When one thinks of Denmark, Vikings, fairy tales, pastries, and castles might come to mind. All are part of what makes Denmark a special place to visit. This small Scandinavian country is a treasure trove of Nordic history, idyllic countryside, and fairy tale heritage (the Little Mermaid Statue is a top tourist stop).
The royal family even has their own fairytale story: Mary Donaldson met a young man in a bar in Sydney during the 2000 Summer Olympic Games. He just happened to be the Prince of Denmark.
Top Cities in Denmark
Denmark's cities are a blend of historic charm and modern innovation, each offering its own unique attractions and experiences. From the vibrant capital of Copenhagen to the historic streets of Aarhus, these cities provide a fascinating glimpse into Danish culture, architecture, and lifestyle. Discover the top cities in Denmark and what makes each one special.
Denmark's capital and top city is known for its beautiful canals, cozy cafes, fantastic architecture, historical landmarks, and cultural flare. Located on the islands of Zealand and Amager, at the southern end of The Sound (Øresund), it is small enough to bicycle from one end to the other in less than an hour, yet is big enough to fill days of itinerary with new experience.
It is officially one of the world's most liveable cities due to its amazing foods, free health care and education, and society focused on balancing work and play.
Esbjerg
The largest city in Denmark is known for its picturesque views, nature, museums, shopping, and restaurants. Located next to the North Sea and the Wadden Sea National Park, it is just a ferry ride away from Fano on North Sea Island, which has beautiful beaches to relax on.
It’s the second-largest Danish city and was named the European Capital of Culture in 2017 for its abundance of attractions. With a flourishing art scene, impressive architecture, hip bars and cafes, and plenty of shopping options, this city is an amazing destination for any traveler.
Historically, it is one of the oldest cities in Denmark, but 13% of Aarhus’ population are students, making it the youngest city in Denmark and giving it a touch of youthful energy.
Roskilde
If you want to explore Denmark's history and learn about the Vikings, Roskilde is a must-see. What was once the capital of Denmark is just a quick thirty-minute trip from Copenhagen.
It’s home to the Viking Ship Museum, and the annual Viking festival is held here. The city is also abundant in contemporary culture, with its world-renowned music festival, a museum for pop, rock, and youth culture, and much more.
Top Cultural Activities When Touring Denmar
Denmark is rich in cultural heritage, offering many activities that showcase its history, art, and traditions. From visiting world-renowned museums and historic castles to experiencing local festivals and culinary delights, there are countless ways to immerse yourself in Danish culture. Explore the top cultural activities that will enhance your tour of Denmark.
National Museum of Denmark
To begin your trip and gain an understanding of Denmark's culture, take a day to explore the country's largest museum of cultural history, the National Museum of Denmark. Here, you can follow the history of the Danes from the beginning of the country to the present day.
The museum contains exhibitions on the Stone Age, Viking Age, Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Modern Danish History. It also contains priceless artifacts, such as the famous Golden Horns, Egyptian mummies, African masks, and much more.
The museum boasts an immense ethnographical collection, an array of classical and Eastern antiquities, a toy museum, and a coin and medal collection.
Den Gamble By
Visit Den Gamble By, a museum of living history, to go back in time and witness old-time Danish town culture. This outdoor tourist activity features 75 complex buildings, including a bakery, pharmacy, merchant's house, school, and toy museum displaying over 6,000 playthings produced during the 19th and 20th centuries.
You can meet people behaving just as they did in the olden days. They might be chopping wood or sewing an old-time outfit. You can chat with them, and they will fill you in on what it's like living during those times and may even ask you to fetch some water on a horse-drawn carriage.
Carlsberg Brewery
Enjoy a crisp glass of beer with your history lesson at Carlsberg. The Carlsberg Brewery was founded in 1847 by J.C. Jacobsen and is now a top cultural tourist attraction. The visitor center allows guests to get a firsthand look at the history of the brewery, observe the amazing architecture, and sample delicious beers from all over the world.
You can take a private guided tour or explore on your own to see the world's largest collection of unopened beer bottles. The center also has a sculpture garden featuring a replica of the famous mermaid sculpture Jacobsen donated to his city and an Elephant Gate with four life-sized granite elephant statues.
Church of Our Savior
The immaculate Dutch baroque-style Church of Our Savior is constructed of gold and red bricks. It offers an amazing view of Copenhagen. The upper half is so unique that it resembles more of a ride at Disneyland than a church. The history of the establishment is almost as mystifying as the church itself.
It was built in 1695, but architect Lauritz de Thurah took six more decades to finish its famous corkscrew 295-foot spire. Legend has it that Thurah jumped to death from the top of his creation when he realized the spire twisted counterclockwise.
Outdoor Travel in Denmark
Denmark is filled with places to get up close and personal with deer. The animals have been accustomed to humans, so you can truly get a very close view of them grazing. If you're lucky, you may witness the roaring and strutting of stags in season.
The stag puts on an impressive display to attract females and defend territory. You can see them at Jaegersborg Dyrehave, Haderslev Deer Park, Thy Oxbyl, and Slotved Forest.
Travel like a Dane and breathe in the fresh air of the great outdoors on a bicycle. With more than 12,000 kilometers of cycle routes in Denmark, you can ride freely and experience Denmark's beauty on your own or take a guided bicycle tour to learn all about the history and culture while sightseeing.
Nothing is as timeless as touring the historic canals of Denmark by boat. Take a lovely guided tour on a motorboat, schooner, kayak, or sailing ship, or cruise the coast on a sailing ship! If you'd like to be your own captain, you can also rent your boat and have a romantic picnic on the water or be a chipper skipper on your private vessel.
If you'd like a change of scenery, attempt climbing the Råbjerg Mile dune. Denmark's largest sand dune was formed in the 16th century during the great sand migration. It offers breathtaking scenery and resembles more of Africa than Scandinavia.
Each year, the dune moves 15 meters towards the Northeast. Once it reaches an area with trees or other plantations, it takes around 40 years for the tree to re-emerge on the other side of the dune. You can book a ranger-guided tour to learn about the history of the dunes or trek them on your own.
Danish Cuisine
The most popular item Danes consume for breakfast, lunch, and dinner is the famous smørrebrød. It’s an open sandwich consisting of dark brown rye bread topped with meat or fish, cheeses, spread, and garnishes. Don't worry about where to find it, as this item can be found on almost any Danish restaurant's menu.
If you love pork as much as the Danes do, then Stegt flæsk, fried pork belly served with potatoes and white sauce with chopped parsley, is a must-try dish. In 2014, over 60,000 Danes voted that this dish was their absolute favorite and should, therefore, be considered their national dish.
If you're hesitant to try unfamiliar foods or are craving a little taste of home away from home, then you'll want to try Polser. It is the Danish version of an American hot dog, but many say it’s much tastier. It's almost impossible not to trip over a Polser cart, as vendors are so plentiful in the streets of Denmark.
You should also stop in a cute cafe and try the famous Wienerbrød. They are similar to croissants, filled with a mixture of creamed butter and sugar. Americans picture this when they think of a Danish pastry introduced in America by Austrian bakers (oddly) in the 1850s when Danish pastry workers went on a long-term wage strike.
Winter Travel in Denmark
A place where you can witness Denmark transform into a winter wonderland during the cold months with its fairytale Christmas village, music events, holiday celebrations, and art installations is Tivoli Gardens.
More than half a million lights are used throughout the park. While it’s a great place to visit during other times of the year, many prefer it during winter because of its aesthetic appeal.
Every winter, Frederiksberg Gardens is covered in ice and transforms into a festive outdoor skating rink. This free and fun activity is not just a hit among tourists—you'll also find locals carving up the ice.
Live like a Dane and take the plunge! If you enjoy traveling like a local and want to experience Danish culture, try winter bathing. Free your mind and test the freezing water with a winter swim. It’s believed to trigger a sense of well-being and has many health benefits.
If you love the water but don't want to swim in freezing cold water as the Danes do with their winter bathing tradition, you can rent a private hot tub and float the day away in the canals. These saltwater sailing hot spas are heated to 104 F and can seat up to five people.
Summer Travel in Denmark
When you think of Denmark, you may envision being bundled up on a cold winter night with a cup of cocoa in hand. You’d probably never have guessed that this country has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
When the ice melts, the hot sun brings Denmark to life, and beachgoers run to the sea. There are hundreds of beaches to choose from, and there's always room for everyone.
Island hopping might sound like something you only do in a tropical paradise like
Hawaii, but with over 400 islands, Denmark is a perfect place to island hop! Most of the islands can be reached by ferry.
Some of the most popular islands to explore in Denmark include:
- The island of Samsø has sandy beaches, great fishing, and a flat landscape, making it perfect for biking.
- Ærø, with its cobbled stone streets, narrow alleys, cozy squares, and colorful old houses, portrays Hygge in its best light. It is known as the “fairytale town.”
- Anholt is referred to as paradise in Denmark. Located halfway between Sweden and Denmark, it is the country's most isolated island community. It has a no-car policy, so be prepared to walk or bike.
If you're a music lover, spend some time at Aalborg Park. It is very popular during summertime. More than 80 famous artists have left their mark on the city park by planting trees to commemorate their visit.
Visitors can push a button on some trees to hear tunes by musicians like Elton John, Sting, Kenny Rogers, and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.