Denmark, home of Hans Christian Andersen, the Vikings and also LEGO bricks, attracts tourists with its fairytale landscapes, beautiful cliffs and mysterious buildings. Thanks to its location between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, you can enjoy a charming landscape of sandy beaches and dunes. For years, this remarkable country has delighted visitors with its beautiful views and also its unusual atmosphere.
Due to its culture, language and history, Denmark is classified as a Scandinavian country. However, it is not located on the Scandinavian Peninsula. It occupies the area of the Jutland Peninsula and 443 islands, 76 of which are uninhabited.
The capital of Denmark is the very picturesque city of Copenhagen, which has many historical sights as well as places of entertainment. Also worth seeing in the country are Klint Mons in Mon, the moving dune Rabjerg Mile in Skagen, or Odens Fjord bay. A remarkable attraction in Denmark are the lakes, such as Davinde So or Bogeholm.
The magnificent coastline is unquestionably Denmark’s calling card. The sandy beaches and bathing areas are among the highest rated in Europe. From almost anywhere in the country, you can reach the sea in less than an hour. Because Danish beaches are large, they are not crowded. Everyone can find a comfortable spot for themselves there. They are also very safe and guarantee many activities.
The landscapes in Denmark are almost postcard-perfect. You can see towns with red and yellow houses, green hills, golden farmland and a view of the sea. In spring and summer, the meadows are decorated with heather. Their purple hues are an amazing complement and beautification of the Danish landscapes. These views can also be enjoyed from the tops of the limestone cliffs that surround the uninhabited islands.
Denmark’s charming cities, rich in a variety of attractions, are the perfect place for a holiday.
Take a trip in the footsteps of the Vikings, visit Ribe, the oldest town in Denmark, go to Legoland and the parks where you can watch wild animals. Enthusiasts of culture, music and sport will easily find something to their liking.
Denmark has an excellently developed network of cycling routes, which run through places surrounded by nature and through picturesque streets of historic towns. Elements of modernity have been perfectly integrated into them, without destroying the tradition cultivated for many years.
WHAT IS WORTH SEEING IN DENMARK?
- THE AURORA BOREALIS
The aurora borealis is a picturesque, natural phenomenon. The amazing coloured lights in the sky attract many visitors to Denmark. Auroras also occur in other Scandinavian countries. However, it is often claimed that they are most beautiful in Denmark.
The aurora borealis occur throughout the year, but this amazing dance of lights is most clearly seen between September and April. In order for the human eye to see the aurora borealis, the right weather conditions are needed. The most important of these is a cloudless sky. The auroras are best seen when it is completely dark. Ideal locations for aurora sightings are out-of-town spaces, away from city lights.
Auroras are created when gaseous particles in the atmosphere collide with charged particles from the sun’s rays. This causes them to release energy and emit light, creating shades of green, purple, pink and blue. This all takes place at altitudes of 100 to 500 km above the earth’s surface.
Local companies organise trips to places where the aurora borealis can be seen. They provide transport and guides who know which places will be most suitable for admiring this unique phenomenon.
Some of the best places to observe the aurora borealis in Denmark are:
- Grenen peninsula, where there is no artificial lighting from urban buildings,
- Skagen,
- Samso Island,
- Kjul Strand beach on the outskirts of Hirtshals,
- Faroe Islands.
For those who have never seen the aurora borealis before, it is often a magical, unforgettable experience.
- BORNHOLM ISLAND
Bornholm (the so-called Majorca of the North) is Denmark’s easternmost island. There you can enjoy the extensive sandy beaches (the most popular are Dueodde, Balka and Hullehavn), rocky cliffs, forests (especially the Almindingen forest with bison), round churches, or coastal fishing towns. There is a herring smokehouse in Svaneke. The views are amazing. The island is the sunniest place in the Baltic Sea. It has a very southern climate. Even some of the exotic plants such as peaches and figs grow there.
Bornholm is an ideal destination for active holiday makers as well as those who like to spend time on the beach. The nearby small islands of Frederikso and Christianso are worth a visit, as are the ruins of Hammershus Castle from the 13th century, which is one of the largest ruin complexes in the whole of Northern Europe. They offer views of the island and, in good weather, you can even see the Swedish coast.
Nearby are the picturesque moors of Hammeren, as well as the fishing settlement of Allinge, which dates back to the Middle Ages. A jazz festival is held there every July. On Bornholm, there is also a viewpoint on Bokul hill in Gudhjem, the Hammerknuden hills with a ravine, a lake and 2 lighthouses. Aakirkeby is home to the Naturbornholm science centre.
Denmark’s largest forest complex, Almindingen, is distinguished by plant species such as ferns and anemones that are unparalleled in the rest of the country. The hooting of owls can be heard at night. Protected animal species such as frogs inhabit the forest lakes. Almindingen is located in the centre of Bornholm. During walks through the forest, you can also see large erratic boulders that were deposited by the ice sheet during the Ice Age.
The largest town on the island is Rønne. One of its attractions is the smallest house, which has a distinctive blue door. Small wooden steps lead up to it. The town has a market square, Store Torv, which houses the town hall, built in 1834. In the summer, the market square hosts concerts and festivals. St. Nicholas Church is also worth a visit, as is the lighthouse from the 19th century.
The Bornholm Museum documents the island’s 10,000-year history. On the island you should see the picturesque village of Gudhjem, which, according to many tourists, is the most beautiful settlement on the island. It is characterised by its wooden architecture. It is characterised by its wooden architecture and houses situated right by the Baltic Sea.
The highest point on Bornholm is Rytterknaegten (162 metres above sea level). It offers a view of the whole island of Bornholm.
Dueodde beach on Bornholm is probably the most beautiful sandy beach on the Baltic Sea. The fine sand from the island is used for hourglasses.
On Bornholm you can find roadside stalls selling flowers, figurines, books or vegetables that are unmanned. There is a price tag on the products and a money box next to them.
Cycling routes on Bornholm
Ronne – Allinge cycle route
This route measures 25 kilometres. On this route you can see:
- the most beautiful scenery along the west coast of the island
- an approximately 20-metre high crag
- a 40-metre-high granite cliff face.
Ronne – Helligdommen cycle route
The length of this route is 25 km. On this route you can see:
- Ny Kirke rotunda church in Myker,
- the section between Klemensker and Ro, which is the most scenic part of the route, especially the section through the Klovedal rock gorge
- Dondal valley, home to Denmark’s largest waterfall
- Helligdomsklipperne, where you can see the most beautiful rock formations
- the Bornholm Museum of Art, whose architecture is reminiscent of round churches.
Ronne – Nexo cycle route
The length of this route is 32 km. On this route you can see:
- the old railway track
- the rotunda church in Nylars
- St. Nicholas Church
- historic windmill.
Ronne – Aarsdale cycle route
The length of this route is 37 km. On this route you can see:
- the horse track in the Almindingen forest, where races are held in summer
- Aarsdale, famous for Denmark’s last working windmills, where the route ends.
Allinge – Gudhjem – Svaneke cycle route
The length of this route is 30 km. On this route you can see:
- the rocky coast
- The towns of Allinge, Sandvig, Sandkas, Tejn, Gudhjem and Svaneke.
Allinge – Almindingen – Aakirkeby cycle route
This route is 35 km long. This is a route for experienced cyclists, as it goes through hilly terrain and through forests. On this route you can see:
- Ols Kirke in Olsker (113 m above sea level)
- Almindingen forest
- the only town inside the island, Aakirkeby, which houses the Natural History Museum.
Svaneke
An interesting place in Bornholm is Svaneke, one of Denmark’s prettiest towns. Svaneke is considered a city of artists. Every Saturday, and even on Fridays in the summer, there is a market in this town where, in addition to fresh fish, you can buy artistic handicrafts. Almost every house has a pottery or ceramics workshop. There are also small factories where you can see how the pots are made and also buy them. However, the prices are quite high.
- FANØ ISLAND
Fanø Island is a small Danish island in the North Sea. It is 16 km long and 5 km wide. The island is located near the Jutland Peninsula, specifically the city of Esbjerg. The ferry journey from the island of Fanø to Esbjerg takes 12 minutes.
The island of Fanø is an ideal destination for a seaside holiday. There are many attractions there, as well as places to see. There are wide beaches with good conditions for windsurfing, surfing or kitesurfing.
The island also has cycling and hiking trails, which are very well signposted. They lead through many places of interest and viewpoints.
During walks through the national park, wildlife can be seen. The island is also a stopover for migrating birds. There are special points from which you can observe the birds.
The island of Fanø is also home to the oldest golf course in Denmark, considered one of the most picturesque. There are also three towns, which are seaside resorts. Each offers many attractions.
The main town on the island is Nordby, which used to be a fishing settlement. There are many charming cottages that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. From the promenade along the main road, you can watch wild birds as well as seals lounging on a sand island. Nordby is also home to regional museums, including the maritime museum, where you can see Danish ships and objects that the townspeople used in the past.
The second town on the island of Fanø is Rindby. There you can see the historic chapel, which was built in 1894. Every year in June, a dragon festival is held in Rindby.
The third town on the island of Fanø is Sonderho, which has modern holiday cottages. The old harbour quay is a great place for strolling. There are many small shops and taverns.
- RØMØ ISLAND
The island of Rømø is located in the North Sea close to the German border. It is connected to the mainland by a 10 km long causeway.
The island of Rømø is a beautiful island, famous for Sønderstrand beach, which stretches to the horizon. It is possible to drive around it by car. It is not only the largest beach on Rømø, but also in the whole of Northern Europe. It is 8 km long and 2.5 km wide.
On the west of the island is Lakolk beach, where a kite festival is held every September and the Motor Festival, during which vintage car races are held. Lakolk beach can be accessed by car. However, the speed limit there is 30 km/h.
There are also walking trails on Rømø, leading through meadows, heathland and also forest clearings. There are also two hills: Stagebjerg and Høstbjerg, from which you can enjoy beautiful scenery.
There are many Scandinavian-style cottages on the island, which you can rent out for your holidays.
- ISLAND OF FUNEN
The island of Funen is Denmark’s second largest island. One of the greatest fairy tale writers, Hans Christian Andersen, came from Odense. His statue stands in the town park and his house houses a museum. Funen reflects the landscape from Andersen’s fairy tales – there are numerous picturesque hills with castles or palaces, fairytale-looking cottages, and aristocratic manor houses. There are also old cobbled districts.
In Odense, it is worth seeing the palace located near the train station, Egeskov Castle, as well as the Gothic St. Canute’s Cathedral, which offers a picturesque view of the entire city skyline. Also worth seeing is the fairy-tale exhibition at Brandts, which guarantees more than one smile on your face. In the remarkable Vigelso Naturskole nature reserve, you can not only learn about the local fauna and flora, but also enjoy it while hiking. Numerous sandy beaches can be found on this island, which are also child-friendly swimming spots.
- LOLLAND ISLAND
In south-eastern Denmark, the island of Lolland is home to the 600 hectare Knuthenborg Safaripark, where you can meet animals from different regions, such as giraffes, zebras, kangaroos, monkeys, tigers and rhinos. They can be viewed by driving your own car. It is the largest park of its kind in Scandinavia.
- FALSTER ISLAND
Nykobing
Nykobing is a town on the island of Falster, which has a wonderful attraction for lovers of the Middle Ages. It is home to a medieval centre shaped like a town from the 1400s. Its inhabitants work and live with the rhythm of this particular era. They bake bread according to an old recipe, use the tools of a medieval blacksmith, construct boats, catapults and weapons to take part in a summer knights’ tournament.
- CLIFFS ON THE ISLAND OF MON
They offer a view of some of Denmark’s most beautiful scenery. They are the highest cliffs in the Baltic Sea and are more than 10,000 years old. Their height is about 120 metres. They are famous for their unusually bright colour. They are surrounded by a landscape park with marked paths, as well as viewpoints. The white cliffs on Mon Island are covered with beech forests from above. The water below them resembles Mediterranean coves.
- FAROE ISLANDS
The Faroe Islands are among the territories of Denmark. It is a small volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic. It can be reached by air from Denmark, Norway or Iceland. There are high green cliffs, picturesque waterfalls and beautiful hills.
- KATTEGAT BAY AREA
The Kattegat Bay area (on the east coast of Denmark) is famous for its many small picturesque beaches, hidden behind steep cliffs. From these you can enjoy views of villages, lighthouses, windmills and dunes. The sea here is shallow and calm and the water is very clear. These are the places most favoured by families with children.
- JUTLAND
As much as 70% of Denmark lies on the Jutland Peninsula. It is divided into three administrative regions, each rich in beautiful scenery and numerous attractions.
NORTHERN JUTLAND
North Jutland is located at the confluence of the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, making its landscape unusual. The interweaving of sea and fjords in the straits and bays adds to the picturesqueness. On land, on the other hand, you can admire hills decorated with heather. The land on North Jutland has formed spontaneously through the rise of the seabed and the volatile sands and dunes that form.
The coast is planted with trees so that the sand does not retreat into the sea. As a result of strong gusts of wind, the trees lean towards the land. Such a view can be seen, for example, in the Thy area, which is located west of Thisted.
The showpiece of the west coast is Denmark’s widest sandy beaches, as well as dunes and steep cliff edges. The east coast also has no shortage of beautiful beaches, but the landscape there is gentler. North Jutland may be referred to as the North Jutland Island, as the waters of the Limfjord separate it from the mainland.
The northernmost point of Denmark is Cape Skagen. It is one of the most beautiful areas of the country. There you can see stretches of heathland, as well as steep limestone cliffs that are located on nearby islands. It is the place where the Baltic Sea meets the North Sea. Due to the different density of these waters, they do not mix. They are accompanied by dangerous currents. The beaches here are sandy or rocky. The nearest car park is 3 kilometres from the site, which can be covered by bicycle. During the summer, tractors with passenger trailers drive along this route. Skagen is one of the largest fishing ports in Denmark. Museums such as the Skagens Museum and the Michael og Anna Anchers Hus can also be visited there.
The island of Limfjorden, which is one of the largest islands in the region, is home to Jasperhus Park, which is home to more than half a million flowers. The park is home to beautiful aquariums, as well as areas where exotic birds and animals can be seen.
The historic town of Aalborg is a unique spot in Skagen, well worth a visit. You can take a stroll through the historic streets and also visit the zoo, where you can see 1,300 animals from all over the world.
Den Tilsandede Kirke – a church dedicated to St Lawrence, built in 1375. It was one of the largest churches in this part of Denmark. It measured 45 metres long and its tower was 22 metres high. The presence of nearby dunes has meant that it has been slowly buried since the 16th century. Today, all that remains of this church is the tower, which serves as a lookout point. A similar fate has befallen the Rubjerg Knude Fyr lighthouse, which is surrounded by a dune. This lighthouse stands near the edge of the cliff. It can be entered to see the extraordinary view of the Lønstrup Klint cliffs.
By the west coast, the Råbjerg Mile dune has formed, which can wander about 15 metres in a year. Tourists who visit Denmark for the umpteenth time are often surprised at how the landscape is changed by the dunes’ migration.
Danish painter and poet Holger Drachmann fell so in love with the landscape of North Jutland that he wished to be buried here. Walking through the dunes, you may come across his tomb.
Løkken beach – this is a very beautiful, wide beach where there is a place for everyone. This beach can be navigated by car.
The only rock formation in Jutland is the Bulbjerg Limestone Cliff. Several species of birds can be found here, such as otters, three-toed gulls and common pochards. Many bunkers can be found around the cliff, as it was used as a radar base during the Second World War.
Frederikshavn – this harbour town is located on the north-east coast of the Jutland Peninsula. In the northern part of this city is located the only beach in Denmark with real palm trees – Palmenstanden. Around 100 palm trees grow there. The beach measures approximately 25 metres wide and 500 metres long. The amazing atmosphere of this place is created by palm trees, dunes, wind turbines and also the weather.
CENTRAL JUTLAND
The eastern part of Central Jutland is home to sandy beaches and dunes covered with roses. East Jutland also owes its charm to its picturesque towns, such as Silkeborg, which is located on Himmelbjerget, one of Denmark’s higher elevations (147 metres above sea level), or Mariager, the city of roses, as well as Djurs, home to seven fairy-tale lands (Djurs Sommerland). It offers more than 60 attractions, such as the Pony Express, the Wild West Carousel (12.5 m high), the Thors Kammer giant slide and the Karlos balloon swing. In Djurs, you can see Wild West landscapes and encounter wild buffalo.
In the western part of Central Jutland, there are endless sandy beaches along the shores and fjords, making it an ideal holiday destination, especially for windsurfers, nature walks or golfers.
Near Søndervig is the Lyngvig Fyr lighthouse, which is surrounded by dunes. It offers a beautiful view of the North Sea and the west coast of Jutland.
Moesgaard Strand covers an area of 100 hectares of parkland, fields, forest and beaches. It begins at the museum building and extends all the way to Aarhus Bay. Within this area is the Prehistory Trail, marked by white stones decorated with a red dot. It leads through one of the most beautiful corners of nature in East Jutland, from Manor Park through pastures, forest and marshes by the Giber Å river to Moesgaard beach. At the wetlands, the landscape is particularly picturesque.
Aarhus
Aarhus is a city full of greenery. It has many parks. There is also a good cycling infrastructure and the local authorities encourage cycling. In the city, visitors can see the 93-metre-long Domkirke Cathedral with its 96-metre-high tower, Marselisborg Palace, which used to be the summer residence of the Danish royal family, the concert hall of the Royal Academy of Music, the Palm House in the botanical garden, the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, the Old Town Hall and the City Hall.
The Tivoli Friheden amusement park, which is located in the Marselisborg forest, is also worth a visit. It covers an area of 5 square kilometres. It is divided into themed zones. Among other things, there are roller coasters (also of the rollercoaster type) and a 40 m high jump tower. In addition, the park features a Ferris wheel, children’s carousels, pedal boats, mini-cars, a cinema with 5D effects, playgrounds, bars and restaurants. Visitors are entertained by costumed entertainers in fairytale costumes.
Den Gamle By open-air museum
It is divided into three eras: pre-19th century, 1920s and 1970s. It features old buildings from different parts of Denmark. In this open-air museum, passers-by walk around dressed in costumes from past eras. People ride in horse-drawn carriages, and craftsmen’s workshops, inns or shops operate according to the rules and technology of the past. All this makes the open-air museum come alive, and that makes it unique.
ARoS – art museum
This is a museum where visitors can see, among other things, works by contemporary artists, such as sculptures made from plastic cutlery, furniture made from pill packaging and a chandelier made from tampons. A highlight was a new Lamborghini model that any visitor could scratch with a nail. This car is still in the museum, but its bodywork is already so damaged that it is difficult to see the colour of its paintwork. On the roof of the museum is a 150-metre-long glass ring with all the colours of the rainbow. Walking inside it, one can enjoy the view of the bay and the entire city of Aarhus.
Aarhus is also home to the Moesgaard Museum (MoMu), which is dedicated to prehistory.
Marselisborg Deer Park
This is an enclosed forest area covering 22 hectares. Beech trees predominate in this forest. Both in it and on the Ice Age hills, roe deer, deer and fallow deer can be found. These animals are peaceful and tourists can freely interact with them. They can also be fed and stroked.
Jelling
About 15 kilometres from Vejle is the town of Jelling, which was the residence of Danish rulers in the 10th century. In 1994, it was the first Danish site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is one of the most important sites in Denmark, as Christian Denmark originated from there. A church dating back to the 12th century has been preserved to the present day, with some of the oldest frescoes in Denmark inside. It was built on a site that had religious significance. In front of the entrance to this church are two runic stones on which text in the runic alphabet was carved in the 10th century. The smaller stone is the stone of Gorm the Old. Gorm the Old (King of Denmark) erected it around 955. From the inscription on the stone, one can read that Gorm the Old was the ruler of all Denmark, and that his wife Tyra died before him. The second, larger stone is a stone erected by Harald Bluetooth in about 965. It is 2.43 metres high and weighs about 10 tonnes. The inscription on the stone speaks of the merits of Harald Bluetooth and that he united Denmark and made the Danes Christian.
SOUTH JUTLAND
South Jutland is located in the region of Southern Denmark. Among its major attractions are: Legoland in Billund, which is the largest Legoland in the world, and the Safari Park in Gviskud.
Legoland, the largest modern attraction in Denmark, was built with more than 60 million Lego bricks. Legoland’s main slogan is 'Leg godt’, meaning 'have fun’. You can see the largest LEGO model there – the Luke Skywalker X-wing Starfighter, which is 3 metres tall. It was built with more than 5 million bricks. The park features themed lands:
- DUPLO Land – for younger children,
- Imagination Zone – which includes an aquarium and a 4D cinema,
- LEGOREDO Town – Wild West,
- Adventure Land,
- Miniland,
- Pirate Land, which offers water games,
- Polar Land,
- Knights Kingdom.
There you can see a replica of a Wild West town, or miniatures of famous buildings, monuments and harbours. One of the newest attractions is the Polar X-Plorer – the first rollercoaster in the world, which offers a drop from a height of 5m. It is also possible to raft down a mountain river in a wooden raft. The park offers more than 50 different attractions that are impossible to see in one day.
Not far from Legoland is the Givskud Safari Park, which was established in 1969. It has an area of more than 60 hectares. Initially, it was the Lions Park, which was prepared only for these animals, but as time went on, the number of animal species increased. Today, there are more than 120 different animal species living there. You can travel around the park by dedicated bus or by your own car.
In the western part of the coast, there are the flat Żuławy Mountains. In the northern part there are picturesque fjords.
Ribe
Ribe is the oldest town not only in Denmark, but in the whole of Scandinavia. It has existed for more than 10 centuries. You can visit St Catherine’s Church, the ruins of the royal castle, the town hall, the Toy Museum, the Vikinge Centre or the Art Museum. It is also worth visiting the Viking Museum and the medieval-style fair, where you can see how people lived at that time and what they did every day. There is also the town hall from 1496, which is the oldest town hall in Denmark. Also worth seeing is the cathedral from the 12th century, where the coronations of Danish rulers took place. The cobbled streets and tiny houses add to the charm of the city. In the evenings, you can meet the Night Watch there.
Møgeltønder is a town not far from the German border. It is famous for the royal castle Schackenborg, and the picturesque main street that leads to it.
Blåvandshuk – Located in the west of Denmark, the cape is surrounded by the waters of the North Sea and Fanø Bay. The lighthouse located there is probably the westernmost structure in Denmark. The resort town of Blåvand is characterised by its typically Danish style.
Christiansfeld – founded in 1773 by the evangelical church community, the Moravian Brethren, is famous for its Protestant-style buildings. Many buildings are still used by the Moravian Brethren Church. Homogeneous houses with red tiled roofs are characteristic of the town. In 2015, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Wadden Sea in south-west Jutland was declared a national park in 2010.
- DANISH RIVER
The Danish Riviera is located in the coastal area on the Sound, which is famous for its beautiful beaches and holiday atmosphere. It is situated between Copenhagen and Helsingør. The famous Strandvey beach road used to be home to fishing settlements. Today, you can see residences built directly on the beach there.
On the Danish Riviera, you can also see Frederiksborg Castle, the Underground Maritime Museum, Kronborg Castle and the beautiful gardens that surround them. Also worth seeing is Lake Esrum Sjo and a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum in Rungsted, or the world’s oldest amusement park, Dyrehavsbakken (Bakken), founded in 1583, which is located in the Forest Park in Klampenborg.
Helsingør is home to a number of museums. These include the Denmarks Tekniske Museum, dedicated to technology, and The Maritime Museum, where you can learn about the history of Danish shipping.
Kronborg Castle in Helsingør
This castle is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is located on the Sound on a picturesque promontory. It was built in 1420 and its history is linked to Eric of Pomerania. Shakespeare set the action of 'Hamlet’ in this castle. It was once a royal residence and also the headquarters of a military garrison. Today, it houses the Maritime Museum, where you can see ship models or navigational instruments.
Roskilde is home to the Ragnarock Museum.
Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød
It is located not far from Copenhagen. This castle is situated on a lake on 3 islets. It currently houses: The National History Museum, the North Zealand Folk Museum and the Money Museum.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark. It is best explored on foot or by bike. There are more than 60 museums, which combine millennia of history with modernity. Copenhagen is situated on the great strait of the sea. It provides attractions to suit the needs of different groups of tourists.
Denmark does not have the wide boulevards or the hustle and bustle typical of the capital cities of other European countries. Its charm lies in the detachment characteristic of the Danish way of being.
Copenhagen’s showpiece is Nyhavn, a 17th-century harbour characterised by colourful townhouses, small ships moored along the canal, and numerous restaurants and pubs where social life thrives. It is one of the most atmospheric places in Copenhagen and has been frequented by various artists. Hans Christian Andersen, who created the character of the Little Mermaid, unhappily in love with a man, also lived near the canal. She was the inspiration for one of the symbols of Copenhagen, which is the statue of the thoughtful girl. It was created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen.
From the Rundetaarn – the 35-metre-high Round Tower – you can enjoy the most beautiful panorama of the Old Town. It houses Europe’s oldest working astronomical observatory, a viewing platform and gallery. From the water side, you can see the opera house as well as the Royal Library, which is called the Black Diamond. This name comes from the colour of the granite used to line the walls of this building.
Copenhagen can also be explored by taking a cruise on a tourist barge. The cruise route leads through narrow canals, under low bridges. The landscapes are somewhat reminiscent of Venice and Amsterdam.
Copenhagen is also home to the Oceanarium, which is the largest of its kind in northern Europe. It is a wonderful place, offering many unique experiences for both children and adults, as you can feel like you are at the bottom of the ocean. You can see coral reefs, swimming eels and sharks. There are 3,000 piranhas and anacondas swimming under the huge waterfall.
The National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen is the largest and most important museum of history and culture in Denmark. There you can see, among other things, a real Victorian house from 1980 or the famous Trundholm carriage.
Also worth seeing in Copenhagen is Christiansborg Castle, which used to house the Danish monarchs, as well as Amalienborg Palace, which is the official residence of the kings. While Queen Margrethe II resides in the palace, an additional attraction is the ceremonial changing of the guard.
Copenhagen has a very wide cultural offer. It hosts among others:
- May beer festival,
- Copenhagen Distortion – a series of street parties held in late May and early June,
- old car races,
- Copenhagen Cooking, which takes place in August
- numerous music, theatre and fashion events.
Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen
Tivoli Gardens were opened on 15.08.1843. The permission to build them was given by King Christian VIII, following the statement: „When the people play, they do not politic”. The name Tivoli comes from the back-reading 'I lov’it’, which means 'I love it’ or 'I like it’. Tivoli Gardens was once visited by Walt Disney. The place so inspired him that he decided to create Disneyland in America.
Tivoli Gardens has many attractions such as carousels, roller coasters, swings and shooting galleries. There are also many cafes and restaurants with gardens where atmospheric candles burn in the evening. In the Tivoli Gardens you can enjoy the green areas and flowerbeds with 400,000 flowers. Other attractions include theatre for children and adults, live concerts and stage performances. In the evening you can see a feast of 11,500 lights.
Dyrehavsbakken (Bakken)
Located north of Copenhagen, this is the oldest amusement park in the world. It was established in 1583. Not far away is also the coast, which is known as the Danish Riviera. It is famous for having the most beautiful beaches in Denmark. The Louisiana Museum of Contemporary Art is also worth a visit. Adults can also take a trip to the first Carlsberg brewery.
Christianshavn
Christianshavn is regarded as Copenhagen’s most fashionable district. It is full of atmospheric pubs, elegant restaurants and wine bars. Christianshavn is located on a canal-lined island that was founded in the 17th century on the initiative of King Christian IV. It was once an independent town, which was later annexed to Copenhagen. Its unique character has been preserved to this day. There are 19th-century townhouses with tourist boats sailing between them.
- BEACHES IN DENMARK
The Danish coastline is more than 7,000 kilometres long. There are unique and amazing beaches. Their length often reaches tens of kilometres, while their width in some places exceeds several hundred metres. It is easy to find a suitable place to relax there. Many of them can be navigated by car.
On the western side is the North Sea, which is rough and also quite choppy. On the eastern side is the Baltic Sea, whose beaches are sunnier, flatter and family-friendly for families with children.
On the North Sea coast there are large dunes and cliffs. German bunkers from the Second World War can also be found there. The west coast of Denmark is an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts. Due to gusty winds and very strong currents, it is often chosen by windsurfers and sailors.
The beaches close to Copenhagen are very popular with tourists. There are yacht clubs, entertainment centres and aquaparks.
In the Kattegat Bay area (on the east coast) you can find many cosy little beaches that are hidden behind steep cliffs. The sea there is very shallow, clean and calm. Resting in such a place is most often chosen by families with children.
Those planning to bring their dog to the beach should familiarise themselves with the local regulations beforehand. During the summer months, dogs must be kept on a lead. Between 1 October and 1 April, dogs are allowed on the beach without a lead.
The North Sea coast has the longest sandy beaches in West Jutland. There are many long and wide bathing beaches, as well as seaside resorts that rank among the best in Denmark. The most beautiful beaches in Jutland are considered to be those around Ringkøbing. There is very fine sand, and they are made all the more charming by the dune landscape, which can also be walked on.
Søndervig Strand beach
This beach is located in the western part of Jutland. It is one of the most popular beaches in Denmark. In 2014, it was voted the best beach in the country.
Saksild beach
This beach is regarded as one of the most child-friendly beaches. There is clear shallow water and very fine white sand. There are no rocks or strong currents. It is several kilometres long and in some places it is up to 30 metres wide. There is a lifeguard tower, restaurants and ice cream parlours. Sanitary conditions are very good. The beach is a short distance from the campsite and holiday cottages.
Also worth a visit is the town of Hou, about 8 kilometres away, which is known for its ferry connections to Tunø and Samsø. Behind its old shipyard is a charming marina, which is a great place to take a walk along the quay.
Moesgaard beach
In 2018, this beach was awarded the Blue Flag for its high water quality, as well as its many amenities and safety. It is a forest-surrounded sandy beach that is located in the suburb of Højbjerg, on the edge of the Marselisborg forest at a distance of 8 km from the centre of Aarhus.
Varna beach
It is located in the northern part of the Marselisborg forest. On this beach is the Endless Bridge, designed by Johan Gjøde and Niels Povlsgaard
(architects from Aarhus). It was originally part of ARoS’ temporary exhibition 'Sculpture by the Sea’ in 2015. It was only meant to be a temporary installation, but due to its popularity, the municipality of Aarhus decided to buy it.
The diameter of the Endless Bridge is 60 metres. The bridge is situated partly on the beach and partly on the sea. Before the Second World War, there was a bridge by the Varna manor house, which was used by the townspeople and also by ships. Steamers sailed between Riis forest and Marselisborg forest. The purpose of the Endless Bridge was to re-establish contact between the city, the bay and the coast – just as it was before the Second World War. The bridge is open from April to October. It is dismantled for the winter and reassembled in the spring.
Palmenstranden
This beach is located in the northern part of the town of Frederikshavn, which is situated on the north-east coast of the Jutland Peninsula. It is the only beach in Denmark with real palm trees. It is 500 metres long and about 25 metres wide. About 100 palm trees grow on it. During the winter they are stored in huge greenhouses and are put back on the beach for the summer. Combined with the beautiful weather, the nearby wind turbines and the dune landscape, they create an unusual, almost exotic atmosphere. The beach has Blue Flag status. The water there is very calm and shallow, making the beach a family-friendly place for families with children. It features volleyball and handball courts. There is also a barbecue area and free sun loungers.
Albuen beach
This artificial beach is located between the centre of Vejle and Bredballe on the north side of the Vejle Fjord. It was created in 1942. The sand was brought in from the Trelde Næs peninsula. It is a child-friendly beach, surrounded by greenery, with a playground and beach volleyball court. It features the Vejlefjordbroen bridge, which connects Mølholm to Nøremarken. It is 1,712 metres long and rises 40 metres above the water level. The European route E45 passes over it.