1. Home
  2. Destinations
  3. Denmark’s Only Travel…
Denmark’s Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps

Denmark’s Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps

Denmark’s Background

 

After the end of the Ice Age, early Danes, who were hunters and fishermen presumably settled around 10,000 BC. They started farming around 3000 BC and continued to do so until the early days of the Iron Age when they interacted with the Romans and started trading goods and slaves. A writing system, Runes, was utilized by 200 AD. From the early 9th, the Danes attacked various countries in Europe, including England and Ireland and plundered monasteries, abducted, and enslaved people. This was the case until the late 9th century and early 10th century when their focus shifted from raiding and plundering to conquering.

The late 9th century saw the Vikings (Danes) attacking England and later the English conquering the Danes. It also saw England being split with the Danes taking the eastern half, over the next several decades, the English the Danish side of England, then came to their senses and coexisted until the start of the 11th century when King Ethelred of England ordered the slaughter of Danish immigrants, among them were relatives of the King Sweyn Forkbeard of Denmark. Retaliation was the course, however, in exchange for money, didn’t assault England. By 1013, King Sweyn Forkbeard became king of England, for 5 weeks until he died. That’s why he was called the “forgotten king.”

A period of power struggles, empire expansions, invasions, and civil wars accompanied the following decades, which included the invasions of both Norway and Estonia by different monarchs of the time. Trade flourished in the Baltic area, and Danish towns grew larger and more prominent in the 12th century. However, by the 14th century, Denmark was devastated by the Black Death, like many other countries in Europe. A union of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden was short-lived in the coming years, and many kings rose to power and were later overthrown, until the early 16th century when Sweden was finally split from Denmark forever.

Revolts, civil wars, and wars ravaged Denmark for decades and centuries to come. Treaties were also formed but quickly broken numerous times between the Danes and Swedes in the early 17th to the early 18th century. The majority of the 18th century, however, was tranquil for Denmark, and a sizable merchant marine was built up. Crown Prince Frederick instituted a multitude of changes, like freeing peasants, no longer having to work on their lord’s property, and landowners lost the authority to punish or beat the peasants. When Denmark stopped attacking and being attacked by Sweden, the French, Britain, Russia, and Prussia were in a quarrel. The Brits, worried that the French would use the Danish navy to attack them, then assaulted a Danish force at Copenhagen Harbor in 1801, devastating them. Then, the French navy was annihilated at Trafalgar in 1805. Copenhagen was ravaged by fire and many parts were destroyed. Then the Swedes decided to attack Norway in 1813, and as a consequence, the Danes were forced to give it to them in 1814.

The 19th century saw much conflict whether internally in Denmark or with its neighbors over lands and territories, namely Schleswig which caused wars to ensue between the Danes and the Germans, but also Prussians. Despite the calamity, Denmark’s economy flourished fast in the late nineteenth century especially due to the brewing and sugar beet industries, as well as engineering and shipbuilding. The Danes may have learned their lesson from the past and wanted peace, which made them neutral throughout both World War I and World War II. However, the Germans invaded Denmark for its food supply. The Danes wanted to sabotage the enemy, but the Germans responded by ravaging the country. After Germany’s defeat, the country of Denmark has prosperity during the 60s but also had economical downturns in the 70s, but ever since then and until now, Denmark has grown into a modern, rich nation that is engaging in Europe’s overall political and economic union.

Denmark’s five major areas are Jutland, Funen, and its minor surrounding islands, Zealand, Lolland-Falster, and Bornholm. The island of Zealand is home to around 40% of the country’s inhabitants. The area of Jutland has ancient towns as well as the birthplace of the popular children’s toy, Lego. You may visit the house of the world-renowned author Hans Christian Andersen in Funen and its adjacent islands. Zealand is home to both the country’s capital, Copenhagen, and the Vikings’ Roskilde stadium. Viking relics, anyone? The Lolland-Falster region is ideal for nature lovers to explore Denmark’s magnificent outdoors. Bornholm is located quite far east of the other districts and is renowned as a holiday island. The highest natural peak is merely 171 meters above sea level, and that just shows how flat Denmark is. Denmark’s long coastline is filled with beaches, as well as inland forest regions and large lakes.

While Denmark is a member of the European Union, it keeps its own currency, the krone, but is still a member of the Schengen Area, making it easier to traverse the European borders. This is also a progressive country in terms of social, economic, and political development. In terms of health care, education, democratic government, human development, and income equality, the country scores highly. It is also one of the least corrupt countries in the world. Denmark is also rich in culture, natural beauty, and breathtaking architecture.

 

“Once the home of Viking raids plaguing Europe, then inventors of amusement parks, and Lego. Both modern and rich in history, and with a positive emphasis on hygge. Antique villages, castles everywhere, and lively nightlife, but also stunning forests and unrivaled scenery await you.“

 

While many countries are notable for the widening divide between the wealthy and the poor, Denmark appears to be populated by the middle class, with the obviously affluent and clearly broke few and far between. This egalitarian atmosphere makes the greatest of the arts, architecture, dining, and entertainment available to everyone. Indeed, the greatest catchphrase for Denmark could be ‘inclusive’ – everyone is welcome and everyone is catered to regardless of who they are. Cities are compact and easy to navigate, infrastructure is contemporary, and transport is simple.

With Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales and Lego, every child’s favorite toy, Denmark can transport you back to the carefree childhood days you thought you lost. Let your inner child out at the Little Mermaid, Tivoli, or Legoland. When you’ve had enough of messing around, it’s time for a premium dinner. With fifteen Michelin-starred restaurants, Copenhagen has some of the top restaurants in the world and is the origin of the trendy New Nordic Cuisine. Simple, fresh, and delicious!

Many visitors to Denmark come to view the Little Mermaid statue, Legoland, or simply to appreciate the lovely scenery and engage with the friendly locals. This Nordic nation is located north of Germany and south of Norway and Sweden. Denmark’s mainland, generally known as Jutland, is connected to Germany; nonetheless, there are a number of Danish islands. Zealand, which is home to Copenhagen (the capital), and Funen are the two biggest islands. These islands are located in the Ostersoen Sea.

Truly, Denmark lacks the jaw-dropping natural grandeur of its neighbors, but its landscapes are modest – clean and simple, frequently imbued with ethereal Nordic light. Such landscapes are represented in Danish design philosophy as it relates to fashion, gastronomy, architecture, furniture, and art. Form and utility are prioritized, but not at the price of beauty. So you may discover classic Danish loveliness on a long sandy beach, by a lake, admiring a Renaissance castle, on Bornholm’s bike paths, or in a candlelight cafe that has mastered the art of hygge.

In a low-key way, Danes are highly proud people who seem to all represent their notion of “Hygge,” which loosely translates to “cozy.” Because this notion is unique to the Danish language, expressing its actual meaning to an English speaker might be difficult. Another important aspect of Danish culture is humility, which can be noticed in both conduct and the Danes’ famed minimalistic style.

It’s heartening to know that there is still a country where the word “fairy tale” is freely utilized, from its most enduring literary heritage to its textbook castles. In a word, Denmark does it right: old-world charm meets with forward-thinking design and societal advancements. The country consistently ranks among the world’s most livable and happy countries. You won’t have to look far to find joyful hygge culture, a particularly Danish feature that has a deep impact on the incomparable contentment of the people. In Denmark, hygge is social nirvana: a sensation of coziness, camaraderie, and gratefulness.

To get the most out of Denmark, you should keep moving so that you may see and do as much as possible of what Denmark has to offer tourists. In our Cruisit Denmark travel guide, we provide a strategy that is roughly midway between leisure and exploration. Enter the land and immerse yourself in this European ideal location. The Denmark vacation schedule provided below is best enjoyed during the nation’s high season in the summer, but you may still enjoy the country during the shoulder season. With its medieval touch, sunny days near hills, under the shade of ancient structures, and surrounded by a historical melting pot, your modern European desires will come true.

Also, in our travel guide to Denmark, we will give you all the information you will need to steer through the country at ease. Denmark’s highlights, tips, transportation, top places and attractions, a handcrafted itinerary in Denmark, and more will be provided for you as you read through. If you are excited enough by now, let us dig right in!

Top Places in Denmark

Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli, commonly known as Tivoli Gardens, is a pleasure garden and amusement park in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is the world’s third-oldest functioning amusement park, after Dyrehavsbakken in nearby Klampenborg, Denmark, and Wurstelprater in Vienna, Austria. The park opened on August 15, 1843, and is Europe’s sixth most popular amusement park. It had 4.6 million visitors in 2017 – the second-most popular seasonal amusement park after Europa-Park.

The Little Mermaid

Edvard Eriksen’s bronze piece The Little Mermaid depicts a mermaid becoming human. Based on Danish author Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairy tale of the same name, the modest and unimposing monument is a Copenhagen landmark. Mermaid is one of several iconic sculptures that represent cities, including Pania of the Reef in Napier and Manneken Pis in Brussels.

Nyhavn

Nyhavn is a waterfront, canal, and entertainment zone in Copenhagen, Denmark, dating from the 17th century. It runs from Kongens Nytorv to the harbor front just south of the Royal Playhouse and is flanked by vividly colored 17th and early 18th century townhouses, as well as taverns, cafés, and restaurants. Many ancient wooden ships are docked in the canal.

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle is a Renaissance-era castle in Copenhagen, Denmark. It was erected in 1606 as a rural summerhouse and is one of Christian IV’s many architectural undertakings. It has been enlarged multiple times until reaching its current state in 1624. Architects Bertel Lange and Hans van Steenwinckel the Younger are engaged with the structural planning of the castle.

Legoland

The original Legoland is in Billund, Denmark, in the Jutland area. This park, first established in 1968, is located next to the original Lego plant. If you are traveling with children, this is the ideal attraction.

7-day Itinerary in Denmark (with extension options)

Day 1

 

Arrive at Roskilde

Roskilde is a town around 30 minutes from Copenhagen. For most Danes, it is most known for the local festival, which attracts notable celebrities from around the world, every first week of July (when most of Denmark is on holiday). There is a different appeal for travelers. It’s just enough for about half a day, but it’s still worth a visit.

When kings and queens, as well as the rest of the royal Danish family, die, they are buried at Roskilde Cathedral. The cathedral here is really breathtaking. You are also able to see the combs with rulers, which is really intriguing. Overall, the Roskilde Cathedral represents about 1000 years of Danish history, from pagans to Christians. But also visit the Viking Ship Museum while you’re there.

Roskilde would be an excellent place to start your Denmark trip, so after touring the church, take the train to the next stop. Odense. Odense is the birthplace of author Hans Christian Andersen, better known as the author of The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling.

It won’t take you long in Roskilde, then head to Odense. Odense is a large city, but if you only come for the key attractions, such as the writer’s boyhood home, the historic center, and his museum, a half-day is plenty. It is a lovely city. You can explore all of the historic places by just following the stairs on the pavement. They are known as H.C. Andersen stairs, and they are constructed in such a way that they guide you through town.

For sci-fi aficionados, Odense features a brand-new museum dedicated to the history of science fiction. In the exhibition, you can meet aliens and robots, as well as see a piece of sci-fi from the 1950s. The admission cost is reasonable (just about 100 DKK).

You can also visit Odense during their flower festival, which takes place in the middle of August. The city is overflowing with flowers and flower sculptures. This festival takes place across the city center and surely adds a shine to the area.

  • Backpacker: 
  • Budget: 
  • Mid-range: 
  • Luxury: 

When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is no reason to be alarmed about walking home alone in the dark as there is not enough crime recorded in Odense to warrant any bit of worry. You can walk safely at night and never worry about crowded areas or unlit alleys or streets, but you can always take a taxi, if you don't feel comfortable. However, be wary of petty crime by taking precautions mentioned in the safety section above.

From Odense to Egeskov

The castle is roughly a half-hour rail ride from Odense. However, there is a catch: the castle is around 2 kilometers from the train station. There is a bus, although it does not run frequently. If the weather is nice, you may also walk there, which takes around half an hour. Otherwise, taxis are frequently available near the train station. After that, take the train back to Odense, which runs every half hour.

 

Day 2

 

Head to Egeskov

Take the train to Egeskov, a little settlement. They have what is possibly Denmark’s most magnificent castle, full of stunning settings.

When you arrive, you will be asked if you want to visit the gardens alone or the castle as well. Go for both; it will be worth it. Then proceed directly to the castle, which is very modest yet has a lot to explore. Aside from the castle, there is a beautiful view of the gardens. Aside from the beautiful flowers, you will notice a lot of birds. The ducks are typical for the lake around the castle, but there are also peacocks roaming around.

Alternatively, go to Svendborg and take a boat to Denmark’s most beautiful island, Ærø. Visit the Aero Museum to learn about how people live on an island that appears to be remote from all other Danish towns, and then take a walk on the beach. The shore itself will provide you with a short trek through the local dunes. And on the way to the beach, you’ll pass by some cute tiny houses. The Danes only use them during the summer. Also, if you are traveling during the summer, bring a swimsuit and sunscreen

Day 3

 

Day Trip to Esbjerg

On the third day, travel to Aragorn’s hometown. Yes, Viggo Mortensen is partly Danish and used to reside in Esbjerg. The town itself has a wonderful historical background, although it isn’t all that different from what you’ve seen in Odense.

After relaxing in the city center, take a bus to Esbjerg’s most famous sculpture. The four guys staring at the water. Because the sculptures are so large, they can be seen from a long distance away. There is another possibility to spend time on the beach there, but if that isn’t appealing, there is a fishing museum across the street. Expect to witness everything about fishing, from the Viking era to modern-day fishing secrets. But there’s more to it than that. 

Once you’re done, head back to Odense.

Day 4

 

Explore Ribe

Today’s excursion is to Ribe, a little medieval village. Ribe is home to Northern Europe’s oldest cathedral. In the cathedral, there will be a whole exhibition on Ribe’s history and why it is so significant to Denmark. Climb to the top of the tower to get a bird’s-eye view over Denmark. You’ll be able to see how flat it is.

Spend some time in town after touring the church. There are some of the oldest homes in Northern Europe to see, as well as a monastery and a Viking museum.

Alternatively, from Esbjerg, take a boat to the Danish island of Fano. Aside from Fano’s lovely modest cottages along the beach, authentic WWII bunkers may be found there. You may even walk through them because there is nothing dangerous in the region. Later on, while relaxing on the beach, you may observe wild seals.

Another option, especially if you’re traveling with children, is to take a bus from Esbjerg to the world’s oldest Legoland. This popular toy was invented in Billund, the town where the theme park is located. You can spend a whole day there with local attractions, the majority of which are also suitable for adults.

Day 5

 

Off to Skagen

Begin your day early and head north. If you have a car, it will take you roughly 3 hours to get there, so make yourself at home. Skagen is the town you’re searching for, and it’s famous not just for the timepieces it produces, but also for being the meeting point of two oceans.

The beach where the Baltic Sea and the North Sea merge is around 5 kilometers from Skagen proper. At some point, you’ll have to leave your car for either the buses available there or use your feet.

We recommend spending a night at Skagen and watching the sunset from the beach.

If you’re searching for a fun location to visit in Skagen, go to the local brewery, where they serve their own beer, live music, and delicious cuisine.

  • Backpacker: 
  • Budget: 
  • Mid-range: 
  • Luxury: 

When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is no reason to be alarmed about walking home alone in the dark as there is not enough crime recorded in Skagen to warrant any bit of worry. You can walk safely at night and never worry about crowded areas or unlit alleys or streets, but you can always take a taxi, if you don't feel comfortable. However, be wary of petty crime by taking precautions mentioned in the safety section above.

Day 6

 

To the South

If you leave Skagen early in the morning, you may visit the Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse, which is just about an hour away. You will see a little desert with a lighthouse in the middle, around thirty meters from the sea. The walks surrounding there are breathtaking, but be aware that it is a highly windy location.

When you’ve had your fill of this vista, off to Aarhus. Set up shop there for a while. Denmark’s second-largest city with a lot to offer. Head to the docks if you feel like stretching your legs. Aside from the stunning modern buildings, you will breathe in some fresh air. If that isn’t enough, take a city bus to the beach, where you can view the Aarhus everlasting bridge and enjoy a peaceful environment away from the majority of visitors. A little distance away is a garden called Marselisborg Dyrehave where you can freely roam among deers. You can even buy snacks for the animals when you arrive.

  • Backpacker: 
  • Budget: 
  • Mid-range: 
  • Luxury: 

When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is no reason to be alarmed about walking home alone in the dark as there is not enough crime recorded in Aarhus to warrant any bit of worry. You can walk safely at night and never worry about crowded areas or unlit alleys or streets, but you can always take a taxi, if you don't feel comfortable. However, be wary of petty crime by taking precautions mentioned in the safety section above.

Day 7

 

Cultural Day In Aarhus

Today after breakfast, try to absorb as much Danish culture as possible. Aarhus is an excellent location for this. Begin by visiting a modern art museum. They feature five floors of modern art. If this isn’t for you, their rainbow perspective is definitely for everyone.

Following that, if you’re interested in historical Denmark, go to Den Gamle by – it’s a museum neighborhood created to show you how Danes lived 200 years ago. And you can discover anything here, from how farms used to function to fisheries, and so on. As an added treat, there is a poster museum here. This is especially fun if you enjoy vintage posters.

The local botanic gardens should be the day’s final highlight. Massive chambers filled with flowers from many continents are free to tour, and at some point, you will arrive at a location where there will be not only tropical flowers, but also butterflies all around you.

From Aarhus, you can take a ferry to Copenhagen and either explore the city or grab a flight elsewhere.

Day 8

 

Copenhagen!

Begin your journey by seeing some of Copenhagen’s most famous attractions and landmarks.

First, visit the magnificently beautiful Nyhavn, a port surrounded by colorful charming cottages and ancient sailing vessels. Whether you merely want to take photographs of the buildings, eat at one of the numerous quayside eateries, or wander along the harbor, Nyhavn is a must-see when visiting Copenhagen.

Then, pay a visit to Amalienborg Palace, the Danish royal family’s residence. The palace is made up of four similar structures connected by a huge courtyard in the center. Make your way to the central courtyard at midday to see the changing of the Royal Guard. Visit the Amalienborg Museum to witness the rococo-style interior of the palace.

Then, proceed to Frederik’s Church, commonly known as the Marble Church, which is located immediately adjacent to Amalienborg Palace. This stunning cathedral stands out from the Copenhagen skyline with its large green dome and can be seen from many locations of the city. Nothing will prevent you from having a brief glance inside the church because admission is free.

The Gefion Fountain, a big and spectacular landmark created in 1908, is a short walk away. The fountain, which is topped by a monument of the Norse goddess Gefion, illustrates a fabled narrative about the creation of Zealand, the island on which Copenhagen is located.

The Little Mermaid, a bronze monument based on the world-famous fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, is just a short walk from the fountain. When you visit the famed statue, you might find it a little disappointed because it’s smaller than most tourists expect. Nonetheless, you should pay a visit to The Little Mermaid, which is one of Copenhagen’s most famous sights and is frequently regarded as the country’s icon. Furthermore, the waterfront promenade leading to the monument is a nice spot to walk and provides excellent views of the canal.

  • Backpacker: 
  • Budget: 
  • Mid-range: 
  • Luxury: 

When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is no reason to be alarmed about walking home alone in the dark as there is not enough crime recorded in Copenhagen to warrant any bit of worry. You can walk safely at night and never worry about crowded areas or unlit alleys or streets, but you can always take a taxi, if you don't feel comfortable. However, be wary of petty crime by taking precautions mentioned in the safety section above.

Day 9

 

Last Day

Begin the second day with a stroll around Copenhagen’s oldest park, the King’s Garden. The park has extensive lawns, flower beds, and a rose garden, making it an appealing spot to visit in the spring and summer. Rosenborg Castle, which houses the crown jewels of Danish royalty, is also located in King’s Garden.

Next, visit Torvehallerne, a bustling food market with two contemporary glass halls filled with innumerable kiosks selling high-quality fresh fruit, pastries, chocolates, liquor, fish, nuts, cheeses, and a variety of other delights. Apart from the market kiosks, there are other restaurants and cafeterias providing everything from tapas to oatmeal, sushi to pizza, and the traditional Danish open sandwiches known as smørrebrød. If you enjoy eating this is a foodie paradise.

After enjoying food at Torvehallerne, stroll through Copenhagen’s lively pedestrian streets. Strøget is the longest and most well-known, although Købmagergade and Fiolstraede are also worth a look. These streets are dotted with cafes, pubs, and stores that offer both foreign and local products. Make a stop in Amagertorv plaza, a great area to people-watch and listen to street performances.

Finish your day by getting ready to leave to the airport and go back home. We hope you enjoyed your trip in Denmark and that this Denmark itinerary and guide was helpful. Let us know how your trip was.

The Most Popular Food in Denmark

The earliest major influences were North Germanic dialects in the Middle Ages, and subsequently French, English, Latin, and Greek altered and even molded the Danish language as we know it today. The cuisine is mostly based on peasant foods provided throughout the country before to the Industrial Revolution in 1860. Danish cuisine is recognized for its freshness and use of local ingredients. For breakfast or lunch, open-faced sandwiches are particularly popular with Danes, and meat and shellfish are popular supper options.

Smørrebrød

If there is one thing that Denmark is known for, it is open-faced sandwiches. A smørrebrd is usually made with buttered rye bread and topped with a variety of meats, cheeses, and garnishes. This phrase is translated as “bread and butter” in English.

Polsevogn

This is the name of a popular hot dog stand located in Copenhagen. You can order a riset hotdog on a bun with pickles, crispy onions, and traditional condiments like ketchup and mustard. These are similar to American hot dogs, but considerably longer. You may also request a franskdog, which is a hollowed-out baguette packed with a hotdog and sweet mayo.

 

Frikadeller

Pan-fried Danish meatballs prepared from ground beef. While they may be seen in many other nations, the Danes are believed to be the greatest at it. The beef is seasoned with salt and pepper and blended with onions, eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. This dish is available at many restaurants and food booths.

Brændende Kærlighed

Braendende Kaerlighed (Burning Love) is a traditional Danish dish that dates back nearly 200 years. It requires only three ingredients: mashed potatoes, sliced onions, and cooked bacon. People nowadays garnish it with dill, parsley, or even sliced beets. If you’re pressed for time, you may get a ready-made burning love at your local Danish grocery.

Hønsekødssuppe

The name Hønsekødssuppe is misleading because it literally translates to “chicken soup.” The recipe, however, does not include any poultry pieces. Danes boil a whole chicken to make a tasty broth soup. The frikadeller and dumplings can then be added. Surprisingly, poultry accounts for 28% of their meat intake. As a result, there aren’t many traditional Danish meals based on chicken.

What's the Travel Budget for Denmark?

Final Thoughts on Denmark

With diverse relics of its turbulent past and rich Viking heritage, breathtaking and unique landmarks – great hospitality, exciting festivals, and picture-perfect national parks, beaches, and antique towns, Denmark has a refined and deep heritage that can be seen across the country dating back to 10,000 BC. A fantastic option for anyone seeking one of the best European holiday locations nestled in Northern Europe. Denmark is breathtakingly beautiful, with magnificent national treasures, flora and fauna, and spectacular scenery. Would you visit Denmark?

Have you ever been to Denmark? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments area below.

Tags: Trekking Cruisit Cruise it Ultimate Guide Cruising Ultimate travel guide Cruzit World Cruiseit Nature Mountains Backpacking UNESCO Heritage Sites Wildlife

Cruisit Team

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

© 2022, Cruisit. All rights reserved

error: Content is protected!!