Meet Denmark
The unique guide
Artistic, unique cities with a vibrant atmosphere
Denmark is home to a wide variety of cities that inspire creativity in all who visit it. The cultural heart of Denmark, without a doubt is Copenhagen, with history revealing itself around every corner, blended in with the modern, progressive atmosphere. An old, ornate building may house a trendy art gallery, and it all blends seamlessly together in the nation’s capital. While most people think of Copenhagen when they think of Denmark, there is so much more to the Nordic country waiting to be explored, such as Ribe, one of the country’s oldest towns known for its rich Viking heritage, boasting immersive experiences into this mysterious, unique time in history. Up North, you’ll find the lively Aalborg, known for its stunning waterfront. The modern urban environment attracts visitors from far and wide for its Aalborg Carnival, an extravaganza that takes over the medieval streets with colourful costumes and celebrations. But it doesn’t end there! Aarhus, the second-largest Danish city is a youthful city due to its status as a university city, housing impressive collections of contemporary art, and annually hosting the Aarhus Festive, a cultural festival (one of the largest in Europe!) known for its a wide array of artistic performances, music, and theatre.
Mind-blowing natural scenery
Denmark is often overlooked in regards to its natural beauty, possibly because there aren’t any towering mountains or vast wilderness, but its flat terrain along the 7,3000 kilometres of coastline has its own unique charm, and is mesmerising, untouched nature. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wadden Sea is home to vast mudflats, which thousands of migratory birds call their home annually. Along the coast, the town of Skagen is known for its unique light source, as the sun illuminates it in an indescribable way, long being a source of inspiration for Danish artists. One of the most incredible natural phenomena in Denmark is the ‘drowned forests’. The ancient forests are visible during low tide, near the town of Mandø. This unique feature is a captivating look into Danish geological history, and is one of the most unique experiences if you’re lucky to catch it. Heading to the inland of the Danish countryside you’ll find small, adorable villages surrounded by enchanting forests and large green fields. With pristine bike paths through the countryside, take some time to appreciate its beauty with the wind in your hair, exploring the landscapes at your own leisurely pace.
Mouthwatering takes on Danish cuisine
Denmark’s culinary scene is overlooked compared to other European nations, but the delectable fusion between traditional flavours and modern, innovative gastronomic techniques have made a rich culinary scene in the country. Denmark boasts a total of 39 Michelin Starred restaurants, with one in particular named Noma being named the best restaurant in the world 5 separate times! This wave of modern fusion is changing the culinary scene in the Nordic country day by day. Traditional Danish food is not to be missed, however. Taste the iconic Smørrebrød, the open-faced sandwich bursting with flavours with different toppings on bread, which also happen to be incredibly photogenic! You can’t miss out on the famous Danish pastry, or ‘Wienerbrød’, flaky, buttery pastries that come in a variety of different shapes and fillings. Devour the freshly baked pastries with a cup of coffee, a cultural must-do. Other hearty dishes are comforting and delicious, a cuisine filled with satisfying, flavorful, and criminally underrated dishes.
Wander and wonder
Ready-made itineraries for your Danish adventure
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Read up on the best Denmark has to offer
Meet Denmark
Denmark has frequently been renowned as one of the World’s happiest countries, and it takes a visit to the stunning haven to fully understand what makes it such an amazing and joyful place to be. Without a doubt, Denmark embraces a lifestyle that prioritises well-being and quality of life, with an emphasis on equality and social justice. The bright vibe is noticeable when strolling through the streets, making it a joyful atmosphere to surround yourself in.
One of the most prominent aspects of Danish culture is the concept of hygge, which embraces the little things in life, and encourages cherishing the mundane moments that make a person happy. It could be as simple as going for a walk with a loved one and sharing a meaningful conversation, or enjoying a coffee alongside a Danish pastry like an apple turnover in a cosy cafe. Hygge isn’t about what you do, it is about if what you’re doing fills you with joy, and is a beautiful concept to try out while you’re in Denmark.
Of course, the haven of happiness is only further enhanced by its breathtaking cultural sites, boasting remarkable cultural and natural wonders with seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and five national parks. Beautiful architectural sites like majestic palaces in the old town of the Danish capital of Copenhagen and beautiful coastal landscapes home to a diverse array of flora and fauna make for an inspiring visit to the Scandinavian nation.
The two major geographical regions of Denmark are:
Jutland
North Jutlandic Island
The administrative regions of Denmark are divided into 5:
Region Hovedstaden
Region Midjtylland
Region Nordjylland
Region Sjælland
Region Syddanmark
Of great artists and minds
The Scandinavian country takes great pride in their greatest artists, and throughout the country you’ll be greeted with sites that appreciate their work, such as The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, an everlasting reminder of the iconic Hans Christian Anderson, a storyteller who shaped Danish culture with his fairy tales that transcended time such as The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, The Princess and the Pea, amongst other many famous ones. Although quite different writing than Hans Christian Andersen, Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard produced extremely significant writings in the genre of philosophy, exploring the depths of human existence and existential thought. His works continue to influence philosophers and writers today.
Denmark has also produced numerous of celebrated artists such as Vilhelm Hammershøi, one of Denmark’s most significant painters who played around with subtle colour schemes, P.S Krøyer who painted bright landscapes around Denmark, creating masterpieces like the “Summer Evening on Skagen’s South Beach”, a coastal town lit up by stunning nature that started a wave of artwork based off this beautiful town, and the controversial Asger Jorn, who pushed traditional boundaries using abstract techniques, bold colours, and explored complicated themes such as unconsciousness.
Nowadays, new artists and architects are constantly emerging and changing the artistic landscape of the Nordic country. Cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus are known for their eclectic arts scenes, with modern galleries showcasing up-and-coming artists, and innovative designers architecting new, sleek buildings throughout town, as well as minimalist fashion and interior design shops incorporating Scandinavian styles characterised by its simplicity and practicality. Whether you’re interested in the new, modern craftsmanship that is spreading throughout the country or the important writers and artists of the past, Denmark's art scene is vibrant, hip, and historic all at once.
Cultural Catch-up
Denmark proudly embraces its unique cultural landscape, celebrating and embracing its indigenous people and its immigration waves. Most of the country’s population is Danish, and the distinctive Scandinavian culture is celebrated in the nation’s museums like the National Gallery of Denmark which features Danish artists' best works. Danish people are known for their open-mindedness and accepting nature, which can be seen in various neighbourhoods throughout the country such as Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen, an unconventional neighbourhood that is a long-established self-governing community, known for its openness and artistic vibe.
In Denmark, there is also a recognized indigenous population that calls the nation its home, being recognized as a minority in the country known as the Greenlandic Inuit. Representations of this unique culture are preserved in traditional arts and crafts like soapstone carving and beadwork, and the Greenlandic language is supported through music and dance. Denmark helps with conservation efforts of the culture, and introduces a wider audience to these intricate traditions.
Nowadays, Danish society has become extremely multicultural, especially in major cities like Copenhagen. Trendy neighbourhoods like Norrebrø pay homage to the variety of cultures that come together in Danish society such as in Superkilen Park, an atmosphere curated to incorporate worldwide designs and items from various countries around the world such as Brazil, Japan, Iraq, Spain, and many more! This is just one example of what a cultural hub the Scandinavian country has become, but exploring cities and seeing the variety of Ethnic restaurants, shops, and communities only proves further what a diverse atmosphere Denmark has to offer.
When to visit
Denmark is a great place to visit year-round, although the winter months can be very snowy and rainy. For optimal weather with calm temperatures and partly-cloudy conditions, come to Denmark during the summertime!
Essentials
Languages 101
Danish is a Nordic language spoken by around 94 percent of the country's population, with around 5.5 million people speaking it as their first language. The language has high levels of intelligibility with Swedish and Norwegian, although each speaker is different in how much they can understand.
Essential Danish Phrases
86 percent of Denmark speaks English, so it's likely you’ll be able to get around the country fine with just English. However, you never know when you may need some Danish phrases. Here are the essentials to get you through your trip.
Transport
Getting There
There are 4 international airports in Denmark, the biggest and busiest being Copenhagen Airport which offers flights to and from 50 different countries worldwide. The other international airports are the Billund Airport, the Aalborg Airport, and the Aarhus Airport.
Denmark is connected to Sweden and Germany by train. Most major Swedish cities offer trains to Denmark.
Getting to Denmark via bus is one of the most affordable and easiest options.
Getting Around
In Denmark people drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left. In order to drive in Denmark, visitors must be 18 years old with a valid driver’s licence. If renting a car, rental car companies in Denmark require a minimum age of 19 and have held a driver’s licence for at least a year. A surcharge will need to be paid by anyone renting a car under the age of 25.
Trains and buses interconnect Danish cities and towns, and are an easy and convenient way to get around the country. Major cities also have great forms of public transportation, with the capital of Copenhagen having a metro system as well.
Denmark’s cities are extremely walkable, and going on foot is often the most convenient way to explore them. Use our map to find out what’s near you, or combine it with the bus or metro for a hassle-free day out.
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