Best Places to Visit in Denmark
Denmark is a destination that is a desirable “add-on” to vacations focused on other European countries. While short on “world-class tourist destinations”, Denmark offers the traveler a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Europe’s more popular countries for tourism.
The Danes are a wonderful and warm people and we suspect that after your visit, you will remember the country as a great place for good food, good company and touring at an unhurried pace.
There are many places to visit in Denmark and so little vacation time available to see them. Read our recommendations on the best places to visit in Denmark.
Best Places to Visit in Denmark
Names in Teal are regions of the country.
Zealand
Copenhagen
Canal Tours Copenhagen Once a Viking fishing village, Copenhagen has evolved to become a major city, but one filled with history, interesting museums and exciting design.
- Home of the world famous statue of the Little Mermaid (which returned from China and the World Expo in late November of 2010), the Amalienborg Palace (the Royal family’s winter residence), Copenhagen offers numerous museums, galleries, and the world famous Tivoli Gardens. Copenhagen is the place to see in Denmark and is one of the liveliest cities in Europe.
City Tour of Copenhagen
- Be sure to visit the National Gallery to see its collection of Danish and European art, the Viking Ship Museum and Kronborg Castle, the castle from Shakespeare’s Hamlet (under renovation until 2010 so check website for details).
- Finally, head for the Strøget, a pedestrian only shopping area, to sample its stores, restaurants, and laugh at the antics of its numerous street performers.
- Rosenborg Castle (17th Century) a beautiful building and fascinating museum is undergoing renovations until 2008. Only the treasury and temporary exhibitions are open to the public.
- For more details, see Copenhagen’s official tourism website.
Funen (Fyn)/Central Isles
Odense, Denmark Odense
- For those of you who admire Hans Christian Andersen, Odense is his birthplace and its residents have built a cottage industry based on his storytelling. Be sure to see the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. (Pick from museum list)
- In addition, the city, which is an industrial center, has numerous museums, trendy art galleries and good shopping.
Jutland
Alborg
- Jutland is a great place to visit for a relaxing, country style vacation and Alborg (Aalborg) is a good place to start your trip, offering culture and history in contrast to country.
- For more details see the city’s official travel guide
- Jutland is a great place to visit for a relaxing, country style vacation and Alborg (Aalborg) is a good place to start your trip, offering culture and history in contrast to country.
Århus, Denmark Århus
- Århus (Aarhus) is Jutland’s largest and most vibrant city. Known for its nightlife (it is a college town), Århus is a good place to surface when you have had enough of the countryside. Be sure to visit the Student Quarter (Latin Quarter), just behind the cathedral, it has a great ambiance, cobbled lanes and a number of unique shops.
- Århus has gained notoriety for its AROS Aarhus Kunstmuseum opened in 2004. The new art museum features Denmark’s largest collection outside of Copenhagen. The museum features over three hundred years of Danish art and many works by modern masters.
- Den Gamle By (“The Old Town”), in Århus is Denmark’s National Open Air Museum of Urban History and Culture. The park recreates a Danish Market town from the time of Hans Christian Andersen and includes 75 historical houses (27 decorated living rooms) from across Denmark, along with workshops, trade areas, gardens and a toy museum.
- For more information, visit the official Den Gamle By website.
Legoland Billund
- Home of the original Legoland, Billund features quite countryside populated with some beautiful lakes and forests.
- See the Legoland site for more information on the Billund park.
- Home of the original Legoland, Billund features quite countryside populated with some beautiful lakes and forests.
Bornholm
- Bornholm is an island chock full of interesting history, several unique round churches and may have a connection to the Knights Templar and the search for the Holy Grail. For the Dutch, however, Bornholm is considered one of the best holiday havens for cycling and fishing.
Bornholm Visit Bornholm’s official website here.
- Bornholm is an island chock full of interesting history, several unique round churches and may have a connection to the Knights Templar and the search for the Holy Grail. For the Dutch, however, Bornholm is considered one of the best holiday havens for cycling and fishing.
Additional Resources
Visit Denmark is the official tourism website of Denmark. It provides additional information on the best places to visit that we recommend, as well as information on attractions that did not make our list.
For country facts on Denmark, as well as travel information related to visas, driving rules, safety, medical conditions, visas and other travel-related information, see this page on Denmark Travel from the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the U.S. State Department. Regardless of your home country, we think you will find the information provided to be useful when planning a trip to Denmark.
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