Let’s get you to Denmark this time, the southernmost country in Scandinavia that’s also ranked as the happiest country in the world. The country of Vikings is home to many historical sites, palaces, and also the very first amusement park of the world; thus it’s not a surprise that millions of visitors are landing here every year, and you probably also have a plan. But do you realize that this country is an archipelago that comprises over 400 islands? Because of this, there is obviously a lot to see here. This is why we have prepared an extensive list of the best things to do in Denmark, which should help you explore this country in a better way. So, scroll down to find out more.
1. Tour the exceptional Christiansborg Palace (from USD 269.0)
Let’s begin the Denmark experience from Copenhagen as there are good chances that you would be starting your trip from the capital city. So take a look at this guided tour which takes you to a very worthy structure in this country, Christiansborg Palace; the present Danish parliament that has also hosted several royalties in the past. This travel program covers a comprehensive exploration of this building and besides, you will also be visiting the iconic Castle Garden, Rundetaarn observatory, and many important public squares.
Copenhagen City & Christiansborg Palace Private Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
2. Enjoy exhilarating rides at Djurs Summer Park
Djurs Sommerland is located in Djursland peninsula of Northern Jutland, with the nearest city being Randers at 36 kilometers (22 miles). It’s visited by nearly a million visitors per year, which makes this amusement park the fifth-largest tourist destination in Denmark. The park features a total of eight themed sections such as Afrikaland, Westernland, Bondegårdsland; which tries to imitate the different geographies of the world. Enjoy all the seven roller coaster rides in every themed area; fortunately, your admission to all the areas and the water-park is covered in a single ticket.
Djurs Sommerland
Address: Randersvej 17, 8581 Nimtofte, Denmark
Website: Djurs Sommerland
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on weekdays)
Price: From 43 USD
3. Explore the National Gallery of Denmark
Also known as the state museum for arts, it’s the national gallery for art and artisan that’s situated in the heart of Copenhagen. We’re suggesting this place to our art enthusiasts, who don’t have time to visit the many royal places in Denmark. Thanks to this museum, they can still have a look at thousands of Danish and Scandinavian relics from the 14th century to the present age under one roof. At the moment, their collection comprises nearly 240,000 artworks, about 9,000 paintings, over 2,600 plaster mold, and a lot of sculptures. It’s just too big to explore in a single trip.
National Gallery of Denmark/ Statens Museum for Kunst/ SMK
Address: Sølvgade 48-50, 1307 København K, Denmark
Website: National Gallery Denmark
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 14 - 18 USD; free for children
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4. Admire the remarkable architecture of Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg is a collective noun referring to the quad mansions in Copenhagen, which are situated next to Frederik’s Church. These identical rococo-styled architectures are built around an octagonal courtyard that shows an Equestrian statue of its founder; King Frederick V. Over the course of time, the Amalienborg châteaux are used by many noble families, and it is, therefore, a popular tourist attraction. This palace is forever guarded by the Danish Royal Life Guards, and their dress code looks quite similar to the British Foot Guard regiment. The splendid architecture of Amalienborg and the dressing of these royal guards look just picture-perfect.
Amalienborg Palace
Address: Amalienborg Slotsplads 5, 1257 København K, Denmark
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: Free
5. Ride exciting roller coasters at Farup Summer Park
As you may have gotten the information from the title itself, Fårup is a seasonal park. It is located in Fårup city in Northern Jutland, and it’s one of the oldest amusement parks in Denmark. Although Fårup is open only during the summers, it still receives over half-a-million visitors in such a short period. Once you’ll pay a visit, you will know why the park is so alluring. This park has six roller coasters, two water coasters, a grand scale water park, 4D cinema theater, and over 20 kiddies rides/sections.
Farup Summer Park
Address: Pirupvejen 147, 9492 Blokhus, Denmark
Website: Farup Summer Park
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily during summer)
Price: 29 - 59 USD
6. Head to the National Museum of Denmark
Please don’t confuse the National Museum and the National Gallery, since both attractions are located within Copenhagen. The gallery that we have looked at in the aforementioned head was an artisan exhibition, while The National Museum of Denmark is the largest museum of cultural history. It’s possibly the only place that covers 14,000 years of Danish and Scandinavian history. Here, you could learn the cultural side of this region from the days of Ice Age to the Viking and Middle Ages. The key areas within the museum are archaeology, ethnography, natural science, communication, etc.
National Museum of Denmark/ Nationalmuseet
Address: Prince’s Mansion, Ny Vestergade 10, 1471 København K, Denmark
Website: National Museum of Denmark
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 14 USD, free for children
7. Visit Rosenborg Castle with a personal guide (from USD 225.0)
We understand how a usual guided tour goes; many queries are left unanswered because of the group size, also the itineraries are rushed beyond anyone’s agreement. Put an end to all that deception and check out the recommended packages from our partners as we have tied up with just honest tour providers. For example, this travel program is fabricated for just a private group. Tour the city, also learn all you want about Rosenborg Castle by asking questions to your personal guide. This package covers the admission fee to the castle, and its route plan is also flexible.
3-Hour Private City Walking Tour including a Rosenborg Castle Ticket
Duration: 3 hours
8. Admire the art at ARoS Aarhus Art Museum
If you think that all the good things in Denmark are located within or nearby Copenhagen then think again because ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum is officially the oldest public art museum of this country outside the capital. It was founded in 1859 and it has functioned normally since then. Only the building has been modernized in recent years. This museum has several temporary and permanent art exhibitions, as well as an art shop, café, and a restaurant. The most spectacular thing about the ARoS Museum is its rainbow-toned glazed rooftop corridor; it shows the finest panoramic views of the city of Aarhus.
ARoS Aarhus Art Museum
Address: Aros Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
Website: ARoS Aarhus Art Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 9pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 22 USD
9. Check out modern art at Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is a one-of-a-kind museum; the historic society has nothing to do here, it was founded entirely because of one man’s endeavor. The museum was founded in the year of 1882 by Carl Christian Hillman Jacobsen, an antique collector and philanthropist, who also happens to be the son of the founder of the Carlsberg Breweries. His passion to collect relics delivered this gallery about 10,000 pieces of history; which are dated from the third millennium BC to the early centuries AD. The samples are gathered primarily from Egypt, France, Denmark, and Europe.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Address: Dantes Plads 7, 1556 København, Denmark
Website: Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Opening hours: Tue - Wed & Fri - Sun: 11am - 6pm; Thu: 11am - 9pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 17 USD, free for children
10. Explore the interiors of Roskilde Cathedral
The two towers at this cathedral stand 75 meters (248 feet) tall, making it another popular tourist attraction in Denmark. But not many people know the fact that this church is also the official burial ground for all the Danish kings and queens, except for Queen Caroline Mathilde. If you would like to pay tribute to the monarch, you may visit the sarcophaguses. The interior is also very enchanting at Roskilde Cathedral; since both Gothic and Romanesque architectural style was used. Apparently, it happened this way because the structure took two architectural timelines to get finished.
Roskilde Cathedral
Address: Domkirkepladsen 3, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
Website: Roskilde Cathedral
Price: 6 USD, free for children
11. Visit the fabulous Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Before we begin, please be clear that this museum has nothing to do with the state of Louisiana in the US. A nobleman ‘Alexander Brun’, who was the original owner of this country house had three wives, all were named Louise. So he named this property after his wives, and then the second owner Knud W. Jensen took over the property along with its name and converted it into a museum. It’s situated on the shores of Humlebæk, which is half an hour’s drive from Copenhagen. It’s the most visited art museum of this country, and the collection they exhibit here extends from the Second World War to the present day.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Address: Gl Strandvej 13, 3050 Humlebæk, Denmark
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 16 - 18 USD
12. Get ready for family fun at Dyrehavsbakken
Can you believe that our world has an amusement park that’s over 400 years old? Visit Dyrehavsbakken if you have doubts; it’s the oldest entertainment mecca on our planet, which has been functional since the year 1583. Also known as Bakken, this amusement park is located less than 10 miles (16 km) from the capital city. Dyrehavsbakken boasts six roller coasters along with 20 other rides, like the carousel, pinwheel, and more. Additionally, there are nine kiddy and one water-ride. You will also see five screening sections, one of which includes a 5D cinema experience.
Dyrehavsbakken/Bakken
Address: Dyrehavevej 62, 2930 Klampenborg, Denmark
Website: Dyrehavsbakken
Price: Free entry
13. Admire the 17th-century Rundetaarn
Rundetaarn or The Round Tower of Copenhagen, has the glory of being the oldest astronomical observatory in Europe. Built in the year 1642, this observatory was used by the University of Copenhagen until the late 19th century. Today, the tower is a famous landmark that still has a functional (only in winters) telescope-dome on its top. However, the refractor lenses are contemporary. Visit this amazing piece of history that has helped mankind comprehend astronomy. Also, admire the Dutch Baroque architectural style, and enjoy the 360-degree views of the city from its roof.
Rundetaarn/The Round Tower
Address: Købmagergade 52A, 1150 København, Denmark
Website: Rundetaarn
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 0.75 USD for children; 3.75 USD for adults
14. Go on a Segway tour of Copenhagen (from USD 78.0)
The Segway is probably the most incredible automotive invention of the 21st century; it’s easy to park, easy to ride, and easy on our environment. Since it’s known as the best mode of personal transportation, would you consider a city tour that’s driven entirely on Segway? Have a look at this travel program; this guided tour takes you to locations like the Old Royal Stock Exchange, the statue of Little Mermaid, palaces, and more landmarks. The package includes a round of drinks, and raincoats when it rain.
Copenhagen Segway Tour 2 Hours w. Guide
Duration: 2 hours
15. Tour the Maritime Museum of Denmark
Marine life enthusiasts would certainly love this place, but we believe that you might also admire this museum, so please take a look. The Maritime Museum of Denmark shows us a collection of trading and warships of the Scandinavian region from the 15th century to this day. You will find here artifacts, models, and photographs of nearly every Danish vessel, which shuttled between the far eastern countries. Their gallery has over 33,000 pictures and nearly 20,000 volumes in the library. Also, remember to visit their special exhibition which explains the tough life of a sailor in the bygone era.
Maritime Museum of Denmark
Address: Ny Kronborgvej 1, 3000 Helsingør, Denmark
Website: Maritime Museum of Denmark
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 18 USD; free for children
16. Explore The Viking Ship Museum
The Viking Ship Museum is somewhat comparable to our previously listed landmark as both exhibit ships. However, this museum has a tale to tell. It was an event from the middle of the 11th century when Denmark still belonged to the Vikings and the region feared an enemy attack. In order to guard the then capital city, Roskilde, the Vikings intentionally drowned some of their ships in the main waterway to prevent enemy vessels from entering. The five sunken ships were excavated in the early 1960s, and by the end of that decade, they were exhibited in this museum.
The Viking Ship Museum
Address: Vindeboder 12, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
Website: The Viking Ship Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: From 15 USD
17. Catch amazing views from Little Belt Bridge
Not to be confused with the suspension bridge by the same name in this same municipal, the heading refers to a kilometer-long truss bridge over Little Belt inlet. Besides, this truss bridge has been in operation for over three-decades more than the newly built suspension bridge. Although an overpass holds very little significance to a traveler, we’re suggesting you visit the Little Belt Bridge to enjoy the city views. Truss girder bridges are not something that we see so often, hence this will be an experience for you and the young ones.
Little Belt Bridge
Address: 5500 Middelfart, Denmark
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
18. Admire The Little Mermaid statue
The century-old bronze statue of The Little Mermaid was created by Edvard Eriksen, a Danish sculptor, and it has a good story. Because no one knows how an actual mermaid would look like, the artist carved the body of this figure just like his wife, Eline Eriksen; and the model of mermaid’s head as Danish actress, Ellen Price. There is nothing much to do here except taking some pictures, but please bear in mind that this statute is a renowned city attraction. Inspired by this sculpture, there are over 13 mermaid statues in the world presently. Anyway, now you know that Copenhagen has the original.
The Little Mermaid
Address: Langelinie, 2100 København Ø, Denmark
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
19. Enjoy a canal tour of Copenhagen (from USD 20.0)
The city of Copenhagen has a network of canals, and interestingly, most of them are manmade. In the same vein, Nyhavn, which runs through the historic parts of this city, was dug by the Swedish war prisoners in the middle of the 1600s. Since this canal is positioned next to the prime landmarks, it would be an opportunity to observe Copenhagen from a different perspective if you could rent a boat. Let’s be logical, you can have all of that quite inexpensively if you just book this canal tour from our partner site. So open the link, check the itineraries, and consider the plan.
Copenhagen 1-Hour Sightseeing Canal Cruise
Duration: 1 hour
20. Check out the exotic animals at Copenhagen Zoo
Copenhagen Zoo is among the oldest zoos in Europe, also the most visited zoo in Denmark. Founded in the year 1859, with some very common fauna like chickens, owls, rabbits, and foxes, today it is home to some of the rarest species on the planet. You can see here the giant panda, Tasmanian devils, Amur leopard, and a few more endangered animals. However, another exhibit comprises over 3,000 wild animals from every continent. This zoo also features one of the tallest wooden observation towers of the world that was built in the early 1900s; it has the base similar to the Eiffel Tower.
Copenhagen Zoo
Address: Roskildevej 32, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
Website: Copenhagen Zoo
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 15 - 29 USD
21. Unwind at The Botanical Garden in Copenhagen
Whether you like botany as the subject, or not, we’re sure that you will definitely appreciate a visit to The Botanical Garden in Copenhagen. It is associated with the University of Copenhagen and features a total of 27 glasshouses; the most notable of which is the grand sized complex that was built in the year 1874. This facility has a museum as well as a seed bank that comprises over two million dried specimens and 13,000+ live species of flora across the garden. Although it’s worth visiting all year, the best experience you could have is enjoying tea/coffee at the garden café (only in summer).
Botanical Garden
Address: Gothersgade 128, 1123 København, Denmark
Website: Botanical Garden
Opening hours: 8:30am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 6 - 9 USD
22. Enjoy farm-to-table dining at La Banchina
We are aware that you must be expecting a restaurant name by now as we have reached the final paragraphs of this index. But since the activities thus far have been remarkable, we also cannot suggest an average eatery to you. Hence, we’re left with no better alternative than La Banchina; a farm-to-table dining experience. They employ only all organic, natural, and locally sourced/harvested ingredients. The menu shows only fish and vegetables, which means that they support the domestic economy and marine life sustainability. Likewise, organic wine is also available here.
La Banchina
Address: Refshalevej 141, 1432 København, Denmark
Website: La Banchina
Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily)
23. Visit the Old Town Museum
You may have seen or read about the living museums which are village centric, but have you ever visited an open-air museum that concentrates on town culture? There are very few places like that but fortunately, Denmark has one. Located in the second-largest city of this country, Aarhus; Old Town Museum is the finest example of that. This open-air museum comprises many historical buildings, influenced by the various townships of this country. You will see here role-players as merchants, blacksmiths, etc, who will happily discuss their pretend life with the visitors as if it’s still the early 20th century.
Old Town Museum/Den Gamle By
Address: Viborgvej 2, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
Website: Old Town Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 10-20 USD; free for children
24. Head to Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse
Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse was first lit in the first year of the 20th century and it operated on gas until a decade. But then it appeared that the beacon was constantly getting buried under the shifting sands. The situation remained like that until the 1960s, and the high cost of knocking off the sand dune caused it to cease in 1968. The lighthouse then served as a museum and coffee shop, but eventually, that discontinued as well. Today, the tower looks spectacular, encroached by the shifting sand. Head to this wonderful location; you will find it in North Jutland.
Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse
Address: Fyrvejen 30, 9480 Løkken, Denmark
Website: Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
25. Admire the fossils at Møns Klint
Møns is a popular tourist attraction and a UNESCO site in Denmark. This island is renowned for a biosphere, beaches, the market town of Stege, and especially for the world-known Møns Klint. Situated in the easternmost side of this island on the Baltic coast, Møns Klint is a stretch of the cliff that is built from just chalk. It is the outcome of millions of years of calcium deposition that we now have these white hills; with some of them elevated to over 100 meters (350+ feet) high. Since calcium carbonate came from prehistoric creatures and arthropods, you can easily find fossils here and there. Come and check them out.
Møns Klint
Address: 4791 Borre, Denmark
Website: Møns Klint
26. Enjoy yourself at Tivoli Gardens (from USD 43.0)
We have shown you the world’s oldest functional amusement park on this index, but wait; we also have the second-oldest yet functional park on the list. It’s known as Tivoli or the Tivoli Gardens, which is a pleasure park located in the heart of the capital city, Copenhagen. This park features an aquarium, two water slides, four roller coasters, and approximately forty other attractions; that includes a state-of-art virtual reality hyper-coaster, The Demon. Check out the tour package from our partner site and get the unlimited ride experience at the cheapest price.
Unlimited Ride Pass Plus Aquarium Admission, Tivoli Gardens
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
27. Bring your kids to LEGOLAND Billund Resort
There are a total of eight LEGOLAND worldwide, and the one next to the original LEGO factory in Billund is the oldest. We’re taking this specific amusement park as the place to visit and urge you to book this tour regardless of your age. The prime attraction of this LEGOLAND is the Miniland; the section that’s assembled with millions of Lego bricks. Besides, there are over 50 fun rides; like the roller coaster, water rides, kiddies rides, and more. This tour package covers your admission to every area; including the 4D movie theater, but SEAT Traffic School driving track isn’t included.
LEGOLAND® Billund Resort
Address: Nordmarksvej 9, 7190 Billund, Denmark
Website: Legoland
Opening hours: open daily
Price: 359 DKK
28. Enjoy stand-up paddleboarding
Have you tried stand-up paddling, the fastest growing water sport in the world? If the answer is negative, then we sincerely suggest you learn this fun activity. It’s easy to comprehend but hard to master, however, but we believe that you will reach the passable level within an hour. Because when you do, consider that you’ve unlocked the ability to explore the channels and waterways in a better way. Book this half-day tour to learn stand-up paddling in the coves of Stevns, Klint.
GetMyBoat - SUP Surfing In Denmark
Address: Denmark
Website: GetMyBoat
Opening hours: Depending on your schedule
Price: 499 DKK (US$75) per hour
29. Be amazed at Kronborg Castle (from USD 879.47)
You must have heard about Sir William Shakespeare, the finest of all the play writers and poets of English literature. He had written a famous tragedy ‘Hamlet’; the play that was set in Denmark. Now it may amaze you that we’re presenting here a guided program, which takes you to the precise location of that legendary play. Book this tour and learn the history of Kronborg Castle, along with all its connections to Hamlet’s play, from your historian guide.
Exclusive Castle Tours of Hamlet's Kronborg & Frederiksborg
Duration: 6.0 hour
30. Visit the stunning Frederiksborg Castle
You will find this beautiful castle in Hillerød; a small town that’s located an hour north off of Copenhagen. It was built in the 17th century for the royal residence of the king of Denmark-Norway, Christian IV; the longest reign bearer in Danish and Scandinavian monarchies. Today, this castle is taken over by the Carlsberg Foundation and it’s been turned into a museum. Visit this stunning castle and learn its tales from the past. Also, remember to explore the castle chapel and baroque garden within the estate. The museum section features a pre-recorded guided tour.
Frederiksborg Castle
Address: Frederiksborg Slot 10, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark
Website: Frederiksborg Castle
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 3 - 11 USD
Explore the beauty of Denmark
We have seen that most attractions on this index are based in Copenhagen, and you’re also aware that the capital city has a lot more interesting places to visit. Hence, we are recommending that you get the Copenhagen card as a first priority when you land. The card will get you free entry to over 80 places, and discounted rates in some. Additionally, you can enjoy unlimited public transport rides as long as your card’s validity lasts.
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