Denmark might be one of Europe’s smallest countries, but it packs an extraordinary punch when it comes to unforgettable experiences.

From the colorful waterfronts of Copenhagen to the windswept beaches of the North Sea coast, this Scandinavian gem offers a perfect blend of historic charm, modern design, and natural beauty.

The Danish concept of “hygge” permeates every corner of this remarkable country, making it one of the most welcoming destinations in Europe.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the top 10 things to do in Denmark, covering everything from must-see attractions in Copenhagen to hidden treasures in the Danish countryside.

how’s the denmark countryside

The Denmark countryside is a peaceful retreat filled with rolling green fields, charming thatched-roof villages, and scenic coastal views. Away from the busy cities, it’s a place where time slows down and you can truly experience Danish culture, local farms, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re cycling through open meadows, exploring hidden lakes, or visiting small historic towns, the Denmark countryside offers a perfect mix of relaxation and authentic rural life.

country code dk

DK represents Denmark, a beautiful Scandinavian country known for its design, culture, and coastal charm.
Country Code (ISO Alpha-2): DK
Dialing Code (Phone Code): +45

Denmark time

The Denmark time zone follows Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1. During daylight saving time, it changes to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2. So when it’s noon in Denmark, it’s typically one hour ahead of London. Knowing the Denmark time is helpful if you’re planning travel, meetings, or calls with people in this beautiful Scandinavian country.

Plan Your Trip to Denmark

Best Time to Visit

Summer months from June to August offer the warmest weather and longest days, perfect for outdoor activities. However, this is also peak tourist season with higher prices.

Spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October) are excellent shoulder seasons with pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Winter offers its own charm, especially during Christmas when cities transform into winter wonderlands with festive markets and that cozy hygge atmosphere.

Getting Around

Denmark boasts one of Europe’s most efficient transportation systems. Trains connect major cities with frequent, punctual services.

Buses reach smaller towns that trains don’t service. FlixBus offers budget-friendly intercity travel options.

Renting a car gives you freedom to explore the countryside at your own pace, though parking can be expensive in cities.

Denmark is famously bicycle-friendly. Copenhagen and other cities have excellent cycling infrastructure with dedicated bike lanes everywhere.

Budgeting Tips

Denmark ranks as one of Europe’s more expensive destinations. Hostel beds start from 25-35 euros, while mid-range hotels cost 100-150 euros per night.

Restaurant meals average 15-25 euros for lunch and 30-50 euros for dinner. Save money by shopping at supermarkets or enjoying Danish bakeries.

The Copenhagen Card includes free entry to over 80 attractions plus unlimited public transport if you plan to visit multiple sites.

Credit cards are accepted everywhere, and Denmark is moving toward becoming cashless. You’ll rarely need physical money.

10 Best Things to Do in Denmark

1. Explore Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen

Tivoli Gardens stands as one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, opening in 1843 and continuing to enchant visitors with its magical atmosphere.

Located in central Copenhagen, Tivoli combines nostalgic charm with modern thrills in a beautifully landscaped setting.

The park features over 30 rides ranging from gentle carousels to adrenaline-pumping roller coasters. The historic wooden roller coaster from 1914 still operates today.

Beyond rides, Tivoli creates an enchanting atmosphere with beautiful gardens, ornate architecture, and thousands of twinkling lights after dark.

Visit during the evening when lights create magical ambiance. The Christmas season transforms Tivoli into a winter wonderland with festive decorations and markets.

2. Visit the Colorful Nyhavn Harbor

Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s most photographed location and an absolute must-visit during any trip to Denmark.

This 17th-century waterfront features a picturesque canal lined with brightly colored townhouses, historic wooden ships, and numerous restaurants.

The vibrant buildings in shades of red, yellow, blue, and orange create a postcard-perfect scene. Hans Christian Andersen lived in several buildings here.

Canal tours depart from Nyhavn, offering excellent opportunities to see Copenhagen from the water and gain different perspectives on the city’s architecture.

Visit early morning or during golden hour for better photos and a more relaxed experience away from peak crowds.

3. Discover Kronborg Castle (Hamlet’s Castle)

Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, about 45 minutes north of Copenhagen, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous as the setting for Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”

Built in the 1420s and expanded in the 1570s, Kronborg served as a strategic fortress controlling the narrow Sound between Denmark and Sweden.

Explore the grand ballroom, one of Northern Europe’s longest Renaissance halls, the royal chambers, and the chapel.

The castle dungeons house a legendary statue of Holger the Dane, who according to myth will awaken if Denmark is ever in danger.

Kronborg hosts outdoor theater performances of Hamlet during summer months in the castle courtyard.

4. Experience the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Louisiana Museum in Humlebæk represents one of the world’s finest modern art museums with an unparalleled combination of art, architecture, and landscape.

The museum’s architecture seamlessly integrates with its spectacular coastal setting, with light-filled galleries offering stunning views of the Øresund strait.

The permanent collection features works by Picasso, Giacometti, Francis Bacon, and Yayoi Kusama, plus significant Danish and Nordic artists.

Plan at least three to four hours to appreciate the collections, explore the sculpture park, and enjoy the museum café with sea views.

5. Cycle Through the Danish Countryside

Denmark’s flat terrain and excellent cycling infrastructure make it a cycling paradise perfect for exploring on two wheels.

Denmark has over 12,000 kilometers of marked cycle routes showcasing different regions with detailed maps and signs.

Route 1 follows Denmark’s dramatic North Sea coastline with wide beaches and fishing villages. Route 10 traces the gentler Baltic Sea coast.

Cycling routes pass through charming villages, national parks, forests, and along fjords providing stunning backdrops for your journey.

Spring and summer offer the best weather for cycling, though autumn provides beautiful colors and fewer tourists.

6. Explore the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde

The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, 30 minutes from Copenhagen, offers a fascinating journey into Denmark’s Viking heritage.

The museum’s centerpiece consists of five original Viking ships deliberately sunk around 1070 to protect the town from enemy attacks.

These reconstructed ships represent different vessel types including warships, cargo ships, and fishing boats.

The outdoor boat yard shows craftspeople building Viking ship reconstructions using traditional methods.

During summer, take trips on reconstructed Viking ships, rowing or sailing on Roskilde Fjord just as Vikings did centuries ago.

7. Discover Legoland in Billund

Legoland Billund is the original Legoland park that opened in 1968 next to the Lego factory where Lego was invented.

The highlight is Miniland, where miniature versions of famous landmarks are built from millions of Lego bricks with astonishing detail.

The park features over 50 rides and attractions suitable for different ages, from gentle rides for toddlers to thrilling roller coasters.

Various themed areas include Knights Kingdom, Pirate Land, Lego City, and Duplo Land with age-appropriate activities.

Plan a full day at Legoland to experience most attractions, shows, and Miniland at a comfortable pace.

8. Visit Aarhus, Denmark’s Second City

Aarhus, located on Jutland’s east coast, offers a perfect blend of historic charm, vibrant culture, and modern innovation.

The Old Town (Den Gamle By) is an open-air museum with 75 historical buildings recreating Danish urban life through the ages.

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum features a spectacular rainbow-colored circular walkway on the roof offering 360-degree city views.

The Latin Quarter features narrow cobblestone streets filled with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants perfect for leisurely exploration.

Aarhus is easily accessible from Copenhagen by train in about three hours, ideal for an overnight stay.

9. Experience the White Cliffs of Møns Klint

The dramatic white chalk cliffs of Møns Klint reach up to 128 meters above the Baltic Sea, creating one of Denmark’s most spectacular natural landmarks.

The brilliant white cliffs contrast strikingly with blue sea and green beech forests, creating almost unreal photographs.

Walk along cliff-top trails through beech forest with spectacular viewpoints, or descend steep staircases to the beach below.

Fossil hunting is popular here, with many visitors finding ancient marine life fossils in beach stones and chalk.

The Dark Sky Park designation makes Møn one of Denmark’s best stargazing locations with minimal light pollution.

10. Enjoy with danish people

The Danish people are known for their friendly nature, strong sense of community, and love for simplicity and balance in life. They value equality, honesty, and the concept of “hygge,” which means creating cozy and happy moments. The Danish people take pride in their culture, modern design, and clean environment, making Denmark one of the happiest countries in the world. Whether you visit small villages or the capital city Copenhagen, you’ll always feel the warmth and hospitality of the Danish people.

denmark map

Copenhagen Highlights

where is copenhagen in denmark

The capital city Copenhagen is located on the eastern coast of Denmark, sitting partly on the islands of Zealand and Amager. If you’re wondering where Copenhagen is in Denmark, it lies close to Sweden, connected by the famous Øresund Bridge. This vibrant city blends modern architecture with historic charm, offering visitors stunning waterfront views, colorful houses at Nyhavn, and a lively Scandinavian atmosphere.

The Little Mermaid Statue

The Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, sits on a rock in Copenhagen Harbor as the city’s most iconic symbol.

The statue’s location along the Langelinie promenade offers pleasant waterfront walks with views of modern architecture and historic fortifications.

Christiansborg Palace

Christiansborg Palace houses the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court, and royal functions, making it the country’s political heart.

Tour the opulent royal reception rooms, explore medieval castle ruins beneath the building, and visit the royal stables.

Climb the tower for free to enjoy spectacular 360-degree views from Copenhagen’s tallest publicly accessible viewpoint.

The Round Tower

The Round Tower, built in 1642, features a unique spiral ramp winding 268 meters to the top rather than traditional stairs.

From the top, get excellent views over Copenhagen’s old city with red-tiled roofs, church spires, and the changing cityscape.

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle houses the Danish crown jewels and retains its original Renaissance and Baroque interior decorations.

The treasury contains crowns studded with precious gems, coronation swords, and royal regalia used in Danish coronations.

The castle gardens are Copenhagen’s oldest royal gardens, popular for relaxing and picnicking during warmer months.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Denmark

Danish Food Culture

Traditional smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches on rye bread) represent classic Danish lunch food found at specialized restaurants.

Danish pastries (called wienerbrød) are not to be missed. Bakeries offer fresh, buttery pastries far superior to versions found elsewhere.

New Nordic Cuisine has transformed Danish dining, focusing on local, seasonal ingredients with innovative techniques.

Social Customs

Danes value punctuality, so arrive on time for scheduled meetings, tours, or reservations.

The Danish communication style tends to be direct and honest, which is simply cultural difference rather than rudeness.

Tipping is not expected in Denmark, as service charges are included in bills, though rounding up for exceptional service is appreciated.

Sustainable Travel

Use excellent public transport and cycling infrastructure rather than renting cars when possible.

Bring a reusable water bottle as Denmark’s tap water is excellent quality and free, eliminating plastic bottle needs.

Support local businesses, farmers markets, and restaurants using local ingredients rather than international chains.

Conclusion

Denmark proves that small countries can offer enormous experiences.

From Copenhagen’s vibrant urban culture to peaceful countryside, from Viking heritage to cutting-edge design, Denmark delivers diversity and depth that surprises visitors.

The practical ease of traveling in Denmark, with excellent infrastructure, widespread English proficiency, and efficient transport, makes it accessible for all travelers.

Whether you’re cycling through farmland, exploring world-class museums, or simply experiencing that famous Danish hygge in a candlelit café, Denmark creates lasting memories.

Start planning your trip to Denmark today and prepare for a Scandinavian adventure that will capture your heart with its perfect blend of beauty, culture, and genuine warmth.