Celebrating Denmark’s bountiful sea In Denmark, you are never more than 52 kilometres away from the coast, and with 8,750 kilometres of coastline, it is no wonder that Danes have a close connection to the sea. Limfjorden cuts through northern Denmark and is famed for some of the world’s best oysters and for having a wide range of delicious seafood. Limfjorden and its many delicacies are celebrated at Skaldyrsfestival, the shellfish festival in Nykøbing Mors every year, where young and old gather to enjoy the best of the sea. By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Skaldyrsfestivalen
On 5 and 6 June 2020, Nykøbing Mors harbour will host over 16,000 guests, who are there to try Limfjorden’s delicacies. The harbour will fill with tents serving everything from a traditional Danish fiskefrikadelle (fish cake) to fresh oysters and beer-steamed mussels – all while there are also plenty of events for young and old, where they can learn more about the local area. “There really is something for everyone, and the atmosphere is great. Whether you want to simply drop by to have lunch, spend the whole day here or have the popular, and often sold out, seafood 50 | Issue 134 | March 2020
buffet in the evening, it can all happen here,” explains Lars Tang, chairman of Skaldyrsfestivalen.
Exploring the local area Throughout the festival, there are events happening that allow young and old to learn more about the local area. Skaldyrsfestivalen works closely with the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), who put on an event for kids where they can touch and taste the animals from Limfjorden. “It’s a complete kids’ dream where everything is explained in fun and interactive ways and where everything is allowed,” says Tang.
There are also RIBs and boats taking guests out to the sea to fish and explore the local mussel farm. “It’s important to us that people feel more connected with their food and understand more about where their seafood comes from and why it’s important to take care of the local environment. It’s always exciting to realise the many treasures our backyard holds,” Tang enthuses.
Eat to your heart’s content The best way to showcase the bountiful Limfjord is to make the most of the delicacies it has to offer. The stands provide a great opportunity to try a variety of the food on offer or enjoy dinner while looking out towards the sea. The festival also puts on a seafood platter that can be shared between two to four people. This year, the festival is also making a tapas board with small delicacies for two to three people to share. Both the platter and the board are created by the chefs at the festival and have different