Top 8 Must-Visit Destinations in Denmark

Denmark may be the smallest among the Scandinavian countries, yet it offers a remarkable array of sights and activities. Unlike its mountainous and forested neighbors, Sweden and Norway, Denmark is a flat nation comprised of two main islands and a significant land connection to mainland Europe, featuring stunning white sandy beaches and charming fishing villages. The country boasts 444 islands, including Zealand, home to the sophisticated and stylish capital, Copenhagen.

Visiting Denmark is a breeze: nearly everyone speaks English (often better than you might expect), and navigating the country is simple whether you choose to drive, use public transport, or cycle.

Here are some of the top destinations you should consider adding to your travel itinerary.

1. Copenhagen

Ideal for experiencing top-notch urban living

Denmark’s capital is a compact, bike-friendly city where the finest chefs mingle, fashion enthusiasts roam the streets, and the concept of hustle culture is largely absent. With its breathtaking architecture ranging from historic castles to modern office buildings, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, it’s worth a visit to discover why Copenhagen consistently ranks among the most livable cities in the world.  

So, what can you see? That’s the tricky part. While it may not be overflowing with tourist attractions, the iconic yet often underwhelming Little Mermaid is perhaps the most famous. The real charm lies in soaking up the relaxed local atmosphere: rent a bike to explore, take a dip in the harbor, indulge in pastries from the city’s finest bakeries, ride the electric harbor bus, enjoy brunch at Glyptoteket, stroll through its marble statue gallery, admire Viking artifacts at the National Museum, and experience thrilling rides at Tivoli Gardens. For a more unique adventure, consider skiing at Copenhill, strolling along the beach promenade at Amager Strand, or visiting the contemporary art gallery Arken, just a short train ride south of the city.

Travel tip: Copenhagen’s restaurants usually do not accept walk-ins, so it’s wise to make a reservation online and confirm before your visit. Check out our guide for the top dining and drinking spots in Copenhagen.

2. Aarhus

Ideal for a lively student atmosphere

Aarhus is Denmark’s charming second city, featuring a major university and the impressive modern art gallery ARoS with its colorful rainbow walkway, as well as the renowned ethnographic museum Moesgaard, famous for the Grauballe Man bog body. The streets buzz with youthful energy, especially in the Latin Quarter, where cobbled streets are lined with cafes and vibrant independent shops. It’s a great hub for those exploring Jutland, with various hotels and dining options. Nearby, you can visit Mols Bjerge National Park and the picturesque lake district, along with many accessible white-sand beaches.

3. North Zealand

Ideal for exceptional art and culture

North of Copenhagen, the Danish Riviera offers charming day trips. Gilleleje, a picturesque fishing village with thatched cottages by the water, is especially lovely, as is Tisvildeleje. Between these coastal towns and Copenhagen lies Helsingør, an ancient town featuring the castle that inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, an exceptional gallery with a sculpture park and gardens that overlook the sea. To the west of Copenhagen, Roskilde, an ancient cobbled town, is home to the cathedral where Viking kings are buried, along with a Viking boat museum offering fascinating insights into that era, including occasional boat tours on replica ships. 

Tip for planning: Traveling is easiest by train. Purchase your ticket at Copenhagen Central Station.

4. North Jutland

Ideal for experiencing Denmark's wild nature 

Although it takes about 5.5 hours to drive from Copenhagen to North Jutland, it's like stepping into a different world. Copenhagen is stylish and sophisticated, with coffee prices that may shock you; North Jutland is wonderfully rugged and wild, featuring heathlands, vast beaches, and the country’s first national park, Thy, with hardly a café in sight. Discovering this area of Denmark reveals dramatic coastlines and a unique perspective on Danish life. It's filled with attractions: a church buried in the sand, a moving sand dune, the charming beach town and former artists' haven, Skagen, a renovated lighthouse, and Aalborg, the hometown of the architect behind the Sydney Opera House.

Tip for planning: Renting a car is crucial for navigating this area. 

5. West Jutland

Ideal for beach enthusiasts and birdwatchers

West Jutland features expansive, sandy beaches, campsites, and beach hotels, making it a favorite holiday destination for families. Close by is the Wadden Sea National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site along Jutland's southwest coast, where seals bask on offshore rocks and a variety of islands present a picturesque lifestyle. Mandø is especially stunning, a tidal island teeming with birds and wildflowers, attracting numerous rare migratory species. The Wadden Sea Center provides excellent tours and valuable insights. In September, the wetlands serve as a backdrop for mesmerizing starling murmurations.

Tip for planning: For exploring the Wadden Sea region, consider staying in Ribe, which offers a variety of hotels and dining options. Landfolk and Dancenter are well-known local websites for summerhouse rentals.. 

6. Odense

Perfect for fans of fairy tales

Odense, Denmark’s third-largest city, is renowned as the birthplace of Ugly Duckling author Hans Christian Andersen, with his legacy honored in two museums. The standout is H.C. Andersens Hus, which offers an interactive glimpse into his life. After exploring, savor local dishes at a pub, bakery, or at Storms Pakhus, a vibrant global food market that adds flavor to your visit. The island of Fyn, dubbed the 'garden of Denmark,' is famed for its exceptional produce. Brunsviger is a beloved local dessert—a warm, fluffy cake topped with butter and brown sugar.

Tip for visitors:Odense is just 1.5 hours from Copenhagen by train, and the town is easily walkable from the station. 

7. South Fyn Archipelago

Ideal for island hopping

South of Odense, Denmark transforms into a charming collection of islands where wild horses wander, half-timbered cottages gaze over beaches, and birds serenade visitors. Couples from around the globe gather here to celebrate their love, often in a wholesome, nostalgic Famous Five-like atmosphere. The largest and most popular islands are Ærø and Langeland, with ferries departing from Svendborg, Fåborg, and Rudkøbing. While bringing a car is generally advisable, some islands remain car-free, making summer island hopping an exciting adventure.

8. Bornholm

Perfect for sunshine seekers

Known as Denmark’s sunshine island, Bornholm enjoys the highest levels of sunshine in the entire country, mainly due to its location in the Baltic Sea, closer to Sweden than to Denmark. It retains a distinctly Danish charm, featuring fish smokehouses, pubs, and delightful ice cream and sweet shops dotting its coastal villages. For centuries, its unique light has captivated painters, ceramicists, and artists alike, and one of its beaches boasts such fine sand that it was once used for hourglasses. 

Tip for planning:It’s essential to book early—summerhouses and hotels often fill up by Easter for the summer season.