Country guides
Europe
Things to do in Denmark
Denmark is a land of epic natural beauty and gorgeous sightseeing opportunities. The coastline is diverse, consisting of unspoilt beaches, ancient fjords and small coves, with a countryside of lake districts, rolling hills and gentle valleys dotted with windmills.
Most people are unaware of Denmark's amazing beaches, with some 200 Blue Flag shorelines providing excellent bases from which to fish, kayak, kitesurf and windsurf beneath the surprisingly warm Danish summer sun.
Visitors should jump aboard a ferry to explore more than 400 islands and marvel at the awesome bridges, such as the 10 mile (16km) Oresund link to Sweden. They can also take a week to cycle through beech woods, spend a day out in the Tivoli Gardens amusement park in Copenhagen or explore sleepy medieval villages.
For the more culturally inclined, there are many old castles, quaint traditional architecture and picturesque cobblestone villages and towns. Additionally, a visit to the Viking Ship Museum is devoted to honouring Denmark's bold ancient mariners.
With such a huge coastline and emphasis on fishing, sampling some of the fresh seafood in the country is an absolute must. The Danish food scene has exploded and is now considered the culinary capital of Scandinavia and a gastronomic destination of note.
Denmark is small and boasts excellent roads, railway systems and numerous ferry connections to the myriad offshore islands. Indeed, the charming and hospitable kingdom of Denmark offers visitors a varied, exciting and unforgettable experience.
Tivoli Gardens
The world-renowned Tivoli Gardens in the heart of Copenhagen is one of the world's most thrilling entertainment complexes, drawing about three million visitors during its five-mont…
Tivoli Gardens
The world-renowned Tivoli Gardens in the heart of Copenhagen is one of the world's most thrilling entertainment complexes, drawing about three million visitors during its five-month summer open season each year. Tivoli dates back to 1843 when Copenhagen was still a fortified city surrounded by tall ramparts and a deep moat. Today, the Tivoli Lake is all that remains of the moat, which now reflects the incredible trademark fireworks displays that light the sky over the gardens twice a week. Tivoli is split in two, one section housing the beautiful miniature gardens where more than 100,000 flowers bloom, and the other has the theme park, with arcades and thrill rides. Tivoli also boasts a concert hall and open-air stages where dozens of concerts, pantomimes and circus shows come to life.
Website www.tivoli.dk
Bornholm
Sometimes referred to as the Pearl of the Baltic, Bornholm is wildly popular as a holiday destination for people from Sweden, Poland and Germany. Often overlooked by visitors from …
Bornholm
Sometimes referred to as the Pearl of the Baltic, Bornholm is wildly popular as a holiday destination for people from Sweden, Poland and Germany. Often overlooked by visitors from the US and UK, tourists enjoy the island's sunny beaches and natural beauty. It's loved for activities such as sailing, fishing, camping and hiking. The Almindingen Forest is among the largest in Denmark, while Dueodde boasts some of the best sandy beaches in the Baltic. A number of small towns have their own attractions, including Gudhjem's sunrises and charming winding streets, the jazz festival at Allinge and the bustling markets and local beers of Svaneke. The biggest town on Bornholm is Rønne, where most ferries disembark, and it features pretty 19th-century architecture and a collection of museums, shops and restaurants.
Website bornholm.info/en/
The Little Mermaid Statue
The Little Mermaid, so synonymous with writer Hans Christian Andersen, sits on a rock at the Langelinie Harbour and is one of Copenhagen's biggest tourist attractions. The sculptur…
The Little Mermaid Statue
The Little Mermaid, so synonymous with writer Hans Christian Andersen, sits on a rock at the Langelinie Harbour and is one of Copenhagen's biggest tourist attractions. The sculpture was built in 1913 and enchants over a million visitors every year. At only about four feet (1.25m) high, she is small and seems to be in her true element when the waves crash against her rock. The sculptor Edvard Eriksen modelled the head after ballerina Ellen Price. It's beautifully executed and fits so well into its natural surroundings that it may take a moment to notice it.
Website www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/little-mermaid-gdk586951
Christiansborg Palace
When sightseeing in Denmark, architecture enthusiasts and history buffs fall in love with the Christiansborg Palace. A winter snowfall adds to its romantic fairytale appearance, it…
Christiansborg Palace
When sightseeing in Denmark, architecture enthusiasts and history buffs fall in love with the Christiansborg Palace. A winter snowfall adds to its romantic fairytale appearance, its appeal further enhanced by the presence of ruins dating as far back as 1167 AD, when it existed as Absalon's Castle. The complex consists of several different buildings, centred round a Baroque Revival core and home to important institutions such as the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister's Office and the Supreme Court. The royal family uses the palace church, the Royal Reception Rooms and the Riding Ground Complex.
Website www.christiansborgslot.dk
Legoland Billund
The original Legoland is a holiday must for children visiting Denmark. Opened in 1968, it welcomes visitors from all over the world and is conveniently situated next to the origina…
Legoland Billund
The original Legoland is a holiday must for children visiting Denmark. Opened in 1968, it welcomes visitors from all over the world and is conveniently situated next to the original Lego factory. The theme park is divided into different worlds with different themes, often based on the latest Lego ranges, and has a legendary selection of rides, shops and eateries. The admission costs vary because there are so many different ticket options, including season passes, family tickets, multiple pre-booked online ticket options, as well as ordinary gate prices, so it's best to double check the website.
Website www.legoland.dk
Roskilde Cathedral
The Roskilde Cathedral was the first Gothic cathedral built out of brick during the 12th and 13th centuries, and has been the burial site for Danish monarchs since the 15th century…
Roskilde Cathedral
The Roskilde Cathedral was the first Gothic cathedral built out of brick during the 12th and 13th centuries, and has been the burial site for Danish monarchs since the 15th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral's twin spires dominate the Roskilde skyline, and the ornately gilded interior gives visitors a sense of the royal history of Denmark. Visitors are asked to be respectful of the fact that the cathedral is an active church, meaning it will sometimes be closed to tourists during ceremonies and services. There is a Cathedral Museum in the Great Hall of the Chapel of the Magi, containing illustrations and artefacts detailing the history of the cathedral from the early Middle Ages to the present day.
Address Domkirkepladsen 3, 4000 Roskilde
Website www.roskildedomkirke.dk