates from the 12th century, is built of a volcanic tufa stone, transported by boats from quarries in Cologne, France. Note the Cat Head Door, said to be for the exclusive use of the devil. The 14th-century brick bell tower once clanged out flood and fire warnings to Ribe's citizens and today affords sweeping views of the town's red-slate rooftops and surrounding marshes. A museum dedicated to the story of the church, as well as to religious life in the area before and after the Reformation, is part of the church.