Denmark’s capital and the most populous city in Scandinavia, the settlement first mentioned in the 11th century became the capital of Denmark in the early 15th century. During the reign of Christian IV in the 17th century, it developed into a significant regional center.

Copenhagen also ranks highly on the list of the world’s most livable cities and is considered one of the world’s most environmentally friendly cities.

I made a short trip to Copenhagen, you can read about it here!

Copenhagen attractions

Amalienborg Palace

The complex is the winter residence of the Danish royal family. Over the centuries, numerous kings and their families have resided in the four palaces.

It consists of four identical, classical facade and internally rococo-style palaces surrounding an octagonal square (Amalienborg Slotsplads), with the equestrian statue of Amalienborg’s founder, King Frederick V, at its center.

The four parts of the complex are: Christian IX’s Palace, Christian VII’s Palace, Christian VIII’s Palace, and Frederick VIII’s Palace.

Frederik’s Church

Better known as the Marble Church, it is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic buildings.

In the 18th century, King Frederick V decided to build a magnificent church to glorify his reign. The construction began in 1749 but was only completed more than 150 years later, in 1894. Made of fine marble, which its name also reflects.

Known as a masterpiece of Danish classicism, the building is dominated by a massive dome, which is one of the city’s highest points and recognizable from afar. Its interior is characterized by marble and gold decorations.

The Citadel (Kastellet)

One of the best-preserved fortifications in Northern Europe, located by the seaside, close to the city center.

Its construction was started by King Christian IV in 1626, continued by his second-born son and successor, Frederick III. The fortress played a role in defending the city against the English in the Battle of Copenhagen in 1807.

Its layout is star-shaped. Its five bastions are named: King’s Bastion (Kongens Bastion), Queen’s Bastion (Dronningens Bastion), Count’s Bastion (Grevens Bastion), Princess’s Bastion (Prinsessens Bastion), and Prince’s Bastion (Prinsens Bastion). The fortress has its own church and windmill.

Gefion Fountain

Located next to the fortress, it’s the city’s most beautiful fountain.

The Danish mythological goddess Gefion stands in a chariot pulled by four massive oxen. According to legend, these were her sons, whom she turned into oxen; they plowed the land to create the island of Zealand, where Copenhagen is located today. 🙂

Along with the fortress, it’s a great photo spot.

Rosenborg Castle

This magnificent Renaissance building represents an important piece of Denmark’s history and culture.

Ordered by King Christian IV in 1606 as a summer residence, the construction was completed in 1633. Over the years, the castle underwent numerous modifications and expansions but always retained its original Renaissance style. Its exterior is characterized by red brick walls and green copper roofs, along with decorative windows and towers.

The building houses portraits of royal family members and masterpieces of contemporary art. Among the most beautiful rooms are the Great Hall, known for its stained glass and ceiling frescoes, and the throne room, where the Danish kings’ coronation thrones are located.

It also houses the Danish coronation regalia, including the crown, scepter, and orb. The treasury contains royal jewels, as well as the Amalienborg silver and the Flora Danica porcelain collection.

Rosenhaven

The Rose Garden is located next to Rosenborg Castle.

Numerous varieties of roses and other flowers can be seen. It is particularly spectacular during the summer months when the roses are in full bloom, and the entire garden is fragrant.

Christiansborg Palace

The palace houses the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Supreme Court, and the Royal Reception Rooms.

Before the current one, two palaces stood here. This was built in the early 1900s after the previous palaces were destroyed by fires. The new building was designed by Thorvald Jørgensen in a neo-baroque style.

Some parts are open to the public, like the Parliament visitor center, the Royal Reception Rooms, and the palace tower, which offers one of the best views of the city. All information here!

City Hall (Rådhus)

The center of Copenhagen’s administration, it is also a tourist attraction because of its exterior.

The building was designed by Martin Nyrop and inaugurated in 1905. In designing it, Nyrop applied the style elements of Danish national romanticism, drawing inspiration from medieval Italian city halls, especially the one in Siena. Its distinctive features are its brickwork, towers, and bastions, as well as its intricately detailed decorations.

Its most famous part is one of the world’s most accurate mechanical clocks, the Jens Olsen’s World Clock (Verdensur). This clock not only shows the time but is also capable of accurately following the year, days, astronomical cycles, and other temporal measurements.

Nyhavn

This is a canal and the surrounding buildings ensemble. One of the most well-known parts of Copenhagen, where tourists love to visit.

The old houses, once home to merchants, have been renovated and now host numerous restaurants. The differently colored houses look beautiful along the waterfront. Old ships can also be seen in the harbor.

Strøget

Copenhagen’s shopping street, which is one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe.

The streetscape is rich in cultural and historical elements. Amagertorv, one of the street’s main areas, is famous for the beautiful Stork Fountain (Storkespringvandet).

Rundetaarn

The Round Tower was built in 1642 by King Christian IV as an observatory to aid the development of science.

The uniqueness of the tower lies in its interior, where instead of stairs, a 7.5 turn spiral ramp leads to the top, making it unique in Europe. This solution originally served to allow access to the top by horseback or carriage, thus facilitating the transport of astronomical instruments.

From its top, there is a magnificent view of the city, offering a 360-degree panorama.

The Little Mermaid Statue

The bronze statue located at Langelinie Pier represents the main character of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, The Little Mermaid.

The statue, erected in 1913, is relatively small, only 1.25 meters high, which often surprises tourists seeing it for the first time. Nonetheless, it’s a must-see.

Opera House

Denmark’s national opera house is among the world’s most modern buildings of its kind.

The building’s width is 90 meters, its length 127 meters, but the roof length reaches 158 meters: extending 32 meters beyond the building in front of the five-story high glass facade. Its total height is 38 meters.

The 1700-seat building was constructed using quality stone and metal materials, including 105,000 gold-smoke plates. The facade is clad in Jurassic limestone from North Germany, while the surrounding public areas and quaysides are covered in Chinese granite. The foyer and the hall are floored with maple wood.

Børsen

One of Copenhagen’s most significant historical buildings, it once housed Denmark’s stock exchange and now serves as the headquarters of the Danish Chamber of Commerce.

The Børsen building is most famous for its iconic spiral tower, formed by the intertwining tails of four dragons, symbolizing elements of Scandinavian mythology and Denmark’s commercial ties with Sweden, Norway, and Finland at the time.

Nyboder

A few streets away from Frederikskirke, you can see a district of yellow houses, which is particularly striking for its color.

This was established during the reign of King Christian IV of Denmark in the early 17th century, originally for the officers and sailors of the Danish navy. This initiative was one of the first state-supported housing construction projects in Europe.

Tivoli

The famous amusement district is one of the world’s oldest amusement parks.

Opened in 1843, the park offered many attractions even then. It not only provides entertainment options but also a chance to explore Danish culture and arts. The park houses the Pantomime Theater, which has been operating since the 19th century and still offers popular performances today.

Its significance is enhanced by the fact that it allegedly inspired Walt Disney for his own projects.

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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.

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.

Copenhagen attractions

Short excursion to Copenhagen

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.

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