HomeTravel Guides

Denmark

From the effortlessly cool capital of Copenhagen—known for its forward-thinking design and yes, ample supply of cardamom buns—to more relaxed and bucolic getaways outside this Nordic country’s city centers, Denmark is a destination sure to delight travelers of all walks of life.

Denmark ranked second in the 2023 World Happiness report.

Adrian Cuj/Unsplash

Overview

Practical Information

Denmark is a Nordic country bordering Germany and Sweden. Although Danish is the national language, English is spoken widely. Copenhagen is the capital and one of the most popular places to visit in Denmark, though it’s worth getting outside of the city and visiting other areas of the country—such as West Denmark—as well.

Related Guides
  1. peter-lloyd-yGFdovJATMc-unsplash.jpg
    Copenhagen
    May 23, 2018 03:07 PM
     · 
    Alex Berger
Read Before You Go
Panoramic view of Stroget street in Copenhagen, Denmark
Style + Design
Love Danish Design? Bring These Souvenirs Home From Copenhagen
Our senior gear editor and lover of all things Denmark weighs in on the best souvenirs.
February 10, 2023 03:28 PM
 · 
Lyndsey Matthews
greenhouses at Noma restaurant in Copenhagen
Trending News
Copenhagen’s Famed Noma Restaurant Is Shutting Down
January 09, 2023 12:15 PM
 · 
Associated Press (AP)
Bornholm-Oliver Foerstner-Shutterstock.jpg
Travel for Good
This Under-the-Radar Danish Island Offers a Peaceful—and Increasingly Sustainable—Retreat
November 15, 2022 04:55 PM
 · 
Mary Holland
Ski expertise isn't needed to appreciate Japan in the snow.
Travel Inspiration
Have Parka, Will Travel: 6 Places That Shine During the Winter
October 05, 2022 11:52 PM
 · 
Chloe Arrojado
UNESCO Lists Viking-Era Wooden Sailboats on Heritage List
UNESCO World Heritage
UNESCO Lists Viking-Era Wooden Sailboats on Heritage List
January 24, 2022 03:47 PM
 · 
James Brooks
Hotels
Exterior of Villa Canada
Stay Here Next
Copenhagen’s Former Canadian Embassy Is Now a Luxurious Villa Rental
This 1918 mansion in the Danish capital’s posh Østerbro neighborhood has been given new life as a private villa with seven bedrooms and bespoke amenities.
May 11, 2023 11:33 AM
 · 
Lyndsey Matthews
Resources to help plan your trip
Cities We Love
A Short, Sweet Guide to Copenhagen’s Natural Wine Scene
You don’t have to be a natural wine nerd—or even know what natural wine is—to find a wine bar in Copenhagen that will suit your tastes or budget.
December 02, 2021 03:54 PM
 · 
Lisa Abend
Cities We Love
Sunday Funday: A Perfect Day in Copenhagen
Three locals on how to make the most of 24 hours in this cosmopolitan Scandinavian capital city.
December 02, 2021 03:54 PM
 · 
Mary Holland
Cities We Love
8 Essential Tours to Book in Copenhagen
This city is practically made for touring, whether you want to pedal, paddle, or stroll.
December 02, 2021 03:54 PM
 · 
Mary Holland
In the Magazine
As Copenhagen Expands Rapidly, Its Future Is in Its Outskirts
The green city is expanding rapidly—go now to explore its gritty, evolving liminal spaces.
December 01, 2021 02:30 PM
 · 
Lisa Abend
Art + Culture
Inside the Fantastical New Hans Christian Andersen Museum in Denmark
Talking top hats, “Lemony Snicket”–style banter, a Little Mermaid room: Imagination runs wild in Odense.
July 14, 2021 05:03 PM
 · 
Mary Holland
Books
Whimsical New Museum Will Bring Hans Christian Andersen’s Imagination to Life
The museum is being built at the birthplace of the mind behind “The Little Mermaid” and “The Ugly Duckling.”
February 16, 2021 03:48 PM
 · 
Tim Chester
Tips + News
Denmark to Develop Digital Passport Proving Vaccinations
The Nordic country would be among the first in the world to have a digital vaccine passport, which would help ease travel restrictions.
February 03, 2021 12:57 PM
 · 
Jan M. Olsen
The Best Hotels in Copenhagen
Any visit to Copenhagen will keep you busy and full—the Danish capital boasts 22 Michelin stars in 17 restaurants. Supplement feasting on Nordic cuisine with exploring the city’s modern architecture, like the Black Diamond, which has stunning views of the river. It’s an extension of the Royal Library and named for the black granite cladding and irregular angles. The Copenhagen Opera House is another landmark worth checking it: It’s one of the most modern (and expensive) opera houses in the world. The limestone structure is surrounded by canals, giving the impression that the building is situated on an island.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
AFAR Editors
Copenhagen’s Best Wine Bars
While you won’t find vineyards covering Denmark’s rolling countryside, you certainly will find exceptional wine bars throughout the city. These are a few favorites.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Alex Berger
The Perfect Day in Copenhagen
The perfect day in Copenhagen is easier to arrange than you may think. As a city famed for its work-life balance, an ideal day in Copenhagen mixes contemporary Danish lifestyle and historical city charm. Start by soaking in the sunshine of picture-perfect Nyhavn, visit Tivoli Gardens, hit the stylish boutiques to check out the famed Danish aesthetic, sip some famed Danish beer, then sample some unforgettable Copenhagen cuisine.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Alex Berger
What to Do: Your First Day in Copenhagen
Stroll through the city’s historic core, hop aboard a canal tour boat, and visit Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Alex Berger
Fine Dining in Copenhagen
Restaurants notable for their delicious food, dedication to service, location, ambience...
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Alex Berger
Load More
Sign up for our newsletter
Join more than a million of the world’s best travelers. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter.