Copenhagen is Denmark’s main draw. With the popularity of Danish design, Scandi crime dramas and the country’s Michelin-starred cuisine, this too-cool-for-school city is suddenly hot property. But Denmark has plenty of other attractions, including picture-postcard pretty fishing villages, islands fringed with white-sand beaches and attractive historic towns. Our travel guide has all the info you need to start planning the perfect Danish adventure!

Before you go

Destinations

Tempting as it is to stick around and enjoy Copenhagen’s laid-back atmosphere and trendy vibe, it’s worth exploring some of Denmark’s other cities and countryside too. Surrounding Copenhagen is the island of Zealand, whose shores are dotted with quaint little fishing villages and offshore islets. To the west, on the island of Funen, you’ll find pretty villages, sandy beaches and the town of Odense, whose famous son Hans Christian Anderson is the main tourist draw. The Jutland peninsula is home to the two lively, cosmopolitan cities of Aarhus and Aalborg, but venture out to its western coast and you’ll discover a wilder more dramatic landscape of forests, moors and indented coastlines that few visitors explore.

Transport and getting around

Denmark’s rail network is extensive, reliable and reasonably priced. Bus travel is a good option, too, though is not much cheaper than the train. Many of Denmark’s islands are connected to the mainland by bridge, while others can be accessed by ferry, some of which take cars and some only passengers. The best way to travel, however, is as the locals do – by bike. Since much of Denmark is flat and has a good network of cycle lanes, it’s a great way to really explore the country.

Travel tips and ideas for your trip

Accommodation

Architecture buffs can check out the best Danish design in Copenhagen’s trendy hotels and loft apartments. Or you might prefer to stay in an 800-year old castle, or a simple but beautifully furnished cabin on an island. Denmark has some great accommodation options from the seriously quirky – fancy staying in a crane anyone? – through the downright luxurious, to back-to-nature hideaways.

Tours and tickets

Bike tours, walking tours, foodie tours, boat tours and even a guided pub crawl – taking an organized trip can be a great way to get to know the hidden out-of-the-way places in a city, and some of the locals too. Check out our guide to Denmark’s best tours, and save money too with discount tickets such as the Copenhagen Card, which includes free transport, a canal trip and entrance to most of the city’s museums and sights.

MORE TOURS  

Events

The Danes love a party and have a festival to celebrate pretty much everything – gin, organic cows, tulips, video games, board games and Vikings to mention just a few. So whether you’re looking to freak out at the famous Roskilde Festival, dress up as a wizard, or sample the best open sandwiches and beer, check out our events calendar to find out what’s happening when. [ai1ec view=”posterboard” cat_name=”denmark” events_limit=”8″ display_filters=”false”]

MORE EVENTS IN DENMARK

Exploring Copenhagen

About our Denmark travel guide

The Routes North Denmark guide is written by journalists and locals who really know their stuff. And because we don’t take freebies or discounts from travel companies, you can trust us to tell it is how it is.