Discover Denmark: A Land of Fairy Tales, Modern Design & Family Adventures
Denmark may be a small country, but it offers an incredible range of experiences — from world-class cities and charming coastal towns to Viking history, royal castles, and family-friendly theme parks.
Famous for its high quality of life, cycling culture, and hygge (a uniquely Danish concept of coziness), Denmark combines modern design and sustainability with deep-rooted traditions and a love of nature. Whether you’re wandering the cobblestone streets of Copenhagen, exploring wild coastlines, or riding rollercoasters in Legoland, Denmark is a destination full of charm and surprises.
In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know for a memorable trip to Denmark — from top sights and cultural tips to the best excursions and theme parks for families.
Why Visit Denmark?
- One of Europe’s happiest countries
- Safe, clean, and easy to get around
- Compact and perfect for short trips or road trips
- Stunning coastline with thousands of islands
- Home to iconic design and architecture
- Viking history and fairy tale castles
- Family-friendly attractions like Legoland
- Delicious Scandinavian cuisine
- Year-round festivals and events
Copenhagen: The Cool Capital
Denmark’s capital city, Copenhagen, is one of the most exciting cities in Europe. It blends centuries-old history with cutting-edge architecture and world-famous gastronomy.
Top things to do in Copenhagen:
- Nyhavn — The colorful harbor lined with 17th-century houses and lively cafes.
- Tivoli Gardens — The world’s second-oldest amusement park — magical both day and night.
- The Little Mermaid — The iconic statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale.
- Christiansborg Palace — Home of the Danish Parliament, with royal reception rooms.
- Rosenborg Castle — Beautiful Renaissance castle with the Danish crown jewels.
- National Museum of Denmark — Learn about Denmark’s Viking and medieval history.
- Copenhagen Zoo — One of Europe’s oldest zoos.
- CopenHill — A ski slope built on top of a green energy plant!
Copenhagen is also one of the best cycling cities in the world — rent a bike and explore like a local!
Danish Castles & Viking History
Denmark is dotted with fairy-tale castles and Viking heritage sites.
Must-visit castles:
- Kronborg Castle (Elsinore) — The setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
- Frederiksborg Castle — Stunning Renaissance palace with beautiful gardens.
- Rosenborg Castle (Copenhagen) — See the Danish crown jewels.
Viking sites:
- Viking Ship Museum (Roskilde) — See real Viking ships and learn about seafaring history.
- Jelling Stones — UNESCO World Heritage site with Viking runestones.
Denmark’s Stunning Coastlines & Islands
Did you know Denmark has over 7,000 km of coastline?
Top coastal destinations:
- Skagen — Where two seas meet, with dramatic light and sand dunes.
- Bornholm Island — Beautiful Baltic island with rocky coasts, beaches, and charming villages.
- Møn Cliffs (Møns Klint) — White chalk cliffs rising above turquoise waters.
- Rømø Island — Home to some of the widest beaches in Europe.
- Fanø Island — Great for kitesurfing and nature.
Aarhus & Jutland
Aarhus, Denmark’s second city, is vibrant and youthful — a great base for exploring Jutland.
Things to do:
- Den Gamle By — Open-air museum of Danish urban history.
- ARoS Art Museum — With the famous rainbow panoramic walkway.
- Aarhus Cathedral — The tallest church in Denmark.
- Marselisborg Palace — Summer residence of the Royal Family.
Nearby:
Explore the wild west coast of Jutland — perfect for beach lovers and nature seekers.
Danish Food & Drink
Denmark’s food scene is world-famous — from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy bakeries.
Must-try Danish food:
- Smørrebrød — Open-faced sandwiches with creative toppings.
- Frikadeller — Danish meatballs.
- Rødgrød med fløde — Red berry pudding with cream.
- Wienerbrød — The real Danish pastry!
- Fresh seafood — Especially around the coasts.
And of course, Denmark is home to Noma — repeatedly voted the world’s best restaurant.
Danish Culture & Traditions
- Hygge — The Danish concept of coziness, togetherness, and simple pleasures.
- Design — Denmark is a leader in modern furniture, architecture, and fashion.
- Cycling — The preferred way to get around for most Danes.
- Festivals — Roskilde Festival (Europe’s largest music festival), Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Aarhus Festuge.
Best Time to Visit Denmark
- Summer (June–August) — Warmest weather, festivals, long daylight.
- Spring (April–May) — Flowers, mild weather.
- Autumn (September–October) — Fewer tourists, beautiful colors.
- Winter (December–March) — Christmas markets and hygge atmosphere.
Family Adventures in Denmark
Denmark is one of the most family-friendly countries in Europe — perfect for holidays with kids.
Legoland Billund Resort
The original Legoland — and still the best! With more than 50 rides, Lego models, shows, and activities.
Highlights:
- Miniland — Famous Lego-built cityscapes.
- LEGO Ninjago World — Interactive ride.
- Polar X-plorer — Thrilling coaster.
- DUPLO Land — For younger children.
Combine Legoland with Lalandia, the fantastic nearby waterpark and holiday resort!
Lalandia Billund
- Huge tropical water park.
- Aqua dome with slides and lazy river.
- Winter World (indoor ski).
- Mini-golf, playgrounds, bowling.
- Holiday homes and family accommodations.
Perfect for multi-day family stays!
Discover Lalandia Billund (Video)
Take a look inside the amazing Lalandia Resort! This fun family-friendly destination combines one of Europe’s biggest indoor waterparks with great accommodation and tons of activities for kids of all ages:
Other Top Theme Parks & Family Excursions
- Tivoli Gardens (Copenhagen) — Magical old-world amusement park.
- Djurs Sommerland — Denmark’s biggest roller coaster park.
- Fårup Sommerland — Water park + roller coasters in North Jutland.
- Knuthenborg Safari Park — Wildlife safari experience.
How to Get to Denmark
- Airports — Main hub: Copenhagen Airport (CPH). Also Billund, Aarhus, Aalborg.
- Ferries — From Germany, Sweden, Norway.
- Bridges — Oresund Bridge connects to Sweden.
- Trains — Great connections across Europe.
- Driving — Denmark is perfect for road trips.
Tips for Traveling in Denmark
- Currency — Danish Krone (DKK)
- Language — Danish (but almost everyone speaks excellent English)
- Transport — Reliable trains and buses, easy to rent bikes
- Tipping — Not expected — service included
- Safety — Denmark is very safe
Conclusion
From Viking ships to Lego bricks, royal castles to wild beaches — Denmark offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
It’s compact, safe, eco-friendly, and full of fairy-tale charm. Perfect for couples, families, solo travelers, and culture lovers alike.
Add Denmark to your bucket list — you’ll be amazed by all this small country has to offer!