Smart Self-Managed Tours

Country guide

Denmark

A photograph of Denmark
Photograph · Moahim · CC BY-SA 4.0

Denmark is the southernmost of the Scandinavian countries: the northern Jutland peninsula, which shares a short land border with Germany, plus an archipelago of 406 islands lying between the North Sea and the Baltic. Its population passed 6 million in May 2025, and roughly 40 per cent of that lives on Zealand alone — the largest island, and the one carrying Copenhagen. The land is flat and mostly arable, low, with sandy coasts, so a Danish route is measured in water crossings rather than in altitude. Beyond continental Denmark, the Kingdom also includes the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

Cities

Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.

Practical information

Language spoken
Danish
National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
Dialling code
+45
International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
Currency
Danish krone (DKK)
Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
Emergency number
112
Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
Plug type
Type C, E, F and K · 230 V
Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
Tap water
Safe from the mains
Public drinking water is monitored by Danish authorities

Planning a visit

  1. January: seasonal closure recorded
  2. February: seasonal closure recorded
  3. March: seasonal closure recorded
  4. April: seasonal closure recorded
  5. May: seasonal closure recorded
  6. June: seasonal closure recorded
  7. July: seasonal closure recorded
  8. August: seasonal closure recorded — this month
  9. September: seasonal closure recorded
  10. October: no seasonality data recorded
  11. November: no seasonality data recorded
  12. December: seasonal closure recorded

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

  1. The Little Mermaid The Little Mermaid
    02 20 min

    The Little Mermaid

    Den lille Havfrue is a bronze figure of a mermaid half-turned into a woman, set on a granite boulder in the water at the edge of the Langelinie promenade.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  2. Christiansborg Palace Christiansborg Palace
    03 45 min

    Christiansborg Palace

    Christiansborg Palace, locally known as Christiansborg Slot, stands on Slotsholmen island in central Copenhagen.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  3. Rundetaarn Rundetaarn
    04 1 hour

    Rundetaarn

    Rundetaarn, the Round Tower, is a seventeenth-century observatory tower on Købmagergade in the medieval core of Copenhagen, and the thing that makes it unusual is that it has no staircase for most of its height.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  4. Freetown Christiania Freetown Christiania
    05 45 min

    Freetown Christiania

    Freetown Christiania is an autonomous district in Copenhagen, Denmark, established in 1971 when squatters occupied former military barracks. The area operates under collective self-governance and has developed a distinctive countercultural identity.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  5. Church of Our Saviour Church of Our Saviour
    06 45 min

    Church of Our Saviour

    The Church of Our Saviour, known locally as Vor Frelsers Kirke, stands as a prominent baroque church in Copenhagen. Its most distinctive feature is an external corkscrew spire with an external winding staircase that visitors can climb.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  6. Royal Danish Theatre Royal Danish Theatre
    07 1 hour

    Royal Danish Theatre

    The Royal Danish Theatre, known locally as Det Kongelige Teater, stands as Denmark's national theatre and a prominent performing arts institution in Copenhagen. Founded in 1748, it serves as the country's principal venue for opera, ballet, and spoken drama.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  7. Amager Strandpark Amager Strandpark
    08 1 hour

    Amager Strandpark

    Amager Strandpark is a coastal park and beach area on the island of Amager in Copenhagen, Denmark. The park features an artificial lagoon and sandy beach, created as part of a major land reclamation project.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Copenhagen
  8. Kastellet Kastellet
    09 45 min

    Kastellet

    Kastellet is one of the best-preserved star fortresses in Northern Europe, located in Copenhagen near the Langelinie promenade.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  9. Grundtvig's Church Grundtvig's Church
    10 30 min

    Grundtvig's Church

    Grundtvig's Church, known locally as Grundtvigs Kirke, stands as a prominent landmark in Copenhagen. This distinctive building is celebrated for its striking architectural design that merges traditional Danish church aesthetics with expressionist elements.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Copenhagen
  10. Copenhagen Opera House Copenhagen Opera House
    11 1 hour

    Copenhagen Opera House

    The Copenhagen Opera House, known locally as Operaen, is a prominent performing arts venue situated on Holmen island in central Copenhagen. It stands as one of Denmark's most significant cultural institutions, dedicated to opera and ballet performances.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  11. Frederiksberg Park Frederiksberg Park
    12 1 hour

    Frederiksberg Park

    Frederiksberg Have is a historic landscape garden in Frederiksberg, an independent municipality enclosed by Copenhagen. The park was originally laid out in the early 18th century as a Baroque garden for Frederiksberg Palace.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Copenhagen
  12. Botanisk Have Botanisk Have
    13 1 hour

    Botanisk Have

    Copenhagen Botanical Garden is the living plant collection of the Natural History Museum Denmark in the centre of Copenhagen.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Copenhagen
  13. Marmorkirken Marmorkirken
    14 1 hour

    Marmorkirken

    Frederik's Church, known locally as Marmorkirken, stands as a prominent Rococo church in Copenhagen. Its distinctive marble dome dominates the skyline of the Frederiksstaden district.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Copenhagen
  14. Copenhagen Zoo Tower Copenhagen Zoo Tower
    15 20 min

    Copenhagen Zoo Tower

    Copenhagen Zoo Tower, known locally as Zootårnet, is an observation tower situated within Copenhagen Zoo in Frederiksberg.

    • Must see
    • Viewpoint
    • Copenhagen
  15. Holmen Church Holmen Church
    16 45 min

    Holmen Church

    Holmens Kirke is a historic church located in central Copenhagen, Denmark. The church occupies a prominent position in the Holmen district, an area with strong naval and maritime associations.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  16. Børsen Børsen
    17 45 min

    Børsen

    Børsen is a historic former stock exchange building in central Copenhagen, Denmark. Constructed in the Dutch Renaissance style during the 17th century, it served as Denmark's central commercial hub for centuries.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  17. Citadel Church Citadel Church
    18 30 min

    Citadel Church

    Kastelskirken, known in English as Citadel Church, stands within Kastellet, one of Europe's best-preserved star fortresses. This octagonal church serves the military garrison and the public.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Copenhagen
  18. Copenhagen University Library Copenhagen University Library
    19 45 min

    Copenhagen University Library

    Copenhagen University Library on Fiolstræde is the main library facility serving the University of Copenhagen. The building stands in the historic Latin Quarter of central Copenhagen, an area long associated with academic life in Denmark.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  19. Pantomimeteatret Pantomimeteatret
    20 1 hour

    Pantomimeteatret

    Pantomimeteatret is a historic theatre located in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen's famous amusement park. Established in the nineteenth century, this distinctive venue specialises in traditional Italian commedia dell'arte performances, particularly the Harlequin and Columbine pantomime tradition.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  20. Rosenborg Castle Gardens Rosenborg Castle Gardens
    21 1 hour

    Rosenborg Castle Gardens

    Rosenborg Castle Gardens, known locally as Kongens Have, is a historic public park in central Copenhagen. Established in the early 17th century as the private gardens of King Christian IV's Rosenborg Castle, it represents the oldest royal garden in Denmark.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Copenhagen
  21. Frederiksberg Palace Frederiksberg Palace
    22 45 min

    Frederiksberg Palace

    Frederiksberg Palace is a Baroque residence situated in Frederiksberg, adjacent to Copenhagen. Constructed in the early eighteenth century, it served as a royal summer palace and remains an emblem of Danish architectural heritage.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  22. Trinitatis Church Trinitatis Church
    23 30 min

    Trinitatis Church

    Trinitatis Church, known locally as Trinitatis Kirke, stands as a historic place of worship in Copenhagen. The church forms part of a distinctive complex that includes the Round Tower, creating a notable architectural ensemble in the city centre.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Copenhagen
  23. North Atlantic House North Atlantic House
    24 45 min

    North Atlantic House

    North Atlantic House, known locally as Nordatlantens Brygge, is a cultural centre on Copenhagen's harbourfront. The building occupies a converted warehouse in the Christianshavn district, part of the revitalised harbour area.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  24. Koncerthuset Koncerthuset
    25 1 hour

    Koncerthuset

    DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's premier concert hall, serving as the home of the Danish National Symphony Orchestra. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the building opened in 2009 as part of the Ørestad development.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  25. Fælledparken Fælledparken
    26 1 hour

    Fælledparken

    Fælledparken is a major public park in Copenhagen, Denmark. It ranks among the largest urban green spaces in the city and serves as a significant recreational area for residents and visitors.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Copenhagen
  26. Christian's Church Christian's Church
    27 30 min

    Christian's Church

    Christians Kirke, locally known as Christians Kirke, is a historic church building in Copenhagen. The structure stands as a notable architectural landmark within the Danish capital.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Copenhagen
  27. Trekroner Fort Trekroner Fort
    28 45 min

    Trekroner Fort

    Trekroner is a sea fort located at the entrance to Copenhagen harbour. The fortification sits on an artificial island near the northern tip of Refshaleøen.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  28. University of Copenhagen Botanical Garden University of Copenhagen Botanical Garden
    29 45 min

    University of Copenhagen Botanical Garden

    The University of Copenhagen Botanical Garden, known locally as Botanisk Have, is a botanical garden and research facility affiliated with the University of Copenhagen. Established in 1874, it occupies a central location in the city.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  29. Det Ny Theater Det Ny Theater
    30 1 hour

    Det Ny Theater

    Det Ny Teater is a historic theatre located in Copenhagen, Denmark. Its local name, Det Ny Teater, reflects its Danish cultural identity. The venue functions as a performing arts institution within the city's cultural landscape.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  30. Ørstedsparken Ørstedsparken
    31 1 hour

    Ørstedsparken

    Ørstedsparken is a public park in central Copenhagen, Denmark. Named after the physicist Hans Christian Ørsted, it occupies a green space in the city centre near Nørreport Station.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Copenhagen
  31. Frederik's Church Frederik's Church
    32 45 min

    Frederik's Church

    Frederik's Church, known locally as Marmorkirken, stands as one of Copenhagen's most distinctive landmarks. The church features an imposing green copper dome that dominates the city skyline.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  32. St. Ansgar's Cathedral St. Ansgar's Cathedral
    33 30 min

    St. Ansgar's Cathedral

    St. Ansgar's Cathedral, known locally as Sankt Ansgars Kirke, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Copenhagen. It serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Copenhagen and holds significant religious importance for the Catholic community in Denmark.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Copenhagen
  33. Strøget Strøget
    34 45 min

    Strøget

    Strøget is Copenhagen's principal pedestrian shopping street, one of the longest of its kind in Europe. The street stretches through the historic city centre, connecting City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  34. Brumleby
    35 45 min

    Brumleby

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  35. Circus Building Circus Building
    36 1 hour

    Circus Building

    The Circus Building, known locally as Cirkusbygningen, is a historic performance venue in Copenhagen. Constructed in the late 19th century, it was originally built to host circus performances and equestrian shows.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  36. Jarmers Tower
    37 45 min

    Jarmers Tower

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  37. Østre Anlæg Østre Anlæg
    39 1 hour

    Østre Anlæg

    Østre Anlæg is a public park in Copenhagen, Denmark, forming part of the city's historic fortification ring. The green space lies adjacent to the Statens Museum for Kunst and connects to other parkland along the former ramparts.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Copenhagen
  38. Church of Our Lady Church of Our Lady
    40 45 min

    Church of Our Lady

    Vor Frue Kirke, known in English as the Church of Our Lady, stands as Copenhagen's cathedral and serves as the National Cathedral of Denmark.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  39. Church of the Free Port Church of the Free Port
    42 30 min

    Church of the Free Port

    The Church of the Free Port, known locally as Frihavnskirken, is a place of worship in Copenhagen. It serves the Free Port district, an area historically associated with maritime commerce and industrial activity.

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • Copenhagen
  40. Kongens Nytorv Kongens Nytorv
    43 45 min

    Kongens Nytorv

    Kongens Nytorv is Copenhagen's largest public square, situated at the heart of the Danish capital.

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  41. Mogens Dahl Concert Hall Mogens Dahl Concert Hall
    47 1 hour

    Mogens Dahl Concert Hall

    Mogens Dahl Concert Hall is a dedicated concert venue in Copenhagen, known locally as Mogens Dahl Koncertsal. The hall serves as a performance space for classical and chamber music, positioned within the city's cultural infrastructure.

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  42. Amagertorv
    48 45 min

    Amagertorv

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  43. Utterslev Mose Utterslev Mose
    50 1 hour

    Utterslev Mose

    Utterslev Mose is a large wetland and nature area located in the northern part of Copenhagen, Denmark. It represents one of the significant green spaces within the urban environment of the Danish capital.

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Copenhagen
  44. Valhøj
    54 45 min

    Valhøj

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  45. Copenhagen City Hall Copenhagen City Hall
    56 45 min

    Copenhagen City Hall

    Copenhagen City Hall, known locally as Københavns Rådhus, stands as the seat of Copenhagen's municipal council and the lord mayor's office. The building represents a prominent example of National Romantic style architecture with elements of medieval Danish design.

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  46. Noma
    59 1 hour

    Noma

    • High
    • Restaurant or café
    • Copenhagen
  47. St. Peter's Church St. Peter's Church
    60 30 min

    St. Peter's Church

    Sankt Petri Kirke, known in English as St. Peter's Church, stands as Copenhagen's oldest surviving church building. Located in the Latin Quarter near the University of Copenhagen, this Lutheran parish church traces its origins to the fifteenth century.

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • Copenhagen
  48. City Hall Square City Hall Square
    62 45 min

    City Hall Square

    Rådhuspladsen, known in English as City Hall Square, is a major public square in central Copenhagen. It serves as a prominent gathering point and transportation hub in the Danish capital.

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  49. Folketeatret
    63 1 hour

    Folketeatret

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  50. Royal Danish Playhouse Royal Danish Playhouse
    65 1 hour

    Royal Danish Playhouse

    The Royal Danish Playhouse, known locally as Skuespilhuset, is a prominent performing arts venue in Copenhagen. It serves as the national stage for dramatic theatre in Denmark and stands as a significant cultural institution on the city's waterfront.

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  51. Carlstad
    71 45 min

    Carlstad

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  52. Mastekranen
    74 45 min

    Mastekranen

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  53. Churchillparken Churchillparken
    78 1 hour

    Churchillparken

    Churchillparken is a public park in Copenhagen, Denmark, situated in the Østerbro district near Kastellet and the Little Mermaid statue. The park is named after Sir Winston Churchill, the former British Prime Minister.

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Copenhagen
  54. Valby Park
    87 1 hour

    Valby Park

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Copenhagen
  55. HDMS Sehested HDMS Sehested
    88 45 min

    HDMS Sehested

    HDMS Sehested, known locally as P547 Sehested, is a retired Royal Danish Navy vessel preserved as a museum ship. The fast attack craft represents Cold War-era naval technology and Danish maritime defense heritage.

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  56. Druknestenen
    90 45 min

    Druknestenen

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  57. Steno
    96 45 min

    Steno

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  58. Absalon
    97 1 hour

    Absalon

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  59. Bellahøj
    99 45 min

    Bellahøj

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen
  60. Bellahøj
    100 45 min

    Bellahøj

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Copenhagen

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

Common questions

How long should a first trip to Denmark be?

Five to seven days allows three or four days in Copenhagen and time for one rail-linked extension such as Odense, Aarhus or North Zealand. Adding Jutland and several islands requires extra nights rather than longer day trips.

What entry documents are needed for Denmark?

Denmark’s New to Denmark portal is the official short-stay visa reference. Check the passport-specific rule and Schengen conditions there, including which country is responsible for an application on a multi-country trip.

What is the best way to travel around Denmark?

Copenhagen Airport has direct metro and rail connections. Intercity trains link Copenhagen, Odense, Aarhus and Aalborg, while Rejseplanen combines train, bus and ferry options even when fares remain operator-specific.

When is a practical time to visit Denmark?

May through August provides Denmark’s longest days and the broadest seasonal opening pattern. Coastal weather can still change quickly, and island ferry frequency should be checked outside the main summer period.

What money and payment basics apply in Denmark?

Denmark prices goods in Danish kroner (DKK), not euros. Payment conditions are not recorded here; keep an alternative available for any terminal or small operator that does not accept the preferred card.

What practical safety details should I save for Denmark?

Use 112 for emergencies in Denmark. The supply is 230 V across Type C, E, F and K sockets, and mains tap water is recorded as safe.