Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Denmark

While commonly referred to as Denmark, this nation officially represents the Kingdom of Denmark, a sovereignty bolstered by a royal lineage that has existed for centuries. This heritage is palpable in the abundance of palaces and castles throughout the landscape, offering history enthusiasts a wealth of exploration opportunities.

Arguably, many of Denmark’s premier attractions are found in its natural environment, as the country boasts breathtaking landscapes, including shifting sand dunes and majestic cliffs that encompass 65 million years of geological history. In addition, the various islands off the main coastline present vast pine forests, wild horses, and serene seals. Depending on your preferences, you may take a time-traveling journey to uncover the Viking legacy of this Nordic nation or step into the future at innovative venues such as the Maritime Museum or the AroS Art Museum.

Let us delve into the best attractions in Denmark:

1. Visit the animals at Copenhagen Zoo

Copenhagen Zoo, one of Europe’s oldest zoological parks, opened its doors in 1859. Spanning 27 acres, it is home to 264 species and over 3,000 animals.

The zoo features various sections, including the Tropical Zoo that replicates rainforest conditions, housing creatures like deer, snakes, and crocodiles, alongside a butterfly garden.

Young visitors can enjoy the Children’s Zoo, providing close encounters with animals such as African dwarf goats.

2. Discover Thy National Park

Thy National Park, Denmark’s inaugural national park, extends for 12 kilometers along the rugged western coastline of Jutland.

Visitors will encounter assorted landscapes, expansive pine forests, and invigorating sea breezes.

Popular activities include hiking and cycling, allowing for leisurely explorations along scenic dunes while appreciating local flora and fauna.

Birdwatchers will be delighted as the park is home to over 30 bird species and resident otters, along with ancient grave mounds from the Bronze Age nestled in the terrain.

3. Climb the Råbjerg Mile

Situated near Skagen in North Jutland, this is the largest moving sand dune in Northern Europe.

Råbjerg Mile advances approximately 18 meters annually, visibly altering the landscape as it traverses the area.

Drawing over 250,000 visitors each year, this natural wonder is considered a premier attraction within Denmark.

4. Visit Egeskov Castle in Funen

Egeskov Castle is renowned as one of Europe’s most picturesque edifices, constructed in the Renaissance style.

Noteworthy features include the impressive Knights’ Hall, exquisite spires, and a functional moat, while the surrounding grounds offer a large forest interspersed with traditional buildings and trails.

For a more relaxed experience, visitors can enjoy a Segway course on the premises.

5. Stand in the northernmost spot of Grenen

Many might not be aware that Grenen is Denmark’s northernmost point.

As you stand at this location, you will witness the convergence of the Skagerrak and Kattegat seas, delivering dramatic waves against the Skaw Reef.

This area, often regarded as the tip of the European mainland, offers opportunities to observe playful seals and enjoy one of Denmark’s most beautiful coastlines.

6. Visit a buried church in Skagen

The coastal area of Skagen is home to Den Tilsandede Kirke, or the sand-covered church.

Founded in the 14th century and dedicated to Saint Laurence, the patron saint of sailors, this church was once the largest in the region. However, it has been incrementally engulfed by sand since the 17th century, leading to its closure in 1795, leaving merely the main tower visible above the dunes.

7. Explore the Viking burial grounds of Lindholm Høje

A visit to Lindholm Høje reveals some of the most significant Viking artifacts in Europe.

Once buried in the sands for centuries, these artifacts were excavated and are now displayed for public appreciation.

The site comprises 682 graves from the Iron and Viking Ages alongside 150 stone-carved ships and a preserved village that includes stone circles and wells.

The Lindholm Høje Museum contains displays of these relics and hosts engaging 3D exhibits that depict life during the Viking period.

8. Enjoy the Hans Christian Andersen Museum in Odense

The renowned children’s author Hans Christian Andersen was born in Odense, where the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, established in 1908, celebrates his life and work.

The museum showcases exhibitions of his original drawings and paintings. Visitors can find listening posts with his famous stories and a shop featuring collectible editions of his works.

9. Go underground at the Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum in Helsingør, designed by architect Bjarke Ingels, is uniquely situated underground, seamlessly integrated with the surrounding landscape featuring the castle depicted in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

This distinctive setting presents an engaging journey through Denmark’s extensive maritime history and is conveniently accessible from Copenhagen.

10. Build a tower at Legoland in Billund

Legoland in Billund is an excellent destination for families, offering a vast playground filled with Lego-themed attractions across 25 acres utilizing an astonishing 40 million Lego blocks.

Guests can explore replicas of notable monuments from Denmark and beyond, alongside thrilling rides and dedicated thematic zones such as Pirateland, Castleland, and Duplo land.

11. Drive across Oresund Bridge

The Oresund Bridge connects Denmark with neighboring Sweden, extending an impressive 5 miles over the water.

As the longest bridge in Europe, it offers magnificent views that showcase the final vistas of Denmark while inviting new sights as you approach Swedish territory.

12. Have fun at Dyrehavsbakken

Located just a 10-minute drive from Copenhagen, Dyrehaven is an enchanting forest that encompasses the historic Dyrehavsbakken amusement park, the oldest of its kind in the world, established in 1583.

This amusement park features a variety of rides, including an 82-year-old rollercoaster, along with arcades, shooting ranges, and dining options.

13. Explore the ancient fortress of Kastellet

Sitting on the outskirts of Copenhagen, Kastellet is a star-shaped fortress constructed in 1660 under the watch of King Christian IV amid concerns of a maritime invasion.

This historical site features bastions at each point of the star, along with a windmill, church, and public park within its walls.

14. Dress up as a Viking at the Viking Museum

Located in Roskilde, the Viking Museum is celebrated for housing five well-preserved Viking ships.

These vessels, dating back over 1,000 years, are the centerpiece of daily guided tours that explore the lifestyle and culture of the Viking Era, allowing visitors to dress in period attire and embark on a reconstructed boat experience.

15. Check out the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen

One of Denmark’s most recognizable landmarks, the Little Mermaid statue, has graced the shoreline for over a century.

Crafted from bronze and inspired by the tale of the Little Mermaid by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, the statue portrays a mermaid perched on a rock, gazing longingly towards the land where she is said to be enamored with a prince.

16. Watch the wild horses of Langeland

Contrary to popular belief, wild horses are indeed present in Denmark, particularly on the island of Langeland, which is a beloved destination for locals.

Visitors can observe herds of horses with foals roaming freely, with the best vantage point being Ørnehøj hill, where one can enter their natural habitat without disturbance.

17. Visit Kronborg Castle

Located in Helsingør, Kronborg Castle served as the backdrop for Shakespeare’s Hamlet and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Constructed in 1640, the castle features a chapel and splendid woodcarvings throughout. Visitors can marvel at the extraordinary Knight’s Hall adorned with ancient tapestries.

18. Have a beer at the Carlsberg Brewery

Situated on the outskirts of Copenhagen, the Carlsberg Brewery represents a legacy of one of the world’s most famous beers.

Visitors can embark on informative tours led by beer historians who reveal the brewing process and the history of beer production in Denmark.

The brewery features the world’s largest collection of beer bottles, along with sampling opportunities of classic brews that have popularized the brand.

19. Go back in time at the Lyngby Open-Air Museum

Located 15 kilometers from Copenhagen, the Lyngby Open-Air Museum spans 35 hectares and showcases traditional Danish architectural styles, including windmills and farmhouses.

The museum provides insights into historical living and working conditions in Denmark, featuring a diverse array of ancient livestock breeds that would have roamed the land centuries ago.

For an immersive experience, visitors can enjoy a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the charming gardens of the museum.

20. Take a ferry to Bornholm Island

Bornholm Island, located in the Baltic Sea, is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Baltic” due to its stunning unspoiled beaches and extensive cycling paths, facilitating exploration of the area.

The island’s architecture reflects the 1800s, and it can be accessed via a picturesque ferry ride.

21. Tour Amalienborg Palace

Amalienborg Palace is an ensemble of four palaces established for Denmark’s noble families.

The structure replaced the earlier Christiansborg Palace, devastated by fire in 1794, featuring splendid octagonal courtyards, ornate interiors, and delightful gardens that bloom in the spring.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the Soldiers of the Royal Guard, distinguished by their bearskin caps, who vigilantly protect the palace.

22. Meet the Giants of Esbjerg

The Giants of Esbjerg, surprisingly benevolent in appearance, are large sculptures created by Danish artist Svend Wiig. Unveiled in 1995, they stand guard over the coastline.

Officially titled “Man Meets the Sea,” the sculptures symbolize the relationship between humanity and nature.

23. Stand inside a rainbow at AroS Art Museum

AroS Art Museum, based in Aarhus, is designed to represent Dante’s Divine Comedy.

The standout feature is the rainbow-colored walkway atop the museum, providing panoramic views of Aarhus through tinted glass panels, forming a mesmerizing visual experience that stretches 150 meters around the rooftop.

24. Hunt for fossils at Stevns Klint

Stevns Klint, located in the South Zealand region, hosts some of the world’s most significant fossil deposits.

The cliffs, revealing 65 million years of geological history, allow visitors to stroll along the coastline and observe distinct sediment layers gradually eroding back into the sea.

Interactive exhibits at the nearby Geomuseum detail the importance of these fossils and the geology of Denmark.

25. Feel like royalty at Christiansborg Palace

Christiansborg Palace, nestled on Slotsholmen, forms the center of Copenhagen’s government, housing parliamentary buildings and the office of the Danish Prime Minister.

This landmark, owned by the Royal Family, provides access to historical foundations dating back to 1167, featuring ruins of a medieval fortress and the remnants of Bishop Absalon’s castle.