Denmark is one of Scandinavia’s top travel destinations. It is known for its scenic beaches, pristine nature, and amazing culinary scene. Its towns and cities draw travelers from all over the world. Though a relatively small country, Denmark has a lot to offer. Beautiful towns, royal palaces, fantastic museums, ample green spaces, and a high standard of living. Before getting to the 10 most beautiful cities to visit in Denmark, here are some reasons to visit Denmark.
A mix of tradition and efficiency makes Denmark one of the countries with the highest quality of life in the world. Read my first impressions about Copenhagen to get an idea about life in Denmark.
Its strategic location, between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, makes it the ideal place to get a taste of the Nordic Countries in a relatively mild climate.
What’s more, in Denmark you can enjoy everything from a quiet historic city to busy urban life. Fascinating museums, art galleries, cultural events and lots of going out options, alter with untouched beaches in the north of Jutland peninsula.
10 Most Beautiful Cities in Denmark
1. Copenhagen – The Capital and largest city in Denmark
The capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, is one of the most beautiful cities in Denmark. This is where you can take pleasure in not just old town structures such as the citadel but also revel in the charm of Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, and more! There are a ton of things to do in Copenhagen like enjoying the Scandinavian nightlife district, with its multicultural Superkilen Park, or its urbanistic and industrial sea fringing Meetpackers District, another of the capital’s party areas.
Copenhagen is Denmark’s most popular tourist destination and it offers a lot to its visitors. Many of its great attractions are within walking distance of the city center. Don’t miss the Round Tower of Copenhagen, Christiansborg Palace, the Rosenborg Castle Gardens, or the Little Mermaid statue. Historic buildings like the iconic Copenhagen Stock Exchange or the University of Copenhagen blend with contemporary architecture.
It is especially pleasant to visit Copenhagen during the summer months when you can delight in its lush greenery. For the best summer trip, head out of the urban area to hunt for wooden art gems at the Seven Giants scattered around the city’s verdant suburbs.
Since the completion of the Oresund Bridge, Denmark’s capital is connected with Malmo, one of the major cities in Sweden. A day trip from Copenhagen to Malmo makes a great addition to your trip.
2. Aalborg – One of the most beautiful cities in Denmark
Often overlooked, Aalborg is one of the most promising and beautiful cities in Denmark. It is not just its amazing natural beauty, but also the authentically Danish architecture that makes it a must. Its streetscape features somewhat stout houses that remind you of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytales and seem to charm you into a sweet state of tranquil contemplation.
Aalborg is one of the largest cities in Denmark and the biggest in the north of the Jutland peninsula.
To make yourself even more enamored with Aalborg head to its eateries and pubs. The permanent street food market in the old furniture factory is also a must-visit on your culinary tour. Just like the rest of Denmark, Aalborg is a cultural melting pot, so you can eat not just Danish staples but also try a variety of dishes from all over the world.
3. Aarhus
Founded as a Viking fishing village, the city of Aarhus became the largest port in Denmark. It’s actually one of the largest ports in Northern Europe. One of the most authentic and beautiful cities in Denmark, Aarhus stands out for its unique architecture. Head to its open-air museum, Den Gamle By, where you can find centuries-old wooden houses full of historical significance. The setting is great for reading, drinking local beverages, and enjoying Danish delicacies such as fish dishes.
If you want to get away from the big city, make your way to Aarhus Botanical Garden. Or, if yearning for some more contemporary beauty, go to AROS – a modern art museum that makes Aarhus one of the most interesting and beautiful cities in Denmark.
With the turn of the 21st century, Aarhus, as well as Copenhagen, has developed new sustainable solutions. It now aims to be CO2 neutral by 2030.
4. Odense
Odense is not just the third-largest city in Denmark. It is also renowned as one of the most beautiful Danish cities. Furthermore, this is where its most famous author, H.C. Anderson, was born. Here you can find old Protestant churches, and cobble Medieval-looking streets echoing with footsteps of bygone eras. Locals are considered to be Denmark’s most friendly and joyous!
Head to Odense in winter when it looks especially pretty under the thick blanket of snow. What’s more, it boasts one of Scandinavia’s best Christmas markets. Its H.C. Anderson’s Christmas market, named after the story-telling wizard, is held on the first two weekends of December in the old town.
5. Frederiksberg
Known for its famous Frederiksberg Palace, Frederiksberg is a separate municipality though it seems to be part of Copenhagen. It’s a great area for outdoor activities, with ample gardens and parks, old pieces of architecture, and many bars and restaurants like those on Værnedamsvej Street. Head here to profit from the youthful vibe of this future-open city. Don’t miss out on visiting Gammel Kongevej for some designer clothing and great shopping options.
6. Randers – The Most Beautiful Cities in Denmark
Known as the Venice of Denmark, Randers is one of the most beautiful cities in Denmark to visit. Here you can enjoy Denmark’s traditional buildings lining its canals as well as the modern urban cityscape that makes Randers especially appealing to young and plugged-in travelers.
Even though it’s a small city, with just over 60.000 people living here, it is great for nightlife and dining out. It is also delightful to stroll along its canals with your significant other.
Don’t miss out on Cold Hand Winery, where you can try out ambrosial Danish wine. Another must-visit is Randers Regnskov, one of Europe’s most beautiful zoos. Add to all that, the mind-blowing Danish Design Museum.
7. Sonderborg
Have you been keen on escaping the hustle and bustle of big cities? Head to Sonderborg, a tranquil seaside town where the picturesque urbanscape meets the mermaid-like allure of the sea.
It is one of the best places in Europe to remove yourself from the craziness of big cities and get back to your normal self. In addition, it features great eating and drinking options, and a beautiful marina. Sonderborg is also a great spot to venture out hiking.
8. Roskilde – Beautiful Danish Cities
Sitting next to Copenhagen, the stunning city of Roskilde is a tranquil seaside town. It’s the perfect destination for a family getaway from kinetic Copenhagen life.
Take pleasure in its eye-pleasing townscape, but also see for yourself the real 11-century Viking vessels, profit from a boatyard. You can also marvel at the 12th-century two-spired cathedral, Roskilde Cathedral, where Danish queens and kings of yore lie buried.
If you have had too much history on your trip to Roskilde, head to Roskilde Contemporary Art Museum, and take pleasure in it.
9. Helsingor – Best Cities in Denmark
Situated on the northeast coast of Zealand, Helsingor is one of the most beautiful cities in Denmark. It is home to the stunning Kronborg Castle, Hamlet’s legendary home. It’s a short drive from Copenhagen, but it also has easy access by public transport from the Danish capital or from Copenhagen airport.
Stroll along its splendid waterfront and look over the strait toward the Helsingborg, one of Sweden’s most beautiful cities. Helsingor is a city of culture, centered around the old dockyards and Kronborg castle.
Helsingor is not just a treasure trove of authentic Danish architecture in the Oresund Region, it is also a great place to visit from Sweden.
10. Herning
Known for its charming Danish architecture and scenic alleyways, Herning is a melting pot of different cultures and one of the best and most beautiful cities in Denmark. It is the perfect place to eat cuisines from all over the world and have a good time out with friends, pounding down local beers, the most famous of which is the world-renowned Carlsberg.
Herning is also the best spot to visit Legoland, which will be the best gift for your kids and the whole family.
Author bio
Samantha Karen is the founder of the travel bog Sam Sees World. She is a twenty-something traveler on a mission to explore the world to seek the new and unknown so she can document her experiences and inspire others to explore this wondrous world. Her objective is to learn about the world while also searching for her place in it. Check out Sam Sees World for valuable information on the best things to do, see, eat, and experience while traveling and making memories along the way.
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Thanks for sharing, I have visited a few of these cities in Denmark in my many trips there over the years, and some of the other cities as well. I have wanted to go back to Denmark for a while hopefully soon 🙂
Me too, I loved Denmark and I would love to explore more of it. Thanks for reading, Nic.