Denmark Vacations

The smallest Scandinavian country is indisputably big on style. Denmark’s ancient castles and medieval towns blend comfortably with its cosmopolitan cities and modern designs.

The capital of Copenhagen is a largely pedestrian city, with inviting cafés, harbor-front promenades, fashion boutiques and a spirited nightlife. The city of Aalborg in North-Jutland is known for its art museum and numerous historic sights.

Most of the country is surrounded by the North and Baltic Seas, creating more than 4,500 miles of natural beaches and coastline for swimming, yachting and fishing. Biking is a popular way to explore the rolling hills and dramatic cliffs of Denmark’s countryside.

Tivoli Gardens makes an excellent stop in a family vacation in Copenhagen. The amusement park, founded in 1843, features several roller coasters, rides and the world’s tallest carousel. Founded in 1843, Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Also in the capital city is the iconic statue of The Little Mermaid, a sculpture commemorating the life and tales of famed Danish author Hans Christian Andersen.

1. Bornholm

   The rich history of Bornholm stretches more than 5,000 years into the past. Ancient dolmens and mounds stand as lasting reminders of the original inhabitants here. Today, farmers take advantage of the island's rich volcanic soil while fishermen live off the bounty of the Baltic Sea.

2. East Jutland

   The well-preserved ruins of the medieval Kalo Castle lie on an island outside the coastal town on Ronde in Eastern Jutland. Just half an hour from that 14th century fortress, Arhus is a vibrant modern city with cafes, renowned museums and stunning architecture, old and new.

3. Funen

   A visit to Funen, known as the "Garden of Denmark," offers a glimpse into the landscape that inspired native son Hans Christian Andersen to pen such tales as The Little Mermaid. Farther south on the island of Langeland, wild horses roam as free as the famed author's imagination.

4. North Jutland

   On the northwestern edge of Jutland where the land meets the North Sea, the popular Lokken beach offers a long, wide stretch of sand. Just up the coast at the peninsula's tip, a near perfect marriage of light and landscape has drawn artists to Skagen since the mid-19th century.

5. Southern Denmark

   The region of Southern Denmark is marked by historical treasures. The impressive Church of Our Lady cathedral, the oldest in Denmark, dominates the skyline in the ancient city of Ribe. On Bornholm island, Hammershus Castle is the largest ruin of its kind in Northern Europe.

6. West Jutland

   In Holstebro, the "Woman on a Cart" symbolizes the city's focus on art. Numerous works are found in the city's streets, squares and green spaces. Visitors to Esbjerg discover a "Scattering of Stars" beneath their feet, while the 30-foot-tall "Men at Sea" welcome ships to the harbor.

7. Zealand

   The coastlines and castles of Zealand have long inspired creativity. In Copenhagen, a statue of "The Little Mermaid" pays homage to Danish-born author Hans Christian Andersen, while Kronborg castle in Helsingor served as Shakespeare's inspiration for Elsinore in Hamlet.