The town of Hirtshals has a population of 6.665 (2004). Located on the North Sea, it is especially known for its fishing and ferry harbours. It is the home of the North Sea Museum, one of Denmark's largest tourist attractions. The museum has one of the largest aquariums in Europe. It was built in 1984 and was expanded in 1998 with an oceanarium, an aquarium with 4,5 million liter water. The museum has in its collection 70 different species. A fire in December 2003 destroyed the new expansion.

The Oceanarium was reopened in July 22, 2005. The town's 35 meter high lighthouse, Hirtshals fyr is a local landmark. Building was begun June 28, 1860, and it was first lit on January 1, 1863. It is constructed of red brick, and covered with Dutch tile. Fishing plays a big role for the town, as does tourism and the renting of summer homes. Hirtshals is Danish hometown for the Norwegian ferry company, Color Line. Each year thousands of Norwegian and German tourists travel back and forth from Hirtshals to Norwegian cities Oslo, Kristiansand and Larvik. The shops in Hirtshals thrive on the excessive number of Norwegian visitors, who shop regularly in the small town all year long.

Wikipedia articles for Hirtshals

• Nordsøen Oceanarium
• Hirtshals
• Denmark