Introduction
Denmark is a Scandinavian country made up of the Jutland Peninsula and many islands. It is known for its Viking history, iconic castles, family-friendly theme parks, stunning nature and beautiful capital city Copenhagen. If you are planning a trip to Denmark, there are many great places for you to explore. Here is a list of the top 10 most popular visiting places in Denmark that you should consider adding to your itinerary.
1. Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen
Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park and pleasure garden in Copenhagen. With over 4.5 million visitors per year, it is one of the most visited attractions in Denmark. When you go to Tivoli Gardens, you will find beautiful gardens, amusement rides, concerts, theaters, restaurants and food stands. It is especially lovely when lit up at night. You can easily spend half a day or longer taking in the gardens, riding the rollercoasters and enjoying street performances at Tivoli Gardens.
2. The Little Mermaid Statue, Copenhagen
The Little Mermaid statue sits on a rock at the waterside at the Langelinie promenade in Copenhagen. It represents the mermaid in Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale of the same name. The bronze statue is only 1.25 meters tall but is an iconic symbol of Copenhagen and Denmark. It is one of the most photographed attractions in the country. When you visit the statue, you will understand why it draws over one million visitors per year. Make sure your camera is ready!
3. Legoland Billund Resort
Legoland Billund Resort is a family theme park focused on the popular LEGO brick toys. It features dozens of rides, shows and building activities suitable for kids ages 2-12. Some highlights you can enjoy are MINILAND with buildings constructed entirely from LEGO bricks, Polar X-plorer rollercoaster ride, LEGO NINJAGO rides, and a water park. You will never get bored at Legoland!
4. Kronborg Castle
Kronborg Castle in Helsingør is a very impressive Renaissance castle and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the castle that inspired the setting for William Shakespeare's famous play Hamlet. When you tour Kronborg Castle, you can explore the royal chambers, ballroom, chapel and casements. There are daily performances of Hamlet in the summer. The changing of the guard also takes place daily at noon to enjoy.
5. ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum
ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum is one of the largest art museums in Scandinavia. This popular museum in Aarhus has a great collection of Danish and international art across many eras. A highlight you must see is the beautiful Your Rainbow Panorama installation on the roof that offers 360° views of the city in all shades of the rainbow. Make sure to spend at least half a day here admiring unique modern artworks and appreciating lovely city views.
6. National Park Thy
Denmark may be small but it has many beautiful natural landscapes, especially along the coastlines. National Park Thy offers fantastic nature like sandy beaches, towering limestone cliffs, pine forests and farmland. When you visit Thy National Park, you can go hiking, swimming, watch birds and migrating wildlife. The landscapes look incredible in all seasons here but especially beautiful in summer.
7. Den Gamle By, Aarhus
Den Gamle By is an open-air museum that showcases over 75 historical buildings collected from around Denmark. It provides a fantastic look into Danish architecture and living history from the era of 1597 to the 1970s. Spend at least half a day walking through the cobblestone streets and exploring the old shops, homes and workshops. You can even visit the old movie theater playing classic Danish films or take a horse carriage ride.
8. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art has an outstanding collection of modern artworks set along the scenic Øresund coastline. Some of the famous artists it exhibits include Henry Moore, Andy Warhol and Yayoi Kusama. When you visit, make sure to explore the galleries showcasing paintings, sculptures and installations. Then take a peaceful stroll through the surrounding gardens that lead towards the sea. It is easy to spend a whole afternoon admiring art and nature here.
9. Dyrehavsbakken Amusement Park
Dyrehavsbakken, also known as ‘The Deer Park’s Hill’, is the world’s oldest operating amusement park! It opened in 1583 and still provides fun rides and entertainment for all ages today. Some classic rides you can enjoy are a wooden rollercoaster from 1932, a carousel from 1895 and Denmark’s only pendulum swing ride. Spend an afternoon here enjoying rides, carnival games and eating traditional Danish food like æbleskiver pancakes.
10. Ribe VikingeCenter
To learn about Denmark’s Viking history, you must visit Ribe VikingeCenter, an intriguing open-air museum focused on the Viking era. When you go here, knowledgeable staff dressed as Vikings will guide you around the reconstructed village. You can visit Viking houses, watch craft demonstrations and meet farm animals they would have had. Don’t miss seeing daily falconry shows held on site as well. It is very educational and fun for those interested in Vikings.
Conclusion
With rich history, engaging museums, stunning nature and family fun, Denmark offers wonderful places for you to explore on your next visit. Make sure to add these incredible top 10 attractions like Tivoli Gardens amusement park, Kronborg Castle, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, and more to your Denmark travel itinerary. From world-famous sights to natural wonders, these are the most popular places you really must see when visiting Denmark for an epic trip.