Must-See Sites in Denmark

As Danish model Helena Christensen once said, “Denmark is like a secret little place with its own secret language.” But the secret may be getting out about this little Scandinavian gem, nestled in the North Sea between Germany, Norway and Sweden.

Visitors are pleasantly surprised with lush greenery, friendly locals and a family-friendly atmosphere to match the world’s top vacation destinations. Despite the small size, Denmark, where Danish is the national language, offers plenty to see and do.

The capital city, Copenhagen, is the most common stop for visitors. While it’s aggressively progressive and modern, the city is also steeped in history, making it a great place for the family to experience the local culture.

Denmark consists of several islands and a large portion of mainland. Thanks to this unique geography, there are numerous canals and waterways throughout the country. While in Copenhagen, be sure to take one of the canal tours as it is a great way to get a feel for the layout of the city and see some of the sites like the Little Mermaid Statue, an iconic statue of a mermaid lounging on a rock that sits just off the harbor.

Copenhagen. Photo: Scanrail | Dreamstime.com

Stromma Tours offers a one-hour guided canal tour where an informative guide points out many of the important sites like Amelionborg, the Danish royal family’s residence; the ultra-modern Copenhagen Opera House; and Nyhavn, a neighborhood of 17^th– and 18th-century buildings lining the canal. Known as the entertainment district, Nyhavn is famous for its colorful, multistoried buildings that house a variety of shops, bars and restaurants, as well as the impressive collection of historical ships that call the canal home.

Tivoli is a must-see for anyone visiting Copenhagen, especially families with children. This amusement park, the second-oldest in the world, has been operating since 1853. The park consists of fun rides, great food, live entertainment and beautifully designed gardens. The park is open until 11 p.m. during the summer months, which makes it a great way to spend an evening enjoying the attractions and the lighted gardens.

The Rosenborg Castle and Gardens are a wonderful place to explore the city’s history. This Renaissance castle from the 1600s is a great example of Denmark’s famous old-world architecture. In addition to the intricately designed building with its towering spires, the castle houses cherished pieces of art and the Danish crown jewels. The beautifully landscaped park surrounding the castle is a wonderful place to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air.

Kastellet should be on every visitor’s list as it is one of the most well-preserved fortresses in Europe. The star-shaped property is surrounded by a moat and is home to many historic buildings, including a traditional windmill and a church. Located within walking distance from the Little Mermaid Statue, this is another excellent way to enjoy the crisp, fresh air while exploring.

Spend some time wandering the pedestrian shopping district of Strøget in the heart of old town. This area is famous for its unique shops, live entertainment and great eateries. The distinct appearance of the area is characterized by the traditional buildings lining the cobblestone street.

If you have enough time to spend a day or two outside of the capital, then take the family to Billund, about a 3.5-hour drive from Copenhagen, where you will find the first Legoland. The Danish toy company’s flagship amusement park first opened its doors in 1968 and is the largest tourist attraction in the country outside of Copenhagen. Like its American counterparts, the park comes complete with a resort hotel to make it an ideal destination for a family.

Deer crossing the dirt road in Dyrehave, Denmark. Photo: Lillian Tveit | Dreamstime.com

Another great way to get out of the city and enjoy the beautiful countryside is by visiting the Dyrehaven Deer Park. Located just eight miles north of the city, this wilderness park is home to more than 2,000 deer as well as numerous birds, forests of ancient oak trees and several small lakes. There is even a former royal hunting lodge, Eremitageslottet (also known as Hermitage Castle), located on the grounds. Dyrehaven is a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of Denmark.

While Denmark is beautiful year-round, the best time to visit is during the summer months when the days are longest and the weather is warmest. Keep in mind, the country is far north so even during the summer months, the climate remains cool. Plan ahead and make sure everyone brings their jackets. Regardless of the weather, the whole family will enjoy the memories made in this beautiful little country.