Things to see and do in Denmark
Attractions in Denmark
Aalborg: a cultural hub
Aalborg, also spelt Ålborg, is a cultural hub in North Jutland. Top attractions include Kunsten (Museum of Modern Art Aalborg), Musikkens Hus (music hall), Utzon Center and Lindholm Høje (multiple burial sites from the Germanic Iron Age and the Viking Age). Aalborg is also the city of schnapps, although the production has moved from Aalborg to Norway in 2015, visitors can still buy schnapps and akvavit in every supermarket.
Aarhus: the second largest city in Denmark
Offering a mixture of cosmopolitan city and quaint small town charm, Aarhus calls itself the "World's Smallest Big City". Must-see attractions include Den Gamle By (the Old Town Museum), ARoS Aarhus Art Museum and Moesgaard Museum. Marselisborg Palace is a royal residence of the Danish Royal Family in Aarhus – its grounds and rose garden are open to the public when the monarch is not in residence. The Godsbanen centre is a highlight for those after Danish design where pottery, metal, woodwork and laser cutting workshops are available for public.
Billund: the birthplace of Lego
Billund, a town in central Denmark, is the birthplace of Lego and naturally one of the top attractions is the LEGOLAND theme park where adults and children can marvel at the detailed LEGO reconstructions of famous sights from around the world in Miniland. Just 800m (875 yards) away from LEGOLAND is the waterpark resort Lalandia, featuring an Aquadome offering many water-based activities.
Copenhagen: Denmark’s capital
Copenhagen is a popular city-break destination. Most visitors' first port of call is Nyhavn, where colourful buildings loom over the busy waterfront. Beyond it, you'll find a city teeming with fascinating cultural and culinary highlights. Popular attractions include Tivoli Gardens, Amalienborg Palace, Freetown Christiania and SMK – the National Gallery of Denmark to name but a few. Check out the Copenhagen travel guide for more information.
Esbjerg: the gateway to the Jutland Peninsula
The colossal sculpture "Man meets the sea" of four, 9m (30ft) high men stoically overlook the harbour of Esbjerg is likely to be high on your agenda. Located just outside of Esbjerg, the Fisheries and Maritime Museum (https://fimus.dk) is another must-see. Visitors can immerse themselves in the interesting natural and cultural history of the UNESCO protected Wadden Sea (tidal wetlands), admire colourful fish in the aquarium and take a peek at the four cute seals housed in the Sealarium. Make sure to time your trip to the museum around the seal feeding time which is daily between 1100 – 1430 hours.
Geocenter Møns Klint: keep the kids busy
Keep the kids busy by tracing Denmark's geological history at the Geocenter Møns Klint, which opened in 2007 on the island of Møn. The centre has more than 20 activities available – visitors can join the hunt for ferocious dinosaurs or learn about the Quaternary Period with its ginormous ice glaciers, to name but a few.
Odense: the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen
Relive childhood with a visit to the birthplace of the great fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen in Odense on the island of Funen. Andersen was born in a tiny yellow house on a cobbled street in the centre of Odense in 1805, today it is a poet museum and a great place to start a Hans Christian Andersen tour through Odense’s oldest and prettiest parts.
Roskilde: a city of kings and Vikings
Roskilde is a city of kings and Vikings - its Gothic cathedral is the final resting place of about 40 Danish monarchs, and its Viking Ship Museum features five ancient vessels rescued from the harbour. Apart from its immensely rich heritage, Roskilde also hosts an annual rock festival that features a diverse selection of music including rock, metal, hip-hop, dance, house and world music.
