Contrary to the misconception that food in northern Europe is bland and centered around potatoes, Denmark boasts a vibrant culinary scene with a rich cooking tradition and a diverse range of traditional dishes. Here are just a few highlights you’re likely to encounter on your tour of Denmark:
Smørrebrød is perhaps the most famous Danish dish, readily available in cafes across the country. It consists of open-faced sandwiches made with dense rye bread (rugbrød) topped with pickled herring, smoked salmon, roast beef, liver pâté, or cheese, among other ingredients. Smørrebrød is typically enjoyed as a lunch or light meal.
Popular itinerary for an 11-day culinary journey to Denmark:
Similar to their neighbors in Sweden, Danes also cherish minced meat in the form of meatballs, known as Frikadeller, served with potatoes, gravy, and sweet lingonberry sauce.
For dessert, a popular choice is Rødgrød med fløde, featuring stewed red berries thickened with potato starch and served with cold cream (fløde) on top.
Danish pastries are a breakfast favorite, with Æbleskiver standing out as a special treat—small, spherical pancakes seasoned with cardamom and lemon zest.
This 11-day culinary tour of Denmark begins and ends in Copenhagen.
Day 1:
Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital since the 15th century, has evolved from a small Viking fishing village into the modern, vibrant city it is today. The city serves as the seat of the Danish royal family, government, and parliament, drawing numerous tourists to Scandinavia and welcoming cruise ships to its docks.
Upon arrival at Copenhagen airport and settling into your hotel, embark on a 2 to 3-hour guided food tour to acquaint yourself with the city and indulge in Danish delicacies such as local cheeses, meats, and street food.
In the evening, savor dinner at a traditional restaurant known for its fresh or pickled fish dishes like herring.
Spend the night in Copenhagen.
Day 2:
Begin the day with a morning cooking and baking class. Opt for making traditional meatballs, crafting Smørrebrød, baking Danish pastries, or mastering fish preparation and cooking.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat tour of the canals starting from Nyhavn—the historic “new port” area. Revel in the colorful facades of Nyhavn and dine at one of the charming restaurants in the evening.
Spend the night in Copenhagen.
Day 3:
Start your day by visiting the Home of Carlsberg, Denmark’s most famous brewery. Explore an ultra-modern exhibition showcasing the brewery’s history and beer production process, and savor a taste of Carlsberg beer at the bar. Don’t miss the Jacobsen family art collection and pay tribute to the brewery’s draught horses at the stables.
Next, explore Denmark’s innovative design and architecture at the Designmuseum Denmark. This museum features art, crafts, and industrial designs from around the world and across different historical periods.
In the evening, dine at one of Copenhagen’s Michelin-starred restaurants specializing in modern interpretations of Nordic cuisine.
Spend the night in Copenhagen.
Day 4:
Explore all of Copenhagen’s iconic tourist attractions at a leisurely pace. Start your day by visiting The Little Mermaid statue and continue walking through the Gefion Fountain to reach the Amalienborg Royal Palace. Visit the Amalienborg Museum to discover royal treasures and palace rooms. Don’t miss the changing of the guards ceremony, usually held at noon.
Afterward, take a short walk to Kongens Nytorv (King’s Square), Nyhavn, and Strøget, which is Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street.
In the evening, enjoy a visit to Tivoli Gardens, Europe’s oldest amusement park.
Spend the night in Copenhagen.
Day 5:
Today, journey north from Copenhagen to explore other areas on the island of Zealand.
The first stop is Helsingør, a small port town that controls the Øresund strait at its narrowest point. Danish kings built Kronborg Slot – Kronborg Castle during the 16th century to control ship passage and levy customs taxes between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Kronborg Castle is forever linked to Shakespeare’s Hamlet, with performances held in the castle grounds during summer. Don’t miss the crypt with the statue of Holger the Dane, a mythical figure said to awaken to defend Denmark in times of peril.
After visiting the castle, unwind at Værftets Madmarked, a street food market just outside the castle offering a variety of food and drink stalls.
On the way back to Copenhagen, make a stop at Frederiksborg Castle, a 17th-century royal castle built in Renaissance style by King Christian IV to showcase his power and wealth. The castle, surrounded by beautiful gardens, now houses The Museum of National History, featuring a vast collection of portraits, paintings, furniture, and other artworks.
Spend the night in Copenhagen.
Day 6:
Today, depart from Copenhagen and head south to Møns Klint, a stunning natural area known for its white chalk cliffs that descend into the Baltic Sea. Locals affectionately refer to this area as “The Cold Caribbean.”
Stop at the GeoCenter Møns Klint for an informative overview of the region. Then, choose from various activities like hiking trails, kayaking, or a guided boat tour of the cliffs.
Next, continue to Stege, the largest town on the island of Møn and formerly a thriving herring fishing port. During the summer months, Stege hosts Tuesday markets from the last Tuesday in June until the first Tuesday in August. These markets are bustling with stalls offering a wide variety of goods. Enjoy the local food and soak in the festive atmosphere.
Spend the night in Stege.
Day 7:
Today, journey to Odense, Denmark’s third-largest city and the largest on the island of Fyn. Odense is renowned as the childhood home of the world’s most famous Dane—author Hans Christian Andersen.
Visit his childhood house to discover how he crafted his fairy tales within the humble setting of this home. Immerse yourself in his stories with a captivating light and sound exhibition.
Odense hosts a vibrant street food market known as Storms Pakhus, offering a diverse array of food stalls, craft beer, and more. The market also features various events including tastings, dance parties, live music shows, and other surprises.
Spend the night in Odense.
Day 8:
En route to Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city and a cultural hub, make a stop at Naturcenter Hindsgavl for a bridge walk on the Old Little Belt Bridge, which connects the island of Fyn with the Jutland peninsula.
Upon arrival in Aarhus, explore this vibrant city, known as the Danish design capital. Enjoy lunch at Aarhus’ Street Food Market, housed in a converted bus depot. Take a stroll around the port area and admire the innovative new Iceberg neighborhood.
In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants.
Spend the night in Aarhus.
Day 9:
Explore Aarhus’s main attractions today, starting with a visit to the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum (www.aros.dk/en/) and Den Gamle By – The Old Town Museum. The ARoS Museum showcases contemporary art and features a stunning rooftop rainbow panorama while Den Gamle By is an open-air museum that transports you back in time to Danish market towns across four historical periods.
Enjoy a leisurely visit to the Botanical Garden, which is free to enter and provides a peaceful setting for a picnic amidst lush greenery.
In the afternoon, wander through the charming cobbled streets of the Latin Quarter, known for its cozy cafes and unique design shops. Wrap up the day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant featuring authentic dishes.
Spend the night in Aarhus.
Day 10:
Journey to Skagen, situated at the northern tip of Jutland, renowned for its breathtaking beaches and delectable seafood. Start by visiting the Skagen Fish Auction to witness the day’s catch and savor locally sourced fish and shellfish.
Explore the charming town of Skagen, taking in iconic spots like Grenen beach and the Skagen Museum, which showcases the works of Scandinavian artists who resided in Skagen during the late 19th century. These artists were inspired by French Realism and captured the essence of Skagen’s surroundings in their art. Enjoy a seaside lunch at a restaurant featuring dishes crafted from freshly caught seafood.
In the afternoon, consider visiting a local brewery or distillery to sample Danish beer or aquavit.
Spend the night in Skagen.
Day 11:
Return to Copenhagen.
