Denmark: 7 places to see – from Copenhagen to Skagen
Beyond Copenhagen, Denmark is full of small towns and islands that offer a more authentic experience – medieval lanes, Viking history, desert-like dunes and a place where two seas meet. We have picked the seven places we find most interesting. For practical information on documents, money and seasons, see our Denmark travel guide.
1. Copenhagen – the modern, beautiful capital
Royal palaces and historic streets alongside modern architecture, design shops and cyclists everywhere – here you see why the Danes value balance in life so much.
- What to see: the colourful houses of the Nyhavn canal, Tivoli Gardens – one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, Amalienborg Palace and the changing of the guard, Rosenborg Castle with the crown jewels, the Little Mermaid and the unusual Superkilen park.
- What to eat: smørrebrød, wienerbrød, cinnamon swirls and a red hot dog from a stand. For shopping – the Strøget pedestrian street and the Nørrebro district with its vintage shops.
- Unusual experience: CopenHill – a waste-to-energy plant with a ski slope on its roof, swimming in the clean city harbour in summer, kayaking the canals and touring the city by bike like a local.
2. Aarhus – the artistic centre
Denmark's second city is calmer, artsier and younger, with modern architecture and beaches and forests close to the centre.
- What to see: the ARoS museum with the circular rainbow walkway Your Rainbow Panorama on its roof, the Den Gamle By open-air museum, the round wooden Infinite Bridge over the sea, the colourful Møllestien lane and The Iceberg housing complex.
- What to eat: the food at Aarhus Street Food. For shopping – the Latin Quarter with boutiques and bookshops and the rooftop terrace of the Salling department store.
- Unusual experience: a free kayak in exchange for collecting litter from the water, the Moesgaard Museum with its grass roof and the tropical greenhouses of the Botanical Garden.
3. Odense – the city of fairy tales
The birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, author of The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling and The Snow Queen.
- What to see: the interactive Hans Christian Andersen House – more a journey into a fairy-tale world than a museum, his childhood home, the Fairytale Garden, the medieval cathedral and The Funen Village open-air museum with old farmhouses and crafts.
- What to eat: the Storms Pakhus indoor food market and Danish pastries from small bakeries.
- Unusual experience: a boat trip on the Odense river and hunting for the small sculptures linked to Andersen's tales.
4. Ribe – Denmark's oldest town
Founded more than 1,300 years ago, Ribe is the oldest surviving town in the country – cobblestones, medieval houses and colourful doors, as if time stood still.
- What to see: the cathedral and its tower with panoramic views, the Viking Museum and the VikingeCenter – a reconstructed Viking settlement where you learn how they lived.
- Unusual experience: the "Black Sun" (Sort Sol) – in spring and autumn huge flocks of starlings dance over the marshes and darken the sky.
5. Skagen – where two seas meet
At Denmark's northernmost tip, with yellow houses and red roofs, sandy beaches and a famous artistic history.
- What to see: Grenen, where the waters of the Skagerrak and Kattegat – the North Sea and the Baltic – meet, the sand-buried church with only its tower visible, the Råbjerg Mile migrating dune that looks like a small desert, and the Skagen Museum with paintings by the artists drawn here by the special light in the 19th century.
- What to eat: fresh prawns and seafood in the harbour restaurants.
- Important: the currents at Grenen are strong – it is a place to watch, not to swim.
6. Ebeltoft – a postcard town
A small town on the Jutland peninsula, with cobbled lanes, old houses and beautiful coastal views – far from the tourist crowds.
- What to see: the Frigate Jylland – a 19th-century wooden warship turned museum, the Glass Museum and the old town with its boutiques.
- Unusual experience: a hike in Mols Bjerge National Park – hills, forests and sea views, very different from the idea of flat Denmark.
7. Ærøskøbing on the island of Ærø – an island gem
If you want a real hidden treasure, this is it. The little town on Ærø looks unchanged for centuries – colourful 17th- and 18th-century houses, cobblestones and a slow island pace. It is reached by ferry from Svendborg.
- What to see: the old town, Vesterstrand beach with its little colourful beach huts, the island museum and the neighbouring maritime town of Marstal.
- Unusual experience: cycling around the island – past small villages, fields and beaches.
If we had to pick three hidden gems: Skagen for the meeting of the two seas, Ribe for its medieval atmosphere and Vikings, and Ærøskøbing for its fairy-tale island charm.
Sample 8–10 day itinerary
- Copenhagen – 3 days
- Odense – 1 day, with an optional detour to Ærø (+1 day)
- Ribe – 1 day
- Aarhus and Ebeltoft – 2 days
- Skagen – 1 day
A rental car is most convenient, but every place except Ebeltoft and Ærø can also be reached by train. The best time is May to September.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for Denmark?
3–4 days are enough for Copenhagen. For a tour including Aarhus, Odense and Skagen – about 8–10 days.
Can you visit Sweden from Copenhagen?
Yes – Malmö is about 35 minutes by train across the Øresund Bridge.
What is the most unusual place in Denmark?
Grenen near Skagen, where two seas meet, and the Råbjerg Mile migrating dune.
Need help planning?
The Clio Travel team will help you plan the route, flights, car hire and hotels around Denmark. For practical information, see our Denmark travel guide.
