10 Best Places to Visit in Denmark

Denmark is rolling out all kinds of entertainment, from heritage treats to architecture treasures, modern art, and delicious traditional cuisine. Here you can find the places that have no crowds and no rush, as well as those tourist attractions that are full of adventurous experiences.
Last updated: 22.07.2024

Not sure which cities to add to your tour to Denmark? You won't go wrong with Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Skagen, Roskilde, Aalborg, as they pack a hefty punch of activities and places to see!

Meeting seas, Skagen

If you're looking for some truly unique spectacles, go to Skagen, the northernmost tip of Denmark. Here you will find the so-called "mini desert" called Rabjerg Mile, which is the largest migrating dune in the country. Each year the wind moves it 15 meters up. It is predicted to cover the main road to Skagen in 100 years, so hurry, don't wait for too long!

Yet, Skagen’s best drawcard is its natural wonder - colliding seas. Can you imagine how thrilling is to walk right between 2 meeting seas, the Baltic and North? The waters have different colors, and even though their waves continuously clash into each other, they never merge.

Quick Denmark Facts

Location: Northern Europe, Jutland Peninsula
Biggest islands: Zealand, Funen, Falster, Bornholm
No. Islands: Over 400
Population: 5,770,906 (2019, April)
Currency: Dansh Krone (DKK)
Language: Danish

The Faroe Islands

Those in search of stunning rugged landscapes and outdoor activities should take a 2 or 3-day trip to the Faroe Islands, located in the North Atlantic Ocean. You can conveniently reach them by a short flight from Copenhagen (~3 hours flight). This is a paradise for those who enjoy birdwatching, diving, fishing, hiking, bicycling, kayaking, cycling, horse riding - you name it! Once you are there, you might even start questioning whether you are still on planet Earth.
The nature on the Faroe Islands is remarkable. We suggest to sail to Vestmanna bird cliffs and meet thousands of seabirds, and definitely don't skip Gasadalur village, which is home to the magnificent Mulafossur Waterfall.

Did you know?
Besids cliffs that can rival Ireland's Moher, Faroe Islands are also an ideal location for witnessing Northern Lights.

Nyhavn mini-port, Copenhagen

When you think of Denmark, what jumps into your mind? Most probably you picture those charming colorful houses, from pink to blue to yellow, and the old wooden fishing boats which are moored by them in petite docks. Did we guess correctly?
What you're most probably imagining is Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s historic harbor, now a modern hub, and one of the most visited places in entire Denmark.

Nyhavn is also home to the prettiest canal in Copenhagen and Amalienborg Palace! No wonder that the whole world’s favorite tale writer Hans Christian Andersen spend the majority of his life living there.

Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen

If we had to pick the number one place to visit in Copenhagen, we would choose the Tivoli Gardens without hesitation. It is one of the oldest amusement parks on our planet that opened its doors in 1843. It still has an original wooden roller coaster, can you imagine that!
This place now has become a national treasure, and we see why. Well, for starters, it is so charming! The Tivoli Gardens are a real fairytale, with lush gardens, and a magical amusement park.
Moreover, it is set in the middle of the city. So it's no surprise that Walt Disney himself traveled there for some inspiration!

What is Keukenhof?
Being home for around 7 million flower bulbs, Keukenhof is famous as one of the largest flower gardens on the planet.

LEGO House, Billund, Jutland

Looking for laid-back vacations? Visit Billund, a quiet rural town in Jutland.
Billund is famous for being the birthplace of Lego, and home for the original Lego factory and Legoland resort. Now it also has an enormous Lego House, with 6 experience zones where you can find inspiration for endless building possibilities.
If the thought that this place is only suitable for kids slipped your mind, you are mistaken. This area is noted by travelers of all ages for the beauty of the destination as well as for good food.

Tour the Castles, Copenhagen

If you love stepping back in time and getting close to the heritage of the country you visit, you will definitely enjoy exploring the renaissance and baroque interiors, beautifully decorated rooms, art collections and picturesque grounds of some of the oldest castles in Denmark.
Christiansborg Palace (which houses the Danish Parliament), Kronborg (Hamlet’s castle), Rosenborg Castle (a royal hermitage), Frederiksborg Castle (which houses the Museum of National History), and Amalienborg Palace (home of the Danish royal family) are just the tip of the castles iceberg of Denmark.
Of course, you'll only be able to explore them all if you have a lot of time for your Denmark travel, but we recommend to not miss out on at least one or two of these grand five places, especially if your Copenhagen itinerary has 3 or more days.

Must-visit castles in Denmark:

Kronborg Castle
Frederiksborg Castle
Egeskov Castle
Rosenborg Castle
Koldinghus Castle
Christiansborg Castle

Odense

Odense is often called a Danish cultural hotbed. In this city, the renown author Hans Christian Andersen and the famous composer Carl Nielsen were born, so of course, this city is special! You can find many fairy tale sculptures all around town and even feel like you're actually in a fairy tale yourself as you traverse the historical streets.
Time provided, visit such unique sights as Egeskov castle, a renaissance water castle that almost hasn’t changed since 1554, stop by the museum of Hans Christian Andersen, and go to the charming Carl Nielsen Funen Open-Air Village. These are just some of the many more attractions which you can put down on your agenda.

Follow the Vikings in Roskilde, Ribe & Aalborg

Are you an enthusiast of Viking times? Denmark has been shaped by Viking history, and Roskilde is a perfect place to feel it spiritually and historically. The Roskilde Viking Museum is famous for its massive reconstructed Viking ships dating from 1000 AD.
And if that is not enough, you can even go back to medieval times in nearby Ribe, which is believed to be one of the oldest towns in all Scandinavia. Alternatively, visit Lindholm Hoje, an extensive Viking burial site marked by rocks. This ancient former settlement has remnants of old buildings as well as burial sites.

Natural experiences, Aarhus

Did you know that Aarhus was founded by the Vikings in the 8th century? It is a heaven for those who love cities with ancient charm and enjoy wandering the cobbled streets, visiting various museums & exhibitions.
When in Aarhus, stroll its old town open-air museum “Den Gamle By”. Here you can step back in time and relive Danish history. It has an amazing reconstructed market town, where you can meet people who are dressed as they were at the end of the 19th century, learn what life back then was like and how they worked! We suggest you also put Møllestien street with 18th-century houses on your itinerary. You will feel like the time stood still there.

Traditional Danish dishes, Copenhagen

A trip to Denmark isn’t complete without a tasting tour of traditional Danish dishes. And no, you won't be served just potatoes and bacon everywhere you go!
Of course, their traditional Danish dishes tend to be somewhat heavy, but Danish cuisine has revolutionized. Copenhagen has even become one of the leading gastronomic destinations, noted for using organic, sustainable and local products. Certainly, you should try traditional Smørrebrød - open-faced sandwiches, Frikadeller - a meatball dish, Stegt Flæsk – Danish national food (fried pork belly), Spegesild – pickled herring, Citronfromage - lemon dessert, and Wienerbrod - the sweet breakfast pastry.

TIP:
Extend your exploration of Scandinavia by boarding Copenhagen to Stockholm train and making your way to Sweden.

If you're considering Denmark for your next getaway but still have doubts when to go, what to wear, or which sights to include to make it a trip of a lifetime, read this Trip Planner for Denmark and don't hesitate to contact our travel specialist if you have any questions. We can't wait to see you on one of our tours!

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