Best Things to Do in Denmark

1. Tivoli Gardens

Walking through the gates of Tivoli Gardens is like entering into a fairy tale. This historical amusement park is the second oldest in the world and is home to many restaurants, rides, and lush gardens. During the day scenery consisting of unique architecture and historic buildings can be observed while at night the park is lit up with highlighted flower beds and a firework show that illuminates the Tivoli Lake.

2. Oresund Bridge

If visiting Denmark, you will want to drive over this truly iconic engineering achievement. It has become a cultural icon with over 230 million people traveling over it since opening.

This ten mile bridge is the link between Denmark to Sweden and is the longest combined road and railway bridge in Europe. You will witness the three sections that make up the bridge: bridge, an artificial island, and a tunnel. The tunnel portion is the world's longest underwater tube tunnel. The island, Peberholm, has become home to multiple endangered species such as the black-headed gull and rare green toad. With a beautiful panoramic view of the ocean, it is truly a must see if visiting Denmark.

3. The Round Tower

Be prepared for a trek, but one that is definitely worth your while.  What was was once built for the sole purpose of Danish astronomy now, with its distinctive spiral ramp, includes a university library, observatory, and church.

The tower is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe and houses exhibitions, activities, and concerts. The observatory tower platform on top has a spectacular 360 degrees city view and is still used in the winter months for astronomy.

4. Viking Ship Museum

The Vikings hold a very prominent place in Denmark's history and the ships they used to conquer and raid 1,000 years ago were sturdy enough to survive. You can live out your Viking fantasy on a full-scale reconstruction of the original ships and witness the five original ships that have sustained throughout the years at the museum in Roskilde.

You can also cruise inside the harbor to view the stunning Roskilde fjord and experience the museum’s collection of traditional Nordic boats.

5. Kronborg Castle

If you're visiting Denmark and happen to be a Shakespeare fan, then the Kronborg Castle is a must see attraction. This particular renaissance castle is known worldwide for being the one that Shakespeare set Hamlet in, aka “Castle Elsinore.” It also made it onto the UNESCO World Heritage Site lists for its cultural and historical value.

Take a guided tour and submerge yourself in the castles history while observing its spectacular towers, spires, columns, copper, and sandstone roofs. Don’t forget to pack a flashlight for the creepy crypts and catacombs on the the tour.

6. The Little Mermaid Statue

With many copies around the world, the original mermaid statue can be found basking on a rock at Langelinie in the harbor of Copenhagen. 

Edvard Eriksen created the statue in 1914 after being mesmerized by a ballet about a fairytale mermaid and asked the star, Ellen Price de Plane, to model for him. When she found it would have to be nude she declined and he instead chose his wife, Eline Eriksen, to model. 

The statue is a quick trip by bike, bus, or you can hop on a boat and see it on a guided tour. It is one of the most popular attractions and has become a symbol of Denmark.

7. Amalienborg Palace

If you've ever wondered what it’s like to be royal then the Amalienborg Palace is a must.Home to the royal family during the winter the palace is a major work of Danish architecture. Experience history at the museum where 150 years of Danish royal life unfolds through diverse rooms and exhibitions. Take a journey through time on a guided tour of the royal families past and present to experience what it truly means to live like a royal.

8. Freetown Christiania

What started as a social experiment has grown into a city district made up of art galleries, houses, workshops, music venues, and organic eateries. The former military base is now one of the most popular attractions in Denmark.

You can take a guided tour by one of the local Christinites or simply rent a bike to see the lovely houses and canals the town has to offer. The area is very hippy like with vibrant street art and vendors. The locals have their own currency and sing their own anthem while abiding by their own self governing society, but don't let this turn you off to it, the people of Christania are extremely friendly and this is one of the many reasons why so many tourists flock to it. There truly is nowhere else in the world like it.

9. Jaegersborg Dyrehave (Deerpark)

Dyrehaven, which translates to “the deer park”, is a forest park with stunning landscapes, small lakes and beautiful open spaces. As you probably guessed and as the name suggests is home to a lot of deer - over 2000 to be precise.

People come here to hike, jog, picnic or even ride a horse. You can take a park tour in a horse carriage where you'll witness the majestic herds of deer grazing. Dyrehaven is recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site due to it once being used for hunting by the Danish royalty.

10. Nyhaven

If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy a cafe by the waterside then what better place than the beautiful Nyhaven canal? It is an entertainment strip lined with townhouses that have been transformed into bars, restaurants and venues for live music.

The canal holds much history and the famous writer, Hans Christian Andersen, who wrote The Princess and the Pea once resided there. You can also hop on a boat to take a guided canal tour.