Danemark

Best Holiday Destinations in Denmark Travel Guide, Vacation Planning Tips & Travel Information

Denmark is a manageable kingdom whose area is smaller than the area of the federal state of Lower Saxony. The long, green peninsula of Jutland is the largest part of Denmark. East of Jutland are the islands of Funen and Zealand, which are now connected by bridges. There are more than 400 Danish islands, of which only a quarter are inhabited. The Baltic Sea island of Bornholm is 150 kilometers east of Copenhagen. Denmark also includes the Faroe Islands and Greenland. To help you plan and enjoy the best holiday destinations in Denmark vacation, we’ve put together the most important Denmark travel guide information here.

A holiday in Denmark, like the country itself, is characterized by its diversity and variety. With a coastline 7,400 kilometers long, short distances always lead to the sea. In the hinterland you can enjoy idyllic villages and cozy country inns. Fields and forests invite you to bike tours and hikes. However, mountaineers who want to holiday in Denmark should know: steep peaks and deep gorges must be avoided. At 171 meters, Møllehøj near Skanderborg is the highest point in the country.
In the far east, on the island of Zealand, the lively capital of Copenhagen is ideal for an interesting city holiday. Cultural sights attract visitors in many places.
Spending a holiday in Denmark with the family in a cozy holiday home is particularly ideal.

Facts and figures for your Denmark Vacation

Before you go on holiday in Denmark, you should find out a little bit about its history.

• Area: Denmark: 43,094 km², Faroe Islands: 1,399 km², Greenland: 2,175,000 km²
• Population: Denmark: 5,476 million, Faroe Islands: 48,223, Greenland: 56,969
• National languages: Danish, German-speaking minority in North Schleswig (about 15,000), besides Danish also native languages on the Faroe Islands and Greenland
• Population density: Denmark: 129 inhabitants per km², Faroe Islands: 34.64 inhabitants per km², Greenland: 0.026 inhabitants per km²
• Capitals: Denmark: Greater Copenhagen (1.832 million inhabitants), Faroe Islands: Tórshavn (19,000 inhabitants), Greenland: Nuuk (15,000 inhabitants)
• License Plate: Denmark: DK, Faroe Islands: FO, Greenland: GL
• International dialing code: Denmark: +45, Faroe Islands: +298, Greenland: +299
• Form of government/government: Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary-democratic system of government
• Head of state: Queen Margrethe II.
• Head of Government: Denmark: Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt (since 2011)
• Special holidays: Denmark’s Constitution Day on June 5 (1849) and Queen Margrethe II’s birthday on April 16 (1940), Greenland: on June 21
• national holiday
• Local currency: Danish kroner, 1 Danish kroner = 100 Øre
• Time Zones: Denmark: UTC+1, Faroe Islands: UTC, Greenland: UTC, UTC-1, UTC-3, UTC-4
• Religions: Denmark: Evangelical Lutheran People’s Church: 83.1 %, Muslim: 3.87 %, Catholic: 0.64 %, Faroe Islands: Nearly 100 % Protestants, Greenland: 98 % Protestants
• Administrative structure: unitary state with decentralized administration. Denmark: Division into five regions and 98 municipalities, plus the Faroe Islands and Greenland

The history of Denmark

• 1848-50 German-Danish War in which Denmark is defeated.
• 1864 Denmark is also defeated in the second German-Danish War. The country loses Schleswig and Holstein to Germany.
• 1914-18 Denmark remains neutral in World War I.
• 1920 In a referendum, the residents of North Schleswig (the area between Flensburg and Kolding) decide to return to Denmark.
• 1940 German invasion of Denmark. Denmark remains occupied until 1945.
• 1945 Denmark is a founding member of the United Nations in New York.
• 1949 Denmark joins NATO.
• 1960 Accession to EFTA.
• 1973 change to EG.
• 1972 After the death of King Frederik IX, his daughter Margrethe II becomes Queen. The popular monarch rules the country to this day.
• 1993 The majority of Danes agree to the Maastricht treaties.
• 1998 Storebælt Brø bridge opened. Copenhagen can now be reached by land from the west.
• 2000 In July, the Øresund Bridge between Zealand and Sweden is inaugurated. In a referendum, the majority of Danes reject joining the eurozone.
• 2005 So-called “caricature controversy”: The Danish daily newspaper Jyllands-Posten publishes twelve cartoons dealing with the Islamic prophet Mohammed. There were worldwide protests by Muslim organizations.

Discover the holiday destinations in Denmark’s major provinces and territories on your vacation in Denmark

North Jutland, Denmark travel guide for your Denmark vacation

The North Jutland region stretches from Viborg to Skagen. The capital and administrative center is the city of Aalborg, which also has an airport. With the northern part of the Jutland peninsula and its islands, Denmark forms the transition from Central Europe to Scandinavia.
In North Jutland it is possible to watch the sun rise over the Baltic Sea and enjoy the sunset on the North Sea coast in the evening on the same day. The tip of Denmark is therefore also called “The Land of Light”.
The west coast is known for its spring and autumn storms with meter high waves, but also for the natural amber deposits. There are more child-friendly coasts on the Baltic Sea.
North Jutland offers an interesting natural landscape full of contrasts: The North Sea coast with its fantastic dunes, the hills and lakes at the Limfjord and the Lille Vildmose, one of the largest high moors in Europe, are particularly impressive.
In North Jutland there is not only a unique nature. A holiday in Denmark can always be combined with art and culture.

Central Jutland, Denmark travel guide for your Denmark vacation

The Danish region of Central Jutland covers the central part of Jutland. The capital and administrative center is the city of Viborg.
From Essence to the east, the landscape in this region changes. Flat and barren areas can be found in the west, towards the east it gets a bit hilly. The Baltic Sea coast is extremely varied with many bays, with some of the fjords reaching far inland. There are numerous port cities that are among the oldest settlements in Denmark. Kilometers of beaches can be found both in the west and in the east.
The city of Århus is the trading center in Central Jutland and has an airport. Inland, the hilly landscape around Silkeborg impresses with green beech forests, lakes, streams and rivers.
The small town of Billund, which lies on the border with southern Denmark, is the headquarters of the toy company Lego. The Legoland amusement park in Billund is one of the most popular destinations in Denmark. If you are on holiday in Denmark, you should definitely make a stop here.

Southern Denmark, Denmark travel guide for your Denmark vacation

As the name suggests, the region of Southern Denmark includes the entire south of Denmark and the island of Funen. The capital and administrative center is the city of Vejle. In the very south is Denmark’s only land border: the border with Germany.
Southern Denmark is considered the cradle of the country, as most of Denmark’s history took place here. There are traces of Iron Age settlements and Viking trading posts. Jelling’s rune stones were set in the 10th century and Denmark’s oldest town, Ribe, was once a royal residence. If you go on holiday in the south of Denmark, you have a lot to experience!
The busy North Sea port of Esbjerg is the only major port on the west coast of Denmark. In addition, the city of Esbjerg has an airport. On the border with Central Jutland, the airport in Billund can also be used.
On the two North Frisian islands of Rømø and Fanø there are wide dune landscapes and excellent bathing spots.
Odense, one of Denmark’s most important and largest cities, is also located in the region of Southern Denmark, on the island of Funen.
Southern Denmark is considered to be a sporting center of Jutland, as both some handball (eg Kolding IF) and football clubs (eg Odense BK) play very successfully.

Hovedstaden, Denmark travel guide for your Denmark vacation

The Hovedstaden region (in German: capital region) includes the north-east of Zealand with the capital Copenhagen and the Baltic Sea island of Bornholm. The Øresund separates the region from the southern tip of Sweden.
The administrative center and regional capital is the city: Hillerød, which was founded in the 15th century and is located about 40 kilometers north of Copenhagen. Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød is the largest Renaissance castle in Northern Europe.
Flagship for the region is of course Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. The entire north of Zealand is also known as the “Royal North Zealand” because of the many beautiful castles. A holiday in Denmark is particularly varied here: a bathing holiday on beautiful beaches can be combined with a unique range of cultural activities.
The Hovedstaden region is the smallest administrative region in the country in terms of area, but it is Denmark’s largest region in terms of population and number of municipalities.

Information about islands in Denmark for your Denmark Vacation

Greenland, Denmark travel guide for your Denmark vacation

Greenland is the largest island on earth. Greenland has been an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark since 1979 and has not been a member of the European Union since 1985. Greenland is internally independent, but is represented by Denmark in all foreign policy matters.
Only about 15 percent of Greenland’s surface is ice-free. However, the Greenland ice sheet is currently melting much faster than in previous years.

In the south of the island there are numerous fjords, bays and straits. Greenland features very high mountains and ranges that rise up to 3694 meters on the eastern edge of the island.
The coastal strip and all offshore islands are ice-free and have tundra vegetation. The city of Kangerlussuaq has a continental climate. In winter, double-digit minus temperatures prevail, but in summer there are daytime temperatures of around plus 15 degrees. The cities and settlements are all located in the ice-free coastal strip, mostly on the west coast for climatic reasons.
In the Northeast Greenland National Park, the largest national park in the world, you can observe polar bears, musk oxen, reindeer, arctic hares and arctic foxes on holiday in Denmark. The water is home to many impressive marine mammals: minke whales, humpback whales, belugas, killer whales, narwhals and seals.

Faroe Islands, Denmark travel guide for your Denmark vacation

The Faroe Islands (in German: “Sheep Islands”) are autonomous internally, but belong to the Kingdom of Denmark. The archipelago is located in the North Atlantic between the British Isles, Norway and Iceland. The residents are called Faroese and speak the Faroese language.
The archipelago consists of 18 islands. Are you considering spending your Denmark vacation here? You will be rewarded with a unique view – the average altitude is only 300 meters above sea level. On a clear day you can see the islands from the highest mountain Slættaratindur (882 meters).
Almost all places in the Faroe Islands are located in sheltered natural harbours, in fjords and bays. It is swampy in the valleys and on the plateaus. Many streams run through the country, which often fall directly into the sea as waterfalls. Because of the constant weather changes, the Faroe Islands are nicknamed the “Islands of Maybe”.
The Faroe Islands are divided into six geographical regions: The Norðoya sýsla (the six northern islands in the northeast), the Eysturoyar sýsla (the second largest island in the archipelago), Streymoyar sýsla (the largest and most populous island with the capital Tórshavn), Vaga sýslar (west of Streymoy with the only airport in the country), Sandoyar sýsla (known for the sandy beaches) and finally in the south the Suðuroyar sýsla (the third largest island).

Zealand, Denmark travel guide for your Denmark vacation

Zealand is Denmark’s largest island, which is also the most densely populated. Around 40 percent of Denmark’s population lives on the island of Zealand. However, the administrative region of Zealand does not include the area around the capital Copenhagen. The administrative center is the town of Sorø. Sorø is a small town situated on the Copenhagen-Fredericia main line between Slagelse and Ringsted.
Zealand is separated from the island of Funen by the Great Belt. Elaborate bridges and tunnel constructions connect the two islands. In the middle of Zealand lies historic Roskilde. The world-famous cathedral is located in the former capital of Denmark.
The coast in western Zealand is considered to be the cleanest in Europe and invites you to take a swim break during your holiday in Denmark. The East Danish islands of Møn and Lolland-Falster, which lie south of the island of Zealand, are among the most beautiful holiday regions in Denmark. Fantastic sandy beaches and a shallow sea make eastern Denmark a particularly family-friendly travel destination.

Bornholm island, Denmark travel guide for your Denmark vacation

Known as the “Pearl of the Baltic Sea”, Bornholm is Denmark’s only rocky island. Bornholm differs from the rest of the country with its subsoil of granite, slate and sandstone. It is also characterized by wide, white and fine sandy beaches, deep quarries, forests and Denmark’s largest waterfalls.
If you are on holiday in Denmark, you should make a detour to Bornholm, because Bornholm gets more sun than the rest of Denmark. The 140 km long coastline invites you to take a bathing holiday. Due to the mild maritime climate, there are even figs, walnuts and mulberries in summer.
A visit to the island’s capital Rønne is worthwhile. Of particular interest is the Bornholm Museum with archaeological exhibits documenting the island’s seafaring, fishing and farming traditions. The Sankt Nicolaikirke, built in the 14th century, is also worth seeing.
If you plan to explore the island during your holiday in Denmark, you should have seen the following places: the seaside resort of Allinge-Sandvig at the northern tip, the ruins of Hammershus Castle, the picturesque harbor town of Gudhjem with the Heiligdom cliffs, the village of Østerlars with Østerlars Kirke, the fishing village of Nexø and the wide dune landscape at Dueodde.
Culinary specialties are the “Bornholmer”: smoked, golden-brown herring. Also very well known is the Krølle-Bølle soft ice cream.

Top places to visit of best holiday destinations in Denmark

A holiday in Denmark is mainly determined by the special sights of the country. The landmark of Copenhagen is probably also the most famous sight in Denmark: “The Little Mermaid”. Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is almost as famous. The first brick Gothic cathedral was completed in 1280. Twenty Danish kings have their burial place there.

Rosenborg Castle

Jelling’s rune stones and church are in the heart of Jutland. Denmark’s most important archaeological site is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are also a large number of castles worth seeing: Kronborg Castle (UNESCO World Heritage Site) near Helsingør, Frederiksborg Castle (Zeeland Island), Rosenborg Castle (Copenhagen) and Amalienborg Castle (also Copenhagen).
The chalk cliffs of Møn Klint were formed at the same time as the chalk cliffs of Rügen. They are located in the east of the island of Møn and extend over a length of seven kilometers and are up to 130 meters high.
The oldest town in Denmark is Ribe. Ribe is about 30 kilometers south of Esbjerg on the North Sea coast in southwest Jutland. The well-preserved old town, the cathedral and a Dominican monastery from the 13th century are particularly interesting for travelers on holiday in Denmark.

Roskilde Cathedral

Best national parks of holiday destinations in Denmark

Denmark National parks are popular travel and holiday destinations. If you travel to Denmark, however, you will find that the country is special in this respect: a national park is a relatively new phenomenon for the country of Denmark. Until recently there wasn’t a single one. The dune landscape in Thy in northern Jutland was the first to be protected. It is located in the very north of the country, between the wide dunes and beaches of the North Sea and Denmark’s largest fjord, the Limfjord. It is a nature and recreation area that is unique in the world.
In the meantime, four more national parks have been created or are about to be opened: The hilly landscape of the Mols Bjerge National Park in East Jutland near Århus is influenced by the Ice Age. It is characterized by forests, moors and beach meadows.
Skjern Å National Park is located in West Jutland: Rare and endangered animal and plant species live around the Skjern Å River.
From the spring of 2009, the Danish Wadden Sea will be part of the new national parks.
The protected area includes the Wadden Sea between the German-Danish border and the island of Rømø. The Wadden Sea is a paradise for birds and seals.
The fifth national park is to be created from autumn 2009: The North Sealand of Kings (north of Copenhagen) has some of the largest forests in the country and numerous castles. The aim is to preserve the natural and swamp forests.

Dune landscape in Thy in northern Jutland

Discover the best holiday destinations in Denmark ’s major cities on your vacation in Denmark

Copenhagen – one of the best holiday destinations in Denmark

For many, vacationing in Denmark naturally also means visiting the capital. The traditional and lively capital Copenhagen is located in the far east of Denmark on the island of Zealand, on the banks of the Øresund.
In addition to numerous museums, a historic townscape and castles worth seeing, Copenhagen offers a famous shopping street (the Strøget), original pubs and music clubs.

The economic hub of Denmark is also the seat of the Danish monarchy. Amalienborg Palace is the residence of Queen Margrethe II.
The capital invites you to an exciting city holiday, whereby a visit to the amusement park Tivoli should not be missed. The most famous landmark of the city is the statue of the “Little Mermaid”. The university city of Copenhagen has a royal theatre, a ballet company and several jazz halls. Rock concerts are often held in the alternative district of Christiana.
The most interesting museums are the Ny Carlsberg Glyptothek (antique and modern exhibits) and the Nationalmuseet (museum about the history of Denmark).
Extensive parks and walks in the green lungs of Copenhagen invite you to relax. The botanical garden offers a truly extraordinary variety of tropical and subtropical plants. With the S-Bahn you can easily reach the beaches at Køge Bay.

Aarhus – one of the best holiday destinations in Denmark

Aarhus is a fun-loving university and commercial city and, with almost 300,000 inhabitants, the second largest city in Denmark. It is considered the capital of Jutland and the Danish west.
Many commercial companies are based in Århus.
The city was already a bishopric in 928. Aarhus Cathedral with the high altar by the Lübeck carver Bernt Notke is worth seeing. Århus is particularly interesting for those who are interested in architecture and holidaying in Denmark – the cathedral is unmatched by any other in Denmark in terms of dimensions: the church tower is 93 meters high, the nave just as long. The Vor Frue Kirke, which lies northwest of the cathedral, is at least as impressive. Inside is an altarpiece from 1520.
The most interesting sight is the open-air museum “The Old City” (Den Gamle By), which is located in the southern part of the Botanical Garden: everyday life in Danish cities over the past centuries is shown there.
In the Kvindemuseet you can see exhibits on the history, culture and everyday life of Danish women. In a side entrance is the Bæsættelsesmuseum, which provides information about the occupation by German troops between 1940 and 1945 and the Danish resistance.
In addition, the Aros Art Museum, the Moesgård Museum and the Marselisborg Palace invite you to linger.

Aalborg

Aalborg is an important port and trading city in northern Jutland, which is particularly well-known for the Aalborg aquavit. In addition to the schnapps production, the economic metropolis and university town also has a lot to offer for those interested in culture on holiday in Denmark.
From the lookout tower Aalborg Tårnet you have a wonderful view over the city on both sides of the Limfjord. In a small park is the Nordjyllands Kunstmuseum, which focuses on abstract and experimental modern art.
In the medieval old town you can visit the city’s landmark, the Budolphi Domkirke from the 15th century. Inside the whitewashed brick church there are frescoes worth seeing and a gilded baroque altar.
The privately used Jens Bangs Stenhus is an architectural masterpiece. The house, built in the Dutch Renaissance style in 1623, shows a stone face on its south side, which sticks out its tongue towards the opposite town hall.
The Helligåndsklostret monastery complex has been a municipal nursing and old people’s home since 1431, making it the country’s oldest social institution.
Anyone who spends their Denmark vacation here can take a trip to the burial ground at Lindholm Høje, just four kilometers away, to marvel at the around 700 burial sites from the Viking Age.

Odense

Odense is the home of the Danish poet Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) and is considered the culturally diverse island capital of the island of Funen. After Copenhagen and Århus, Odense is the third largest city in Denmark. The city name points to a Viking settlement around a sanctuary for the Norse god Odin.
The most famous museum is of course the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, where you can see the poet’s life and work. The Carl Nielsen Museum is also worth mentioning, as it conveys impressions of the life of the composer and his wife, the sculptor Anne Marie Nielsen. The city museum Bymuseet Møntergården is housed in a half-timbered house from the 16th century and has many exhibits from the Viking Age and the Middle Ages. Also worth seeing are the town hall from 1883 and the Sankt Knuds Kirke from the 11th century.
Brandts Klædefabrik, a textile factory that was shut down in 1977, has restaurants, cafes, shops, exhibitions and cinemas. A visit to the Danmarks Mediemuseum and the Museet for Fotokunst is worthwhile. If you are on holiday in Denmark and you are a rail enthusiast, you should definitely visit the Danmarks Jernbanemuseum, which is considered to be the largest railroad museum in Scandinavia.
The green areas on the banks of the Odense Å river invite you to linger.

Greve beach – one of the best holiday destinations in Denmark

Greve Strand is located in Køge Bay, just 30 kilometers from Copenhagen. The capital can be reached by S-Bahn in about 20 minutes. A sightseeing tour of Copenhagen is highly recommended.
As the name suggests, Greve Strand invites you to a relaxed bathing holiday: whether for swimming, fishing or surfing. Numerous harbor festivals and sailing competitions take place in summer. If you spend your Denmark holiday here, a visit to the cultural-historical Greve Museum is worthwhile.
The town of Ishoj is located approximately seven kilometers from Greve. There you can visit the beautiful marina, the Arken Art Museum, which opened in 1996, or the church from 1150.
In the artificially designed nature and leisure area Hedeland you can unwind on long walks, play golf and even go skiing in winter.

A trip to the 15 km long and up to 41 meter high cliffs Stevns Klint is recommended.

Esbjerg – one of the best holiday destinations in Denmark

Esbjerg (approx. 114,000 inhabitants, Denmark’s fifth largest city) is located in the southwest of Jutland and is a modern port city with light sandy beaches nearby. The city was founded in 1858 and houses Denmark’s largest fishing fleet and the country’s most important North Sea port in its huge commercial harbour. There are ferry connections to Great Britain (Harwich) and to the bathing island of Fanø. From the airport in Esbjerg you can easily get to England or Norway.
From the 36 meter high Esbjerg Vandtårn water tower (built in 1897), which is Esbjerg’s landmark, you have the best overview of the city. A tour of the city is worthwhile: the Esbjerg Art Museum is integrated into the modern concert and exhibition building (Musikhuset Esbjerg, completed in 1997). Esbjerg Museum has interesting facts about the town’s history and an attractive collection of amber.
In the north of Esbjerg, on the beach at Sædding, there is an imposing monument called “Mennesket ved havet” (People meet the sea): four massive nine-metre-tall statues made of white concrete look out over the sea from the beach.
Nature lovers who spend their Denmark holidays here also get their money’s worth. Nature can be enjoyed on bicycle and hiking trails. When walking in the Wadden Sea you can observe huge flocks of birds.

Fredericia

The city of Fredericia is located in the region of Southern Denmark on the Jutland side of the Little Belt. The city’s name comes from Frederik III, who founded Fredericia in 1650. Fredericia is an important transport hub between Copenhagen, Århus, Esbjerg and South Jutland. The port of Fredericia is the largest freight port in Denmark. The two bridges connect Jutland with the island of Funen.
Traveling through Denmark also means dealing with its history. One of the most important events is the battle at the gates of Fredericia in 1849. The Danish soldier’s victory is still commemorated today by the monument “The Danish Soldier”.
The old fortified town has a chessboard-like network of streets and well-preserved ramparts. Numerous figures from Nordic and European mythology can be seen on the ramparts in the “Tree of Life” sculpture park.
The Fredericia exhibition center is the third largest and also the oldest exhibition center in Denmark.
The Fredericia Hardcore Festival has been held annually since 2002.
Large local recreation areas near the city with forests and a beautiful coast invite you to excursions.

Elsinore – one of the best holiday destinations in Denmark

Helsingør is located in the far east of Denmark on the border with Sweden. The Swedish Helsingborg is only 25 minutes away by ferry. The city is famous for its white Baltic Sea beaches and the Renaissance Kronborg Castle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mighty castle with sandstone facades, copper roofs and copper towers is known all over the world through Shakespeare’s drama Hamlet. The casemates are said to be the resting place of the legendary hero Holger Danske. The trade and shipping museum in the north wing of the castle is also worth seeing.
In the old town you can see beautiful half-timbered houses from the 16th-18th centuries. Century, as well as the late Gothic Sankt Olai Kirke and Sankt Mariæ Kirke. Concerts are held in the inner courtyard of the Gothic building complex in summer.
Located in a former iron foundry, Danmarks Tekniske Museum showcases modern scientific and technological achievements, such as the Kingdom of Denmark’s first airplane and the legendary Danish automobile Hammelvognen from 1888.
A visit to Helsingør is also a good idea for a holiday in Denmark because of its surroundings. Driving south along the coast road leads to the picturesque town of Humlebæk. In the north you can reach beautiful beaches and the village of Gilleleje.

Haderslev – one of the best holiday destinations in Denmark

The city of Haderslev is located in southern Denmark and has had city rights since 1292. A visit is worthwhile because of the well-preserved medieval center with many beautiful half-timbered houses.
The Vor Frue Domkirke, a Gothic hall church from the 13th-15th centuries. Century, towers over the narrow streets of the old town and is visible from afar. The altar with a Romanesque crucifix from the 13th century, some alabaster figures from the 14th century and the baptismal font from 1485 are particularly worth seeing.
Historians and archaeologists should give Haderslev special consideration as a destination for their Denmark vacation. Haderslev Museum impresses with an outstanding archaeological collection. Swords, spears and arrowheads from the Iron Age are on display, as well as gold jewelery from the Bronze Age.
A trip to Christiansfeld, about 15 kilometers to the north, where a settlement of the Moravian Brotherhood is located, is a special experience. The members of the Protestant sect, known for their asceticism, still live there as they did a few centuries ago.
There are numerous hiking trails around the large reservoir Haderslev Dam.

Koege – one of the best holiday destinations in Denmark

The charming half-timbered town of Køge (pop. 56,000) is located in the Zealand region, about 30 kilometers south of Copenhagen. The port city has wide beaches on the Køge Bay and invites you to a bathing holiday.
The town is particularly interesting for those who are holidaying in Denmark and interested in architecture. Køge is a well-preserved medieval town that has had city rights since 1288. Nowhere else in Denmark can you find so many well-preserved half-timbered buildings and medieval cellars. The Nicolai Church from the 14th century is particularly worth seeing. The church tower served as Køge’s lighthouse for a while.
Denmark’s oldest house (built in 1527) is in Kirkestræde. The town hall was built in 1536 using building materials from former religious institutions, making it the oldest in Denmark. In the listed building of the city museum you get an impression of medieval life.
After the decline during Swedish occupation in the Danish-Swedish War (1658-1660), Køge is once again a successful port and trading town.
Køge is easy to reach during a holiday in Denmark thanks to the well-developed road network and fast transport connections (e.g. with the S-Bahn from Copenhagen).
A trip to Vallø Castle, which is about seven kilometers south of Køge, is also worthwhile.

Kolding – one of the best holiday destinations in Denmark

Kolding is a modern fjord town on the Little Belt with around 60,000 inhabitants. The city is an important transport hub between western and eastern Denmark and also between northern and southern Denmark. Billund Airport is only half an hour’s drive from Kolding. The city is also an important business location.
In 1268 Kolding was fortified by the Koldinghus Slot, which was destroyed by fire in 1808. Interesting paintings, handicrafts, porcelain and silver can now be admired in the restored castle halls. Special exhibitions and concerts take place in the burnt ruins. From the so-called hero’s tower Kæmpetårn you have the best view of the harbor town below on the fjord.
Also worth seeing is the botanical garden on the southern outskirts of Kolding, where there are more than 2000 different, mostly exotic flowers, bushes and shrubs to look at.
A visit to the Trapholt Art Museum, which was inaugurated in 1988 and is located about four kilometers east of the city, is also worthwhile: it mainly shows modern Danish art.
Among those who holiday in Denmark and love impressive landscapes, Kolding is particularly popular because it is located in a scenic area: long walks or bike rides can be enjoyed close to water, forest and beach.

Horsholm

The town of Hørsholm is located in the Hovedstaden region by the Øresund, about 15 kilometers south-east of Hillerød. These days Hørsholm Municipality is the only place people talk about. The city proper is considered the residential suburb of Copenhagen.
One attraction is the Hunting and Forestry Museum in the outbuildings of the baroque Hirschholm Palace, which was demolished in 1810-12. Hirschholm Castle was a mighty baroque building that served as a royal summer residence for many years. After scandals in the royal family, the castle was abandoned and finally demolished in 1810. The actual castle is no longer there, but there is a castle garden worth seeing. For a while, Hørsholm Castle Garden was a tree nursery. The garden was given its current design at the beginning of the 20th century. The garden has been renovated for several years in order to restore the symmetry of the old baroque garden.
In the neighboring Hørsholm Regional Museum you can find out about the history of Hirschholm Castle, among other things.
If you travel to Denmark to play golf, Hørsholm comes highly recommended: Golfklub Hørsholm is located in beautiful, hilly countryside at Leerbækgaard Farm.

Holstebro

The town of Holstebro is located in western Jutland and is traversed by the small river Storå.
Of particular interest is an extensive collection of modern sculptures in the streetscape of Holstebro, including sculptures by Alberto Giacometti, Astrid Noack and Adam Fischer. Holstebro Kirke was built in 1907 on the site of the demolished medieval church. Inside the church, however, the medieval objects have been reused.
If you are an art lover on holiday in Denmark, we recommend the Holstebro Art Museum, which shows modern Scandinavian art. A visit to the Holstebro Museum and the Music Theater is also worthwhile.
To the west of the city you can linger on beautiful bathing beaches and in many sand dunes. Holstebro is surrounded by extensive heathland. East of the city, green, hilly landscapes and the calm waters of the Limfjord are dominant.
Also worth seeing is the Hjerl Hede open-air museum, which presents a picture of Danish villages from the past centuries.

Horsens

Horsens is a tranquil Danish port town in East Jutland, known for its metal and tobacco industries. Horsens is only 45 minutes from Billund Airport. World-renowned musicians such as the Rolling Stones and Madonna have given concerts in Horsens.
At Horsens Museum you can learn a lot about the city in antiquity, in the Middle Ages and from 1870 to the present day. Copies of old toys and games can be seen and used in the toy museum. Horsens Art Museum presents both Danish and international visual art with a focus on Danish contemporary art, including the largest collection by Danish artist Michael Kvium.
If you spend your Denmark holiday in Horsens at a specific time, you have the chance to experience something unique: on the last weekend in August Horsens hosts the annual European Medieval Festival with jousting tournaments, street theater and music performances.
Horsens is surrounded by beautiful nature that invites you to go cycling, hiking or canoeing on the Gudenå. At the island of Endelave you can enjoy the summer in Denmark’s clearest bathing water.

Roskilde – one of the best holiday destinations in Denmark

Roskilde, one of Denmark’s oldest towns, was the spiritual and secular center of the Danish kingdom until the 15th century. Nowadays Roskilde is a cozy university town, located about 20 minutes from Copenhagen and half an hour from the airport.
The Gothic cathedral with the pointed twin towers is the symbol of Roskilde: the Danish kings and queens are buried in the mighty red brick building. Worth seeing are the Epiphany Chapel, the King’s Column, the choir stalls, the winged altar and the organ. The Arch of Absalon, a masonry limestone arch, connects the cathedral to neighboring Palæ, which was once the bishopric but later the royal inn.
A visit to the Museet for Samtidskunst and the Roskilde Museum is worthwhile. In the north of the city, on the shore of Roskilde Fjord, you will find the world-renowned Vikingeskibsmuseet.
Musicians vacationing in Denmark probably know Roskilde for another reason. Europe’s biggest rock festival has been held here every year since 1971 on the last weekend in June.
Historic Roskilde is the ideal starting point for trips by car and train to the attractions of Zealand and Copenhagen.

Silkeborg

Silkeborg is an industrial town in Central Jutland that was only founded in the mid-19th century. It is located on Langsøj, one of the numerous small bodies of water in the Danish lake district. Due to the surrounding forests, the area is rich in raw material reserves, so that the wood and paper processing industry in particular settled here.
If you spend your holiday in Denmark in Silkeborg, you should definitely visit the museum. In the Silkeborg Museum you can see spectacular exhibits: A mysterious bog body (the so-called Tollund Man), which was found in 1950 and is around 2200 years old. Or the so-called Elling girl, a bog body that was discovered in 1938. The Silkeborg Art Museum, on the other hand, shows modern Danish art.
A visit to the Aqua Ferskvands Akvarium og Museum is also something special, where you can take a fascinating walk under water through the freshwater aquariums.
Silkeborg is surrounded by a graceful landscape: Many beautiful forests and hills, fields and small lakes invite you to linger. Excursions can be made with the historic paddle steamer Hjejlen on the Gudenå. The Himmelbergjet in neighboring Skanderborg Municipality is a popular destination. From the 147 meter high hill you have a good view of the lake landscape.

Slagelse

Slagelse is the largest town in western Zealand and one of the highest places in Denmark. The city center is 53 meters above sea level. In addition to many shops and cozy markets, Slagelse also offers an active cultural life, a music house and a theatre.
Fruegade is a street in the old town of Slagelse that has been carefully restored, with the old cozy cobblestone style being particularly successful. Also worth seeing is the sculpture “The Slagelse Girl” by Gerhard Henning, which is located on the stairs of the main entrance to the town hall.
Slagelse is one of the few towns in Denmark with a large park area in the immediate vicinity of the town centre. Music concerts are often held there during the summer.
A trip to the ruins of Antvorskov Monastery, located on the outskirts of Slagelse, is worthwhile. In 1164 the monastery was the first monastery of St. John in Scandinavia.

Vejle

The city of Vejle is the capital of the Danish region of Southern Denmark. The sea trading city is located on the east coast of Jutland and is an important traffic junction of the north-south connections. With the construction of the bridge over the Little Belt, the importance of the city has increased further.
To the east of the city stretches Vejlefjord Bro, one of Denmark’s longest and highest bridges. The landmark of historic Vejle is the windmill from 1847, which can be seen from afar. The 13th-century town church of Sankt Nicolai is particularly worth seeing. A bog body found in Haraldskær in 1835 can be seen in the church. The bog body is a woman who died around 490 BC. was executed.
In the Vejle Music Theater you can add a cultural side to your holiday in Denmark and experience international performances from the fields of theater and music. The renovated Vejle Kunstmuseum displays an impressive collection of Danish and European graphic art. A visit to Økolariet, an exciting knowledge and experience center about nature, the environment and energy, is well worth it.
The town is beautifully situated at the end of the fjord between wooded hills that are unusually steep for Denmark.
Northwest of Vejle are the monuments of Jelling.

Viborg

The city of Viborg is located northwest of Århus and was the capital of Jutland in the past and the election place of the Danish kings until 1340.
Today, Viborg is the administrative center of the Central Jutland region and one of the few towns in Denmark without a port. The city is the seat of the Vestre Landsret, the second highest Danish court. The state archive for Jutland is also located in Viborg.
Worth seeing is the neo-Romanesque cathedral, inside which there is a crypt from the 12th century. The Skovgaardmuseum in the old town hall is also worth a visit.
At the Tange Sø reservoir, which is southwest of Viborg, is the very interesting Electricity Museum.
If you want to holiday in Denmark because of nature, you can see a large variety of water birds in Hjarbækfjord. This area north of Viborg was separated from the Limfjord with a dam, so that the population of marsh plants and waterfowl increased enormously. The Hjarbækfjord is therefore particularly popular with nature lovers and hikers.
The brochure “Sternroute Viborg” offers seven different bicycle routes to the attractions around the city of Viborg.

Randers

Randers is Denmark’s fifth largest city and is located in Central Jutland, about 40 kilometers north of Århus. However, due to its location on the long fjord, Randers is 25 kilometers from the coast. It takes about 40 minutes by car from Randers Airport.
Worth seeing is the Randers Art Museum with a collection of Danish classic and modern art from Denmark. The Kulturhistorisk Museum provides insights into both national and local history. The exhibits range from antiquity to modern times, with the rune stones being particularly outstanding. A visit to the railway museum is also worthwhile. The 15th-century Saint Morten’s Church and the Old Town Hall are worth noting.
The Værket theater and concert hall offers national and international performances. The rainforest of Randers Regnskov, located in the middle of the town of Randers, is one of Denmark’s biggest tourist attractions.
Nature can be enjoyed at Randers Fjord and with long walks along the Gudenå River.

Nextved

Næstved is nowadays a busy shopping town in the south of the Zealand region, which lies at the mouth of Denmark’s longest river, the Suså.
Næstved dates back to the 12th century. The historic city center with many old gabled and half-timbered houses bears witness to this. The Næstved Museum, which illustrates the cultural history of the region, is particularly worth seeing. The impressive 16th-century Apostelhuset is decorated with carved wooden figures of the twelve apostles. The oldest church in the city is Sankt Peders Kirke from 1250. This church is Denmark’s largest Gothic church and inside there are a number of wall paintings.
Two kilometers north of the city center you can visit the former monastery of Herlufsholm.
The island of Gavnø is six kilometers south-west of Næstved and is home to the Rococo-style Gavnø Castle. In the castle park you can see an impressive tulip farm and an impressive butterfly house. The castle houses the large Reedtz-Thott collection of paintings and a fire brigade museum.

Nature and wildlife information for your Denmark Vacation

Denmark trips are typically made for the nature there. The island kingdom of Denmark naturally has a great variety of sea, dunes and beaches to offer.
But there are also a few rivers. The Gudenå is the longest river at 160 kilometers. The largest lake is Arresø with an area of approx. 40 km², east of Frederiksværk. About 20 percent of agriculture is at sea level, resulting in ecologically vulnerable wetlands. These are only made cultivable by pumping out water.
Only about 12 percent of Denmark is covered by trees. This is mostly deciduous forest (beech and oak). The largest forest area, Rold Skov, is located in the Rebild Bakker nature reserve. The vegetation of the dunes and heaths, which is typical for Central Europe, predominates.
Animal lovers also get their money’s worth on a holiday in Denmark. The red deer is Denmark’s largest wild animal. Deer, fallow deer, rabbits, squirrels and hedgehogs are commonly seen. Predators include foxes, badgers, martens, raccoons and the raccoon dog. There are almost 400 bird species in Denmark.
Seals live on the coasts of the North and Baltic Seas. Seagulls, loons and terns circle above the sea. Cod, salmon, herring and plaice feel particularly at home in the water.

Activities of the best holiday destinations in Denmark

A holiday in Denmark offers countless opportunities for leisure activities. An event for all children is Legoland in Billund: Today, more than 1.6 million people a year visit the landscapes and buildings constructed from Lego bricks. Denmark is generally regarded as a family-friendly holiday country. Tivoli is located in downtown Copenhagen: almost five million visitors a year enjoy the world-famous amusement and recreation park. It is the oldest amusement park in the world (it opened on August 15, 1843).
For holidaymakers interested in history, we recommend a visit to the Stone Age Center Ertebølle or the Viking Center Fyrkat. At Børglum Monastery you can learn a lot about the development of the Christian faith in Denmark. Garden lovers should definitely check out Safari Park in Knuthenborg, which is Northern Europe’s largest animal and landscape park. There are also many attractions in the Jesperhus Safari Park.
Music and theater festivals are held in all major cities during the summer. Find out more about them before your holiday in Denmark Offers; A look at the current programs is almost always worthwhile.
Many sports can also be practiced in Denmark: cycling, swimming, hiking, fishing and golfing are particularly popular among holidaymakers in Denmark. Denmark has not just been a football-loving country since it won the European Football Championship in 1992.

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