Denmark is an incredible country to explore! It’s the kind of place that might seem quite small (in relation to other countries) but don’t let that fool you. There’s a heap of the best places in Denmark that are nestled all across the country. So much so, that you’ll be spoilt for choice when looking for places to visit.
This is exactly why I wanted to share some of the best places in Denmark to visit on your next trip. From the buzzing capital, Copenhagen to the pristine natural beauty of its coastline and it’s fairytale castles, Denmark has a heap of things to see.
To be honest, if you’re anything like me, your first thought of visiting Denmark will race to Copenhagen. Though, there’s so much more to see around the country too.
With easy transportation and most places connected by roads and boats, there’s no excuse not to explore some of the best places in Denmark on a trip across the country.
With that in mind, take a look at some of the best places in Denmark to visit on your trip. Have the best time.
1.) Nordby
Perched within southern Denmark, Nordby is one of the best places in Denmark to visit that’s not on the mainland. Nestled on the island of Fano, it’s relatively easy to visit from the town of Esbjerg and is well worth visiting in the height of summer.
Once here, make sure to explore the Fano Museum, the skibsfarts and dragtsamling and pop into Rudbecks for a tasty lunch.
Read more: Best castles in Denmark to visit
2.) Esbjerg
Now, if you’re already visiting the island of Fano, you’ll likely have left from the seaside town of Esbjerg, too. After all, if you’re already visiting the area, you might as well spend a good few hours exploring Esbjerg.
Once here, make sure to visit the Esbjerg Art Museum, explore the Esbjerg Museum and find the iconic, Men by the Sea. They stand proudly overlooking the area and is easily one of the best places in Denmark to visit if you love art.
Oh, and don’t forget the old water tower, too.
Read more: Best things to do in Copenhagen
3.) Gudhjem
Gudhjem is one of the best places in Denmark to visit if you fancy a much more relaxed and chilled out slow-travel type of trip. It’s totally gorgeous to visit and pretty easy to see whilst exploring Bornholm Island.
The town itself is so picturesque and it’s totally gorgeous to explore by foot. Also, once on the island, don’t forget to see the stunning Døndalen Falls, Hammershus Fort and the iconic Gudhjem Molle (windmill).
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4.) Forest Tower
Not only is the Camp Adventure an oasis for anyone that loves the outdoors, but it’s also one of the best places in Denmark to visit if you fancy some thrills. After all, it has one of the longest ziplines in Northern Europe.
After arriving, make sure to spend some time exploring the Forest Tower that’s totally incredible. It’s a whopping forty-five metres tall and so incredible to walk around and enjoy the stunning nature surround this area of Zealand.
5.) Copenhagen
Of course, I couldn’t mention Copenhagen!
It’s easily one of the best places in Denmark to visit and one of my favourite cities in all of Europe.
It’s the kind of city (for a weekend) you visit and instantly realise you didn’t spend long enough exploring. We’ve been a few times and at the end of each visit, I’d wished we’d stayed a few more days.
Once here, make sure to explore; Rosenborg Castle, gorge at the Reffen Food Market, the Meatpacking District and visit Tivoli Gardens, too.
They have one of the oldest surviving wooden rollercoasters in the whole world. We loved it.
Though, do make sure to book these Tivoli Gardens tickets before arriving in Copenhagen; you don’t want to be disappointed if the park fills up before you get your tickets.
Read more: Best things to do in Copenhagen
6.) Blavand
Another one of the best places in Denmark has to be Blavand, that’s incidentally, not too far from Esbjerg. You can easily visit here after exploring Esbjerg and it’s so gorgeous on a hot sunny day.
After heading here, make sure to see the Blåvandshuk Fyr, stop off at sandy Skallingen peninsular and see the Tirpitz Museum. The building is so cool.
7.) Sonderborg
Nestled within Southern Denmark, Sonderborg is a great place to explore when you’re on a road trip around the country. Better still, it’s got a heap of the best places in Denmark to see, even if you’re staying for a long weekend.
After settling in, make sure to check out the iconic Sønderborg Castle and explore the harbour area itself. Afterwards, pop on a drive to explore moe of the area and the wider Als Fjord, too.
8.) Mons Klint
This stretch of white cliffs might be the most famous in all of Denmark and pretty epic to see.
Stretching around 6-km, they’re well worth visiting when visiting the island of Mons. Plus, you won’t even need to get a boat to visit, there’s a road (from Kalvehave or Bogo Island) to get here.
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9.) Råbjerg Mile
Nestled in between Skagen and Frederikshavn, the Råbjerg Mile is totally gorgeous and one of the largest moving sand dunes in all of northern Europe.
Honestly, you’d be forgiven to thinking you were in the Sahara when exploring the dunes here. It’s totally unique and one of the best places in Denmark to visit when exploring Skagen.
Read more: Best things to do in Copenhagen
10.) Hillerød
This medieval city is a must-see town and one of the best places in Denmark to visit; mainly because it’s so darned pretty.
The breathtaking Frederiksborg Castle & Gardens, alongside the Hillerød Knowledge and Culture Park, are packed with little exhibitions, music and events throughout the year. Though, especially in the summer months making it the perfect time to visit Hillerød.
11.) Ribe
Ribe might be a small little town but it’s also one of Denmark’s oldest, too. Founded as a marketplace in the 8th century it’s easily one of the best places in Denmark to visit if you love a bit of medieval history.
It has a beautiful medieval city centre, including an impressive cathedral from 860 AD, and a pretty epic Viking museum that’ll take you back to 9th century Scandinavia! Game of Thrones has nothing on these.
Read more: Best castles in Denmark to visit
12.) Ærøskøbing
Denmark’s Fairy Tale town is located on the island of Ærø and is easily one of the best places in Denmark to visit on a trip around the country.
Colourful beach houses and lots of cosy 18th-century homes dotted along romantic alleys and a very welcoming local community make Ærøskøbing a fantastic island getaway and a perfect little break after explore the best things to do in Copenhagen.
One of the easiest ways to get here is by boat from Fynshav or from Svendborg.
13.) Skagen
This all-time favourite of Denmark’s intellectual elite and artists is a vibrant place chock-filled with art galleries and museums.
Skagen’s main attraction, however, is the beautiful seafront, where people meet to sample some freshly caught fish, taste some Scandinavian gravlax and admire the picturesque scenery.
Oh, and make sure to see the Sand-Covered Church, too.
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14.) Mariager
Mariager is called the City of Roses and as soon as you lay your eyes on the streets, it very quickly becomes clear why. There are roses everywhere (in the summer months, of course).
This little former fishing town is located at Mariager fjord and is an ideal base to explore the beautiful landscape of the region.
The Salt Centre (a museum about the town’s history) and the Mariager, Handest Vintage Railway (that takes you through the fjord land) are two local spots that you shouldn’t miss when visiting. It really is one of the best places in Denmark to visit.
Read more: Best castles in Denmark to visit
15.) Christiansfeld
This stunning village has a unique history as one of the first planned villages in the world!
In 1773, King Christian employed a German Moravian craftsman named Brethren von Herrnhut to found a town out of practically nothing. Christiansfeld, therefore, is one of the first recorded planned city layouts of the world and currently applying to become a UNESCO World Heritage.
It’s really easy to visit and a perfect stopping point whilst driving up through the mainland of Denmark.
16.) Hornbæk
Located on the Danish Riviera, Hornbæk is an idyllic beach town that evolved around its famed harbour.
Today it is famous for its excellent seafood restaurants, quirky boutiques and the wild beauty of the surrounding area. It’s pretty easy to visit for a day trip from Copenhagen, or if you’re staying closer at Helsingør.
17.) Maribo
Maribo is situated within a picture-perfect natural setting and offers countless activities if you’re something of culture lover or nature lover.
Plus, the old Maribo cathedral is perfectly placed at the shore of a lake and the Maribo Jazz festival is only one of its epic cultural events that happen every year. Start practising now if you want to join in! 😉
Read more: Best castles in Denmark to visit
18.) Dragør
Only 12 km south of Denmark’s capital, Dragør makes a perfect day trip from Copenhagen (by car this will take you approximately 25 minutes). Escape the cosmopolitan charm of Copenhagen for a pleasant stroll along the historic harbour and quaint cobbled streets that criss-cross this stunning Danish gem.
Read more: Best things to do in Copenhagen