Ankor Wat, the Great Wall or the pyramids are impressive, no question. But they are also far away and often overcrowded. Denmark has seven UNESCO World Heritage sites and the great thing is that you can go on a true UNESCO hunt because in Denmark everything is always close by.

Christiansfeld
The town planning ensemble from the year 1773 of the Moravian Brethren in Christiansfeld in southern Jutland is one of the best-preserved examples of the craft tradition and the principles of urban planning and architecture of the Moravian Brethren in Europe. It is also worth a visit if you are not so interested in culture: In the bakeries in Christiansfeld honey cakes are offered according to the old recipe.

Par force hunting landscape in North Zealand
Just north of Copenhagen, you’ll find the former royal hunting grounds where King Christian V and his court could practice hunting par force during the late 17th century. Unesco notes the forest areas of Store Dyrehave, Gribskov, and Jægersborg serve as a unique example of “a designed landscape”, including well-preserved hunting lanes laid out in a grid pattern, as well as numbered stone posts and hunting lodges such as the Hermitage.

Wadden Sea National Park
The Wadden Sea is one of the worlds top ten tidal flats, and has been granted status as a national park/naturereserve. Huge and stimulating – a place of experience and knowledge for everybody – a unique nature reserve, one of a kind in Denmark, and with a global significance.

The Viking rune stones at Jelling
A quaint little town visited by more than 150,000 tourists annually, and not without reason. Jelling boasts some of Europe’s most prominent Viking Age monuments, which in 1994 were included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Roskilde Cathedral – Resting place of the Danish royal family
Roskilde Cathedral is a uniquely beautiful medieval cathedral. The Viking king Harold Bluetooth (d. 985) and his son, Sweyn Forkbeard (d. 1014), conqueror of England, are buried here. This is the last resting place of almost 40 Danish kings and queens.

Stevns Klint – 65 million years of natural history
The dramatic white cliffs at Stevns Klint are 65 million years old and an outstanding visible record of the mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous period. Visit Old Højerup Church, perched at the top of the cliffs. It was was built by a sailor who’d been lost at sea and promised to build it if he was ever rescued.

Kronborg Castle – Home of Shakespeare’s Hamlet
Put Hamlet’s Castle, Kronborg, on your list of things to see whilst in Denmark! Whether you’re looking for things to do near Copenhagen or have more time to explore, there’s time enough to visit Denmark’s most famous castle, immortalised by Shakespeare back in the 1600s.

Starchitect Bjarke Ingels has designed jaw-dropping buildings all over the world – from skyscrapers and waterfronts in New York City to Google’s HQ in London – and he comes from Denmark.

A Bjarke Ingels Group tour of Denmark
His Copenhagen-based business Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) is responsible for some of the most forward-thinking examples of modern architecture in the world – and that includes a lot of projects in Denmark. If you’re interested in seeing how they built a ski slope on top of a waste-to-energy plant, how they have brought community into apartment buildings or how they have found a way to put fun into everyday life, your tour starts here.

Marsktårnet
Marsktårnet – that’s ‘The Marsh Tower’ in English – is BIG’s most recent project, opening in late spring 2021 in Southern Jutland. The sculptural 25-metre-high lookout tower takes the shape of a strand of the Wadden Sea’s DNA and offers front row seats for the UNESCO-listed national park’s sands, sea and offshore islands. Look out for unique wading birds and seals. BIG is also working on a hotel nearby, A Place to Esbjerg, to open in late 2021.

Tirpitz
Museums designed by BIG tend to tell a unique story. Tirpitz is a prime example: a spectacular museum hidden under the dunes on the west coast of Jutland in a concrete bunker from World War II. The exhibition space focuses on stories of coastal history, and the setting in an ecological park, surrounded by the coastal environment, just adds to its powerful storytelling.

The Danish Maritime Museum
While we’re underground and talking about museums, how about the Danish Maritime Museum in Helsingør, under an hour north of Copenhagen? This inventive underground museum takes the form of a ship and is moored in a space that was previously the city’s dry dock, bringing new life into a previously disused area. The sunken location also avoids any problems with viewing Helsingør’s other great attraction, Kronborg Castle, just next door.

8Tallet
8Tallet (meaning ‘figure 8’) is one of the most talked-about Bjarke Ingels Group buildings in Copenhagen – a residential block on Ørestad, a short cycle or metro ride from the city centre – designed to balance community life in an apartment block, with a kilometre-long footpath that offers ease of access and space to play and connect. Volunteers offer guided tours – check their

Copenhill
Copenhagen’s waste-to-energy plant Amager Bakke got the BIG treatment and is now a world-renowed urban ski mountain. It opened in 2017, and in 2019, the ski slope on the roof was opened to the public, complete with ski lifts. It also has the world’s highest climbing wall, a hiking route and an apres ski bar, and is considered an exceptional mix of leisure and city facilities.

noma 2.0
Copenhagen’s most talked-about restaurant got the BIG treatment back in 2018, when they developed noma 2.0. Set in Christiania, the cluster of buildings were designed to reflect Nordic materials and building techniques, and include permagardens, a test kitchen and a bakery. Intriguingly, all rooms are designed so chefs have the best possible view, and so guests can see the chefs at work.

Denmark’s harbour baths
Bjarke Ingels is also behind one of the most distinctive features of Denmark’s city harbours: their floating swimming pools. The development of these iconic cultural spots (with three in Copenhagen, and another in Aarhus) has been instrumental in turning the harbours into a place to play, enjoy the water, socialise and relax.

LEGO House
Who wouldn’t want the brief to design a building for the new LEGO museum – and who better than a Danish architect Bjarke Ingels to take that brief on? BIG and COWI designed LEGO House to look like a huge stack of LEGO when seen from above, and with vast exhibition spaces inside to encourage play in all forms. It’s one of the reasons why Billund has been called the Capital of Children.

AARhus
In Aarhus, BIG got together with the world-renowned Danish city planners and architects Jan Gehl to design a whole neighbourhood around the old container port, Aarhus Ø. The result is a highly liveable space with a harbour bath, waterfront promenades and an apartment building, AARhus, at the heart of it, that draws comparisons with 8Tallet for its liveability.

Panda House, Copenhagen Zoo
Our animal friends are not left out of the BIG loop either: Copenhagen Zoo’s Panda House was designed by the firm. The two pandas live in a building shaped like a ying/yang, and that duality is the key here, providing a habitat that suits reclusive pandas and allows visitors to view them clearly without disturbing them. You can also buy a Bjarke Ingels-designed panda figure in the zoo shop.

So, you’re looking to discover Denmark from above? Join us in the battle of the best vantage point and start exploring Denmark’s most iconic lighthouses. It will bring you to stunning wind-swept sand dunes, wildflowers, a salty ocean breeze, and some astonishing sunsets.

Rubjerg Knude
Ever experienced a lighthouse on roller skates? Now is your chance. Previously standing at the edge of the impressive Rubjerg Knude sand dune, the lighthouse was dangerously close to falling into the sea in the Autumn of 2019. Luckily, a local hero managed to roll the lighthouse 70 metres inland, hereby prolonging the history of this impressive lighthouse and your chance to go see it in person. Go experience impressive views of the North Sea, and feel North Jutland’s wild and windy countryside.

Skagen lighthouse
The northernmost and second tallest lighthouse in Denmark was recently turned into the new international centre for migratory birds – and for good reasons. Skagen is known for its migrating birds, making it the perfect vantage point for birdwatching. Originally it was built at the centre of Skagen Odde peninsula but is now closely situated to the coast of Kattegat due to extensive coastal erosion. It might just be a matter of time before we need to contact Kjeld ‘the lighthouse mover’, and bring back the roller skates.

Hirtshals lighthouse
35-metres tall and standing on a 22-metre tall cliff, Hirtshals lighthouse has got quite the view of the Skagerrak strait, located between the northern part of Denmark’s Jutland peninsula and coasts of Norway and Sweden. It’s perfect for admiring the stunning seaside nature of plains and cliffs. While you are here, visit the closely situated WWII Hirtshals Bunker Museum, the buzzing harbour and the friendly fishermen bringing in their freshly caught fish.

Spodsbjerg lighthouse
Located in North Sealand near the passageway from Kattegat Sea to Isefjord and Roskilde fjord, you’ll discover the charming harbour town of Hundested. This area is a summer favourite amongst us Danes, and calls for a trip along the danish riviera, delicious fresh seafood, and lazy days on the beach.

Dueodde Lighthouse
We hope you are not afraid of heights, because this lighthouse is the tallest one we’ve got. Sitting at 47 metres and located on one of the best beaches in Denmark, visiting Dueodde beach and lighthouse is a must for everyday wonder enthusiasts alike. Feel the fine white sand under your feet, go for a swim in the clear water, and climb the 196 steps to the top of the lighthouse for stunning views of the ocean and the southernmost landscape of Bornholm.

Knudshoved lighthouse
Situated on the east coast of Funen, Knudshoved Lighthouse calls for a stopover, especially if you’re here on a cycling holiday, completing the N8 cycle route. Here you’ll have views over the Great Belt Bridge with a chance to enjoy a relaxing picnic at one of the table and bench sets available in the surrounding area. If that’s not enough for your adventurous spirit, travel further inland a pay a visit to nearby medieval Nyborg Castle.

Lynæs lighthouse
On the pier of Lynæs harbour lies a little lighthouse, which has guided ships and boats alike to a safe return since 1952. Explore the charming seaside of this idyllic fishing village and taste the daily catch of fresh fish at one of the local seafood restaurants. If you are looking for something a little more thrilling, take advantage of the windy conditions and go kite or wind surfing, or kayak out to one of Denmark’s most stunning wild shelters. Simply look for the lighthouse upon your return at dusk.

Lyngvig Lighthouse
Climb the winding stairs of Denmark’s youngest lighthouse for breath-taking panoramic views of the North Sea, Ringkøbing Fjord, and the surrounding rolling sand dunes. Follow that up with a stroll down to the beach, up the dunes, or visit the café, shop and exhibition inside the lighthouse master house. Hint: Visiting for sunset might provide you with pink sunset skies, and is perfect for an evening picnic during summer.

Stevns lighthouse
Built in 1878, at the tallest point of Stevns Klint, Stevns Lighthouse was used to keep an eye on the ships which passed through Danish water at the time of the Cold War. Go explore the significant chalk and limestone cliffs, from which the lighthouse was built, or go underground and explore the dark corridors of Stevnsfort Cold War Museum.

Bellevue beach lighthouses
If you’re looking for a lighthouse experience close to Copenhagen, this is it! On Bellevue Beach, just a bike ride north of Copenhagen, you’ll find two blue striped lighthouses on the piers of the beach. Designed by Danish architect Arne Jacobsen, and situated with views across Øresund and Sweden, it’s no wonder this place is a favourite amongst locals. Visit the beach at night, when the sky is clear and the lighthouses are shining bright, for stunning night-time views.

Bovbjerg lighthouse
Located a few hundred metres from the sea, this colourful lighthouse was built to prevent shipwrecks off the west coast of Jutland. Today, the lighthouse provides stunning views of the sea, the coastal landscape, and grazing horses in the adjacent fields. Venture down to the beach and discover the forces of nature, which have eroded the coast and created steep cliffs, unveiling cross-sectional layers from the last two ice ages.

Blåvandshuk lighthouse
Travel to Denmark’s westernmost point and visit Blåvandshuk lighthouse. Climbing the lighthouse’s 170 stairs will lead to an 18-metre incline, providing astonishing views of the coastal landscape, including sand dunes, heaths, and the Horns Reef offshore windmill farm – noticeable out over the sea. You might even get lucky enough to spot seals, sunbathing on the banks of the shore.

Lodbjerg lighthouse
Lodbjerg fyr is a hidden pearl in Thy National Park. From the top of the lighthouse you can see several kilometres of the route ‘Vestkyststien’ and enjoy the view of the wild North Sea. It’s closely situated to Cold Hawaii, and fishing towns Stenbjerg and Agger. On your visit, head out into the wild, windswept dunes and twisted forests, and explore the parks’ trails on foot, by bike or horseback.

Sletterhage lighthouse
Originally the lighthouse guided ships to and from the port of Aarhus. Now, it houses exhibitions covering everything from historical navigational equipment to marine life, and the local geology. Climb to the top of the lighthouse, and get a good viewpoint to spot some of the porpoises in the Bay of Aarhus, or venture further north for a hillside hike up to a German radar tower from the Second World War, which now serves as a great vantage point for astonishing views of the Mols Bjerge National Park.

Thy National Park
Head out into the untouched dunes, twisted forests and traditional seaside villages of Denmark’s wildest national park. You’ll easily see why the local rhythms and traditions in and around Thy National Park are shaped by the powerful North Sea, at places like Cold Hawaii and Stenbjerg.

Møns Klint – the most beautiful StairMaster!
The white cliffs of Møn is one of the most famous and beautiful places in Denmark. It is the only place in the country where you can experience high chalk cliffs and the unique flora and fauna associated with them. You’ll meet many rare plants on walks in the area and can hunt for fossils on the beaches below the cliffs. And the stairs to and from the beach will proof themselves quite the exercise.

Wander through the Danish desert, Råbjerg Mile
Råbjerg Mile is one of the largest migrating dunes in Europe. The 40 metres high sand dune forms a small desert of about one square kilometre and moves by an average of 15 meters per year to the northeast. Only one question remains to be answered: Where are the camels?

Visit Rubjerg Knude before it’s too late
Close by Lønstrup you will find the massive and impressive Rubjerg Knude. It is located 90 meters above sea level and it is still growing in size. It is a very beautiful nature scenery where the ocean and sand is a very dramatic evidence to the fact that land is being eaten by the sea and several meters disappears every year.

Head to Jægersborg Deer Park (Dyrehaven)
Jægersborg Deer Park, 15 km north of Copenhagen, is one of the most visited natural sites in Denmark. Here you can get up close to around 2,000 deer, that are untroubled by human presence. The park also contains the world’s oldest amusement park, Bakken.

Watch the colliding seas at Grenen
A few hundred metres north of Skagen lies Grenen, where the two seas Skagerrak and Kattegat meet. This natural wonder of colliding seas, which you can only experience a few places in the world, creates a unique spectacle and allows you to get close to a natural force so strong that bathing actually is forbidden at Grenen. However, do feel free to dip your toes on shallow waters where the seas join.

Hunt for trolls in Rold Forest
Ok, the trolls left this area a few centuries (or fantasy novels) ago, but their old stomping ground, the creepy Troll Forest area with gnarled and crooked tree forms remains. Rold Forest also happens to be Denmark’s second largest, covering and area of 80 km2, so there’s plenty of space for you to hike through ancient pine trees and beech trees.

Hike in Svanninge Bakker on Fyn
The Svanninge Hills, just northeast of Faaborg, are epitomized by winding roads, hedgerows and charming half-timbered houses. From the hills, you have stunning views to the south west and across the South Funen Archipelago.

Experience the Wadden Sea and its world heritage
The Wadden Sea (Vadehavet) national park has more than 30 islands and is one of the world’s most important habitats for waterfowl. Here you can witness starling murmurations, take an oyster safari and visit the Wadden Sea Centre.

Explore North Bornholm and The Hammer
Bornholm and the Ertholmene Islands are the only places in Denmark where you can clamber over and see exposed granite formations. The Hammer, in the north of Bornholm, is a steep granite crag rising out of the Baltic. There are also great walks on the north of the island that take you through rift valleys and large lakes.

The never ending beaches on the West Coast
You can spend days exploring the wide, sandy beaches and expansive dunes of the West Jutland coast. The sea is rougher here than in other parts of Denmark, making these beaches excellent water sports areas. If you’re looking for more child-friendly and family areas for swimming, try the coastal area around Limfjord.

Island hop in the South Fyn Archipelago
A popular area for yachtsmen, the many islands within the archipelago are diverse and offer their own unique experiences but all are peaceful. Wander round their cosy villages and quaint harbours. You can reach the islands from Jutland and Fyn by small ferry boats.

Spring in Denmark
Why visit Denmark in spring?
One word: pop. Because that’s what Denmark does when spring arrives. It pops – everything pops! All around you’ll see bright colours pop – the pink cherry trees, the neon green beech leaves, the tulips. Even we Danes pop as if out of nowhere, and all of a sudden we fill the streets and hang out on sunlight corners. It’s all the more fun when you can pop over as well.

What Danes do in Denmark in spring
When you’ve made it through a long, cold, dark winter, the first rays of spring sunshine are a cause for celebration.

Hunt for the perfect sun spot
On a sunny spring day, it might be a challenge to find a spot in the sun. Because as soon as the sun is out, we Danes are as well.

Go forest bathing in Denmark
Really, this is a fancy way for saying we take a walk in the woods to soak in the calm. We’d recommend trying it out in our national parks.

Embrace our inner Vikings
We head to the oldest town in Denmark, Ribe, and meet up with fellow modern Vikings at the International Viking Market.

Get a bracing dose of friluftsliv
That’s the Scandinavian concept of getting out in nature – aka ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.’

Spring into Denmark
The best things happening in Denmark in spring are just a hop, skip and a jump away!

Our spring highlights
Nothing beats that feeling of the days getting longer and the weather growing warmer. Here in Denmark we love spring more than most.

If you’re planning a spring break to Denmark, take a look at the weather and plan ahead. Typical spring weather in Denmark could be wintry, with a high of 5.5°C in March, but it could also border on summery, with a high of 15.5°C in May. So prepare for the charming unpredictability of Danish weather!

If you wonder why you should visit Denmark in spring, here are a few good reasons.

Cherry blossoms
Nothing says spring quite like the burst of bright pink of a cherry blossom tree. Denmark is a great place to see them. One of our top Instagram spots is Bispebjerg Kirkegård in Copenhagen, where avenues are transformed by pink cherry blossom branches forming a tunnel over your head.

Elsewhere in Copenhagen there is Langelinie Park which has an annual Sakura Festival, and also the Botanical Gardens in the heart of the city. Outside Copenhagen, Fredens Torv in Aarhus is another blossom hot-spot.

Camp Adventure Treetop Experience
Spring in all its glory peaks at Denmark’s largest treetop adventure park. Located in the forest of Gisselfeld Abbey, you’ll walk through the trees to the top of the award-winning tower which gives a 360° view of the hilly landscape of Zealand, where green leaves and shoots are beginning to surface.

Camp Adventure’s climbing park also offers 10 climbing courses for all levels and ages, allowing you to get really close to nature! And if you love the forest so much you don’t want to leave, you can also stay in one of its super luxury yurts.

Summers in Denmark
Experience Scandinavian Summer in Denmark
Get summer ready with our guide to Denmark’s best beaches, popular vacation spots and more.

How to spend summer holidays in Denmark
When you think of Scandinavia what comes into your mind? Being wrapped up warm and cosy on cold winter nights? Cocoa by candlelight? You could be missing a trick. Summer is when Denmark truly comes alive.

Why visit Denmark in summer?
With over 400 islands and thousands of miles of dramatic coastline, Denmark is the perfect place to spend your summer. Everything is so close together and easy to get to, giving you the freedom to explore your surroundings, unwind and recharge, away from the stresses of daily life.

From romantic drinks on a Copenhagen apartment balcony on a balmy July evening, to a home-cooked family dinner in a traditional summer house, or a sizzling beach barbeque with friends as the sun sets below the ocean, here’s how to have a summer vacation in Denmark you’ll never forget.

Danish Beaches: Europe’s Best-kept Secret
Most people don’t think of beach holidays when thinking of Denmark. Time to turn that around. Summer in Denmark gets nice and hot and with hundreds of islands to choose, Denmark has many beautiful sandy beaches, rolling dunes and hidden coves.

Unlike most European beaches, in Denmark there’s always room for everyone. No endless rows of sunbeds or rushing to find the best spot. Days at a Danish beach like stunning Søndervig in West Jutland are easy and relaxing, whether you want space to enjoy the beach with your children or find your own peaceful spot to lie back on.

For more active beach-lovers, there are plentiful activities on offer, such as fishing, kayaking, kitesurfing and windsurfing. At Klitmøller Bay in North Jutland, sometimes known as Cold Hawaii, you can experience some of the best windsurfing conditions in Europe.

Swimming in the sea is very popular in Denmark and with over 200 Blue Flag beaches around the coast, Denmark offers you some of the cleanest natural swimming areas in Europe. So come dive in, the water’s fine!

Summer Houses: Where The Danes Stay
When the summer hits many Danes migrate to their summer houses. These traditional Danish holiday homes are beautiful, rustic and authentic places to enjoy the summer in the best countryside Denmark has to offer.

While many of these summer houses are privately owned, there are around 40,000 holiday homes for rent in Denmark. They tend to be located in picturesque areas, often near inland water or the coast and are decorated with individual, Danish style.

Holiday homes are spread throughout the country but there are some well-known summer house areas, namely North Jutland, the West Coast, the islands of Rømø and Fanø, eastern Fyn, Falster and Bornholm.

Copenhagen: Summer In The City
Denmark’s capital city of Copenhagen is not to be missed in summer. Sure, it’s a magical place to spend your winter break, but in summer the city truly opens up like a flower to reveal an urban playground for everyone to enjoy.

Copenhagen’s beautiful cobbled streets are filled with restaurants, bars and cafes. With so much on offer, the city is perfect for socialising and partying on a warm summer evening. Vesterbro has a particularly buzzing vibe thanks to the vibrant and trendy Meatpacking District and the many flea markets that spring up during the summer months.

Beyond Copenhagen, Denmark’s other cultural cities, like Aarhus and Aalborg, really blossom in summer. From outdoor events, concerts and picnics in the park, to urban swimming in the cities’ harbours, there’s a unique urban summer experience waiting for you, but without the overcrowding and stress of most European cities.

Island Getaway: Your Secret Escape
Want to get away from it all this summer and leave the modern world behind? How about an island-hopping escape? Look no further. Denmark is the perfect place to relax and hide from the rat race.

Here you’ll find more than 400 named islands (72 of them inhabited) and tons of beautiful harbors and quiet beaches to escape to. Most of the small islands can be reached by ferryboat any time of the year, but summer is the perfect time to get outside, hit the water and explore.

With so many islands to explore, the sheer breadth of choice can be daunting. That’s where we come in. From the beautiful sandy beaches and great fishing opportunities of Samsø to the fairy-tale houses of Ærø, there’s so much of hidden Denmark to discover, but here are our top island choices for the perfect summer adventure.

Autumn in Denmark
Why visit Denmark in Autumn?
It’s getting colder and darker, so why even bother coming to Denmark once September roll around? We’ll let you in on a little secret, Autumn is the season where you can truly experience the main ingredient to our world-famous happy lifestyle: hygge!

Embrace hygge and spend Autumn in Denmark
When September rolls around it is always bittersweet. We’ve waved goodbye to Summer and the nights are definitely drawing in. But nothing beats that crackle of an open fire, cocoa by candlight and a crisp walk through the forest on an Autumn day. There’s only one way to describe it: hygge!

Why you should visit Denmark in Autumn
Autumn is the perfect time to visit Denmark. It is still mild enough to enjoy being outside but there is a freshness in the air, particularly welcome after the long hot spell we’ve just enjoyed, it was a blast bathing in the sun, but seasons change and so do we. Let’s embrace it!

Hearty food to nourish your soul, exciting activities to invigorate your mind and vibrant nature to stimulate your senses, that’s why we love this time of year. So, to paraphrase a certain singing nun named Maria, these are just a few of our favourite things to see and do in Denmark in Autumn.

Step Outside
In September we hit the ground running with a wealth of outside activities that are perfect for catching the last breath of the Summer.

Kite festival on Rømø
One of our best-kept secrets (until now anyway) is The Kite Festival held on the beach at Lakolk, which can be found on the tiny island of Rømø, off the south west coast of Jutland. It truly is a spectacular show, when thousands of kites in all sizes and colours rise into the air. It’s so simple but so beautiful and imaginative.

Surfing in Cold Hawaii
Surfing is not the first thing that springs to mind when thinking of Denmark, but if you’re a fan, September is the perfect time to visit Klitmøller, on the north coast of Jutland. This surfing community has proved so popular a place to ride the waves it is also known as Cold Hawaii.

World-class food in Aarhus
If it’s an all-round cultural experience you’re after then look no further than the Aarhus Festival, a ten-day extravaganza that culminates in the first weekend of September with the Food Festival. With 30,000 people visiting each year, Food Festival is one of the biggest gastro-related events in the Nordic countries. The festival focuses on all aspects of Nordic food culture – from seaweed safaris to sausage-making and cabbage workshops, to gourmet picnics along the shore. Here you can meet some of the most influential Nordic breeders, chefs and crazy weird food scientists talking about food. If that’s your thing – and who doesn’t love food – it’s the perfect way to see in the Autumn months.

Autumn Culture in Copenhagen
Denmark’s vibrant capital city has much to offer you in September. Well. It has much to offer you all year round, but we’re talking about Autumn here, so let’s try stay focused.

Every year Copenhagen celebrates its rich history with the Golden Days Festival. From 9th to 23 September, various locations and institutions open their doors to share knowledge, history and culture. It’s a fascinating, immersive experience and is the perfect way to get inside our capital city while you’re there. If you love the escapism, wonder and power of cinema, Denmark’s annual international feature film festival also takes place in September. The CPH PIX programme promises concerts, talks, debates and hundreds of film screenings. From mainstream to avant-garde, this is an essential experience if you love the movies – not to mention red carpets, glitterati and VIP parties.

7 of the best things to do in autumn in Denmark
It’s time to get your hygge on. Autumn in Denmark is full of cozy bars and cafes, snuggly warm jumpers and quality experiences. If you’re curious about where to go and what to do when autumn comes to Denmark, read on!

Get a culture fix
The autumn weather can be a bit temperamental (that’s our diplomatic way of saying you should bring a brolly) but inside our beautiful art galleries, you’ll find culture, cafes and a very warm welcome, whatever the weather. Even better, on the second Friday in October, Culture Night offers unique experiences across Copenhagen, and the Magic Days festival in Odense in mid-October sprinkles some magic dust all over the city.

Tuck into local and seasonal food
Autumn equals harvest season, and in Denmark, where farm to fork is a way of life, it’s the perfect time of year to eat apple cake, not to mention tarteletter, brunkål and Danish oysters. Visit Plukselvfrugt.dk to find out where you can pick your own fruit, forage for mushrooms, sea buckthorn, redcurrants and more, or just stroll down to Torvehallerne in central Copenhagen to buy seasonal food straight from the greengrocers.

Explore our forests
Lace up some hiking boots and explore Denmark’s characterful forests. Statskrode Forest in East Jutland is one of our finest, and is rated as a natural forest, untouched by humans, with a great walking route through and around it.

Chase colour
Yes, our buildings do come in all colours, especially in Copenhagen. The contrast between orange leaves and colourful buildings is like catnip for instagrammers, professional photographers and everyone who likes a little colour in their life.

Get active
Autumn is a great time of year in Denmark if you’re into water sports. It’s always a bit windy here, but things really pick up from September if you’re into kite surfing, windsurfing or just plain surfing. If you don’t like the water, the weather is still pretty good for hiking and cycling.

Go ghost hunting
This old country has some skeletons in its closets, and October 31 is the best time to golooking for them. With mist, spooky twisted trees and centuries-old castles to explore, it’s a great location for a ‘spook-action’ (that’s spooky and vacation put together!). Tivoli’s Halloween season could also be a good place to start.

Enjoy the late summer sun
Sensommer is a peculiar Danish mini season between summer and autumn that typically happens in September and sometimes through to October. Literally translating as ‘late summer’, it’s the warmest summeryish side of autumn and if you’re lucky, you can continue with your summer activities for a few weeks more. Or failing that, just go to Bornholm, where summer lingers a little longer than in the rest of Denmark.

Enjoy autumn like a Dane
From finding the perfect place for a #puddlegram on a rainy day, to experiencing our hauntingly good attractions, or joining one of the many harvest festivals and cultural events, these are some of our favourite things to do in Autumn. Which ones do you want to do?

Winters in Denmark
Why visit Denmark in winter?
What are you saying?! Winter might be cold (with temperatures as low as -2°C or -29°F) but we make up for it with added warmth. It’s the peak of hygge season – expect candles and a cosiness overload) and all the Christmas cheer you can handle. And we’ve not even mentioned Tivoli’s winter season yet!

Let it snow!
One of the main reasons we love the winter in Denmark is the snow – and luckily so does Instagram! Here’s some of our favourite snowy pics of the Danish winter wonderland.

Embrace the Danish Winter like the Danes
“You’ve reach Denmark. We’re not here right now, but leave a message and we’ll get back to you in March…” KIDDING! (Sort of.) To be honest, you’re visiting us in our peak hibernation period. But don’t worry, here are all the insider tips you’ll need for things to do in Denmark in winter!

Pretend you’re in the tropics
This is also what some might call being in complete denial. But it works! Do like the rest of us and escape from the cold by hiding out in our tropical oases. For instance, you might want to book a stay at Manon Les Suites, or eat lunch in the tropical Winter Garden at the Glyptoketet museum.

Fill your face with cake
Did you know we have a cake for practically every occasion? If you’re visiting in February, get your hands on a “Fastelavnsbolle”, a seasonal cream-filled bun that’s sold around this time of year. But filling your face with various cakes is also vital as you add that little extra padding that makes it easier to brace the cold weather. (That’s our excuse anyway…)

Show off your moves in an ice rink
Slip on a pair of skates and start showing off your best moves like you’re auditioning for Dancing on Ice. We promise it’ll get some warmth back into you. If not, you simply need to add a cup of hot chocolate to the mix. See you on the rink!

Mend a sore throat with our local aquavit
We’re not going to lie, Denmark can be rather cold in winter, and most of us end up with a bit of a sore throat at some point. An easy way to keep warm and mend it is with a shot of our local aquavit, snaps. It’s a rather strong spirit that we love to pair with some of our famous open-faced sandwiches. (Strictly for medicinal purposes of course…)

Catch up on culture
We have quite a rich history. So rich in fact that most of us can’t even retell half of it. We’re quite certain, you’ll enjoy spending an afternoon at a museum on a cold winter’s day just as much as we do, uncovering our stories, history and culture.

Cool down Viking-style!
If things are getting too hot as you wander through the museums, you might want to consider cooling down by embracing the waves like a true Viking. We also enjoy getting active by slapping on a wetsuit and surfing the waves at watersports hotspots like Cold Hawaii.

…. Or just pretend you’re into winter bathing
Don’t worry if winter bathing isn’t really your thing, we have an alternative! How about getting comfy in a floating hot tub while you’re enjoying the view of and cruising around in our capital’s harbour? Or stripping off to a swimsuit to enjoy a barrel sauna with the view of the water (no swimming required)?

Experience hygge in Tivoli’s Winter wonderland
If you’re in Copenhagen in February, you should definitely head to Tivoli Gardens and spend a day enjoying the gardens’ stunning light exhibitions, rides, stall and eateries.

Get a good bargain on Danish design items
The beginning of the year can be summarised in one word: SALE. And thus, you can get your hands on some of our many design items at a bargain. This also comes in handy if you’ve packed too lightly and find yourself in need of an extra jumper.

Take some well-deserved time off in a holiday home
Lastly, we’ll let you in on one of our best-kept secrets. We Danes love to hide out in our holiday homes in winter (even though we call them “summer houses” in Danish). The areas with holiday cottages are the perfect places to disconnect and simply just be with your loved ones away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Get to know Copenhagen like the palm of your hand
Come and be charmed by Copenhagen, Northern Europe’s cosiest capital, packed with cafés, shops, and the best restaurants in Scandinavia.

Must-sees in Copenhagen
All capitals have their classic sights – the things you just have to see and do – and Copenhagen is no different. We will guide you to some of Copenhagen’s most iconic attractions and experiences, from Nyhavn to Tivoli, Strøget and Amalienborg, so you can tick them off on your list.

Tivoli Gardens: A worldclass amusement park
Tivoli is the most popular attraction in all of Denmark for a reason. Over 4 million visit the park every year and it is not surprising considering how much Tivoli has to offer. Come for the wonderful atmosphere, the wild rides, the restaurants and the concerts. Tivoli is also open during Halloween and autumn holidays, Christmas and New Year and their new winter season in February.

Nyhavn: A Danish Classic
The name Copenhagen comes from the words for “Merchant Harbor” for a reason. Nyhavn used to be one of the hubs for the ship merchants of yesteryear. With its colorful facades, Nyhavn is a compulsory stop on the classic list. Although it may be busy with tourists from all corners of the world, finding a place on one of the many outdoor dining venues is usually easy. Sit down and enjoy a sandwich and a cold beer and indulge in some primo people-watching. Christmas time opens with a cozy Christmas market in Nyhavn, the epitome of hygge.

Amalienborg: The Queen’s palace
Amalienborg Palace is the Queen’s residence in Copenhagen. The palace consists of four separate rococo palaces around a square, two of which are open to the public. One houses a museum where you can view almost 400 years of royal history in the form of paintings and other objects, and in the second you can get a close look at what the Danish royal residence is like on the inside. Do not miss the changing of the guard that happens every day at 12 noon.

Strøget: Copenhagen’s shopping street
Strøget is the central pedestrian street at the center of Copenhagen’s major shopping area. There’s everything you could want nearby, from budget options and small independent shops to some of the world’s most exclusive brands. The stretches and the many small side streets are full of shops, cafes and restaurants with something for all tastes. If you want to shop for classic Danish design, you can visit Georg Jensen, Royal Copenhagen or Illums Bolighus.

Canal tour: See the city from the water
When the weather is nice, a canal tour is a great way to see iconic sights around Copenhagen. Jump on at Nyhavn or near Christiansborg and follow a tour that takes you past the Opera House, The Black Diamond library and The Little Mermaid sitting on its rock. You continue through Christianshavn’s cozy canals, full of houseboats and lined with charming old buildings.

The Round Tower: Copenhagen’s historic vantage point
The Round Tower, built in the 17th century, is Europe’s oldest functioning observatory and is used extensively by amateur astronomers. Once you get to the top via the spiral ramp, you’ll see a striking view of Copenhagen from a viewing platform running around the tower. Horses used to drag carts loaded with books up to the university library at the top, hence the spiral ramp instead of stairs.

Rosenborg Castle: A Renaissance gem in the middle of town
Rosenborg Castle is a 400-year-old Renaissance castle located in the center of Copenhagen. In addition to the beautiful exterior and the royal palace park, there is a lot to discover inside the castle. Inside, you can see three life-size silver lions keeping watch, and do not miss the Danish crown jewels that can only be worn by the Queen and only when they are within the borders of the country.

Christiania: Copenhagen’s free town
Christiania is a colorful and controversial area in Copenhagen that is definitely worth a visit. The sanctuary was started as a social experiment in the 70’s but has survived and is today a popular excursion destination for both tourists and Copenhageners. There are several good cafes and restaurants where you hang for a while and look at the people’s life after a walk among the hilarious and odd houses of Christiania.Please note that some visitors may find Christiania, particularly the area around Pusher Street, to be rough. For your own safety, we recommend that follow the Do’s and Don’ts signs up at the entrances and refrain yourself from taking any photos or videos.

Smørrebrød: Classic Danish Food
We finish this list with a dish that is as iconic as Tivoli or The Little Mermaid, namely the smørrebrød (sounds kind of like “smuurreh-bruuldt”). Try this delicious open-faced sandwich at one of Copenhagen’s restaurants for the perfect end to your trip. The hardest part might be choosing where to eat, like the popular Aamanns or at Schønnemanns, one of Copenhagen’s oldest restaurants.

AARHUS
Why you should get to know Aarhus as soon as you can!
Just to help you blend in with the locals when you get here, it’s pronounced ‘Or-hoose’ not ‘Are-hoose’. Now we’ve got that out of the way, let’s dive into the reasons why you should be getting to know Aarhus, one of Lonely Planet’s Top 10 European Destinations, as soon as you can!

Aarhus has an iconic harbour
Once upon a time, a trip down to the harbour in Aarhus would’ve brought you up close to some hardy fishermen and the ferry out of Aarhus. These days, the harbour is a major attraction in itself where you can get up close to some of the city’s most exciting attractions, like the bustling Dokk 1 Cultural Centre, or iconic buildings like the Iceberg at the new Aarhus Ø district. You can also swim at the harbour baths (designed by Bjarke Ingels), something we Danes love to do, or, just as in Copenhagen and Odense, you can take a green kayak out for free, as long as you bring back some trash from your trip.

There are famous sights all along Aarhus’ coast
The sights worth seeing extend all along Aarhus’ sandy coastline, into the woodlands around the city. Just south of the city centre, you can visit the summer home of Denmark’s Queen Marguerite. If she’s home, you can watch the changing of the guards every day at noon. If she’s not, you can explore Marselisborg Castle’s beautiful rose gardens, which you can easily reach by bike in around 10 minutes from the centre of Aarhus. Close by is the extremely photogenic Infinite Bridge (Den Uendelige Bro). And if you hear screams coming from the woods, it’s probably just crazy people trying one of the world’s highest freefall rides at the Tivoli Friheden fairground.

Old world meets vibrant modern living in Aarhus
Two of Aarhus’ biggest attractions couldn’t be more worlds apart. ARoS Aarhus Art Museum has become one of Aarhus’ most iconic spots, with its dazzling rooftop sculpture you can walk inside, Your rainbow panorama by Olafur Eliasson. For old-world charm, head to the Old Town Open Air Museum. It’s one of Denmark’s biggest attractions and a place where you can literally walk through time, soaking up the buildings, atmosphere and ways of life from Denmark’s history.

Lots of Aarhus’ best bits are free
Just near the Old Town Museum you can wind down and enjoy the extensive parks and tropical houses of Aarhus Botanical Gardens. They’re free to visit and you can either picnic there or grab a bite at the café. And it’s actually possible to get around the biggest sights in the city for free. Aarhus has a free city bike scheme, where you can pick up a bike to explore without paying from one of the 56 stands around the city.

Aarhus is now a real foodie city
How about dinner in an old bus garage? Just hear us out… Street food markets have been popping up all over Denmark and in more and more outlandish locations! Aarhus’ Street Food Market is no exception and it’s a great place to eat elbow-to-elbow with Danes and other visitors. But if you fancy splashing out, Aarhus has evolved to become a Michelin-starred city, where you can eat at some of the best restaurants in Denmark.

Picture-worthy things to do in Aarhus
You’ll want your camera at the ready in Aarhus. It’s a very pretty place! One of the most-photographed places is the cobbled street, Møllestien. The colourful buildings will certainly brighten your day. If you’re on the hunt for more iconic buildings, head to Aarhus City Hall with its famous clock tower, designed by legendary Arne Jacobsen. A little further afield is the ground-breaking building and collections at Moesgaard Museum, a sight to behold and a fascinating day out. It’s not just an incredible museum about human civilisation, it’s also one of the world’s most energy-efficient museums, built with sustainability in mind from the start. And the building is pretty cool.

Aarhus is a Danish design hotspot
If it’s Danish design you’re after, Aarhus is a great place to grab it. It’s one of the best places to shop in Scandinavia and a walk around the cosy Latin Quarter is a must, not least for the atmosphere. A shopping trip to Aarhus will also lead you to two fantastic city viewing points. The first is on top of the Godsbanen centre, where you can also see local artisans at work. The second is the rooftop at Salling department store. Kick off the weekend here with cocktails and music with the whole of Aarhus as your backdrop.

ODENSE
Odense: Step back in time at Hans Christian Andersen’s home
Odense is a place of literary wonder. The cosy city is the birthplace of the world’s most famous writer of fairy tales, Hans Christian Andersen, and a trip to explore the cobbled streets of his childhood home and the Hans Christian Andersen Museum is a real step back in time.

Why you should visit Odense
Don’t you just love the idea of visiting a cultural gem where you don’t have to wrestle with selfie sticks and an army of hot-and-bothered city break tourists? Odense is this kind of destination. It’s popular because of its rich history and the fact that you can follow the footsteps of Hans Christian Andersen. But the whole world doesn’t know about it yet! So you can explore Odense’s cosy streets, enjoy its cafés or street food market and disconnect from the hectic pace of larger cities.

Walk in the footsteps of Hans Christian Andersen
Hans Christian Andersen was born in a tiny yellow house on a cobbled street in the centre of Odense in 1805. And it’s still there! Today it’s one of the oldest poet museums in the world and a great place to start a Hans Christian Andersen tour through Odense’s oldest and prettiest parts. Take a photo next to Hans Christian Andersen’s statue in the Fairy Tale Garden, or of the dramatic 12-metre high mural of his face at Bangs Boder. You can buy a one-day ticket to tour all the most important Hans Christian Andersen sights in Odense.

What to eat, drink and do in Odense
Odense has an antique market, one of Denmark’s biggest shopping centres, Rosengaardcenteret, and Fyn’s largest market every Wednesday and Saturday. Head to the area outside the concert hall to sample fresh farm produce from across the island of Fyn. Odense’s street food market, Storms Pakhus, is a popular place to grab some grub and get to know the locals! Or just simply wander the cobbled streets and try one of Odense’s cafés, bar and restaurants.

Cultural highlights in Odense
Being a city of such cultural importance, it’s hardly surprising that Odense has a variety of exciting cultural offerings to entice you throughout the year. Head to Odense in August to experience the highly-respected Odense International Film Festival and the fairy-tale magic of Hans Christian Andersen Festival. If you’re bringing kids, or are just a big one yourself, Odense Zoo is open 365 days a year and October is when Harry Potter fans descend on Odense for the Magic Days Festival.

How to get to Odense
Odense is less than 1.5 hours from Copenhagen and Aarhus, so even though this cosy little city is nestled on the green and relaxed island of Fyn, it’s surprisingly easy to get to. You can take the train from Copenhagen Central Station or you can drive by car across the Great Belt Bridge (Storebæltsbroen) from Zealand to Fyn. Trains run from all over Denmark’s mainland (Jutland) to Odense and you can drive from Jutland too.

Things to see around Odense
Odense is a good jump-off point for the whole of the island of Fyn and the many attractions dotted around Denmark’s ‘Garden Island’, like the reconstructed 19th-century village, Funen Village. On the old Little Belt Bridge between Fyn and the mainland, you can try bridgewalking – the only place outside Sydney where you can! Egeskov Castle is a stunning destination in itself and home of the popular Heartland Festival. See our guide to things you should try on Fyn for more inspiration.

AALBORG
Our guide to the best of Aalborg
An ancient city where Viking ships once sailed past on the Limfjord, Aalborg has evolved to a vibrant cultural hotspot with a spectacular waterfront of iconic architectural buildings. The New York Times even put Aalborg in its Top 10 Places to Go in 2019. Here are 12 reasons why!

The architectural Utzon Center
Heard of the Sydney Opera House? A Dane, Jørn Utzon, designed it! At the Utzon Centre, you can explore his works and enjoy exhibitions on ground-breaking Nordic architecture and design. The Utzon Centre also works with social sustainability for children and young people, and the core of their exhibitions is that materials and more must be recycled.

The dramatic House of Music
Another dramatic building vying for your love and attention on Aalborg’s waterfront is the House of Music, Musikkens Hus. This eye-catching silver icon is a meeting place for music professionals and music lovers. Amongst other things it’s the home of the Aalborg Symphony Orchestra and a concert venue for international and Danish artists.

Street food in an old furniture factory
No trip to Aalborg is complete without a cheap bite to eat with Danes in an old furniture factory. That’s the venue for Aalborg’s first permanent street food market; the popular local hangout, known as The Lighthouse. Head here to try food from around the world and to soak up the local atmosphere.

The Kunsten Museum of Modern Art
Designed by renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto in 1957 and opened in 1972, the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art is a recognized piece of art in itself. Inside this newly renovated icon of Aalborg, you can wander and enjoy works by well-known international artists and get to know Danish artists too.

The cosy streets and buildings of Aalborg’s old town
Aalborg is a fascinating mix of old and new, where you can wander cobbled streets and enjoy a drink in a cosy local café overlooking giant street art murals or crooked houses from the 1600s! Some streets are Instagram favourites, such as Hjelmerstald. See if you can spot Jens Bang’s House, one of Aalborg’s most famous, built in 1624!

The Nordkraft power station turned cultural hotspot
Nordkraft is a little piece of New York right in the heart of Aalborg. This vibrant cultural centre houses theatres, cinemas, food joints and exhibitions, all in the lofty guts of an old power station from 1947. It’s also a great place to get active. You can climb Denmark’s highest climbing wall right here inside Nordkraft.

Aalborg’s colourful street art
Aalborg is small and easy to get around, so you’ll definitely notice the dramatic murals that set this city apart when you explore the centre. You could even put together your own walking tour of the over 50 pieces of impressive street art that adorn the city, giving Aalborg its colourful and unique feel.

The pristine harbour baths in the Limfjord
We Danes love a good harbour swimming bath! Aalborg’s newly refurbished Vestre Fjordpark is an outdoor swimming spot located close to the city centre, but it feels a world away. From here you can swim, kayak or sail in the beautiful clean waters of the Limfjord or just relax on the popular wooden swimming platforms.

The views from Aalborg Tower
You should be very glad that it was too expensive to tear down the Aalborg Tower after it was built for an exhibition in 1933. It’s survived to become a unique icon of the city. It’s also an experience getting up there. Ring the bell and the elevator will come down to get you! Up at the viewing platform, there’s a bistro so you can enjoy the views of Aalborg and beyond with a drink or bite to eat too.

Lindholm Høje
How many cities can claim to have their own mystical Viking burial grounds? Well Aalborg can! You can virtually step off the plane at Aalborg Airport and into the historical wonder of the stone circles at Lindholm Høje; an important Iron Age and Viking burial site over 1500 years old. Explore the museum exhibitions and enjoy the café just north of the Limfjord.

Aalborg Zoo
Aalborg Zoo is officially Aalborg’s most visited attraction! You can get to know the zoos popular polar bear family before you visit, by following them live on webcam!

Cloud City at the famous Aalborg Akvavit Distillery
Not a mining colony in the sky (just so we don’t have a lot of very disappointed Star Wars fans when they arrive in Aalborg), Cloud City is a whole new cultural district of Aalborg built around the distillery of the famous local spirit, Aalborg Akvavit. From 2023, you’ll be able to see the world’s biggest glass artwork and enjoy a variety of cultural events.