Planning a trip to Denmark? Wondering what to see in Denmark? Sweat not. There are so many beautiful places in Denmark that it gets difficult to narrow down and decide where to go. So, we’ve crafted a list of the best places to visit in Denmark. Here we share our absolute favorite Danish attractions (to taste the best of Denmark) which let you experience an intriguing blend of history, culture, design, architecture, and nature of Denmark. Read on!
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Most Beautiful Places in Denmark
Home of Hygge. Home of Lego. Home of Hans Christian Andersen. Home of Vikings. Home of happiness (Denmark’s one of the happiest countries in the world). Denmark’s a delight! It’s no secret Denmark is one of the best countries to visit in Europe no matter the season or reason. Summer brings endless days while winter brings Christmas joy.
Here are some of our favorite places in Denmark to inspire your next trip:
Copenhagen
However touristy it might be, you can’t visit Denmark and not visit Copenhagen.
One of the most beautiful cities in Denmark, the best European capitals, the best bike-friendly cities in Europe, the best family-friendly cities in Europe (I can go on and on), Copenhagen is a must-visit when in Denmark.
With amazing art, design, and architecture, historical landmarks, beautiful castles, interesting museums, exciting amusement parks (Tivoli Gardens inspired Disneyland while Bakken is the oldest amusement park in the world), trendy and colorful neighborhoods, charming and cozy cafes, and iconic Nyhavn – Copenhagen deserves to be seen, admired and loved.
And you know what, the vibrant waterfront city has so much to see and do for free!
Related Read:
• 3 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Copenhagen
Dragør
Just a quick day trip away from Copenhagen, Dragør is a historic fishing town on the island of Amager. Picture-perfect it is!
Strolling the narrow cobbled streets while gawking at the 18th-century canary yellow houses, Walking down the harbor (Dragør Havn) while enjoying the ocean views, relishing seafood at one of the restaurants by the harbor, and soaking the sun and the views of Øresund Bridge on the Mor Mor beach (Mormorstranden) are some of the best things to do in Dragør.
It’s about 25 minutes drive away from Copenhagen. You can also cycle via route 221 from Copenhagen to Dragør.
Tip: Stop by at Den Blå Planet, the largest aquarium in Northern Europe, on your way from Copenhagen to Dragør.
Kronborg Castle, Helsingør
Home of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Kronborg Castle is one of the prime Renaissance castles in Northern Europe. The castle is strategically located in Helsingør (Elsinore) at the narrowest point of Øresund (the sound) between Denmark and Sweden.
The Royal castle was designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 for its contribution in the history of Northern Europe.
We highly recommend taking a guided tour to understand the history of the castle. If you happen to visit Kronborg around August, you can get a chance to attend the Shakespeare Festival and enjoy live performances of Shakespeare’s greatest plays including Hamlet.
The castle is 40 minutes drive away from Copenhagen. You can also catch a train from Copenhagen Central Station to Helsingør and walk about 900 meters to Kronborg.
Frederiksborg Castle, Hillerød
Located on 3 small islets in the Castle Lake in Hillerød, Frederiksborg Castle is the largest Renaissance complex in the Nordics. While Frederick II gave its name, the castle was built by King Christian IV in the 1700s.
Frederiksborg houses the Museum of National History. The castle’s walls also accommodate the impressive Frederiksborg Castle Chapel.
Enjoy the leisure walk in the Castle Gardens or take a boat trip to soak up the romantic and peaceful setting of Frederiksborg.
It takes about 30 minutes from Copenhagen to Hillerød. It’s better to rent a car and drive. Alternatively, you can catch the S-train from Copenhagen Central Station to Hillerød and then catch bus line 302 or hire a taxi to Frederiksborg.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Humlebæk
Located by the stunning Øresund coast in Humlebæk, North Sealand, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is one of the most celebrated art museums in Denmark. Displaying the works by artists like Alberto Giacometti, Pablo Picasso, Yves Klein, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and more, the museum is a must-visit for art lovers.
Once you’ve explored the intriguing art collection, you can enjoy a walk in the sculpture garden and then sip a much-needed cup of coffee at a terrace restaurant while taking pleasure in the panoramic view of Sweden across Øresund.
Louisiana is around 35 minutes drive away from Copenhagen. Another option is to catch a train from Copenhagen Central Station to Humlebæk and take a taxi or choose to walk (10 minutes) to reach the museum.
Roskilde
Once the capital of Denmark, Roskilde dates back to the Viking era. The Viking Ship Museum is where you can get an insight into the world of Vikings and their era.
UNESCO-listed Gothic Roskilde Cathedral, Ragnarock museum, Roskilde Old Town, and Roskilde fjord are the other major attractions in Roskilde. M/S Sagafjord takes you on a cruise on Roskilde fjord where you can enjoy your lunch with stunning vistas.
The ancient city is home to Northern Europe’s largest music festival – the Roskilde Music Festival. You should plan around June-July if you wish to attend the festival.
Roskilde is 40-minutes drive away from Copenhagen. Alternatively, you can catch a train or board a bus to reach Roskilde from Copenhagen.
Stevns Klint and Møns Klint
If nature intrigues you, you’d love a visit to Stevns Klint and Møns Klint, the ancient white chalk cliffs.
Stevsn Klint is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it’s where you can see the traces of meteor that hit the Earth 66 million years ago and abolished more than half of all life on the planet, including the dinosaurs. You also must visit Højerup Old Church and Cold War Museum Stevnsfort at Stevns Klint.
The 70 million-year-old chalk cliffs, Møns Klint is one of the biggest and the most unique natural wonders in Denmark. At GeoCenter Møns Klint, you can get to know the entire story about how the cliff came into being.
The best and in fact, the only recommended way to explore the cliffs is by car. It takes a little more than an hour to reach Stevns Klint from Copenhagen and another 1.5 hours from Stevns Klint to reach Møns Klint. Karlstrup kalkgrav, Køge, Præstø, Klintholm, and Liselund Slotspark are some of the best stop-overs between Copenhagen and Møns Klint.
Odense
Birthplace of beloved Danish fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen, Odense is a charming cultural and historical town. H.C.Andersen was born in Odense in 1805. The writer’s legacy is still very much alive in the town. You can visit HC Andersens Barndomshjem (writer’s childhood home turned museum) to experience life and times of Andersen.
While strolling the cobbled streets, you can find many statues of Andersen and fascinating characters from his fairytales sprinkled around the town. Every year in August, Odense celebrates HC Andersen Festival to honor the legend.
From Odense Domkirke, Munke Mose, Møntergården, Børnekulturhuset Fyrtøjet, Odense Zoo to Den Fynske Landsby, The Funen Village Open Air Museum, Odense Bunker Museum, The Danish Railway Museum, and Museum Tidens Samling – there’s so much to do in Odense for families.
It takes a little less than 2 hours to reach Odense from Copenhagen. Apart from a rental car, the bus (Flixbus) and train (DSB) options are also available.
Legoland, Billund
How can you miss Legoland when you are visiting the home of Lego (especially with kids), the world’s favorite toy? Yes, Lego was born in Billund around 1930! The credit goes to Ole Kirk Christiansen, a Danish carpenter.
Legoland Billund Resort (1968) is the first-ever theme park built entirely of Lego. It’s the original Legoland!
The mini models of popular buildings and sites from around the world and Lego House are some of the most favorite attractions in Legoland Billund Resort.
Staying at Hotel Legoland enhances the overall experience. Kids love it as they get to stay in Lego-themed rooms.
Billund is about 2 hours 50 minutes away from Copenhagen if you drive and is about 50 minutes away if you fly. Legoland is just a short taxi or bus ride away from Billund Airport. There are no direct trains or buses to Billund. You need to change at Vejle.
Aarhus
Located on the Jutland peninsula, Aarhus is the second-largest city in Denmark and the largest in Jutland. It dates back to the 8th century that also makes it one of the oldest cities in Denmark. Aarhus remains a trade hub owing to its strategic location at the mouth of the Aarhus River. From 1441 when it got Market town privileges to 1862 when the first railway line was built to now – the city has grown leaps and bounds to become the largest center of trade, services, industry, and tourism in Jutland.
Often referred to as Smilets By (City of Smiles), Aarhus records the youngest and fastest growing demographics as it’s home to Aarhus University, the largest university in Scandinavia.
Aarhus was nominated as Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2017. You can taste its rich cultural heritage at city’s many cultural institutions like Den Gamle By (The Old Town Open Air Museum), ARos Aarhus Art Museum, Moesgaard Museum, Dokk 1 Cultural Centre, Kvindemuseet (Women’s Museum), Musikhuset (The Concert Hall Aarhus), and Aarhus Theatre.
Other notable attractions in Aarhus include Isbjerget (the Iceberg), Aarhus City Hall, Marselisborg Castle, Infinite Bridge, Tivoli Friheden, and Botanical Gardens.
Aarhus might be Denmark’s second largest city but it feels cozy and tiny. Most of the famous sights and attractions are within walking distance of each other. You can explore the town easily on foot.
Aarhus lies 116 miles (187 km) away from Copenhagen. A car ride takes 3 hours and 15 minutes via E20 and E45. You can also opt to travel by a train or a bus or a ferry.
Aalborg
Aalborg remains an important harbor during the Middle Ages and a large industrial center now due to its strategic location. It’s located at the narrowest point on the Limfjord. The waterfront is dotted with iconic architectural buildings like Utzon Center and House of Music.
Dotted with 16th-century houses, cozy cafes, and cute boutiques, the streets of the Aalborg Old Town are a delight to stroll. Unique and colorful street art murals make a stroll more fascinating. Don’t miss Aalborg’s most famous house from 1624, Jens Bang’s House. Also, Hjelmerstald street is utterly Instagram-worthy!
Kunsten – the Museum of Modern Art, Nordkraft, Vestre Fjordpark, Lindholm Høje, and Aalborg Zoo are some of the best places to visit in Aalborg. Oh! and yes, you can take in the panoramic views over the ancient city by climbing (there’s an elevator) Aalborgtårnet.
It takes aroud 4 hours 20 minutes by car to reach Aalborg from Copenhagen. You can choose to fly from Copenhagen (2 hours 20 minutes) or catch a bus or train.
Skagen
The northernmost town in Denmark, Skagen is known for its sunny weather, unique nature, and white sand beaches. During the 19th century, the town gained popularity among Danish artists (known as Skagen Painters) considering its beauty.
The Skagen Museum, Skagen Sønderstrand, The Sand-Covered Church, Råbjerg Mile (Denmark’s largest migrating dune), and Grenen (Denmark’s northernmost point where two seas meet) are some of the worth-visiting attractions in Skagen.
Skagen is about 419 km from Copenhagen. It takes more than 5 hours by car, around 7 hours by bus or train, and 45 minutes by air.
Ribe
The oldest town (since 8th-century), not only in Denmark but in the entire Scandinavia, Ribe is as pretty as it can get. You can’t resist its charm.
Dotted with charming half-timbered houses, it’s a delight to walk the cobbled streets of Ribe. Ribe Cathedral, Ribe Viking Museum, Ribe Viking Centre, Denmark’s oldest province museum, and Wadden Sea Center are some of the best places to visit in Ribe.
And don’t miss the Night Watchman. You can find him every evening (May 1st to September 15th) and follow him as he walks the traditional route and sings to alert residents. Timings might differ according to the season.
If you take E20, you can reach Ribe in 3 hours 15 minutes from Copenhagen. There are no direct trains or buses available.
Bornholm
Sited in the Baltic Sea, Bornholm is a tiny Danish island, home to many of Denmark’s stunning round churches, dramatic rock formations, magical forests, charming fishing villages, white sandy beaches, and culinary delights.
Did you know that Bornholm is the sunniest place in Denmark? Yes, the island is also known by the Danish name ‘solskinsøen’ (Sunshine Island), because of its buoyant sunny weather.
It’s a short 30-minutes flight or 2.5 hours ferry away from Copenhagen.
Faroe Islands
Tucked between Norway, Scotland, and Iceland in the North Atlantic Ocean in the Kingdom of Denmark, Faroe Islands is a remote and awe-inspiringly beautiful archipelago with 18 islands. With a population of 50k humans and 80k sheep, Faroe Islands offer nature’s extravaganza.
Tórshavn, Vágar Island, Mykines, Vestmanna, Kalsoy, Nólsoy, Eysturoy, Saksun, and Klaksvik are some of the best places to visit on the Faroe Islands.
You can’t miss the thrill of driving the rugged buttercup roads of Faroes so we recommend renting a car when you visit Faroe Islands.
The only way to travel to Faroe Islands from Copenhagen is by air or by ferry. Ferry starts from Hirtshals that’s around 379 km away from Copenhagen.
Phew! Here we wrapup the round-up of the best places in Denmark. What’s your favorite place in Denmark? Is that included in our list or not? Let us know in the comments section below.
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The post 15 Most Beautiful Places in Denmark You Have to See appeared first on Travel Melodies.
