Denmark may not be among the most popular destinations, but it is not lacking in attractions. I will introduce 15 places worth visiting!
The country is located on the Jutland peninsula, as well as more than 400 smaller and larger islands (of which only 76 are inhabited) in the North and Baltic Seas. It also includes two autonomous territories, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. It borders Germany to the south.
Table of Contents
Best places in Denmark
Copenhagen
The Danish capital is naturally among the most beautiful places, as it is one of the world’s most livable cities. Many would not think it’s a perfect location for a short trip!
There are plenty of beautiful attractions in the city center, among which the palaces stand out: Amalienborg, Christiansborg, and Rosenborg Castle. All were built during the kingdom’s era, defining buildings of Danish history.
One of the tourists’ favorites is Nyhavn. The waterfront area has been transformed, with many restaurants and bars. It’s a real bustling area, especially in the evening.
The city’s past significance is shown by the Kastellet, one of the best-preserved fortifications in Northern Europe.
Billund
Located in the middle of Denmark’s mainland, this city is known for the company headquartered here.
The world’s first LEGOLAND park opened here in 1968. It’s a family-friendly amusement park that welcomes visitors with various LEGO themes and toys.
The park features miniature cities, amusement park rides, as well as special exhibitions and shows, providing a great experience for all ages. It’s an unforgettable experience for kids!
Faroe Islands
Did you know that this archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean belongs to Denmark? More precisely, it’s an autonomous territory.
The islands’ topography was formed by ice, with large rock ridges and peaks, including wide, U-shaped valleys. It’s famous for its birdlife, with hundreds of species living in the Faroes.
More and more people are discovering the island, as it abounds in natural attractions. Therefore, it’s very ideal for those who love hiking and touring!
Its most famous attraction is Lake Sørvágsvatn. It sits on a plateau, directly above the seaside. This makes it appear as if it „floats” above the sea.
The Múlafossur waterfall is surely seen by many in photos. It flows directly into the sea, offering a magnificent view. The nearby village of Gásadalur is home to just a few people. Not a stressful settlement. 🙂
The capital, Torshavn, should not be missed either. Although a small city, it features traditional Faroese houses, modern restaurants, art galleries, and museums. A great starting point for exploring the island!
Roskilde
Located not far west of Copenhagen, this city has a long and rich history.
Its Cathedral (Roskilde Domkirke) is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. This marvelous Gothic and Romanesque church is the traditional burial site of Danish kings and queens.
The Viking Ship Museum is another outstanding attraction. The museum contains five original Viking ships found in the Roskilde Fjord. We can learn about the Vikings’ sailing techniques, lifestyle, and history.
The Roskilde Festival is held every June, one of Europe’s largest music festivals. This event attracts numerous international and local performers with various musical styles.
Odense
Denmark’s third-largest city, the center of Fyn Island.
One of the country’s most beautiful and largest Gothic buildings can be found here. Several kings are buried in the Saint Canute’s Cathedral. The church’s altar is the resting place of Denmark’s patron saint, Saint Canute king.
The city is also notable for another person. The famous storyteller, Hans Christian Andersen, was born here. A museum was established in his memory.
Hornbæk
A small town on the northern part of the island of Zealand, also known as the Danish Riviera.
One of the country’s best beaches is located here. The shore of Hornbæk Strand is sandy, and its water is very clean.
Ribe
Denmark’s oldest settlement on the North Sea coast, located 25 km from Esbjerg.
It existed already in the 8th century, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. For a long time, it was the country’s most important North Sea port.
The city’s most outstanding attraction is Ribe Domkirke, which is Denmark’s oldest cathedral. Its impressive building towers over the city, and its carillon plays the melody of a popular folk song.
The Viking tradition is revived at Ribes VikingeMarked, the medieval market. Every year for a week, we can experience what life might have been like in the Middle Ages.
Fanø
This small island is located 5 km from the city of Esbjerg, to which a regular ferry service is available.
The island’s main attraction is the fine, white sandy beach, popular for wind and water sports, such as kite flying and surfing.
In the southern tip is Sønderho, a charming little village that has preserved its 18th and 19th-century atmosphere. Walking through the village streets, you can see well-preserved old houses and a windmill.
Aarhus
Denmark’s second-largest city, located on the eastern coast of the Jutland peninsula. It is famous for its modern art, historical attractions, and excellent educational institutions.
The country’s most significant open-air museum is Den Gamle By (The Old Town). Its houses and workshops come from different parts of the country and have been rebuilt to form a traditional Danish town from the 19th century. People can be seen in old costumes, and we can learn about old crafts.
The ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, one of the city’s most prominent art museums, where the „Your rainbow panorama” by Olafur Eliasson, a rainbow-shaped rooftop terrace, offers a panoramic view of the city.
Aarhus is also worth mentioning from a gastronomic point of view. The city has several Michelin-starred restaurants where you can taste the best Scandinavian dishes.
Fredericia
The city’s importance is shown by the fact that, due to its central location and port, it could have competed for the capital role in the past. It was founded by King Frederick III in 1650, from whom it also got its name.
The purpose of the city’s creation was to protect Denmark’s southern borders. A fortress was built, whose fortifications are still visible today. It now operates as an open-air museum, with several contemporary 24 and 3-pound cannons.
One of Denmark’s defining battles was here: in 1849, they achieved victory over the Schleswig-Holstein troops. This is commemorated every year.
Sønderborg
The city located on the shore of the Flensburg Fjord has a history that dates back to the Middle Ages.
Its notable attraction, Sønderborg Castle, is built on a peninsula. It operates as a museum where we can learn about the history of Denmark and the region, including the Danish-Swedish conflicts and the Schleswig-Holstein question.
The Sønderborg Summer Games are held every year, which is one of the country’s largest open-air theatrical events.
Kerteminde
The city located east of Odense is notable for its marine life attractions.
The Fjord & Bælt Centre showcases marine life, including marine mammals and typical species of the Baltic Sea.
Near the city is the Ladby Ship Museum, where a Viking ship burial is visible. It is the only such find in Denmark. The museum presents the Viking era and culture, as well as the reconstruction of the ship and its contemporary objects.
Art must also be mentioned. The Johannes Larsen Museum displays the works of the Danish painter who lived at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries and created in Kerteminde. The museum, located in his home and studio.
Forest Tower (Skovtårnet)
The 45-meter tall tower in the Camp Adventure amusement park is a unique structure.
The tower is built in a forest and functions as a lookout. A 900-meter long, gradually ascending spiral pathway leads to the top.
The view from the top offers a wonderful, 360-degree panorama of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, we can see up to 25 kilometers away.
Helsingør
If you’ve heard this name, it’s no coincidence. The town is the setting for Shakespeare’s drama Hamlet.
Its castle, Kronborg, is one of the most significant Renaissance castles in Northern Europe and part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Its strategic significance was due to the Øresund, the narrowest point between Denmark and Sweden, being located here. Today, it operates as a museum where we can tour the royal chambers, the great halls, and the deep-lying casemates.
In the city center, the Church of Saint Mary (Sct. Mariæ Kirke) and the Church of Saint Olaf (Sct. Olai Kirke) are particularly noteworthy, both beautiful examples of the Gothic architectural style.
Egeskov Castle
The Renaissance moated castle is one of Denmark’s most well-known and visited historical monuments.
A perfect example of the contemporary fortified castles, and famous for its well-preserved architectural features and beautiful gardens. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is still inhabited.
The museum inside the building displays old furniture, paintings, and decorative arts items, showcasing the lifestyle of the Danish aristocracy over the past centuries.
