Denmark is a beautiful country located in Northern Europe. It is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and friendly people. Whether you are interested in exploring ancient castles or modern cities, Denmark has something to offer every traveler. In this article, we will take a closer look at the best places to visit in Denmark, including top cities and famous landmarks.
Facts About Denmark
Before we dive into the list of the best places to visit in Denmark, let’s take a moment to learn some interesting facts about this fascinating country.
- Denmark is the smallest country in Scandinavia, but it has a rich cultural heritage that dates back to the Viking Age.
- The official language in Denmark is Danish, but most Danes also speak English fluently.
- Denmark is known for its high standard of living, excellent healthcare system, and commitment to sustainability.
- Denmark is home to some of the world’s best restaurants, including Noma in Copenhagen, which was named the world’s best restaurant in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014.
Now that we have learned some basic facts about Denmark, let’s move on to the main focus of this article: the best places to visit in Denmark.
Denmark Top Cities:
Aalborg
Aalborg is a vibrant city located in the northern part of Jutland. It is known for its lively nightlife, beautiful waterfront, and historic architecture. Some of the top attractions in Aalborg include:
- Aalborg Zoo, which is home to more than 1,500 animals from around the world.
- Utzon Center, a modern cultural center designed by Jorn Utzon, who also designed the Sydney Opera House.
- Aalborghus Castle, a well-preserved Renaissance castle that dates back to the 16th century.
Aarhus
Aarhus is the second-largest city in Denmark and is located on the east coast of Jutland. It is known for its vibrant cultural scene, excellent museums, and beautiful beaches. Some of the top attractions in Aarhus include:
- The Old Town, a living museum that showcases Danish life from the 16th to the 19th century.
- ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, which is one of the largest art museums in Northern Europe.
- Moesgaard Museum, which showcases the history of Denmark from prehistoric times to the present day.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and excellent restaurants. It is also home to some of Denmark’s most famous landmarks, including:
- The Little Mermaid Statue, which is one of the most iconic symbols of Denmark.
- Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park that dates back to 1843 and features rides, games, and live entertainment.
- Nyhavn, a picturesque waterfront area that is lined with colorful buildings and historic ships.
Ebeltoft
Ebeltoft is a charming town located on the eastern coast of Jutland. It is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and beautiful beaches. Some of the top attractions in Ebeltoft include:
- The Frigate Jylland, a well-preserved naval ship that was built in 1860.
- The Glass Museum, which showcases glass art from around the world.
- The Old Town Hall, a beautiful Renaissance building that dates back to the 16th century.
Frederikshavn
Frederikshavn is a bustling port town located in the northern part of Jutland. It is known for its beautiful beaches, charming pedestrian streets, and excellent seafood restaurants. Some of the top attractions in Frederikshavn include:
- Bangsbo Museum, which showcases the history of Frederikshavn and the surrounding area.
- Palmestrand Beach, which is one of the most popular beaches in Denmark.
- The Krudttarnet (Gunpowder Tower), a well-preserved tower that was used to store gunpowder in the 17th century.
Helsingor
Helsingor is a beautiful town located on the northeastern tip of Zealand. It is known for its stunning waterfront, historic castle, and excellent museums. Some of the top attractions in Helsingor include:
- Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 16th century.
- The Maritime Museum of Denmark, which showcases the country’s maritime heritage.
- The Danish Museum of Science and Technology, which features interactive exhibits on science and technology.
Odense
Odense is the third-largest city in Denmark and is located on the island of Funen. It is known for its beautiful parks, charming pedestrian streets, and rich cultural heritage. Some of the top attractions in Odense include:
- Hans Christian Andersen Museum, which celebrates the life and works of the famous Danish author.
- The FunenVillage, a living museum that showcases Danish life in the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Odense Zoo, which is home to more than 2,000 animals from around the world.
Ribe
Ribe is the oldest town in Denmark and is located on the west coast of Jutland. It is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, charming pedestrian streets, and excellent museums. Some of the top attractions in Ribe include:
- The Ribe Cathedral, which is one of the most beautiful churches in Denmark.
- The Museum of Ribe, which showcases the history of the town and the surrounding area.
- The Wadden Sea National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to a diverse array of wildlife.
Roskilde
Roskilde is a historic town located on the eastern coast of Zealand. It is known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, charming pedestrian streets, and excellent museums. Some of the top attractions in Roskilde include:
- Roskilde Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the burial place of many Danish kings and queens.
- The Viking Ship Museum, which features five reconstructed Viking ships and interactive exhibits on Viking history.
- The Roskilde Festival, one of the largest music festivals in Europe, which takes place every summer.
Viborg
Viborg is a charming town located in the center of Jutland. It is known for its beautiful parks, historic buildings, and excellent museums. Some of the top attractions in Viborg include:
- The Viborg Cathedral, which is one of the most beautiful churches in Denmark.
- The Skovgaard Museum, which showcases the works of the Skovgaard family of artists.
- The Hald Ruin, a well-preserved castle ruin that dates back to the 13th century.
Denmark Famous Landmarks:
Den Gamle By
Den Gamle By, which means “The Old Town,” is a living museum located in Aarhus. It features more than 75 historic buildings from the 16th to the 20th century, as well as costumed interpreters who bring history to life. Some of the highlights of Den Gamle By include:
- The Merchant’s House, a beautifully preserved Renaissance building that dates back to 1597.
- The Mayor’s House, a well-appointed townhouse that was built in the early 18th century.
- The Schoolhouse, which showcases what education was like in Denmark in the 19th century.
Egeskov Castle
Egeskov Castle is a beautiful Renaissance castle located on the island of Funen. It was built in 1554 and is surrounded by a moat and extensive gardens. Some of the top attractions at Egeskov Castle include:
- The Museum of Motorcycles, which features a collection of more than 200 vintage motorcycles.
- The Tree Top Walkway, which allows visitors to walk among the treetops and enjoy stunning views of the castle and surrounding countryside.
- The Labyrinth, which is one of the largest hedge mazes in the world.
Frederiksborg Palace
Frederiksborg Palace is a stunning Baroque palace located in Hillerod, just north of Copenhagen. It was built in the early 17th century and is surrounded by a beautiful lake and gardens. Some of the top attractions at Frederiksborg Palace include:
- The Museum of National History, which showcases Danish history from the Middle Ages to the present day.
- The Chapel, which features beautiful frescoes and an ornate Baroque altar.
- The Gardens, which are designed in the French Baroque style and feature fountains, sculptures, and formal parterres.
Little Mermaid Statue
The Little Mermaid Statue is one of the most iconic landmarks in Denmark. It is located on a rock in the harbor of Copenhagen and was inspired by the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Some tips for visiting the Little Mermaid Statue include:
- Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
- Bring a jacket or sweater, as it can be windy and chilly near the water.
- Take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the views of the harbor and nearby landmarks.
Mons Klint
Mons Klint is a stunning natural landmark located on the island of Mon. It features towering white cliffs that rise more than 120 meters above the sea, as well as beautiful beaches and forests. Some of the best ways to experience Mons Klint include:
- Hiking along the cliff top trail and enjoying the panoramic views.
- Taking a boat tour to see the cliffs from the water.
- Exploring the nearby GeoCenter, which features interactive exhibits on the geology and natural history of the area.
Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park located in the center of Copenhagen. It was founded in 1843 and is one of the oldest amusement parksin the world. Some of the top attractions at Tivoli Gardens include:
- The Rutschebanen, a wooden roller coaster that dates back to 1914.
- The Demon, a modern steel roller coaster with loops and corkscrews.
- The Pantomime Theatre, which features daily performances of “The Steadfast Tin Soldier,” a classic Danish fairy tale.
Conclusion
Denmark is a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you are interested in exploring historic cities, charming towns, or breathtaking landmarks, Denmark has something to offer every traveler. From the bustling streets of Copenhagen to the quaint cobblestone lanes of Ebeltoft, there are countless places to discover in this fascinating country. So why not start planning your trip to Denmark today?