19 Best places to visit in Denmark (With Pictures)
When most people think of Denmark, the first thing that comes to mind is Legoland.
While this popular tourist attraction is worth visiting, there are many other unique places to see in Denmark.
Denmark has something for everyone, from the stunning coastline and picturesque villages to the lively cities and fascinating historical sites.
Here are just fifteen of the best places to visit in Denmark.
1) Best Places to visit in Aarhus
Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city (see also: Best Cities in Denmark), is home to some of the country’s best museums and cultural attractions.
The Aros Art Museum houses a wide range of Danish art dating from the 18th century to today, including works by critical Danish artists such as Michael Kvium, Per Kirkeby, and Richard Mortensen.
Another popular attraction is the Moesgaard Museum which tells the story of Denmark through archaeology, history, and ethnography, with displays on topics including Viking weapons, objects from Greenlandic Norsemen, and an exhibition about the Iron Age village at Vejbölle.
Here’s a more extensive guide to what you can see in Aarhus, Denmark.
2) Best Places to visit in Aalborg
Aalborg is a vibrant city with diverse art, history, and culture.
The Aalborg Historical Museum tells the story of Aalborg from its founding in the Viking Age to the present day.
Visitors can see objects ranging from rune stones, jewelry, and weapons to fashion accessories and toys.
One fascinating exhibit is ‘The Bog Man,’ a body dating back to about 300 BC, preserved in a peat bog for over 2000 years before being discovered in Hurup Jutland.
Another famous museum is the Aalborg Tower, a modern structure with a glass elevator that takes 25 stories to the observation deck.
3) Best Places to visit in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is one of the continent’s greenest capital cities, thanks to more than 20% of the urban area being occupied by lush parks, lakes, and other green spaces.
The Old Town’s historic heart is its Nyhavn harbor, Royal Danish Playhouse, and colorful houses lining the canals.
The pedestrian-only Stroget is one of Europe’s oldest shopping streets, with stores selling everything from designer clothing to jewelry and art.
Another popular area is the Latin Quarter, which features cobbled streets, charming cafes, and shops selling products worldwide.
Another attraction is the Thorvaldsen Museum, dedicated to the work of Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, with a collection ranging from his early student days in Rome to his final pieces.
Here’s a more in-depth tour of what you can see in Copenhagen, Denmark.
4) Best Places to visit in Ribe
A visit to Ribe, Denmark’s first city, promises a glimpse into the country’s earliest history.
One of the best places to start is the Ribe Cathedral, founded by St. Ludger in 782 AD.
The cathedral boasts a 9th-century baptismal font and three 11th-century granite crosses.
Just outside the churchyard, you’ll find the Jelling Stones, two large rune stones erected by Harald Blåtand to celebrate the conquest of Denmark and Norway.
Another recommended attraction is the Ribe Viking Museum, a Viking Age longhouse dating from 935 AD.
5) Best Places to visit in Kolding
Kolding is a little city with many historical buildings and paved streets perfect for exploring on foot.
The city’s most famous attraction is the 17th-century Koldinghus, originally a royal castle and now a museum housing an extensive collection of Danish art from the Renaissance to modern times.
Another popular site is the 12th-century St. Nicolai Church, with its elaborately carved portal and interior.
The area’s highlight is undoubtedly the large Vejle River Forest which offers miles of biking and hiking trails and areas for swimming and fishing.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take a trip on the historic train between Kolding and the nearby coastal city of Vejle.
6) Best Places to visit in Odense
Odense is the central city on the island of Funen and one of the earliest settlements in Denmark.
The historic city center is a lovely labyrinth of winding streets, pretty churches, half-timbered houses, and a lively shopping district.
Odense Zoo features over 1,000 animal species worldwide, including lions, tigers, and polar bears, while Fregatten Jylland is a unique attraction with its six masts and giant sails.
Another site is the Hans Christian Andersen House, a museum dedicated to the famous storyteller to see his birthplace and childhood home.
7) Best Places to visit in Randers
Randers, nicknamed the City of Smiles, is one of Denmark’s liveliest cities with an exciting range of shops and historical attractions, including castles and museums.
On summer evenings, visitors can enjoy music concerts in outdoor settings such as the Aarhus River or in the beautiful historical setting of Randers Castle.
The city is also home to several museums, including the Randers Tropical Zoo and a rainforest that boasts rare and endangered plants and animals.
8) Best Places to visit in Ringkobing
Ringkobing is a lovely city with a charming atmosphere and some great places to visit, including the Ringkobing Fjord, which offers plenty of opportunities for swimming and fishing.
The most prominent attractions in the city are its large market area and main street, packed with shops selling local produce and crafts.
If you’re looking for something to do, the town’s summer theatre offers regular Danish playwrights, while the city also hosts an annual folk festival each August.
9) Best Places to visit in Fredericia
Fredericia is a port town on the east coast of Jutland, home to famous landmarks and beautiful places to visit.
One of these is the imposing 14th-century fortress known as The Citadel.
You can also wander through Fredericia’s streets lined with handsome half-timbered houses or take a stroll by the Tannis Bay promenade.
The city is also home to the Fredericia Town Museum and various museums dedicated to different branches of art, culture, and history.
Here’s what there is to see in Fredericia, Denmark.
10) Best Places to visit in Sonderborg
Sonderborg is a historic town on the coast of the Baltic Sea, close to Germany and Denmark.
Most of Sonderborg’s attractions are within walking distance, including the charming market square and historic main street.
The city is also known for its museums and art galleries celebrating local artists and writers.
Here’s more on what you’ll find in Sonderborg, Denmark.
11) Best Places to visit in Aabenraa
Aabenraa is one of the oldest towns in Denmark, renowned for its historical attractions, including several castles and museums.
The main attraction in Aabenraa is the old half-timbered townhouse with surrounding cobbled streets, now housing a museum dedicated to local history.
Other close major sites include Aarhus Castle and Løgumkloster Monastery.
The small harbor town of Aabenraa also offers plenty of shopping opportunities and a wide range of cultural events.
12) Best Places to visit in Vejle
Vejle is the central city on the eastern coast of the Jutland peninsula, an ideal starting point for exploring the many attractions in this charming region.
Vejle is also close to the Guden River, offering plenty of opportunities for fishing and swimming.
Several museums in Vejle are dedicated to local history, art, and science.
One impressive sight is Koldinghus Castle which dominates the city skyline.
13) Best Places to visit in Skagen
Skagen is a coastal town and popular vacation destination for Scandinavia’s upper class due to its vibrant atmosphere and relaxed beach lifestyle.
The area offers the unique Skagen Painters Museum at the former home of local painters Laurits Tuxen and Anna Ancher.
The natural landscape around Skagen offers opportunities to explore the coast’s many sandy bays and beaches.
14) Best Places to visit in Helsingør
Helsingør is a small city just north of Copenhagen, known for its magnificent Kronborg Castle.
Shakespeare immortalized Kronborg as the setting for Hamlet, and it remains one of Europe’s most famous castles.
Today, you can take guided tours and visit its museums and art galleries to learn all about the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Helsingør is less than an hour away from Copenhagen, offering even more cultural and cuisine opportunities.
15) Best Places to visit in Silkeborg
Silkeborg is another lively city with a charming atmosphere and several interesting places.
The main attraction is Lake Mossø, featuring Silkeborg’s best swimming areas and plenty of opportunities for fishing.
Other points of interest in the city include the Silkeborg Art Museum, dedicated to local artists.
16) Best Places to visit in Næstved
Næstved is a vibrant city located on the coast of Zealand, an ideal starting point for exploring the many sights in this area.
An excellent place to start your tour of Næstved is Byskov Museet, Denmark’s finest museum showcasing local and international artists. The Sports Museum features photographs, posters, and other memorabilia from popular sports.
In July, the city hosts a famous International Jazz Festival and several other events.
Næstved is also close to the lakes of Skarresø and Sejerø, ideal for swimming.
Here’s more on what you’ll find in Næstved, Denmark.
17) Best Places to visit in Roskilde
Roskilde is a picturesque town with several interesting attractions to explore.
The most famous of these is the Viking Ship Museum which hosts four original Viking ships and many other artifacts from the history of Scandinavia.
The city also has its cathedral, one of Denmark’s finest examples of Brick Gothic architecture housing tombs for many Danish royals and the famous Roskilde Domkirke bells.
The city is also home to a vibrant music scene, hosting many concerts throughout the year, including the well-known annual rock festival.
Here’s a more extensive guide to what you can see in Roskilde.
18) Best Places to visit in Billund
Billund is home to the famous Legoland amusement park, one of the most visited attractions in Denmark.
The city also has its airport, which hosts flights to many major European destinations and several interesting sites, including Billund Airport Museum and Lalandia, one of Europe’s largest indoor water parks.
19) Best Places to visit in Jammerbugten
Jammerbugten is a famous beach resort town located on the northern coast of Zeeland, Denmark’s second-largest island.
The area includes several exciting attractions, including one of Europe’s longest beaches and Denmark’s first amusement park Lalandia which hosts pools, water slides, and other games.
You can also enjoy bird watching or exploring the surrounding forests.
