The Best Places To Visit In Denmark (Besides Copenhagen)
Looking for inspiration on the best places to visit in Denmark? While many travelers come to Denmark to explore the charming capital of Copenhagen, the country is brimming with other incredible places you won’t want to miss! From dramatic cliffs and sand dunes to picturesque harbor towns, historic castles, and quaint islands, Denmark offers a ton of stunning day trips that can will keep you entertained for weeks. On your next visit to Copenhagen, consider boarding a train or renting a car to embark on an unforgettable adventure through this beautiful Scandinavian country!
In this blog post, I’ll take you on a journey through 8 of my favorite places to visit in Denmark and share the best ways to explore them. Some are easy day trips from Copenhagen, while others might require a road trip or an overnight stay in another city. Fortunately, you can reach almost any destination in Denmark within a few hours by train, making it easy to explore these amazing spots on your next visit to Copenhagen. Denmark is a stunning country, especially in the summer when it truly shines. Read on to get inspired for your next Danish adventure!
The Best Places To Visit In Denmark
Møns Klint
One of the most breathtaking places to visit in Denmark is undoubtedly Møns Klint, a spectacular stretch of chalk cliffs on the island of Møn. These dramatic cliffs, meeting the blue waters of the Baltic Sea, offer a landscape that stands out from the rest of the Danish countryside. If you have an extra day in Copenhagen, Møns Klint is a must-visit! To start of your adventure, head to the GeoCenter Møns Klint to learn more about the area’s natural history before exploring the cliffs. On and near the cliffs, you will find beautiful hiking and biking trails, and along the beach, you can search for fossils and other natural treasures. In short, it’s the perfect day trip for nature lovers and those seeking a bit of adventure!
The easiest way to reach Møns Klint is by renting a car and enjoying the scenic drive through the Danish countryside. If you prefer not to drive, you can join this guided day trip from Copenhagen, which also includes a visit to the famous Forest Tower. Alternatively, you can reach Møns Klint via public transport by taking a train to Vordingborg Station and then catching a bus to the cliffs. However, be prepared for a longer journey if you choose this option. For detailed routes and departure times, you can check the journey planner.
The Oldest Town In Denmark & Vadehavet National Park
Ribe is the oldest town in Denmark and one of the best places to visit, if you are looking to get a feeling of the quaint, cosy side of this beautiful country. Stroll along cobblestone streets lined with colorful, historic houses, explore charming independent shops, and relax in one of the lovely courtyard cafés surrounded by flowers and friendly locals. And don’t leave without exploring the beautiful Ribe Cathedral!
Just a short distance from Ribe, on the west coast of Jutland, lies the unique Vadehavet National Park (Wadden Sea). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its natural beauty, with vast tidal flats and incredible wildlife. It stretches along 500km from Denmark to Holland and is the perfect place for birdwatching, hiking and nature and wildlife photography. Be sure to visit the picturesque island of Rømø while you’re there, and consider spending the night to fully soak in the serene surroundings.
Odense: The Third Largest City In Denmark
Another must-visit in Denmark is Odense: the third-largest city in Denmark and home to some of the most beautiful and historical buildings in the country. I much prefer it to its older sister, Copenhagen, as it has a peacefulness that soothes my nerves in a way the vibrant streets of Copenhagen never could. I especially love the greenery in Odense and how you’re never far from a serene park to relax in. I’ve always lived near Odense and have been blessed to spend the past six wonderful years living in the city. During times when I couldn’t travel, I made it my top priority to explore everything this beautiful city has to offer. Check out my post on the 10 best things to do in Odense, if you are planning on visiting!
To reach Odense, you can simply jump on a 1 hour and 15 minute train ride from the center of Copenhagen. If you want to visit Odense by train, you can buy tickets online on DSB’s website. Alternatively you can enjoy the beautiful Danish countryside on the way by renting a car in Copenhagen! The drive from Copenhagen should take about 2 to 2.5-hour drive – but I highly recommend doing a few detours. This also allows you to visit some amazing day trip destinations from Odense, such as the stunning Egeskov Castle. Keep in mind there is a fee for crossing the bridge to Funen, where Odense is located, which costs at least 37 euros depending on the time you cross.
The Sandy North: Råbjerg Mile, The Buried Church, Skagen and The Tip Of Denmark
The sandy north of Denmark is one of the most remarkable places to visit in Denmark, offering a unique blend of natural wonders and historical sites. Start your adventure at Råbjerg Mile, the largest migrating sand dune in Northern Europe, where you can hike through shifting sands and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Don’t miss “Den Tilsandede Kirke” (The Buried Church), a fascinating relic partly buried by sand that tells the story of nature’s powerful forces.
Then head to Skagen, Denmark’s northernmost town, renowned for its charming atmosphere, artistic heritage, and beautiful light that has inspired many painters. Finally, visit Grenen, the stunning point where the North Sea and the Baltic Sea meet. Here, you can stand with a foot in each sea and witness the spectacular collision of waves. This region, with its sandy expanses and picturesque towns, is truly a must-see destination in Denmark.
Funen And The South Funen Archipelago
Fyn, often referred to as the “Garden of Denmark,” offer a serene escape to the Danish countryside that is definitely worth your time. This region is dotted with charming coastal towns like Svendborg and Faaborg, where colorful houses line the harbors and local markets brim with fresh seafood and wild flowers. Exploring Fyn means discovering lush landscapes and forests, historic castles such as Egeskov Castle with its stunning gardens, and picturesque countryside paths perfect for cycling or hiking. And while you are there, you are never further away from a beach than an hour, which makes it the perfect destination for a summer holiday!
The South Funen Archipelago, nestled in the southern part of Fyn, is loved for its natural beauty and tranquil landscapes. It’s an ideal destination for those, who enjoy water sports like kayaking, sailing, and fishing, and offers a serene atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxing weekend away. Some islands are home to charming villages along the coast, while others boast untouched natural landscapes waiting to be discovered. And most of them are easy to reach from the harbor towns of either Svendborg or Faaborg by a short ferry ride!
Thy National Park
Another must-visit site in the northern part of Denmark is Thy National Park, an area famous for its rugged coastline, dramatic sand dunes, tranquil beaches and unique nature. It stretches along 12 kilometers of the West Coast and is another great place for wildlife-spotting, bird watching and hiking,. Also, it is one of the best areas to enjoy seafood freshly captured from the sea! Why not enhance your experience by exploring the quaint fishing villages along the coast, and consider camping or staying overnight in traditional Danish summer cottages along the scenic shoreline?
Århus: The Capital of Jutland
Another amazing place to visit in Denmark is the countrys second largest city: Århus. Known for its youthful atmosphere, thanks to the large student population, Århus boasts a lively arts and music scene, complemented by charming cobblestone streets and historic buildings. One of the city’s highlights is ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, famous for its striking rainbow panorama walkway offering panoramic views of the cityscape. While you are there, don’t miss the Old Town (Den Gamle By), an open-air museum showcasing Danish urban history with its reconstructed buildings and traditional crafts. Århus is the perfect mixture of the old and the new, and makes for a great weekend getaway!
Although Århus is placed on another island from Copenhagen, it is easy to reach by a 2,5-3 hour direct train from the capital. And if you are travelling to Denmark mainly to visit Århus, you also have the option of flying directly there!
Bornholm: The Most Beloved Island In Denmark
Finally, one of the best places to visit in Denmark is our beloved island of Bornholm. Placed in the Baltic Sea 135 kilometers away from the nearest mainland of Denmark, Bornholm offers a unique landscape resembling that of Sweden. Every year, locals from all over the country travel to Bornholm to experience its serenidity and holiday charm. All along the coast of the island, you will find picturesque fishing villages like Rønne and Svaneke with colorful half-timbered houses, charming cobblestone streets and artisanal shops everywhere. And if you venture out from the small town, you will find medieval ruins, stunning forests and ancient rock carvings scattered across the island. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply relaxing by the sea, Bornholm promises an unforgettable holiday experience for every traveler exploring Denmark. And I highly recommend staying at least a couple of days, or even a week if you can!
Getting to Bornholm may seem distant, but it’s more accessible than you might think. The quickest route is a 35-minute flight from Copenhagen. Alternatively, many prefer the scenic ferry journey from Ystad in Sweden, taking approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. To reach Ystad from Copenhagen, you can either drive, or take a train or bus to the ferry port. Find all of the details on tickets and more here.
And with that, I wrap up this post containing the very best places to visit in Denmark outside of Copenhagen. From stunning national parks to picturesque islands and historical towns, Denmark offers a vast array of adventures that simply shouldn’t be missed. I hope this post has inspired you to venture outside of Copenhagen on your next visit. Potentially even on a larger roadtrip? Only time will tell!
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