Denmark Travel Guide
Planning to explore Denmark? Check out our comprehensive travel guide with must-see places to visit, food and drink scene, local culture, safety tips, and much more.
- Introduction to Denmark
- List of Places to Visit
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Denmark
- Best Things to Do in Denmark: Activities and Tours
- Tivoli Gardens
- Kronborg Castle
- LegoLand
- Week-Long Itinerary for Denmark
- Food and Drink Scene of Denmark
- Where to Stay in Denmark: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Copenhagen
- Aarhus
- What to Buy in Denmark: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Denmark
- Best Time to Visit Denmark
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Denmark: Transportation Options and Logistics
- Train Stations Near Denmark
- How to Get Around in Denmark
- Where to Go Next from Denmark: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Sweden
- Norway
- Germany
- Conclusion
Introduction to Denmark
Nestled in the northernmost part of Europe, Denmark is a sovereign state steeped in Viking history and Scandanavian folklore. Woven into this captivating landscape is a mixture of modernism, design-style architecture, a thriving food and coffee culture, and endless outdoor adventures. The country boasts pristine natural reserves, charming villages, and bustling cosmopolitan cities, each with its own unique attraction.
List of Places to Visit
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Denmark has a rich cultural heritage, with Viking history, modern design, and innovative contemporary art. Here is a list of must-visit museums and historical places to add to your itinerary.
The National Museum of Denmark
Located in Copenhagen, it is the largest cultural museum in Denmark, with exhibits ranging from prehistory, the Viking era, and the Middle Ages, right up to contemporary art.
Roskilde Cathedral
Considered a symbol of Danish royal history, the Roskilde Cathedral holds the tombs of Danish monarchs dating back to the 15th century.
The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Situated on the outskirts of Copenhagen, the Louisiana Museum is a breathtaking center for contemporary art that features prominent exhibitions, as well as beautiful gardens.
Natural Attractions of Denmark: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Denmark’s natural beauty and geography provide plenty of opportunities for an outdoor adventure. From long sandy beaches, lush green forests, and scenic coastline, here are some natural wonders you shouldn’t miss.
Rørvig Forest and Beach
Located on the northwestern coast of Zeeland Island, Rørvig is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to trek or cycle through the pine forest or enjoy the white sandy beaches.
Egeskov Castle
Overlooking a peaceful lake at the heart of Fyn island, the Egeskov Castle is known for its scenic beauty, gorgeous rose gardens, and impressive tree canopy walkway.
Møns Klint
Located on the island of Møn, the Møns Klint cliffs feature spectacular views of the Baltic Sea and sport a number of hiking trails, viewpoints, and even fossils dating back to the Cretian era.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Denmark
Biking and hiking are popular activities in Denmark, with well-established paths and routes all across the country. Here are some of the popular routes you can explore.
The Baltic Sea Cycle Route
The Baltic Sea Cycle Route is a 8,000 km path that circles around the entire Baltic Sea, with a 1200 km stretch in Denmark. It offers spectacular views of the coast and beach towns.
Mols Bjerge National Park
Famous for the picturesque rolling hills and unique flora and fauna, Mols Bjerge is a perfect spot for hikers. The park features a number of hiking routes, ranging from short to long distances.
The Danish Islands Route
The Danish Islands is a route that connects several stunning islands of Denmark, including Langeland, Ærø, and Funen. This biking route offers breathtaking views of the countryside.
Best Things to Do in Denmark: Activities and Tours
Aside from the natural beauty and historical monuments, Denmark offers plenty of activities and tours that are worth trying. Here are some of the best things to do during your stay.
Tivoli Gardens
Located in Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens is a 19th-century amusement park with an old-world charm, featuring a variety of classic rides, exquisite gardens, and a selection of restaurants and bars.
Kronborg Castle
Situated on the northeastern coast of Zealand Island, Kronborg Castle is a 16th-century historic monument that inspired Hamlet’s Elsinore Castle. The castle provides tour guides to take visitors through its rooms.
LegoLand
A popular attraction for the young and young at heart, Legoland is a theme park built of millions of lego bricks, and features thrilling rides and attractions.
Week-Long Itinerary for Denmark
Denmark is a country that has so much to explore, making it difficult to fit it all in one trip. Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long stay.
| Day | Location | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Copenhagen | Visit Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, and Nyhavn |
| 2 | Roskilde | Explore the Viking Ship Museum, Roskilde Cathedral, and Frederiksborg Castle |
| 3 | Odense | Visit Hans Christian Andersen Museum, Egeskov Castle |
| 4 | Skagen | Check out the Grenen beach (where the waves of the Skaggerak Sea and the Kattegat Sea meet), Skagen Museum, Råbjerg Mile |
| 5 | Aarhus | Visit the Old Town, ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, Den Gamle By |
| 6 | Ribe | Explore Ribe Cathedral, The Viking Centre |
| 7 | Møn island | Hike the Møns Klint, Visit the GeoCentre Møns Klint and Nyord Island |
Food and Drink Scene of Denmark
The Danish food scene has exploded with unparalleled craft beers, classic dishes, and contemporary gastronomy. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages during your stay.
Must-Try Dishes
Smørrebrød
Smørrebrød literally translates to “butter and bread” and is a traditional open sandwich featuring a variety of toppings, including seafood, radishes, pickled herring, and seasonal vegetables.
Frikadeller
Frikadeller are Danish meatballs made from pork and beef, commonly served alongside pickled red cabbage and boiled potatoes.
Æbleskiver
These fluffy and delicious Danish pancake balls are a popular winter treat, served with jam and powdered sugar.
Local Beverages
Carlsberg
Carlsberg is a globally-renowned beer brewed in Denmark since the late 19th century. A tour of the brewery and tasting are popular activities for visitors.
Akvavit
Akvavit is Denmark’s national spirit, made from potatoes and flavored with dill and caraway. This strong spirit is enjoyed as an aperitif and paired with fish dishes.
Where to Stay in Denmark: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Accommodation in Denmark caters to every traveler’s taste and budget. Here are some recommendations for hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in some of Denmark’s popular regions.
Copenhagen
Hotel Danmark
Located right in the center of Copenhagen, Hotel Danmark offers a contemporary Danish design, fitness center, and a beautiful rooftop terrace.
The Generator Hostel
The Generator Hostel is a stylish backpacker hub in the trendy Nørrebro district, featuring private and shared rooms, a vibrant bar, and free Wi-Fi.
Aarhus
Villa Provence
Located in Aarhus’ Latin district, Villa Provence is a charming 4-star boutique hotel that features a courtyard, elegant rooms, and a restaurant serving seasonal Nordic cuisine.
City Sleep-In
Situated in the heart of Aarhus, City Sleep-In is an excellent budget option with private rooms, shared bathrooms, and a shared kitchen facility.
What to Buy in Denmark: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Denmark is famous for its design scene, handmade crafts, and locally sourced food and beverages. Here are some souvenirs and local products that you can bring home to your loved ones.
Danish Jewelry
Denmark is known for its timeless and elegant jewelry designs, with brands like Ole Lynggaard and Pandora leading the way.
Danish Pastries
Danish pastries are fluffy, buttery delights that have gained worldwide popularity. Traditional flavors include cinnamon, custard, and poppy seed filling.
Royal Copenhagen china
Royal Copenhagen is a world famous porcelain brand that originated in Denmark in 1775. Their hand-painted porcelain pieces are works of art and make perfect gifts.
Local Culture and Customs of Denmark
Denmark is a place with a rich culture and customs that travelers should be aware of. Here are some tips to get the most of your Danish cultural experience.
Hygge
The unique concept of Scandinavian coziness, “Hygge,” has gained popularity worldwide. It primarily involves lighted candles, soft blankets, and warm beverages.
Biking
Denmark is known for being one of the world’s most bike-friendly countries. It is common practice to use a bike to get around the cities and towns.
Danish Design
Danish design is known for its functionality, simple lines, and minimalist aesthetic. Famous designers include Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, and Kay Bojesen.
Best Time to Visit Denmark
The best time to visit Denmark is between May to August when the weather is warm and the days last longer. Spring offers opportunities for cherry blossoms, while summer is characterized by outdoor festivals and events. Winter stays short and requires heavy clothing and warm weather equipment, on the other hand, autumn offers fewer crowds, but still pleasantly mild weather.
Do’s and Don’ts of Denmark
Here are some essential Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind during your stay in Denmark.
Do:
- Try to learn a few basic Danish phrases.
- Respecting other people’s personal space and privacy is a must.
- Be prompt, reliable, and punctual.
Don’t:
- Don’t tip excessively or insist on tipping- it isn’t customary in Denmark, just round it up to the nearest number as they consider it polite.
- Don’t jump queues or litter the streets. Depict yourself polished and elegant.
Safety and Health
Denmark is regarded as one of the safest and healthiest countries in the world, however, it is better for the visitors to be cautious regarding the below safety and health aspects.
Safety in Denmark
Denmark is generally regarded as a safe country, with relatively low levels of crime. However, like any major city, visitors should follow basic safety precautions, especially in urban areas.
Health in Denmark
Denmark has a good standard of healthcare, with both public and private health sectors, and is devoid of any significant health risks. European citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card are eligible for free or reduced healthcare services.
Getting to Denmark: Transportation Options and Logistics
Denmark is well connected by plane, train, and ferry, with many options that are easy to navigate.
Airports Near Denmark
Copenhagen Airport is Denmark’s primary airport, located just 8 kilometers from the city center. Other international airports include Billund Airport, Aalborg Airport, and Aarhus Airport.
Bus Stations Near Denmark
Flixbus, Eurolines, and a number of other bus services connect Denmark with many European countries, with Bus stations present in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Aalborg.
Train Stations Near Denmark
Train rides from Germany, Sweden, and Norway offer frequent daily services to Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Aalborg.
How to Get Around in Denmark
Denmark has an excellent public transportation system, including trains, buses, and ferries, all of which are efficient, frequent, and affordable. Bikes are an integral part of the culture too, and can be rented in most cities and towns. Taxi services are also available across the country.
Where to Go Next from Denmark: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Denmark is strategically located for easy excursion to many of its neighboring European countries and cities.
Sweden
Located just across the bridge from Copenhagen is Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city, and worth a visit.
Norway
Oslo, the Norwegian capital, can be reached by train from Copenhagen in about 8 hours. While there, you can explore the fjords, Edvard Munch Museum, and the Viking Ship Museum, to name a few.
Germany
Hamberg, Germany is easily accessible by train and ferry from Denmark. Here, you can visit the Miniature Wunderland or take in the Hanseatic architecture along the river Elbe in the warehouse district.
Conclusion
Denmark is a quintessential Scandanavian destination that packs a punch when it comes to scenic beauty, historical monuments, and modern culture. The Danish concept of “Hygge” will leave you warm and cozy, while the delicious traditional cuisine, spectacular natural wonders, and rich Viking history will undoubtedly leave you in awe. With this comprehensive guide, we hope you will embark on an unforgettable and enjoyable journey to this Nordic wonderland.
Denmark Image Gallery
The majestic chalk cliffs at Møn
Denmark has a rich pre-history, with several cultures living here since the end of last Ice Age around 12,000 years ago
Extent of the Kalmar Union around 1400.Settlement in Greenland was (and is) very tenuous with most villages placed along the southwest coast
Southern Schleswig and the Scanian provinces was part of Denmark until the Second Northern War in the early modern period
Copenhagen was ravaged by a series of very destructive fires in the course of the 18th century, some caused by naval attacks and bombardments. The Copenhagen bombardment of 1807 destroyed most of the city.
After the severe loss of territory, Denmark founded a unique non-aggressive kind of nationalism after the Napoleonic Wars in the early 1800s. Nicolai Grundtvig played a defining role in that movement in the first half of the 19th century.
Danes celebrating the liberation of Denmark from the occupation of Nazi Germany during World War II on 5 May 1945 in the streets.
Seasons in Århus, counterclockwise from early October
Denmark is very flat and has the largest fraction of cultivated land in the world.
There are many wind farms in Denmark, several of them offshore.
Tuborg truck and two guys on J day
The border control in Copenhagen Airport
A EuroCity train bound for Hamburg on the Puttgarden-Rødby ferry connecting Germany and Denmark
Rail transport is a comfortable and very safe way of getting around in Denmark. You can bring your bike, even on city-lines.
The ''Marguerite Route'' sign - an indication of a scenic route.
When entering Denmark by motor vehicle, you will be met by a sign like this, with simple instructions, at the border.
Parking disc set for 02:50 or 14:50. According to the rules this disc should actually have been set at 03:00 (or 15:00)
Roadspace reserved for cyclists is prevalent in all Danish towns.
"''Something is rotten in the state of Denmark''". There are many fine castles and palaces throughout the country, like Hamlet's Helsingør
Denmark has a very long coastline and sandy beaches are prevalent.
Roskilde festival's signature Orange stage
A network of bikeroads has been established across the country.
Surfing at Cold Hawaii on the North Sea coast. Water sports are popular.
''Flæskesteg'' (pork roast with cracklings) with potatoes, brown gravy and pickled red cabbage. Traditional Danish food are often hearty meals and pairs well with beer.
A ''Pølsevogn'' in Aarhus.
Esrom cheese. Denmark produce some excellent cheese and dairy products.
''Jomfruhummer'' (langoustine), a local delicacy of Læsø.
Smoked herring with ''rugbrød'', egg yolk, onions and chives, a local delicacy of Bornholm.
Sheep herd in the Wadden sea National Park.
A selection of cream cakes in a ''Konditori''.
Old-fashioned ''Bolsjer'' (drops).
The ubiquitous Carlsberg is a well-known Danish beer brand worldwide and can be had almost anywhere in Denmark, but more than a hundred Danish micro breweries also provides excellent quality beers across the country.
"''Gammel Dansk''" (Old Danish), a commonly available Danish Aquavit.
"''Bjesk''", an Aquavit specialty of North Jutland flavoured with a variety of local herbs.
You can find a ''kro'' in almost any Danish town
Though officially Lutheran, Denmark is largely agnostic. Pictured: Østerlars Church, Bornholm
Mailbox in Denmark