11 amazing places to visit in Denmark
From moving deserts and colliding seas to charming island towns and rolling green landscapes, these stunning sights will have you itching to discover the wonders of Denmark.
It might be a small country, but what Denmark lacks in size, it more than makes up for in beauty.
Whether you’re an active thrill-seeker looking for a new hiking spot, a city-breaker in search of something a little more laid-back, or a family ready for some fun-filled Scandinavian adventures, Denmark has something in store for you.
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1. Man Meets the Sea, Esbjerg
This gigantic sculpture on the southwest coast of Denmark’s Jutland peninsula was built for the 100th anniversary of Esbjerg’s independence as a municipality.
It’s one of the area’s biggest attractions and has greeted fishermen and visitors to Esbjerg by sea since its unveiling on 28 October 1995. On a clear day, the enormous monument can be seen from up to 10 kilometres away.
It’s said that the sculptor, Svend Wiig Hansen, wanted to portray the meeting of pure, unspoiled mankind and nature.
Fly to Billund and drive for 50 minutes
2. Aarhus
Nicknamed ‘The City of Smiles’, this is one of the best places to visit in Denmark if you want to experience local culture. Aarhus (pronounced ‘or-hoose’) is Denmark’s second-largest city but has a cosy neighbourhood feel to it.
It’s one of Lonely Planet’s top European destinations, thanks to its mix of historic landmarks and modern attractions. And that’s not to mention the top cuisine, great shopping, and oodles of arts and culture on offer.
Situated on the Jutland peninsula’s east coast, the open-air old town museum, Den Gamle By, is home to centuries-old half-timbered houses. In stark contrast, at the iconic harbour, architecture buffs can marvel at the unique ‘Iceberg’ residential buildings.
The ARoS art museum in Aarhus is one of the largest museums in Northern Europe. It showcases a series of global contemporary works, while the underground Viking Museum explores early local history.
Find out more about Aarhus at www.visitaarhus.com.
Fly to Aalborg and drive for 1 hour 50 minutes or fly to Billund and drive for 1 hour 10 minutes
3. Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen
Looking for a getaway with a touch of much-needed fun and adventure? Look no further than Tivoli Gardens, the Danish capital’s no.1 amusement park.
Dating back to 1843, this theme park has everything you could want for the perfect day out – white-knuckle rides, lush gardens, live performances, activities for the little ones, and a ton of gourmet restaurants. It’s the perfect place to spend a day or two with the family while visiting Denmark.
The summer programme at Tivoli Gardens is jam-packed with events, including world-class dance performances from the mesmerising Tivoli Ballet Theatre, open-air movies, firework displays every Saturday until September, and a variety of kids’ shows and pantomimes.
In the run-up to Christmas, Tivoli is transformed into one of Europe’s best Christmas markets, complete with a myriad of twinkling lights, an abundance of tasty fare, and plenty of festive gift inspiration.
Tip: You can earn 15% CashPoints when you book your Tivoli Gardens tickets with Norwegian Reward.
Fly to Copenhagen
4. Skagen, Frederikshavn
If you’re looking for cool places to visit in Denmark, the country’s northernmost town, Skagen, should be top of your list.
Located on the tip of the Jutland peninsula, Skagen is a colourful seaside playground of traditional yellow houses, with bustling cultural life and spectacular nature.
Visitors to Skagen can spend a day on one of the white sand beaches, enjoy a trip to Scandinavia’s one and only teddy bear museum, or take part in a spot of rare birdwatching.
For a truly amazing sight, a journey up to Grenen sandbar, the northernmost point in Denmark, is a must. Here, the Kattegat Sea and the Skagerrak Straight (part of the North Sea) meet in a fierce clash of waves. Swimming is strictly prohibited due to the powerful currents, but it’s one of the only places in the world where you can put one foot in one sea and the other foot in another.
Fly to Aalborg and drive for 1.5 hours
5. Råbjerg Mile, Skagen
On your way to Skagen, be sure to stop off at Northern Europe’s largest migrating sand dune, Råbjerg Mile. Also known as the ‘Danish desert’, this enormous mass of sand moves a staggering 15 metres per year. The dune is one kilometre long and one kilometre wide, and around 40 kilometres in height. The hike to the top of the dune is tiring but the views are well worth it.
The dune was first formed around 300 years ago and is expected to cover the main road to Skagen within a century or two. You can see evidence of whole buildings being engulfed by the moving sand at the sand-covered Church (Den Tilsandede Kirke).
This 14th-century church was once the largest in Northern Jutland, but thanks to the migrating sand, by the 1700s, the congregation had to dig their way into the church when they wanted to attend services. Today, only the church tower is visible.
Fly to Aalborg and drive for 1 hour 15 minutes
6. Odense, Funen Island
Another place to visit in Denmark for a fun-packed weekend is the city of Odense, the birthplace of beloved fairy tale writer, Hans Christian Andersen.
Located on the island of Funen, 75 minutes from Copenhagen, a trip to this historic city is perfect for a couples’ getaway or a family break.
Here you can follow in H.C. Andersen’s footsteps and visit important landmarks from his life, such as his tiny yellow childhood home and former school.
You can also delve into his imaginative world at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, which is home to a unique collection of his belongings and paper cuttings.
There’s plenty more to see and do in Odense, such as visiting the antique market, enjoying a coffee and traditional ‘smørrebrød’ (open sandwich) at one of the many cozy cafés, and exploring the parks and gardens of Denmark’s greenest city.
Fly to Copenhagen and drive for1 hour 50 minutes or fly to Billund and drive for 1 hour 30 minutes
7. Frederiksborg Castle, Hillerød
This breathtaking 17th-century castle is one of the most famous in Denmark. Located on no less than three islands and surrounded by a lake and magnificent gardens, it’s a spectacular sight.
What’s more, it’s only 40 minutes by car from Copenhagen, making it easy to reach on a day trip from the Danish capital.
The largest Renaissance complex in the Nordic region, this magnificent castle is packed with impressive features such as the Neptune Fountain and the Marble Gallery of the King’s Wing – designed to show off the wealth and status of King Christian IV who built it.
Frederiksborg Castle is also home to the Museum of National History, a beautiful, richly-adorned chapel, and stunning gardens, including a Baroque garden with straight lines and perfectly manicured box plants, and a romantic landscape garden with meandering paths and small lakes.
You can book a tour of the castle with GetYourGuide and earn CashPoints at the same time!
Fly to Copenhagen
Tip: If you’re a fan of castles and fancy living like royalty for a weekend, head to Hvedholm Slotshotel in Faaborg, where you can book a night in one of the luxurious four-poster bedrooms. Find out more in our post on Europe’s castle hotels.
8. Bornholm
The little Baltic island of Bornholm is an ideal place to spend a few days on your visit to Denmark.
Here, you can soak up the laid-back island life, enjoy the exquisite culinary culture, and get back to nature with a walk along the breathtaking coastline.
A trip to Scandinavia’s largest medieval fortification, Hammershus Castle ruins, is essential when in Bornholm. It’s the island’s largest attraction, and it’s free to visit.
There are plenty of action-packed activities to get stuck into, such as surfing, abseiling, kayaking, mountain biking, and diving. For the adventurous, the island offers more than 400 secured climbing trails, from coastal cliffs and rift valleys to working and disused quarries.
Fancy sinking your teeth into some delicious Danish delights? Bornholm plays host to a variety of diverse gastronomic hotspots, including what could be the world’s only Michelin-starred beach shack at Dueodde Beach. You can also get a taste of Bornholm when paying a visit to one of the traditional white smokehouses, many of which still produce traditional smoked herring.
Fly to Copenhagen, drive 1 hour to Ystad in Sweden and take the fast ferry. Total travelling time from Copenhagen: 2.5 – 3 hours.
Tip: Find out what else can tickle your taste buds on your trip to Denmark with our post on weird Nordic foods you’ve probably never heard of!
9. Mols Bjerge National Park, Syddjurs
Protected natural areas meet historical sites at this colossal national park in the Jutland region of Denmark.
There’s so much to experience, lovers of the great outdoors will be spoilt for choice. Activities range from hiking, biking, and sailing, to snorkeling, horse riding, and fishing.
One of the most popular excursions is the Mols Bjerge Trail where you can hike your way around 60 km of hilly landscape lined with white beaches, historical monuments, and charming villages.
If you’re into history, a trip to Kalø Castle Ruins is a good option. Here you can walk along the oldest medieval paved road in Denmark which leads to the ruins of a 700-year-old castle.
Fly to Aalborg or Billund and drive for 1.5 hours
10. LEGOLAND Billund
This is one of the top things to do in Denmark for the whole family. With everything from high-speed rides and interactive experiences to kids’ rock climbing and a mini world built entirely of Lego, there’s plenty here to keep everyone entertained for days.
What’s more, you can stay on-site at the Hotel LEGOLAND with its themed rooms, the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel, complete with princess royal chambers and dragon knight royal rooms, or at the LEGOLAND Holiday Village, which has plenty of outdoor activities for the little ones, including a petting zoo.
Find out what’s on offer at the LEGOLAND Billund website.
Fly to Billund
11. Ærø
The only way to get to the small island of Ærø is by boat, so visiting this charming spot in Denmark is an adventure in itself.
Visiting the island in summer is a real treat as galleries, farm shops, and flea markets open; ice-cream stores are in full swing, and the sandy beach of Vesterstrand, with its colourful beach huts and crystal-clear waters, is teeming with life.
That said, there’s plenty to do in the cooler months, such as taking a trip to the Marstal Maritime Museum, which displays over 130 ships in bottles. You can also wander through the pretty cobbled streets and brightly-painted houses of Ærøskøbing, which is said to be the best-preserved 18th-century town in Denmark.
You can also enjoy a spot of world-class fishing, or visit one of the many pretty Romanesque churches on the island, some of which date back to the Middle Ages.
Fly to Copenhagen, drive to Svendborg, then take the ferry. Total travelling time from Copenhagen: 3.5 hours.