Denmark is a small but trendy country that offers a lot of attractions for travellers who love history, culture, nature and design. While Copenhagen is the most popular destination in Denmark, there are many other places that are worth exploring for a more authentic and diverse experience.
Visit the open-air museum In Lyngby
If you want to learn about the rural life of Danes from the 17th to the 20th century, you should visit the Open-Air Museum in Lyngby. This museum covers 86 acres and features 50 farms, 25 historic gardens, and 100 buildings that show how people lived and worked in different regions of Denmark. You can also enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, a picnic, a petting zoo or a drama production at this museum.
Unleash your inner child at LEGO House in Billund
LEGO is one of the most famous inventions from Denmark, and you can discover its origins and have fun at the LEGO House in Billund. This attraction is a giant playground for kids and adults alike, where you can build creative structures with millions of LEGO bricks, explore different zones with different themes and admire amazing LEGO models. You can also take photos at the LEGO Square or visit the LEGO Store for some souvenirs.
Explore a hippy commune: Freetown Christiania
Freetown Christiania is a self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood in Copenhagen that was founded by squatters and hippies in 1971. It is a colourful and controversial place that has its own rules, culture and lifestyle. You can visit Christiania to see the street art, the organic cafes, the alternative shops and the unique architecture. However, be respectful of the residents and their privacy and follow the signs that indicate where you can or cannot take photos.
Go for a swim in the Copenhagen Canals
Copenhagen is a city surrounded by water, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is to go for a swim in the canals. There are several harbour baths and swimming zones in Copenhagen that are open to the public and free of charge. You can find them at Islands Brygge, Fisketorvet, Sluseholmen and Refshaleøen. The water is clean and safe, and you can enjoy a refreshing dip with a view of the city skyline.
Hike through Denmark’s Rold Skov Forest
Rold Skov Forest is the largest forest in Denmark, covering more than 80 square kilometres. It is a natural wonderland that offers many opportunities for hiking, biking, camping and wildlife watching. You can find ancient trees, clear lakes, rolling hills and diverse flora and fauna in this forest. You can also visit some historical sites, such as the Rebild National Park, which commemorates Danish-American friendship, or the Troldeskoven (Troll Forest), which features twisted trees that look like mythical creatures.
Visit Aarhus: The former European Capital Of Culture
Aarhus is the second-largest city in Denmark and was named the European Capital of Culture in 2017. It is a vibrant and modern city that has a lot to offer for culture lovers. You can visit some of the best museums in Denmark, such as the ARoS Art Museum, which has a rainbow panorama on its roof, or the Moesgaard Museum, which showcases the history and archaeology of Denmark. You can also explore the charming old town, the lively harbour or the nearby forests and beaches.
See the meeting of the seas at Skagen
Skagen is a seaside town in the northernmost tip of Denmark, where you can witness a rare natural phenomenon: the meeting of the seas. This is where the Kattegat and the Skagerrak, two different bodies of water, meet and clash. You can see the waves coming from different directions and creating a line in the middle. You can also enjoy the sandy beaches, the lighthouses, the fishing harbour and the art galleries in Skagen.
Discover Denmark’s sunny island of Bornholm
Bornholm is an island in the Baltic Sea that is known for its sunny weather, its rocky cliffs and its smoked herring. It is a popular destination for Danish tourists, but less known among international travellers. You can discover the beauty and charm of this island by visiting its medieval fortress, its round churches, its fishing villages, and its craft workshops. You can also try some of the local delicacies, such as the Sol over Gudhjem (Sun over God’s Home), which is a dish of smoked herring, radishes, chives and egg yolk.
Follow the footsteps of Hans Christian Andersen
Odense is the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, the famous fairy tale writer who created stories such as The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling and The Emperor’s New Clothes. You can follow his footsteps in Odense by visiting his childhood home, his museum and his statue. You can also see some of his characters come to life in the Odense Zoo or the Tinderbox Cultural Centre for Children.
Experience the Wadden Sea National Park
The Wadden Sea National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers the Danish part of the Wadden Sea, a coastal wetland that stretches from the Netherlands to Germany. It is a unique ecosystem that hosts millions of migratory birds, seals, oysters and other marine life. You can experience this park by taking a guided tour, a boat trip, or a bike ride. You can also witness the spectacular phenomenon of black sun, which is when thousands of starlings fly in formations and create patterns in the sky.
