Don’t be deceived by Scandinavia’s smallest kingdom, Denmark goes big. Whether it’s the seamless efficiency of the country, the resounding quiet of its busiest city streets or the slick design that makes every moment feel like an advert. You’ll quickly realise why Denmark can only be compared to Bhutan when it comes to happiness; life here seems magical in every sense of the word.
Of all the places to visit in Denmark, Copenhagen is the capital of cool. Stylish cafes spill onto the streets, filling the air with the smell of the food the city has become famous for. When you aren’t letting your nose lead the way, you’re faced with Denmark’s pride and joy, the internationally renowned writer Hans Christian Andersen, whose characters are at every turn!
While Denmark’s fairytale starts in Copenhagen, its plot, twist and character development happen when you leave the capital. Most of the time, that story takes you back to the Viking era. Many of Denmark’s cities were first settled by the Vikings over 1,000 years ago along with some of the first mentions of the country’s name coming from this time.
Away from the artefacts and stones of this violent era, there’s one thing that you will not be able to get enough of in Denmark, and that’s hygge. Lucky for you, hygge in Denmark is a way of life, a philosophy that you will instantly feel and understand when you step into the Danish countryside and cosy up after a day of exploring. Hygge nourishes the soul with contentment, warmth, and well-being; it’s in abundance in this strangely perfect country.
This Denmark travel guide will take you from Copenhagen on a journey through time as you hop between the cities and islands of Denmark and through its diverse landscapes to get to know exactly why that hygge lifestyle is so important;
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When to Go Travelling in Denmark
When the days are long, the sun is high and the flowers are in bloom; that’s the best time to visit Denmark. The summer season, when it’s all systems go, is from May to September. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to squeeze your trip in before or after European summer holidays (June and July), if you can.
Things might be a little damp on occasion between spring and autumn, but sunny days are more frequent. On a good day, you’ll still be able to soak up the atmosphere of cities like Copenhagen or take that opportunity to go on a hike or cycle.
The truth is, any other time of year, your Denmark trip might not pan out as you had hoped. Winters from November to February are cold and dark, and you may find that your sightseeing list is filled with renovations.
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Best Places to Visit in Denmark
Copenhagen
Known as the foodie, creative and cultural capital, Copenhagen is an all-in-one city that will have you from the get-go. Compact and bijou, Copenhagen is made up of just two of Denmark’s islands yet still really packs a punch.
Whether you are looking for a city with an atmosphere, are on the hunt for traces of Denmark’s Hans Christian Andersen or want to taste your way through Denmark, you’ll find everything within walking distance of this tiny city.
Of all the places to go in Copenhagen, few look past Tivoli Gardens which delights the young, the old, and everyone in-between as you’ll see while on tour on this 4-day Copenhagen, Oslo and overnight cruise trip. Away from the colourful buildings that line Copenhagen’s streets, you’ll immediately get that fairytale feeling with the elaborate palaces the city is home to.
Aarhus
Founded by Vikings, Aarhus is a city that has been sitting in Copenhagen’s shadow for years. However, the creativity that stirs on these streets is slowly starting to ignite Aarhus’ very own flame.
With a rising food scene and contemporary architecture that raises eyebrows, Aarhus is gaining a well-earned reputation as the young and progressive city that it has always been. Add in sparkling qualities like being coined ‘the land of smiles’ and an ever-expanding calendar of festivals, you’ll struggle to find a reason not to add Aarhus onto your trip to Denmark, even if it’s just for the day.
Roskilde
Roskilde’s prime was at the height of the Viking era. The city is best known for Roskilde Cathedral, built to commemorate the church that first marked the city’s existence, and the Viking Museum. Roskilde itself is quiet; immersing you in a more rural, local way of life that, in many ways, will leave you feeling like you are in the countryside.
The Viking Museum is one of the finest in the country and a must-visit Denmark tourist attraction. Packed to the brim with relics from Roskilde and beyond, the most impressive findings are the five 1,000-year-old Viking ships that are very much an image of the era. To complete the experience, you’ll have the option to sail in a replica ship.
Hike to a Buried Lighthouse
Perhaps one of the biggest surprises of this tiny country is the great sand dunes, Rubjerg Knude, that are found in its northernmost island, North Jutland. What attracts so many curious travellers is not the sand dunes themselves, but the precariously positioned lighthouse that sits on the coast, slowly being swallowed by the sand making for an interesting alternative day trip in Denmark.
The hike to the lighthouse is a unique one: it wouldn’t be a hike at all if you were not walking through dunes. However, the movement of the sand makes it a challenge worth taking on; when you reach the lighthouse, you’ll be rewarded with the most spectacular views of the North Sea and the coastline.
A huge project recently came together to prevent the lighthouse from being pushed into the sea by the sand’s movement, a spectacular effort that all Danes watched on tenterhooks.
Mons Klint
Tumbling into the Baltic Sea, Mons Klint is Denmark’s 70 million-year-old wonder whose erosion has created azure waters that welcome you to swim – in summer!
The perfect day trip south of Copenhagen, Mons Klint is on Mon Island, just an hour away by car and a little longer by boat. Depending on what time of year you are looking to travel, you can explore Mons Klint on a sailing trip, cycling or even as the sunsets, no matter what you choose, learning a little more about this ancient rock by looking for fossils on the beach with the local Geocentre!
Denmark’s Castles
Sitting on the rugged outposts of Denmark’s borders and coasts, Denmark’s castles have been an inspiration for many. The most famous is undoubtedly Kronborg Castle which sits on the border of Sweden. Perched on a cliff of Zealand Island, Kronborg’s Renaissance beauty inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet and is a must-visit on any Copenhagen tour, just 45 minutes from the city.
Created under royal rule, Denmark’s castles were part of the rapid spread of Renaissance styles across Europe. The beauty of this new style became a trend worth fighting for. No castle demonstrates this better than Rosenholm Castle in eastern Jutland. The castle is split into two wings; one in French and the other in Italian Renaissance style as, according to legend, the owner and his wife couldn’t decide what one to use.
Odense
The big kids of Europe will love Odense (pronounced ohn-se). Home of the fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen, Odense is known to bring childhood stories to life through the cornucopia of attractions that are based around the writer. However, this is just the beginning of the city’s draw!
Away from the Andersen-shaped traffic lights, Odense is filled to the brim with creativity. From quaint coffee shops and bars to art galleries with a twist, each corner turned presents another thing to see.
How to Tour Around Denmark
Denmark’s islands are well connected through all manner of transportation systems. It’s incredibly easy to travel around Denmark. Here’s how;
Boats, Trains and Buses
Denmark has a slick public transportation system that gets you from A-to-B in no time. As you are never too far from the water, the hop-on-hop-off boats in Copenhagen and beyond are the most convenient.
For everything else, you’ll find that a bus or train is always at hand. The boat tours and bus services operate using the same tickets which will save you time. While train services take you all across the country stress and carefree.
Car
With an impressive, well-kept system of roads connecting the country, hiring a car to travel around Denmark is perhaps the easiest self-drive trip you will ever do.
If you don’t enjoy driving by yourself in other countries–and many of us do not–our Local Designers in Denmark are at hand to arrange a private driver for you. By hiring a private driver, you have all the benefits of a self-drive tour with the added bonus of a guide along the way.
Connections to Sweden and Norway
Denmark’s efficient transport network doesn’t stop in the country; it will take you through Scandinavia too.
Travelling from Denmark to Sweden is as simple as crossing a bridge to Malmo. To go to Norway, you can get an overnight cruise, as you’ll see in this 10-day Scandinavian capitals, fjords and railways tour. You’ll go to sleep in Copenhagen and wake up in Oslo.
Where to Stay in Denmark
Copenhagen
Although Copenhagen is compact, it’s loaded with things to see and do. While choosing the area to stay in will not affect how you fill your time in the city, each has its own atmosphere.
Those visiting Copenhagen for the first time will rarely look past Indre By, Copenhagen’s old town and centre where you’ll find all the must-see attractions. A little further afield, and a little more budget-friendly is the Latin Quarter where backpackers will revel in the bustle that student deals bring while still being a hop, skip and a jump from the centre.
The famous Nyhavn is great for luxury travellers and family tours with younger children as it’s home of Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid. This picturesque corner of town comes at a price; however, the fairytale atmosphere will more than impress.
Aarhus
A cultural melting pot that is alive and thriving, Aarhus is where music lovers meet and party-goers retreat.
Those seeking to follow Aarhus’ beat will look no further than the city centre or the Latin Quarter, where tourism bustles. However, those getting to know another side of Aarhus will be soothed by the calm atmosphere of Frederiksbjerg. here is a mix of budget and luxurious accommodation options in this up-and-coming area.
Odense
While Odense is often missed off of the tourist trail in favour of Copenhagen, the city still has an impressive range of accommodation to match all cost ranges. For the most variety and best proximity to what Odense has to offer, Odense C, which is the centre will fulfil all of your budget needs.
For those who are not budget-conscious and are looking to see things through local eyes, Odense M is a residential neighbourhood that will fit the bill.
Roskilde
Perhaps the most ancient of Denmark’s cities, Roskilde encourages you to get outdoors, and the accommodation options reflect that. While most modern hotels and inns are found in the city, Roskilde invites a more local experience with quaint guesthouses, bed and breakfasts and amazing outdoor accommodation options such as campsites and rustic cabins.
Danish Food You Have to Try
Love pork? You’re in for a treat in Denmark.
Aebleflæsk
Start with the most traditional of all, aebleflæsk. A mix of cured or ‘salted’ pork mixed with apple and thyme, this bitter and old fashioned hearty food is the ultimate beer snack with some crispy rye bread.
Krebinetter
A staple throughout Denmark, krebinetter are deep-fried patties that are often made with pork, however, sometimes they are mixed with veal. The dish varies from region to region, in fact, in Jutland, they are called karbonader. However, more often than not, you’ll be served this burger like patties with peas and potatoes.
Rugbrød
Rye bread is a staple of all Nordic countries, however, rugbrød is specific to Denmark and known across the world for being so. If it’s not with the meal, it will come before! Rugbrød is dense, so it’s best served with pickled or cured fish or as the base of a smørrebrød.
Medisterpølse
This Danish-style sausage will leave your mouth watering. Made with the freshest ground meat and suet, medisterpølse has a touch of all-spice that adds a Scandinavian sweetness to it that you won’t be able to get enough of. Add in mashed potato, pickles and parsley and you have a heartwarming dish that will make you feel at home.
Smørrebrød
Essentially half a sandwich, smørrebrød translates from Danish to the English ‘bread with butter’. Many European countries have snagged this one to represent Danish food as it fits the Insta-worthy bill. Don’t be fooled, smørrebrød is a staple lunch, there is nothing luxurious about this meal.
Ranging from the fancy to the luxurious, a smørrebrød can be topped with everything from boiled eggs and pickles to smoked salmon and, of course, pickled herring (and it should always come first).
Festivals and Events in Denmark
While Denmark’s winters are quiet, summertime across the country is packed full of events;
The Black Sun
In the south-west of Jutland island between August and the end of October and in Spring from mid-March to April, one of the most spectacular occurrences in nature takes place. Hundreds of thousands of starlings block out the sun for about 20 minutes around sunset, dancing through the sky in incredible formations.
There are so many birds, you’ll think it’s dark for this time, which is where the event takes its name from.
Copenhagen Opera Festival
What started small has ended up being one of the biggest events in the city.
Copenhagen Opera Festival aims to show the beauty of this city in a unique and refreshing way. This isn’t a festival reserved strictly for opera lovers, it’s open to everyone with a diverse range of musicians who have various approaches to the genre. With over 100 performances over a week in August, you’ll be sure to find something that soothes your soul.
Tivoli Festival
Scandinavia’s biggest classical music festival, Tivoli Festival offers a five-month-long action-packed schedule of events that brings you the very best of classical music from around the world.
Taking place in Copenhagen’s famed amusement park, Tivoli Festival hosts over 60 performances over the summer period, welcoming famed opera singers and classical musicians to the stage to bring a delight to the senses. Among international artists are orchestras from all over Denmark.
Hans Christian Andersen Play Festival
In the last week of August, the Hans Christian Andersen Play Festival is a glorious celebration of Denmark’s most loved writer.
Set in Odense, Andersen’s hometown, there are around 500 events squeezed into just seven days. The city is packed to the brim with vibrant activities from street art to theatre performances, music and light shows; Hans Christian Andersen’s works are interpreted in the streets that he once walked. What’s more, thanks to the variety of sponsors and eager volunteers, most of it is free.
Things to Know Before Your Denmark Travels
Visa: Denmark is part of Europe and the Schengen Agreement which means that many short-term travellers will not need a visa. It’s important to check the visa requirements for your respective country before travelling. A Schengen visa lasts 90 days.
Money: The official currency of Denmark is the Danish krone. At the time of writing, in February 2021, 1 USD is equal to 6.17 Danish krone.
Religion: In Denmark, 75% of the population is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, however, few considered themselves very religious.
Weather: Denmark’s weather can change at any minute. To be prepared, pack for every weather type you can think of and have it with you at all times.
Time: Everything in Denmark is punctual, and with it comes a very timely culture. If you make reservations, be sure to follow suit and be on time or early – you will lose your seat otherwise!
Costs: Denmark, and Scandinavia as a region, is one of the most expensive in the world.
Bicycles: In Copenhagen, there are more bicycles than people! It’s known as the city of cycles. Keep an eye out when crossing the road.
Looking to Plan a Tour in Denmark?
Travelling to Denmark is an experience unlike any other. With beautiful landscapes, history and culture that inspires, planning a trip with Designer Journeys and this Denmark travel guide can be as seamless and timely as the country.
To get started, browse our range of fully-customisable trips in Denmark and be inspired by Copenhagen and beyond. If you don’t find what you are looking for, click ‘design your own trip’ to fill in your travel requests, budget and time frame to begin making the trip of your dreams with the help of our Local Designers.
