VISIT DENMARK

Listen visit Denmark info best paces to visit Denmark best Denmark destinations.

Denmark is the country where Scandinavia begins. It’s changed a lot over the centuries. Once known for its fierce warriors, the Vikings, it’s now a peaceful modern country where innovative architecture shares space with medieval buildings. You’ll see picturesque fishing villages that trace their heritage back to the Vikings, so you’ll want to sample their most famous fish, the herring, perhaps at a smørrebrød. Denmark is the land of Hans Christian Andersen, so you’ll find palaces and castles where maybe fairy tales did come true. An overview of the best places to visit in Denmark:

Ribe

“You’re not getting old, you’re getting better” is a phrase that is aptly applied to Ribe, Denmark’s oldest town. Located in Jutland, Ribe was founded in 700 as a Viking marketplace; its town hall is the oldest in the country. It was built in 1496, though it didn’t see duty as a town hall until 1709. There is much to see in Ribe, from its quaint half-timbered medieval buildings to Ribe Cathedral, the first Christian church in Denmark. You can explore its Viking heritage or make the rounds with the night watchman in the summer. Nearby is the ecological treasure Wadden Sea National Park.

Gilleleje

You wouldn’t think a country as far north as Denmark would have a Riviera, but it does. The Danish Riviera is anchored by Gilleleje, a picturesque fishing town on the North Sea at the top of Zealand. Fishermen put their boats to good use in World War II when they end-runned German occupiers and smuggled Danish Jews into Sweden, just 25 km (15 miles) away. You can learn more about these efforts at the local museum. Founded in the 14th century, Gilleleje is pretty and charming with photo opportunities galore. Stroll the city, take in the daily morning fish auction and visit the monument to Kierkegaard, the first existential philosopher.

Elsinore

Elsinore, also known as Helsingør, is home to one of the famous castles in the world: Kronborg, the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The play has been performed here annually for 80 years. The former medieval fishing village was founded in the 15th century, though a fortress and a church surrounded by convents were established a century earlier. It’s now a bustling port city. A 2012 statue, Han, in the harbor is considered the counterpart of Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid. Top attractions include the castle, the maritime museum, and the statue to Holger Danske, a legendary character who warred with Charlemagne.

Aalborg

Aalborg is another ancient Danish city that, over the centuries, has transformed itself into an industrial and cultural (emphasis on cultural) center. It’s known for theatre, symphony and opera, as well as the Aalborg Carnival, the largest festival in Scandinavia that centers around carnivals. The city also is known for its half-timbered mansions, the 16th century Aalborghus Castle, a former royal residence, and the 14th century Budolfi Church, built on the ruins of an old Viking church. Two old homes stand out: Jens Bang’s 17th century Dutch Renaissance home that’s housed a pharmacy for 300 years and 17th century mayor Jørgen Olufsun’s half-timbered and sandstone house.

Roskilde

Located 30 km (20 miles) west of Denmark’s current capital, Copenhagen, is one of the country’s early capitals, Roskilde. One of Denmark’s oldest cities, it is where many monarchs are buried. Their royal tombs can be found at the 12th century Roskilde Cathedral, the first brick Gothic cathedral in Scandinavia. Another key attraction is the Viking Ship Museum, which contains the remains of five Viking ships that were sunk to protect Roskilde from sea invaders. Other sights you might want to see include the royal palace, now an art gallery, and the Roskilde Jars, three mammoth vases that commemorate the city’ 1,000th anniversary. In late June, early July a giant rock music event called the Roskilde Festival takes place here.