Denmark’s manifold allures have gained recognition among an international audience, especially in recent times. Scandinavia’s “European” wing is home to numerous attractions, including magnificent beaches, picturesque fortresses reminiscent of fairy tales, verdant forests, a temperate climate, hospitable locals, and an infectious spirit of joy. Bold television series Borgen elevated Copenhagen’s landmarks to celebrity status, specifically the magnificent Christiansborg parliament structures. Likewise, the Oresund Bridge, an extraordinary engineering achievement that connects the two nations via rail and road, was unveiled to the world by the Danish-Swedish effort Bronen (The Bridge). A visit to Odense, the birthplace of the master storyteller Hans Christian Andersen, is an absolute must for literature enthusiasts.Throughout Denmark, eco-credentials are conspicuously displayed. Bicycles are prioritized over automobiles in Copenhagen and are arguably the most scenic mode of transportation in this small, picturesque city.Furthermore, the food is legendary; the pinnacle of Scandinavian cuisine is paved with Danish exquisite dining.
1. Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen
When visiting Copenhagen, many visitors make a beeline for the iconic recreation space at Tivoli Gardens. Dating from 1843, Tivoli is the inspiration behind the world-famous Disney theme parks, and here, you’ll find a huge range of attractions including a roller coaster, roundabouts, puppet theaters, restaurants, cafés, gardens, food pavilions, and even a Moorish-styled concert hall. Known across the world, Tivoli has appeared in numerous movies and is a true symbol of the city. At night, firework displays illuminate the sky, and in winter, the gardens are adorned with lights for the Christmas season. During the summer, you can catch free rock concerts on Friday nights.
2. Christiansborg Palace, Copenhagen
Christborg Palace, the site of Danish government, is situated on the minuscule island of Slotsholmen in the heart of Copenhagen. Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court are located within its premises, while the Royal household continues to occupy certain wings. Among the most magnificent areas visible are the Royal Reception Rooms, opulently embellished areas that continue to serve as venues for royal receptions and galas at present. For individuals with an interest in observing the operational processes that ensure everything runs efficiently, I recommend visiting the Royal Kitchen to gain insight into the challenges of banquet preparations for hundreds of guests almost a century ago. Enthusiasts of equines will be interested in visiting the Royal Stables, which contain original structures that managed to endure the destructive fires that ravaged both the 1740 palace of Christian VI and its 1828 successor. You will also glimpse some of the most opulent horses in the world and see historic horse-drawn vehicles, such as the Golden State Coach, constructed in 1840 and embellished with 24-karat gold, and the state coach of Queen Dowager Juliane Marie in 1778. In 1167, long before the location became a sovereign residence, Bishop Absalon erected fortifications there. You can delve further into history by investigating the excavated remnants of the original castle, situated beneath the palace. Those with an appreciation for ecclesiastical architecture should visit the Palace Chapel, which was designed in the style of the Pantheon in Rome. Due to the fact that the royal family continues to utilize the palace, it is prudent to confirm the hours of operation in order to visit the sections that pique your interest.
3. National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet), Copenhagen
Tivoli Gardens is ten minutes on foot from the National Museum (Nationalmuseet), an institution devoted to the study of Danish history and culture. An impressive assortment of Danish artifacts is on exhibit at this museum, including a sun chariot dating back 2,000 years, Danish porcelain and silver, and Romanesque and Gothic church embellishments. Additionally, garments and antique furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries are featured in other collections. This voyage through Danish history is complemented by an outstanding ethnographic exhibition featuring artifacts from, among other places, Greenland, Asia, and Africa. The Children’s Museum offers an abundance of activities for children. They are permitted to don period attire, board a Viking ship, and explore a classroom designed in the 1920s manner.
4. The Open-Air Museum (Frilandsmuseet), Lyngby
A popular day trip from Copenhagen, the Open-Air Museum is situated just over 15 kilometers from the capital. As an extension of the Danish National Museum, it is a Denmark must-see for numerous tourists. This living history museum encompasses 35 hectares and features authentic farmhouses, agricultural structures, residences, and mills from across the nation. In addition to numerous picnic areas, the area features exquisite historic gardens, evocative old houses from Schleswig-Holstein and Sweden, and ancient domestic animal breeds. Additionally, horse-drawn carriages are available for use on the grounds.
5. The National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst), Copenhagen
The National Gallery of Denmark houses the country’s largest collection of Danish art. The original exhibits were once housed at Christiansborg but moved to the current location in the late 19th century. A gigantic extension has not only significantly extended the space but allows natural light to flood into the interior of the museum. Covering more than 700 years of European and Scandinavian art, the museum displays paintings by the Dutch Masters, Picasso, and Edvard Munch among others. Not surprisingly, fine collections of Danish art are also on display. The café is particularly pleasant and a great place to unwind and soak up the surroundings.
6. LEGO House, Billund
The LEGO House in Billund, the legendary LEGO brick’s origin, is an attraction suitable for families of all ages. You will appreciate the admission-free areas, which feature nine themed playgrounds, three outdoor squares, and the Tree of Life, a 15-meter LEGO structure adorned with intricate details, if you are on a tight budget or simply traveling through. Additionally, visitors have the option to purchase admission to the Experience Zones, which are themed after the colors of the iconic brick: red signifies ingenuity, green represents role-playing, blue represents cognitive challenges, and yellow signifies emotions. Additionally, visitors are afforded the opportunity to acquire comprehensive knowledge regarding the history of LEGO and its founders.
7. Nyhavn, Copenhagen
Nyhavn (New Harbor), the subject of numerous postcards and photographs of the city, is an excellent location for a stroll or to sample the café culture of Copenhagen. This once-disreputable stretch of dockland, situated to the rear of Amalienborg Palace, has been revitalized with the addition of restaurants, multicolored houses, and tall ships (some of which are museums) that line the quayside. Presently, Nyhavn is an exceptionally charming neighborhood that has become a significant draw for both tourists and locals in Copenhagen. From this location, those in search of an exciting excursion can board a hydrofoil to Sweden or embark on a relaxing harbor cruise.
8. Kronborg Slot (Kronborg Castle), Helsingør
In addition to housing the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Kronborg Castle is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a result, it occupies the highest position on Helsingor’s list of essential attractions. Those who have even a cursory interest in the bard will undoubtedly be motivated to pay a visit. This formidable edifice is conspicuously apparent as one approaches it, rendering it nearly impossible to fail to notice. While the current incarnation was established in 1640, it was preceded by a number of other fortifications. After more than a century of service as a garrison, the castle underwent renovations in 1924. The South Wing contains the Castle Chapel, whose magnificent Renaissance interior features German wood carvings and miraculously survived a fire in 1629. The North Wing houses the magnificent Ballroom or Knights’ Hall, whereas the West Wing showcases exquisite tapestries.
9. Egeskov Castle, Kvarnstrup
The fairy tale Less than thirty minutes’ drive from Odense, Egeskov Castle is situated in a picturesque location and is the best-preserved moat castle in Europe. Completion of this magnificent Renaissance structure occurred in 1554; its original purpose was defense. Throughout the centuries, the castle underwent numerous transformations before being converted into a model farm. Since the facilities’ public debut in 1959, there have been numerous developments and renovations. Additionally, specialty collections, such as the Camping Outdoor Museum and the Vintage Car Museum, are housed on the grounds. Alongside this, there are Segway excursions and treetop walks available for visitors to enjoy. The banquet hall is truly impressive. A day excursion from Copenhagen to Egeskov is highly recommended, especially for families.
10. Viking Ship Museum (Vikingeskibsmuseet), Roskilde
Visitors to the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde are afforded the exceptional opportunity to witness the construction of Viking vessels and to observe contemporary shipbuilders at work restoring and repairing those that have been excavated. Adjacent to the museum, the boatyard refurbishes obsolete vessels through the use of conventional techniques to produce replicas. You will discover within the museum the significance of maritime life to the culture and survival of the Viking Age people. Viking Ship Hall, the primary attraction, showcases five vessels that the Vikings utilized to construct a fortification across Roskilde Fjord. The ships were restored following laborious and exhaustive underwater excavations; they are presently on display. The “Climb Aboard” high-tech experience is one of the most recent additions to the museum; it completely immerses visitors in life aboard a Viking ship. This immersive experience features costumes for those who wish to fully immerse themselves, opportunities to investigate the ship’s rooms and supplies, and even sensory shifts as the voyage traverses various conditions such as calm and turbulent seas, day and night, and weather.
