Embark on an extraordinary family adventure in Denmark, where cultural wonders and natural beauty await at every turn. The journey begins in Copenhagen, a city that blends historical charm with vibrant modernity. Explore iconic landmarks like the Rundetaarn Tower, a symbol of the city’s rich history, and Nyhavn Harbor, where colorful facades are mirrored in the tranquil waters. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Christianshavn, and marvel at the spiral spire of Vor Frelsers Kirke Church, perhaps even climbing to the top for a breathtaking view.
Popular itinerary for a family trip to Denmark:
Next, step into the enchanting kingdom of Tivoli Gardens, a historic amusement park that has delighted generations. Admire contemporary art at the Louisiana Museum and explore the historic Kronborg Castle in Helsingør and the magnificent Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød, each bearing witness to Denmark’s royal heritage. Discover the cultural heritage of “Den Gamle By” in Aarhus and encounter tropical wildlife at Randers Regnskov.
A highlight of the journey will be a full day at LEGOLAND in Billund, and you’ll delve into the fascinating history of Danish railways at the Danmarks Jernbanemuseum in Roskilde. Step back in time to the Viking era at the Viking Ship Museum, before returning to Copenhagen, where you can explore the treasures of Denmark’s National Aquarium, inviting you to discover the mesmerizing world beneath the waves.
This 10-day tour covers approximately 620 miles, including ferry crossings.
Day 1: A Walking Tour of Copenhagen
On the first day in this wonderful city, begin at Copenhagen City Hall, a majestic symbol of the city’s civic pride. At City Hall Square, you’ll be greeted by the statue of the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, renowned for timeless tales like “The Ugly Duckling” and “The Little Mermaid,” whose sculpture you’ll see tomorrow. From City Hall Square, stroll along the bustling Frederiksberggade and Købmagergade Streets, known for their shops and boutiques, until you reach the historic Rundetaarn. This unique cylindrical tower boasts a rich history spanning centuries. Ascend to its summit to soak in panoramic views and explore any exhibitions on display.
After descending, return to Frederiksberggade and make your way to Nyhavn, the picturesque harbor adorned with vibrant facades and buzzing with life. Here, embark on a delightful canal tour aboard a boat, cruising through the city’s waterways. At the end of the voyage, cross the Inderhavnsbroen Bridge, connecting Nyhavn to the charming Christianshavn neighborhood. From the bridge, you can admire scenic views of the harbor and the city skyline. A brief stroll from the bridge brings you to one of Copenhagen’s iconic landmarks: Vor Frelsers Kirke. Climb the spiral staircase on its exterior for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. As you cross the canal once more, pay a visit to a museum housing thousands of exhibits chronicling Denmark’s history. Known as the Krigsmuseet, or War Museum, it boasts impressive displays tailored to visitors of all ages.
Spend the night in Copenhagen.
Day 2: Copenhagen
The majority of the day will be spent reveling in the delights of the iconic Tivoli Gardens. One of the world’s oldest and most charming amusement parks, Tivoli combines classic and contemporary attractions, and its scenic gardens, lively entertainment, and festive decorations, create a magical wonderland. With a family-friendly ambiance catering to visitors of all ages, Tivoli offers not only thrilling rides but also an array of culinary delights and captivating live performances.
It’s recommended to stay in the gardens until dusk and enjoy its variety of lights, dining options, and charming stalls scattered throughout.
Spend the night in Copenhagen.
Day 3: Copenhagen and Helsingor
Before leaving Copenhagen to head north, stop at the parking lot of “Den Lille Havfrue” – “The Little Mermaid,” the famous statue inspired by the legend of the writer Hans Christian Andersen. Located on a rock by the sea at the Langelinie promenade, the statue is one of the city’s icons. The promenade leads to the Gefionspringvandet fountain, depicting the Norse goddess Gefjun plowing with a group of oxen. Return to the parking lot and head along Routes 47E and 152 for about 25 miles until you reach the town of Humlebæk.
In Humlebæk, you’ll visit the Louisiana Museum, established in 1958. The museum is located on the shores of Øresund Sound, surrounded by well-kept gardens with panoramic views of the sea. Its outstanding collection of art, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia art, is renowned. The museum is a family-friendly experience that allows you to experience art in both indoor and outdoor spaces in a beautiful rural environment.
After touring the museum, return to Route 47E and head about 6 miles toward Kronborg Castle, also known as Elsinore Castle. This iconic fortress, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts striking Renaissance architecture. Its global renown stems from its association with William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet.” Constructed in the early 17th century, the castle served as an important stronghold overseeing the Baltic Sea’s entrance and levying taxes on passing vessels. Today, Kronborg Castle is a popular tourist destination, offering guided tours that unveil its storied past, grand halls, and breathtaking views of the sea.
After touring the town, head to the city of Helsingor to explore the narrow and picturesque streets of its unique old town.
Spend the night in Helsingor.
Day 4: From Helsingør to Frederiksborg Castle to Aarhus
Embark on Route 6 for about 15 miles until you reach the city of Hillerød, where you’ll visit Frederiksborg Castle – an impressive testament to Renaissance architecture and Danish history. Built in the early 17th century by King Christian IV, this castle is one of the most remarkable buildings in all of Scandinavia, boasting numerous towers, a surrounding lake, and the magnificent Neptune Fountain adorning its facade. The castle is home to the National History Museum, where you can journey through Denmark’s cultural and historical tapestry. The museum’s extensive collection includes paintings, sculptures, artifacts, and period rooms, providing insights into Denmark’s social, political, and artistic development. The castle chapel is a highlight of Renaissance design and has hosted significant royal events. The gardens, designed in the Baroque style, are adorned with lawns and sculptures that enhance the castle’s splendor.
After the tour, wander the streets of Hillerød and then continue on Route 16 for about 22 miles to the town of Hundested. Here, you’ll visit the unique home of the polar explorer Knud Rasmussen, built-in ancient Danish style, featuring intriguing exhibits of his inspiring early 20th-century Arctic expeditions. Knud Rasmussen was known for his studies of Greenland’s natives. From the gardens, take a short stroll to the old lighthouse.
Next, board a ferry to the town of Rørvig and continue on Route 21 for about 18 miles until you reach another ferry which will take you to the city of Aarhus.
Spend the night in Aarhus.
Day 5: From Aarhus to Randers to Billund
The historic town of Aarhus, also known as “Den Gamle By” in Danish, is an open-air museum established in 1909. It is one of the world’s first and largest open-air museums, dedicated to showcasing Denmark’s urban history and cultural legacy. Here, visitors can step back in time to explore a quaint Danish market town, complete with cobblestone streets, traditional timber-framed houses, and an array of authentic buildings spanning the 16th to the 19th centuries. Many of these buildings are accessible to visitors, offering the opportunity to wander through intriguing rooms furnished with objects, furniture, and utensils typical of their respective historical periods, providing a vivid insight into Danish life across the ages. Additionally, the museum presents exhibits featuring models of traditional crafts, offering further insight into the daily lives of past eras.
Following your visit to Aarhus, continue your journey on Route 45E for approximately 25 miles to the town of Randers, where you’ll explore the Randers Regnskov Tropical Zoo. This exceptional attraction offers the opportunity to immerse into diverse tropical environments, including rainforests, swamps, and mangrove forests. The zoo’s architecture features expansive glass domes and walkways adorned with lush flora, allowing visitors to observe and engage with a wide variety of plant and animal species up close. From playful monkeys to fascinating reptiles, colorful birds, and intriguing aquatic creatures, the zoo provides valuable insights into the rich biodiversity of tropical ecosystems.
After visiting the museum, continue along Routes 45E and 30 for about 78 miles to the town of Billund.
Spend the night in Billund.
Day 6: Billund (LEGOLAND)
The LEGOLAND Billund Resort invites you to enter a world of endless imagination and wonders built with LEGO bricks. This iconic amusement park ignites the magic of LEGO in every visitor. Set off on an adventure through Miniland, experience attractions like the “Dragon” roller coaster, and discover the heartwarming sites that showcase the creativity of young and old alike. LEGOLAND Billund is more than just an amusement park; it’s a celebration of the joys of building, filled with excitement and imagination. The place also features interactive exhibitions, live shows, and a water park.
Spend the night in Billund.
Day 7: From Billund to Odense to Roskilde
Travel on Routes 28, 176, and 20E for about 62 miles to Odense, the birthplace of the famous author Hans Christian Andersen. Visit the Danish Railway Museum, dedicated to preserving and showcasing Denmark’s rich railway history. Here, you’ll explore a diverse collection of vintage trains, carriages, and railway accessories, offering a broad overview of the development of the country’s rail transportation system. The museum’s exhibitions include technological advancements, historic train models, and the impact of railways on society. Interactive displays and well-preserved train carriages allow you to get up close to the golden age of train travel in Denmark. After the wonderful museum visit, explore the charming city of Odense and stroll past the picturesque childhood home of the famous author.
From Odense, continue on Routes 20E and 14 for about 80 miles to the city of Roskilde to spend the night.
Day 8: From Roskilde to Copenhagen
Roskilde is deeply intertwined with both the Viking Age and Danish royalty. Begin your morning with a visit to the Viking Ship Museum, renowned for its impressive collection of remarkably preserved Viking ships that once navigated the local waters around a millennium ago. This museum offers fascinating insights into the seafaring prowess of these ancient mariners, exploring maritime history from the Viking era, ship construction techniques, and Roskilde’s strategic significance as a Viking port. Witness the museum’s shipyard engaging in experimental archaeology, diligently reconstructing ships using traditional methods. After exploring the museum, take a guided harbor tour to observe the Viking ships within their authentic historical context.
Stroll through the quaint streets of Roskilde and step into the Roskilde Cathedral. This Gothic architectural masterpiece was built in the 12th and 13th centuries and has served as the traditional burial site of Danish monarchs since the 15th century. The cathedral, with its splendid and richly decorated façade in various styles, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Upon completing the city tour, head along Route 21 for about 22 miles to reach Copenhagen to spend the night.
Day 9: Copenhagen
On the final day of your adventure, make the most of your time by either completing visits to key sites or delving deeper into the treasures of this unique city. Additionally, take the opportunity to explore the National Aquarium Denmark, Den Blå Planet, a popular destination for ocean enthusiasts and the largest aquarium in Northern Europe. Its distinctive wave-shaped architecture sets the stage for an immersive journey into the captivating world beneath the waves.
The aquarium includes a wide variety of marine environments, from the cold waters of the North Atlantic Ocean to the tropical coral reefs. The Ocean Tank, one of the main attractions, offers a breathtaking view of large fish and sharks swimming in a massive cylindrical tank. The National Aquarium of Denmark combines education and entertainment, offering interactive exhibitions, educational programs, and a focus on marine conservation. From the museum area, there’s also a view of the impressive Øresund Bridge leading to the city of Malmö in Sweden.
Spend the night in Copenhagen.
