Denmark
The most popular tourist attractions in Denmark combine Scandinavian design, royal history, and coastal charm. The capital Copenhagen is famous for the Little Mermaid statue, Nyhavn harbour, and Tivoli Gardens, while the wider country offers Viking heritage, historic castles such as Kronborg, and family-friendly attractions including the original LEGOLAND.
General information
Denmark is the southernmost of the Scandinavian countries, spread across the Jutland peninsula and hundreds of islands, the largest being Zealand and Funen. The capital is Copenhagen, the language is Danish, and although Denmark is a member of the European Union it keeps its own currency, the Danish krone (DKK), which is pegged to the euro. It is a flat, cycle-friendly land famous for its design, Viking heritage, cosy “hygge” culture and as the birthplace of LEGO. The mildest months for visiting are May to September.
Transport and how to get there
The main gateway is Copenhagen Airport (CPH), the largest hub in Scandinavia, with a fast metro and train link into the city. Billund Airport (BLL) is handy for central Jutland and LEGOLAND, while Aarhus (AAR) serves the country's second city. Denmark has excellent trains and buses, and bridges connect it to Sweden (the Øresund to Malmö) and across its own islands. Cities are best explored by bicycle, and rental bikes are everywhere.
Prices
The currency is the Danish krone (DKK) and Denmark is one of Europe's more expensive countries. A budget hotel or hostel runs roughly DKK 600–1000 a night, mid-range hotels about DKK 1000–1800. An inexpensive meal is around DKK 100–160, a three-course dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant about DKK 500–800, and a coffee near DKK 40. A single metro or bus ticket in Copenhagen is about DKK 24, entry to Tivoli Gardens around DKK 155, and most museums DKK 100–150. Prices are approximate and vary with season.
Main attractions
Copenhagen leads with the colourful Nyhavn harbour, the historic Tivoli Gardens, the Little Mermaid and royal palaces. Families flock to LEGOLAND in Billund, while Kronborg Castle in Helsingør — the “Hamlet” castle — and Roskilde's cathedral and Viking Ship Museum are both UNESCO sites. Odense celebrates its native son Hans Christian Andersen, Aarhus offers the striking ARoS art museum, and the white chalk cliffs of Møns Klint reward a day out in nature.