Denmark is a country located in the northern part of Europe and the North Atlantic. While it is commonly known as Denmark, its official name is the Kingdom of Denmark, and it has sovereignty over Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Having been home to kings, queens, and other royalties, there are still castles and palaces that do not just feature architectural designs of the past era but also serve as a window through which one can have a peek at its history. Gifted with breathtaking charm and allure, the country and its islands have become a favorite sightseeing destination for nature lovers and history buffs. One way to appreciate this enthralling beauty is by staying in a countryside hotel. Denmark is also often visited for its happy and friendly folk. Whether you’re booking a few nights in one of their Airbnb vacation rentals or approaching them in case you get lost, they’ll be glad to assist you in times of need. Scroll down and we will show you a list of the best places to visit in Denmark.
1. Aarhus (from USD 118.14)
The city of Aarhus has seen many significant changes since its establishment back in the 8th century. One of the earliest settlements in all of Denmark, the location eventually grew into a thriving metropolis with countless shops, restaurants, and activities on offer. It even found its way into the list of the country’s biggest cities, second only to Copenhagen.
Aarhus is best known for successfully mixing old-world charms with striking modern designs. The historic Den Gamle By district and Aarhus Cathedral both give you a glimpse of Denmark during simpler times. The city’s contemporary architectural wonders, meanwhile, offer promising insights into the future ahead, as evident in attractions such as ARoS Aarhus Art Museum and Aarhus City Hall.
Aarhus: Insta-Perfect Walk with a Local
Duration: 1.5 hour
2. Møns Klint
The island of Møn in Denmark has tons of exciting things to do in store for adventure-seekers. It is home to Møns Klint, a set of chalk-textured cliffs so stunning that you can’t help but stop and marvel at its beauty. Its white earthy tones are juxtaposed with the blue-tinted waters of the Baltic Sea, resulting in a scenery similar to what you would usually see in the Caribbean!
Several locals and visitors have taken Møns Klint to their advantage with tons of thrilling outdoor activities. From kayaking on the shores overlooking the staggering cliffs and fishing to biking right on top of them, you will never get bored here!
3. Copenhagen (from USD 52.0)
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, has topped other cities worldwide in terms of livability. The city is clean, green, and famous for its sustainable urban plan. Add to this the people’s love for bicycles. On the streets, one can see thousands of people riding their bikes to school, to work, and to run errands. For long distances, there are buses and trains that operate 24 hours, making transport problems very rare. Here, you can explore castles and palaces, as well as neoclassical mansions that house a huge collection of royal jewels, artworks from the Danish Golden Age, and Scandinavia’s biggest collection of Islamic Art. The city is famous for several five-star restaurants that feature the works of renowned chefs. Visit the monument celebrating the Little Mermaid, or see the winter residence of The Kingdom of Denmark Monarch. Explore on your own or join guided tours to see more of Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Bus and Boat ticket, Valid 48 Hours
Duration: 45 to 90 minutes
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4. Svendborg
With its panoramic coast, Svendborg is one of the places to visit when you are in Denmark. This second-largest city in Funen Island has been called the city of festivals. You can time your visit according to the festival that you want to experience. Svendborg has a food festival, a sports festival, a music festival. and a cultural festival. It is also home to the Natural History Museum where there are exhibits of whale skeletons and bones and mounted stuffed birds and wild boars. Modern yachts and old schooners vie for attention in the city’s harbor where one can rent a boat and go island-hopping, fishing, and sailing. You can shop to your heart’s desire or enjoy excellent food and drinks in different restaurants, bars, and cafes.
5. Romo Island
If you are a beach buff, make Romo Island your next summer destination. Every year, the island teems with local and foreign tourists all seeking to enjoy the beach and the sun. People from the mainland arrive through the causeway, many in their bikes while Germans from the neighboring German island Sylt arrive by ferry. One can go swimming, sunbathing, and strolling while in the afternoon, people quietly wait to watch the glorious sunset. During winter, ice and frost mix with the sand as the wind and surf pound the shore.
6. Odense
Odense is the capital of the island of Funen and ranks third among the biggest cities of Denmark. This place is rich in culture and history. Hans Christian Andersen, the most renowned author of fairy tales, was born here in 1805 and his childhood home is still standing where it used to be, now being used as a museum. The place retains its old charm with its cobbled streets where Andersen used to walk. His huge statue in the Fairy Tale Garden and a mural of his face immortalize the writer. Being an urban city, Odense has shops, restaurants, bars, and coffee houses where visitors can enjoy sumptuous food and excellent drinks. Several festivals draw a big number of tourists to this city all year round.
7. Mon Island
Mon Island is located in the south-eastern part of Denmark. It belongs to the region of Zealand. Rich with natural beauty and a history that goes back thousands of years ago, Mon has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Denmark. People come to see the white cliff that rises from the shore. Covered with verdant and lush vegetation and with fossils on the cliff face that were declared to be 70 million years old, it has been regarded with awe and respect. The local churches are also reminiscent of a bygone era as depicted on the frescos. Burial mounds that date back to the Neolithic era are haunting, yet, visitors keep coming to see them. The long sandy shore and the chalk-white sand beneath the water make it look transparent and pristine. You can go hiking or go sailing. There are museums and a geocenter in the area. You can hike in the forest that crowns the cliff and get a chance to spot the peregrine falcon, which is one of the biggest raptors and inhabits the island. Because of its rare flora and fauna, UNESCO assigned it as a biosphere reserve, the first in Denmark.
8. Vejle
If you are looking for a vacation that has something to offer everyone, then, head to Vejle, a small town in Denmark located at the head of the Vejle Fjord in the southeast part of the Jutland Peninsula. The pleasurable experience seems to be endless–from nature at its best, to breathtaking adventure, to gastronomic delights and shopping sprees.
History buffs, artists, architects, and engineers will find something to capture their minds and hearts. Go biking with your family and enjoy the scenic beauty of Vejle. For those who might feel old but young at heart, join those who love to climb trees and reminisce about the fun of your childhood days.
9. Skagen
Skagen is a lovely city in the northernmost part of Denmark. Located where the Baltic and the North Sea meet, some people come here to have a chance to stand on that exact spot. Beaches with white sand stretch for miles making it an ideal place for beach lovers and watersport enthusiasts. Upland, the panoramic landscape delights nature lovers. Migratory birds take a rest here after their long flight. Others go on with their journey after a few days of rest while others remain to inhabit the area. There are hiking and cycling trails and marked paths for those who love horseback riding. Because of its scenic beauty, painters come here to capture in their canvass the ethereal beauty of the place, Come during the Skagen Festival and roam around the city that is filled with music. If you happen to visit in June, witness the burning of a huge bonfire on St. John’s Eve. Being a fishing village for centuries, restaurants serve seafood with ingredients fresh from the sea.
10. Kolding
Kolding is a small city in the southeastern part of Denmark. Located at the mouth of the Kolding Fjord and at the heart of Denmark, the place is home to many outdoor activities and serves as an excellent home base for people who plan to explore Denmark. Here, you can find a real castle, the Kolding Castle, which was founded in the year 1268 and which has been a major part of the history of Kolding and of Denmark. Displayed in the castle are silverware, paintings, and sculptures of the past era. For furniture designers and collectors, Trapholt Museum displays all kinds of furniture with varied designs.
11. Silkeborg
Visit Silkeborg and find out why it has been named as the outdoor capital of Denmark. With several lakes and a forested area, Silkeborg is known as the leading relaxation destination by families, offering activities for all ages. You can go boating, fishing, paddling, sailing, and swimming. The Lake District has cycling and hiking trails, as well as paths for horseback riding enthusiasts. Feel the coolness of the forest as you cycle along lovely trails and paths. Learn the history and culture of the city by visiting its various museums and galleries as well as visiting the old rail tracks. There is an aquarium and a wildlife zoo, a birds of prey show, a labyrinth, and a mini-golf.
12. Fredericia
Fredericia used to be a fortress town in Jutland, Denmark. It was established in 1650 by Frederick III and so the town was named in his honor. In fact, his statue now stands at the gate of the city. A watchtower sits on the wall of the city and anyone approaching can be seen from its ramparts. Today, it offers a great view of the surroundings. Fredericia has a strategic location being connected to almost all the major cities of Denmark, It also has a large and busy seaport. You can explore the place by car, by bike, or on foot. Many tourist attractions are relevant to the city’s history.
13. Aalborg
Come and visit the ancient city of Aalborg, which dates back to 1,000 years ago. The place still has the mystical burial mounds of the Vikings who stayed after their ships passed on their way to Limfjord. Today, Aalborg has become famous for being a cultural hub and home to several structures featuring iconic architectural designs. Explore the Museum of Modern Art and see masterpieces by famous international and local artists. Discover Danish street food in an old furniture factory converted into a street food center. Swim, sail, and kayak in the clean water at the baths in Limfjord. Walk around the city and take a look at the colorful street art or go up the tower and enjoy the view of the city from above.
14. Ribe
Ribe is the oldest town in Denmark. Its cobblestone streets were built in the 9th century while the half-timber houses date back from the 16th century. One feature that the streets and the houses had in common is their being crooked. It also has the oldest church in Denmark. Despite the passage of time, these structures are still well-preserved. Ribe has been declared a preservation area by the National Trust. Being close to the Wadden Sea, Ribe is surrounded by a wide expanse of wetland that serves as habitat to several species of plants and animals. The town itself can be explored on foot. Visit a reconstructed Viking estate manned by Vikings that are willing to share their history. The Wadden Sea Center offers multimedia presentations about storm surges. There are guides that can take visitors around the area.
15. Hirtshals
Hirtshals is a seaport town located on the coast of Skagerrak in the Jutland Peninsula. Its inhabitants are mostly fishermen. Although the place is not strikingly beautiful, thousands of tourists from Norway come to shop and relax on the beaches. The nearest Norwegian island to Hirtshals is around three hours by ferry. Aside from the beaches, people come to see the North Sea Aquarium, which is one of the biggest aquariums in Northern Europe. There are shallow pools where one can be near enough to touch the seals and a playground where children can have fun.
16. Bornholm
Bornholm is an island in the Baltic Sea and is a part of Denmark. It is near Sweden, Germany, and Poland. Because of its strategic location, several countries fought to control it. It became a part of Sweden, occupied by the Russians and the Germans, but later returned to Denmark. Mother Nature has been kind to it as the island is endowed rocky cliffs, white beaches, and verdant forests. Painters come here to capture the ethereal light that they cannot find somewhere else. Round-shaped churches dot the island. Kayaking, rock climbing, and diving for sunken ships are just a few of the activities for the adventurous. There are beaches, hiking trails, restaurants, and cafes and bars to make your visit more convenient and fun.
17. Hillerod
Hillerod is located at the heart of North Zealand, around 30 kilometers (18.64 miles) north of Copenhagen. It is famous as the home of the Castle of Frederiksborg, the seat of the kings of Denmark. Aside from its grand architecture, it has a baroque garden on its grounds. Today, the castle serves as The Museum of National History. Hillerod used to have abbeys but they are now in ruins. Being a transport hub, there are trains that go to North Zealand and other nearby destinations.
18. Gilleleje
Gilleleje is a commercial fishing town on the island of Zealand. The town was established in the 16th century. Several families lived in the town but when life became hard, several of them left to live inland. Everything changed when a harbor was built as commercial fishing brought prosperity once again. During the second world war, the citizens of Gilleleje helped Danish Jews to escape into Sweden. Today, this town has attracted thousands of visitors because of several big festivals and its proximity to Copenhagen. It has shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars that are as good as those in other major cities in Denmark.
19. Helsingor
Helsingor is located in eastern Denmark and is considered as an important port city. The Swedes can easily cross the Oresund Strait to Helsingor considering that distance between it and Sweden is narrowest at this point. It is also famous for Kronborg, a 15th-century castle that was the setting of the story of Hamlet. The city still features half-timbered houses and streets of cobblestone, which are characteristics of the ancient houses and streets in Denmark. One can easily go around on foot or by bike. The National Maritime Museum displays exhibits that tell of the Danish seamen’s prowess at sea. A 15th-century church is still standing here, as well as a monastery. The Queen would sometimes stay at The Fredensborg Palace during which people can witness the changing of guards ceremony. The baroque-style garden has breathtaking beauty and charm.
20. Esbjerg
Located in the seacoast of the Jutland Peninsula is Esbjerg, the second biggest seaport of Denmark. Esbjerg’s flourishing fishing, shipping, and agricultural industries led to the city’s rapid growth and development. Now a prosperous city, it boasts of excellent entertainment venues, restaurants, bars, cafe, and shops. There are museums, theaters, art centers, and educational institutions that are well-known worldwide.
21. Frederikshavn
Frederikshavn is located in the northern part of Denmark, on the Jutland Peninsula. The strategic location of the town in the Baltic Sea has made it important to the naval force of Denmark. There are ferry services going to Oslo in Norway and to Gothenburg in Sweden and it has become common for people from these countries to visit Frederikshavn for a day or two to go shopping or relax on the long stretches of sandy beaches of the town. Several harbors, a naval base, and marinas can be found in the different parts of the city. For a taste of history and culture, visit the Bangsbo Museum and witness several festivals such as the Tordenskiold Festival, Bangsbo Flower Festival, and the Lighting Festival.
22. Billund
If you have a Lego set at home, chances are it was made in Billund, Denmark. This town in Jutland grew because of the presence of the Lego Group, maker of Lego bricks that are being distributed all over the world. As a company town, Billund has become a tourist destination. People come to enjoy the rides and other attractions at Legoland Billund Resort Theme Park. For those people spending a holiday, Legoland Holiday Village is the best place to go with dining and mini-golf while there are water activities at the Aquadome Billund Water Park. View the Lego House, which is 23 meters (75.4 feet) tall, and Givskud Zoo where different kinds of animals can be seen.
23. Kerteminde
Discover Denmark’s garden by the sea, Kerteminde. Located on the island of Funen in Central Denmark, the place is endowed with beauty and charm. Here, you can see the Ladby ship (a ship used as a grave of the Vikings after it was excavated years ago). This was the only one that existed in Denmark. From the find, it was surmised that the person was buried along with 11 horses and a few other pets. Kerteminde is also home to many bird species, from the domesticated to the untamed. Bird painters come here to capture in canvas the beauty of these birds. The paintings are displayed at Johannes Larsen Museum. There is also a research center for fish and porpoises.
24. Ebeltloft
Ebeltoft is a city in East Jutland and home to Denmark’s pride, the Battle Frigate Jylland, which gave the Danish Navy the power to rule the sea. Ebeltoft is more than 600 years old but the half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets of the past are still intact and standing at the town. The small town hall that was built in 1789 is converted into a museum. The ancient dungeon is still there and can be accessed through a trapdoor on the floor of what is now the reception area. Exploring the town center brings back memories of ancient times. Today, Ebeltoft is home to the European Film College that stands on the scenic outskirts. Visitors are also drawn to Mols Bjerge National Park where there are restaurants and other unique dining places.
25. Anholt Island
Inhabited by around 150 permanent residents, Anholt Island is a small strip of land in Kattegat and lies between Jutland and Sweden. Only a small portion of the island is occupied as the rest is composed of sand dunes and sea beds. This area has never been cultivated and is believed to have maintained its features since the stone age. During the summer season, tourists come to enjoy the pristine water and beautiful beaches of the island. During this time, the port is lined with yachts and other seagoing vessels owned by Germans, Norwegians, Swedes, and Danish residents who love sailing for pleasure.
26. Jammerbugt
Make Jammerbugt your next destination, where natural beauty and exciting outdoor activities await those with an adventurous spirit. Ironically, Jammerbugt translates to the Bay of Misery, a moniker it earned during the time when boats were grounded on the shore. Today, it is one of the popular tourist destinations in North Jutland. The series “The Beach Hotel” was mostly shot in this place. On sunny days, visitors can enjoy hiking or biking. The mountain bike system in the area is unique and offers several levels of difficulty both for the novice and the professionals. The beaches are outstanding, with several featuring white sand. Nearby is Farup Sommerland, an ideal family holiday destination.
27. Faaborg
Considered as the gateway to the archipelago, Faaborg is one of the oldest towns on the island of Funen. Its narrow streets of cobblestone and the beautiful houses of the rich merchants attest to the prosperity that Faaborg had as a market town. Towering over the town is the Bell Tower, which was the only part that was left to stand when the old church was demolished. Today, visitors come to see and hear the Bell Tower chime the hour as well as to feast their eyes on the biggest collection of the works of local painters of Funen. The harbor is lined with pleasure boats owned by the affluent sailing enthusiasts. A waterpark has recently been built, attracting a bigger number of tourists to the city.
28. Herning
Herning is a city in the Jutland Peninsula. It used to have a flourishing textile industry but today, its industry is diversified. The biggest exhibition and entertainment center in Scandinavia is found in this city. It has served as a venue for trade fairs, conferences, concerts, exhibits, and other events that draw big crowds. Currently, several big sports events are already scheduled to take place in 2020. If you want to learn about the early life in Herning, including farming and the textile industry, visit Herning Museum.
29. Randers
Discover Elvis Presley in Randers, Denmark. This city in Jutland in Central Denmark features a mansion that has been patterned from the rock star’s home in the USA and on display are memorabilia about Elvis Presley. Aside from this attraction, Randers is also famous for the Randers Tropical Zoo set in an artificial rainforest where many species of plants and animals can be found. Randers Storcenter has become a landmark. It is one of the biggest shopping malls in the area housing 58 stores. Every year, people come to shop, dine, and have fun.
30. Faroe Islands (from USD 221.0)
The Faroe Islands sit halfway between Norway and Iceland and are an archipelago made up of 18 islands, one of which is not inhabited by man. These islands are connected by underground tunnels, bridges, and ferries. Colorful houses line the shores and each boasts of a great view of the harbor, which is seldom possible in other countries. Most of the places are unspoiled and unexploited considering the handful of tourists that come to the area. For people who love being alone and independent, make the Faroe Islands your next destination. There are bars, shops, and restaurants in the area but they open as late as 5pm and close at 9pm. If you are expecting nightlife, it is very short on this island. Instead, go on hikes on its rugged terrain where you can scope several seabirds inhabiting the area or enjoy island-hopping and see the splendor and the stunning beauty of all the other islands.
Faroe Islands - the ultimate day tour
Duration: 4 hours
31. Roskilde (from USD 93.0)
Considered as the city of the Vikings and monarchs, this city near Copenhagen was founded by the Vikings who sailed into the fjord and stayed to reside in the area now known as Roskilde. It is famous for its cathedral where 38 monarchs were laid to rest. The city is also home to the Viking Ship Museum where the five Viking ships that sailed into the fjord are displayed. The Viking ships are reconstructed with the hope of giving everyone the experience of sailing in one. Every year, tourists from all over the world come to attend the Roskilde Festival, which is the biggest and most attended music festival in Europe. Restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops line the pedestrian street that runs down the city center.
Copenhagen to Roskilde: Full Day Viking Tour with Ship Museum
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
Discover the Kingdom of Denmark
Denmark has several interesting places to see in Europe, with its numerous islands that boast of natural beauty and exciting adventures. It is home to several popular brands worldwide–one of them being LEGO. The cobblestone streets of several centuries ago remain despite the modernization and economic progress of the different towns that are now teeming cities. If you want to see the old and the new, make the best places to visit in Denmark your next destination.
Frequently asked questions about the best places to visit in Denmark
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