Denmark’s Most Enchanting Destinations: A Local’s Guide

I first visited Denmark in 2019, just before the world changed. Looking back, I’m grateful for that timing – I got to experience the country’s cozy cafes, busy markets, and friendly locals without the restrictions that would soon follow.

What makes Denmark special is how it mixes old and new in the most natural way. You’ll find thousand-year-old Viking ruins next to sleek modern architecture, traditional smørrebrød served in trendy food halls, and bicycle-filled streets winding past both medieval churches and contemporary art museums. From Copenhagen’s food scene to the quiet beaches of North Jutland, Denmark keeps showing you something unexpected around every corner.

What are the best places to visit in Denmark? I’ve combined my personal experiences with advice from local Danish friends to create a list that goes beyond the usual tourist spots. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for more hygge, these spots will help you see the real Denmark.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen has a way of getting under your skin like few other European capitals. This Danish city manages to strike a perfect balance between old-world charm and modern innovation, where bicycle-filled streets wind past colorful townhouses and sleek design shops. The locals have mastered the art of ‘hygge’ – that cozy feeling of contentment – and you’ll find it everywhere from candlelit cafes to the famous Tivoli Gardens. It’s a place where world-class restaurants share neighborhoods with casual food markets, and where you can hop from a royal palace to a free-town commune in just a few minutes. While it might be known for its expensive tastes, the real magic of Copenhagen lies in its laid-back attitude and the genuine warmth of its people.

Aarhus

Ever wandered through a city where old Viking history meets modern art galleries? That’s exactly what you’ll find in Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city and a cultural powerhouse. This laid-back coastal town blends centuries-old cobblestone streets with forward-thinking museums like ARoS, where you can walk through a rainbow-colored glass ring floating above the city. The Latin Quarter buzzes with coffee shops and boutiques housed in buildings from the 16th century, while the open-air Den Gamle By museum lets you step back in time to see how Danes lived in different eras. Don’t miss the harborfront, where young locals gather at food markets and the harbor bath for a refreshing dip in the sea.

Odense

As the birthplace of beloved fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen, Odense holds a special place in my heart among Denmark’s cities. This charming town on the island of Funen lets you walk in the footsteps of the writer who gave us “The Little Mermaid” and “The Ugly Duckling,” with cobblestone streets leading to his childhood home and museums dedicated to his work. It’s not just about fairy tales though – the city mixes its storybook past with modern Danish life through its cycling culture, cozy cafes, and open-air markets. While many travelers buzz straight between Copenhagen and Aarhus, those who pause in Odense discover a place where history and imagination come together in the most Danish of ways.

Kronborg Castle, Helsingør

Located about 45 minutes north of Copenhagen sits Kronborg Castle, the legendary setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Unlike other Danish castles, this UNESCO World Heritage site commands attention from its strategic position along the Øresund strait, where it once collected tolls from passing ships. Dating back to the 1420s, Kronborg tells tales of royal banquets, military might, and maritime heritage through its massive fortifications and grand halls. The castle’s unique position made it a crucial checkpoint between Denmark and Sweden, and today, you can still walk the same ramparts where soldiers once kept watch. Inside, you’ll find rooms decorated with period furniture, tapestries, and artwork that showcase life during Denmark’s Renaissance period. Don’t miss the spooky casemates – underground passages where, legend has it, the Danish hero Holger Danske sleeps, ready to wake if Denmark ever needs him.

Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen

When it comes to must-see spots in Denmark, Tivoli Gardens stands out as Copenhagen’s beating heart of joy and nostalgia. This historic amusement park, opened in 1843, mixes old-world charm with modern thrills, drawing both locals and tourists to its flower-filled paths and twinkling lights. It’s not just about the rides – though the wooden roller coaster from 1914 is still going strong – it’s about the atmosphere that comes alive when the sun sets and thousands of colored lamps illuminate the gardens. From seasonal festivals to open-air concerts, Tivoli captures that special kind of magic that makes even grown-ups feel like kids again. Just be prepared for the crowds during summer months and Christmas season, when the park transforms into a winter wonderland.

Nyhavn, Copenhagen

Whenever people think of Copenhagen, the first image that comes to mind is usually Nyhavn, and for good reason. This 17th-century waterfront district, with its colorful townhouses and wooden ships, represents everything that makes the Danish capital special. The canal-side street is lined with historical buildings in shades of yellow, blue, and red, while old sailing vessels bob gently in the harbor. It’s hard to believe this charming spot was once a busy commercial port – today, it’s where locals and visitors alike gather at outdoor cafes, especially during those long summer evenings when the sun seems to never set. Walking along the waterfront, you’ll find the former home of famous fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen, who lived here while writing some of his most beloved stories.

Legoland, Billund

I visited Legoland Billund on a family trip to Denmark in 2019, and it’s easy to see why this place is special. Located in the heart of Jutland, Legoland Billund holds the title of being the original Legoland park, first opening its doors in 1968 near the Lego factory where those famous bricks were born. The park mixes classic theme park rides with impressive Lego builds – think entire cities crafted from millions of colorful bricks and recreations of famous landmarks from around the world. Miniland, the park’s centerpiece, features scaled-down versions of Danish towns and global icons, all built with painstaking detail using regular Lego pieces. Whether you’re racing through the park’s rollercoasters or marveling at the brick-built wonders, there’s something magical about seeing childhood imagination come to life on such a grand scale.

Skagen

If you’re heading to Denmark, make sure to visit Skagen, the country’s northernmost town where two seas meet. Located at the tip of the Jutland peninsula, this charming coastal destination is famous for its unique light that attracted numerous artists in the late 19th century, known as the Skagen Painters. You can watch the fascinating natural phenomenon at Grenen Beach, where the North Sea and Baltic Sea collide in a clash of waves that form a distinct line in the water.

The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen

Sitting gracefully on a rock by Copenhagen’s waterfront since 1913, The Little Mermaid statue has become Denmark’s most recognized landmark worldwide. This bronze figure, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tale, measures just 4.1 feet tall and draws over a million visitors each year to Langelinie promenade. Created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen, the statue captures the moment when the mermaid gazes longingly towards land, hoping to catch a glimpse of her prince. While some tourists note that she’s smaller than expected, her location along the harbor front makes for a pleasant walk, especially during summer when the waterfront comes alive with locals and visitors alike. The early morning hours offer the best chance to snap photos without crowds, as the soft light plays off the water and bronze.

Roskilde

When friends ask where to go in Denmark, I always suggest visiting Roskilde. Just 30 minutes from Copenhagen, this historic city is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the massive Gothic Roskilde Cathedral where Danish royalty are buried, and the Viking Ship Museum with its remarkably preserved Norse vessels. The city really comes alive during the Roskilde Festival, one of Europe’s biggest music events that draws thousands of music fans every summer.

Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen

The first time I visited Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen was during the changing of the Royal Life Guards in 2018. Made up of four identical classical palaces around an octagonal courtyard, Amalienborg serves as the winter residence of Denmark’s royal family. The palace complex sits in the heart of Copenhagen’s historic district, with the Frederik’s Church (Marble Church) creating a grand backdrop. Inside one of the palaces, now a museum, visitors can explore the private chambers of past monarchs and get a glimpse into royal Danish life through the centuries. The daily ceremony of the Royal Guard march, starting from their barracks by Rosenborg Castle, ends here at noon – bringing the palace grounds to life with precision, music, and tradition.

Ribe

Step back in time when you visit Ribe, Denmark’s oldest town dating all the way back to the Viking Age. The narrow cobblestone streets lead you past well-preserved medieval buildings and the impressive Ribe Cathedral, which has watched over the town since the 12th century. Take a guided tour with the Night Watchman, who shares tales of the town’s 1,300-year history while making his rounds through the old quarters. For a deeper dive into Viking culture, head to the Ribe Viking Center, where you can experience daily life as it was in the year 825, complete with authentic crafts and activities for the whole family.

Frederiksborg Castle, Hillerød

Locals often recommend spending a day exploring Frederiksborg Castle, the largest Renaissance palace in Scandinavia. Located on three small islands in Hillerød, this royal residence turned museum takes you through 500 years of Danish history with its collection of portraits, paintings, and period furniture spread across 80 elegant rooms.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Humlebæk

Located just 25 miles north of Copenhagen, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art draws visitors for its unique blend of art, architecture, and nature. The museum sits on a cliff overlooking the Øresund strait, where you can see the Swedish coast on clear days. While many come for the world-class collection of contemporary art, the sprawling sculpture garden and glass walkways connecting the museum’s pavilions make it much more than your typical art institution. Throughout the year, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions from international artists, educational programs, and concerts, but the permanent collection alone – featuring works by Andy Warhol, Picasso, and Danish artists – makes it worth the trip from Copenhagen. The museum’s café, with its panoramic views of the sea, has become a destination in itself for locals and tourists alike.

Møns Klint

Look out over dramatic white chalk cliffs when you visit Møns Klint, one of Denmark’s most impressive natural wonders. These towering cliffs stretch for 6 kilometers along the eastern coast of Møn island, rising 120 meters above the Baltic Sea. You can explore the area on well-marked hiking trails that wind through beech forests and lead to viewing platforms with sweeping sea views. For a unique perspective, take the wooden staircase down to the beach below, where you can hunt for 70-million-year-old fossils or go for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters during summer months.

Den Gamle By, Aarhus

Den Gamle By is one of those rare places that lets you step back in time and experience Danish life exactly as it was in decades past. This open-air museum in Aarhus recreates entire neighborhoods from the 1800s and 1900s, complete with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and costumed performers going about their daily routines. You can wander through old shops where craftsmen work just as they did centuries ago, peek into furnished homes from different eras, and even taste traditional Danish foods prepared using historic methods. It’s not just a museum – it’s a living, working town where you can experience everything from riding in vintage trams to chatting with “residents” dressed in period clothing who stay perfectly in character.

Christiansborg Palace, Copenhagen

Step into Danish history at Christiansborg Palace, the heart of Denmark’s government and royal receptions. Located on a small island in Copenhagen’s center, this grand building houses the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court, and Prime Minister’s Office all under one roof. You can tour the royal reception rooms where the Queen welcomes foreign dignitaries, explore the ancient ruins beneath the palace, or climb the tower for sweeping views of Copenhagen’s cityscape. Don’t miss the Great Hall with its famous tapestries depicting 1,000 years of Danish history, or the Royal Stables where the ceremonial horses are kept.

Viking Ship Museum, Roskilde

History buffs and maritime enthusiasts come to Roskilde for its famous Viking Ship Museum, where real Viking vessels discovered in the nearby fjord take center stage. The museum houses five original Viking ships from the 11th century, each telling stories of trade, warfare, and exploration across the Nordic seas. Visitors can try their hand at traditional Viking crafts, watch shipbuilders use ancient techniques to construct wooden vessels, or even sail a replica Viking ship on the fjord during summer months. While the ships are the main attraction, the museum’s interactive exhibits and archaeological workshops offer year-round activities that bring Denmark’s seafaring past to life.

Egeskov Castle, Funen

Nestled on the island of Funen, Egeskov Castle has held its ground since 1554 as one of Europe’s best-preserved Renaissance water castles. It’s not just another pretty palace – this place sits on oak pilings in the middle of a small lake, surrounded by remarkable gardens that change with every season. The castle’s towering spires and red brick exterior might catch your eye first, but it’s the mix of history and fun that keeps visitors coming back. Inside, you’ll find everything from vintage cars and motorcycles to a massive dolls’ house collection, while outside, the gardens offer both peaceful corners and active attractions like a treetop walking path. Though many folks come for quick photos, I’d suggest setting aside a full day to really soak in both the castle’s rich history and its surprisingly modern entertainment options.