Denmark might be the smallest of the Scandinavian nations, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to things to see and do. Unlike its neighbors, Sweden and Norway, Denmark is not a land of mountains and forests. This small, flat country—split across two main islands and a large spit of land attached to mainland Europe—is fringed with white sand beaches and pretty fishing villages. Additionally, it is an island nation with 444 islands, including Zealand, where the urbane and chic capital, Copenhagen, is located.
It’s easy to visit Denmark: everyone speaks English (quite possibly, better than you) and it’s simple to get around, whether by car, public transport, or bike.
Here are some of the very best places to consider including in any itinerary.
1. Copenhagen
Best for world-class city living
Denmark’s capital is a small, bike-friendly city where the world’s best chefs rub shoulders, fashionistas roam the streets, and the idea of hustle culture is anathema. Dominated by stunning architecture—from ancient castles to experimental offices—and a strong commitment to work-life balance, visit for yourself to see if you can spot why it regularly tops the list of the world’s most livable cities.
What to see? Well, there’s the rub. It’s not a city packed with sights; the iconic but often underwhelming Little Mermaid is the most well-known. It’s more about experiencing a laid-back local vibe: rent a bike and explore, swim in the harbor, eat pastries at one of the city’s top-rated bakeries, ride the electric harbor bus, brunch at Glyptoteket, wander around its marble statue gallery, marvel at Viking treasure in the National Museum, and ride historic rollercoasters at Tivoli Gardens. More offbeat options include skiing down Copenhill, exploring the beach promenade at Amager Strand, and visiting the modern art gallery Arken, a short train ride south of the city.
2. Aarhus
Best for student vibes
Aarhus is Denmark’s bijou second city and is home to a large university along with a huge modern art gallery topped with a rainbow walkway, ARoS, and an outstanding ethnographic museum, Moesgaard, famous for the bog body of the Grauballe Man. There’s a youthful vibe on the streets, particularly in the Latin Quarter, where cafes spill out onto the pavement and colorful independent shops sell homewares and fashion. Aarhus is also a good base for anyone staying in Jutland, with a decent range of hotels and dining options available. Near Aarhus, you can find Mols Bjerge National Park and the country’s lake district, along with plenty of easy-to-reach white-sand beaches.
3. North Zealand
Best for world-class art and culture
On the coast north of Copenhagen, the Danish Riviera makes for delightful day trips. Gilleleje, a fishing village where thatched cottages reach down to the water, is particularly pretty, as is Tisvildeleje. Between these beach towns and Copenhagen lie Helsingør, an ancient town with the castle that inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, an outstanding gallery featuring a sculpture park and gardens overlooking the sea. To the west of Copenhagen, Viking kings are buried in the cathedral in Roskilde, an ancient cobbled town with a Viking boat museum offering wonderful insights into the era, plus occasional boat tours on replica ships.
Planning tip: Getting around is easiest by train. Buy a ticket at Copenhagen Central Station.
4. North Jutland
Best for Danish nature in the raw
Traveling approximately 5.5 hours from Copenhagen to North Jutland is like going to another planet. While Copenhagen is mannered and fashionable, North Jutland offers a thrillingly wild experience with heathland, exposed beaches, and the country’s first national park, Thy, with barely a café in sight. Exploring this region showcases glimpses of stormy seas and a different aspect of Danish life. It is filled with famous sights like a church buried in sand, a roving sand dune, and Skagen, a beach town known as an artists’ colony, along with a rescued lighthouse and Aalborg, the home city of the architect who built the Sydney Opera House.
Planning tip: Car rental is essential to get around here.
5. West Jutland
Best for beach-lovers and birders
West Jutland features long, wide beaches, campsites, and beach hotels, making it a prime local family holiday spot. Nearby at the Wadden Sea National Park, a UNESCO-listed nature area on the southwest coast of Jutland, seals lounge on offshore rocks, and several islands offer an idyllic coastal experience. Mandø is a particularly stunning tidal island bursting with birds and wildflowers; the area also attracts several rare migratory species. The Wadden Sea Center provides great tours and insights, with impressive starling murmurations as a highlight in September.
Planning tip: For the Wadden Sea region, consider staying in Ribe, which has plenty of hotels and restaurants.
6. Odense
Best for fairytale fans
Denmark’s third city, Odense, is famously the home of Ugly Duckling author Hans Christian Andersen, and his life and work are celebrated in two museums, with H.C. Andersens Hus being the best and most modern, adding an experiential element to his story. Enjoy local food in a pub or bakery or visit Storms Pakhus, a global food market, to round out your day. The island of Fyn is known as the “garden of Denmark,” boasting some of the country’s best produce. Brunsviger, a warm, yeasty cake topped with butter and brown sugar, is one of the local treats.
Planning tip: Odense is 1.5 hours by train from Copenhagen, and the town is walkable from the station.
7. South Fyn Archipelago
Best for island hopping
South of Odense, Denmark fragments into numerous picturesque islands where wild horses roam, half-timbered cottages overlook beaches, and people flock from around the world for weddings. This region exudes a wholesome, nostalgic atmosphere. Ærø and Langeland are the largest and best-known islands; ferries to the archipelago run from the towns of Svendborg, Fåborg, and Rudkøbing. Generally, it makes sense to take a car with you, although some of the islands are car-free. Island hopping is particularly enjoyable during the summer.
8. Bornholm
Best for sunshine
Bornholm is revered as Denmark’s sunshine island. It’s the sunniest spot in the whole country, largely because it’s located quite further away in the Baltic Sea, closer to Sweden than to Denmark. That said, it holds a distinctly Danish character, with fish smokeries, pubs, ice cream, and sweet shops lining the coast. The island’s unique quality of light has inspired painters, ceramicists, and artists for centuries, while one beach boasts sand so fine it was historically utilized for hourglasses.
Planning tip: Booking early is essential—summer houses and hotels tend to sell out around Easter.
