Denmark, Europe’s smallest Scandinavian country, is a beautiful vacation destination that can fit a variety of needs. From history buffs to those looking for a bit of rest and relaxation, a visit to Denmark can provide just the backdrop for your dream vacation – you just need to know where to go.
If you’re planning a trip or you’re hoping to visit the area in the future, you will want to know the best places to visit in Denmark. To help you out and get you started on your research, we’ve created this Denmark travel guide, complete with fifteen of be best destinations, attractions, and locations that you need to see.
1. Copenhagen
If you don’t have time to make it to every location on this list, Copenhagen should still make the cut. As the most famous city in Denmark and the capital of the country, there is a good reason Copenhagen tops the list of places to visit in Denmark. Many of the activities on this list are located in Copenhagen, including The Little Mermaid statue, the National Museum of Denmark, and Tivoli Gardens. Copenhagen is a beautiful city to visit, no matter the time of year, with each season offering new and exciting things to enjoy.
While these fifteen locations and attractions are all things you should see during a trip to Denmark, they are by no means an expansive list of Denmark tourist attractions. If you’re currently planning a trip to the Scandinavian country or you hope to visit someday in your future, use this guide as a starting place for developing your own travel itinerary. When you include a few things from this list, you’ll leave your vacation feeling fulfilled but ready to plan your trip back.
2. Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg Palace is the place that the Danish Royal Family call home. As a beautiful palace, you can get a glimpse of what it is like to live like a royal. But you will notice something special about visiting the Amalienborg Palace as compared to other royal homes – there is no gate. This allows you to get a true feeling for the palace and what it may feel like to live there. But don’t get too close – there are still guards that stand outside the palace to protect the royal family.
3. The Viking Ship Museum
Have you ever wondered what it as like to explore a Viking ship? Well, if you visit Roskilde, Denmark, you’ll be able to find out. With the Viking Ship Museum, you can get a feel for what it was like to live as a Viking and explore the craftsmanship and skill it took to create one of their ships. You’ll also learn about the Vikings, including what they did, where they traveled, and what they are best known for.
4. Frederiksborg Castle
Next on our list of places to visit in Denmark is Frederiksborg Castle, which is located in Hillerod, Denmark. When the Frederiksborg Castle was originally built, it was intended to be a royal home for King Christian IV. Today, you are able to take a tour of the castle to see the extravagant inside, or you are welcome to just explore the grounds around the area. With expansive gardens and interesting architecture, you can get just as much from spending time outside the castle as you can spending time within its walls.
5. Nyhavn
If you’ve ever seen a postcard of Copenhagen, it has probably been of colorful row of houses located along a canal. This strip is actually a historical landmark known as Nyhavn and it dates back to the 17th century. There are various things to do in Nyhavn, including having dinner at one of the local restaurants or just strolling down the canal at sunset. As one of the most beautiful and iconic scenes in all of Denmark, you can’t leave without seeing this location.
6. The National Gallery of Denmark
If you’re looking more for art than you are for history, the National Gallery of Denmark is the place that you’ll want to visit. Located right in the center of Copenhagen, the National Gallery of Denmark is home to Danish art that dates back as far as the 14th century.
7. National Museum of Denmark
The National Museum of Denmark, which is located in Copenhagen, is the largest Danish museum of cultural history and foreign cultures. If you’re looking to learn more about the history of the country, the National Museum of Denmark should be first on your list of places to visit in Denmark. Here you will find information on the Vikings, mummies, and more. You will learn about the many different time periods of the country, including the Stone age, the Viking Age, and the Middle Ages.
8. Roskilde Cathedral
Next on our list of places to visit in Denmark is the Roskilde Cathedral, which dates back to the medieval time period. Roskilde Cathedral is the resting place for notorious Viking kings Harold Bluetooth and Sweyn Forkbeard. In addition to these Viking kings, Roskilde Cathedral is also the burial grounds for around 40 Denmark kings and queens. Today the church is one of the most beautiful and famous in all of Denmark and something you won’t want to miss regardless of your religion.
9. Wadden Sea National Park
If you’re looking to get in touch with nature during your stay in Denmark, you may want to consider visiting the Wadden Sea National Park. Located on the coastline, you can be close to the water while still enjoying the scenic area and native animals, including seals or birds. Whether you just want to stop by for a few hours or you want to camp for a few days, the Wadden Sea National Park can give you the rest and relaxation you’re looking for in a vacation.
10. Christiania
Only about 850 people live in Christiania, also known as Freetown Christiana, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the biggest tourist destinations in all of Denmark. Freetown Christiana is known for being extremely relaxed, especially with their attitude and views towards purchasing and using drugs – so you may want to think twice about visit this area if you’re traveling with kids. But if you do decide to visit, be sure to check out the interesting and exciting homes of the area, most of which were built by the owners themselves.
11. Carlsberg Brewery
If you’re looking for a Denmark activity that doesn’t involve sightseeing or exploring the outdoors, stop in to the Carlsberg Brewery to sample a few local beers. You can take a tour to get a better understanding of how the beer is made and what factors and ingredients influence the taste. In addition to tours and tastings, you can also check out the exhibitions at the brewery, including the world’s largest collection of beer bottles.
12. H.C. Andersen’s Childhood Home
Hans Christian Andersen is known for writing the original stories that many of us have grown up on, including The Little Mermaid, The Princess and the Pea, and The Ugly Duckling. Fans of those stories can come to visit his childhood home, which is a small yellow house located in Odense. In addition to being able to visit his childhood home, Odense also has a Hans Christian Andersen Museum.
13. Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens is yet another amusement park located in Denmark that appeals to individuals of all ages. With rides, games, and concerts, Tivoli had over 4.7 million visitors in 2015 alone – making it one of the most popular amusement parks in Scandinavia and even in Europe. Tivoli is located in Copenhagen and boasts 27 different rides across 20 acres. If you’re looking for a special treat, visit Tivoli Gardens during Christmas.
14. The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is a statue found in Copenhagen that depicts a mermaid sitting on a rock. At just over 4 feet tall, The Little Mermaid statue is small yet iconic. Since it was first installed back 1913, The Little Mermaid has become one of the most popular things to see in Denmark. If you want to visit The Little Mermaid statue, you will need to look in Copenhagen’s Langelinie Promenade.
15. LegoLand Billund
LegoLand Billund may seem like a destination for children, but it is a location that the entire family can love. The amusement park is located in Billund, Denmark that is built near the original Lego factory. Throughout LegoLand, you’ll find a number of items that are made completely of Lego bricks and items, rides, and themes that center around Legos. Throughout LegoLand, you can check out rides, kiddie rides, shows, and games that please the entire family.
