Best cities to visit in Denmark

Famous the world over for the Vikings who came from the coast, Denmark has many interesting historical sites that highlight the country’s rich heritage.

 Whether it’s the longboats in some of its harbours, or its fantastic museums, old churches and delightful architecture, there’s plenty to see and do here.

Mixing the old with the new, innovative and creative Danish design is ever-present in the fashion outlets on offer and its bold culinary scene is great to explore.

 With the works of Hans Christian Andersen to explore in Odense, you can test your own creativity and imagination at Legoland.

Water is never far away in this island nation, and its many picturesque towns also offer visitors fantastic opportunities to enjoy the great outdoor landscape that has shaped Denmark’s identity.

1. Copenhagen

The country’s capital, Copenhagen, is one of the most livable cities in the world. This is immediately apparent in the green spaces, pristine waterways and well-maintained harbor that is so clean you can swim in it!

With a variety of cultural attractions on offer, one minute you can be exploring art collections or Viking history at the Royal Palace and diving into the delights of Islamic art in a neoclassical mansion the next.

A stylish place, quirky Danish design is on show everywhere you look; You can find wonderful examples of this in any bar, cafe or shop you visit, while the trendy locals will put you to shame with their effortlessly cool fashion. 

With fifteen Michelin star restaurants, Copenhagen is full of exciting and innovative eateries for you – the Danish penchant for design and creativity is reflected in its delicious cuisine.

2. Aarhus

Founded by Vikings, the country’s second-largest city was named European Capital of Culture in 2017, as it has to show. 

Architectural wonders abound in this vibrant city and a rich arts and cultural scene with many festivals and events taking place throughout the year.

With a healthy range of shopping options, many fabulous restaurants and some hip bars and cafes, Aarhus is welcoming more and more visitors to its streets every year. 

Picturesque to look at and easy to navigate, it’s a great place to stay. A large student population makes it a vibrant city to explore.

3. Odense

Odense is the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, who lit up the world with his literary creations. Thus, the city has numerous museums, sculptures and attractions dedicated to his works. 

Full of life, Odense has many great museums and art galleries to check out, as well as a fantastic zoo.

With a thousand years of history, it is an interesting village full of historic buildings for visitors who want to learn more about the city’s past.

 Peaceful parks are dotted around the city and there are many lively bars and cafes on offer. From here, you can easily explore the rest of Funen – the third largest island in Denmark.

4. Aalborg

With a recently restored waterfront in the center of the city, Aalborg is trying to revitalize and breathe new life into industrial parts of the city that have been neglected for too long. 

Straddling the Limfjord – the narrow strait of water that cuts Jutland in two – the waterfront has been greatly improved and is now a nice place to stroll.

With a 16th-century castle and a beautiful medieval old town, as well as a nearby Viking burial site, there’s plenty to warrant a visit. 

Famous for its raucous nightlife, Aalborg is a useful base from which to explore the surrounding region.

5. Fredericksburg

Often considered part of Copenhagen, there is no clear boundary between Frederiksberg and the capital – it could even be called a city within a city.

 An opulent place that is considered posh, Fredericksburg has royal gardens and palaces for visitors to explore.

Its wide, leafy boulevards are lined with stately mansions and beautiful parks. 

Home to the Copenhagen Zoo, some excellent museums, and plenty of upmarket restaurants and boutiques, the city is a quiet and picturesque place to experience.

6. Skagen

Where the Baltic joins the North Sea, Skagen’s busy harbor is flanked by wide beaches. In summer, locals and tourists come here for the holiday atmosphere.

 Located on the northern tip of Jutland, the city has some beautiful neighborhoods that are worth exploring.

It also has a rich art heritage – artists once came here to paint the desolate yet enchanting landscape.

 A popular destination, with art galleries, museums and restaurants serving delicious seafood, Skagen is a pleasure to visit.

7. Roskilde

Famous for its famous rock festival – one of the biggest in Europe, Roskilde has more than just great music.

 Roskilde – a historic city – has many sides to it, from a delightful museum of modern music to an exciting post-industrial complex filled with skate parks and unique art and design workshops.

In the old town, an impressive cathedral towers over everything, while its old harbor has Viking longboats to visit. 

Due to its proximity to Copenhagen, it is a popular day-trip destination.

8. Esbjerg

A relatively new town built on oil, fishing and trade, Esjberg is a rich place that’s a bit soulless and sinister. 

This is mainly due to its industrial origins and the speed at which it has been grown.

Although it’s not the prettiest place in the world, there are some quirky attractions and some good shopping options – though most people stop for the nearby sights. 

The idyllic Fano Island is just a short ferry ride from the center and the fairytale-esque streets of Ribe are a will moment place to visit. Legoland is about an hour away.

9. Sonderborg

Flowing along the narrow Als Sund waterway, Sonderborg is a historic town with a modern feel. There is a beautiful waterfront for visitors to wander and the fun and educational Danfoss Universe is worth a visit. 

The site of two wars between Germany and Denmark, the city’s modern feel is due to reconstruction efforts.

Sanderborg still has close ties to nearby Germany. Due to its proximity to Flensburg across the border, armies of Danes and Germans pass through Sonderborg on their way to other destinations in both countries.

10. Helsingr

Helsingor is the gateway to Sweden, lying on the Oresund strait and facing Helsingborg. Many Swedes come to the city to buy cheap alcohol.

 An affluent place, Helsingør became rich from taxation on trade passing through the Oresund – this funded the fantastic medieval buildings we see today.

It’s a delight to wander the picturesque streets lined with old, half-timbered houses – it seems a world away from its busy shopping streets. The imposing castle of Kronborg Slot is the undoubted highlight of the city.

11. Svendborg

With a beautiful harbor full of sleek yachts and old fishing boats, Svendborg is situated on a beautiful fjord and is the gateway to the spectacular archipelago of Funen. 

Alongside the more modern parts of the city are quaint cafes and nice restaurants, as well as some quiet cycling routes.

With beautiful beaches that are especially popular in summer and regular ferries to nearby islands, Svendborg is a relaxing place to spend some time.

12. Herning

Located in the heart of Jutland, Herning has a lively arts and culture scene with many exhibitions, conventions and trade fairs held throughout the year.

 The city’s art museum is well worth a visit, and the surrounding area has a beautiful sculpture park that’s well worth a visit.

With many great bars and restaurants to delight visitors, most people visit Herning when attending a convention or event held here.

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