20 of the most beautiful cities and towns in Denmark

Denmark is one of the most colorful countries in Europe. It has green forests, blue Baltic and North Seas and unique colorful architecture. Explore the most beautiful cities and towns in Denmark and find out why its residents are often referred to as the happiest people in the world!

Although being the smallest country in the Scandinavia, Denmark has a lot to offer to everyone. This is why it is becoming more and more popular among tourists from all over Europe. Thanks to Ryanair you can fly for really cheap to 3 of the country’s airports.

Copenhagen, beautiful cities and towns in Denmark by John Anes

Most beautiful cities and towns in Denmark

1. Copenhagen

The city of Copenhagen is the largest city in Denmark. It is also the most populated city in the country; almost two million people call Copenhagen home.

Over the years, the city of Copenhagen has been one of the most popular destinations in the entire European Union as millions of tourists have made their way to the city in recent years. National Museum, Gallery, Open-air museum, which is one of the biggest in entire world, The Queen’s Tapestries at Christiansborg Palace, or Tivoli Gardens amusement park are some of the city’s most popular attractions.

Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark by Flemming christiansen

2. Århus

The city of Århus is known as the 2nd most populated city in the country. The city is located at the geographical center of the country, along the eastern coastline of the Jutland peninsula.

It is here, where one of the largest festivals in all of Scandinavia takes place every year (right now 28/08/2015 – 06/09/2015). Churches in Århus are simply amazing here as well. Some of them are more than 1000 years old.

Århus, beautiful cities and towns in Denmark by Erik Cleves Kristensen

3. Skagen

The town of Skagen is a small one, but it is also a popular tourist destination in the country on the account of its picturesque beaches and naturally stunning landscapes.

These amazing beaches are a result of desertification which occurred in the area back in the 18th century. The Midsummer Eve is the biggest event of the year one can enjoy on Skagen’s beach.

Skyline of Skagen, beautiful cities and towns in Denmark by John Nuttall

4. Odense

The third most populated city in the country is none other than that of Odense. Located on the Funen Island, Odense is a popular tourist hot spot in Denmark and a birthplace of famous Danish fairy tale Hans Christian Andersen.

His house where he lived with his parents since his 2 years is now one of the oldest poet museums in the world (opened already in 1908). With its Zoo, parks, churches or just romantic streets you will never be bored in this capital of Funen Island.

Odense, beautiful cities and towns in Denmark by Nigel Swales

5. Ålborg

The city of Ålborg is rich in history and was known to have been first inhabited around the year 1000. Because of the location of Ålborg along a natural harbor, it also became a major economic center throughout the middle ages.

It also has very nice Zoo and its waterfront is one of the best places to relax. If you wish to experience this city when it is really overcrowded then you must come here during Aalborg Carnival.

Aalborg Carnival, beautiful cities and towns in Denmark by Aalborg Carnival – Photographers

6. Helsingør

The city of Helsingør was made famous by William Shakespeare. The entire play of Hamlet was set at the Kronborg Castle which can be found in Helsingør; written in texts as Elsinore.

The city can be found along the northeastern coast of Zealand Island; in the eastern part of Denmark.

Kronborg Castle, Helsingor, beautiful cities and towns in Denmark by Håkan Dahlström

7. Herning

The small town of Herning has become well known in recent years due to the fact that it is the home of the largest exhibition hall in all of Scandinavia; the Messecenter Herning.

The most popular attraction in the city is not the exhibition hall though, it is the Carl-Henning Pedersen & Else Alfelts Museum and the Herning Art Museum that can be found in Birk Centerpark or nearby Jyllands Park Zoo.

Birk Centerpark in Herning, beautiful cities and towns in Denmark by visitherning.dk

8. Roskilde

On Zealand Island, one can find the city of Roskilde which dates back all the way to the days of the Vikings.

It is considered to be one of the most ancient cities in the whole of Europe and as a result, has become a very popular destination for many travelers from all over the world. Its UNESCO Cathedral, or the Viking Ship Museum are must-see places in the city.

Old town hall, Roskilde, beautiful cities and towns in Denmark by Mariusz Paździora

9. Billund

Located in the southern region of Denmark, the city of Billund is a very popular destination in the nation due to the theme park, Legoland.

Both the theme park and the local airport were built by the LEGO Group back in 1964. Countless fans of the popular children’s toy have made their way to Billund to see the home of the LEGO.

Legoland Billund, beautiful cities and towns in Denmark by Marcin Wichary

10. Kolding

The city of Kolding is known throughout Europe for the massive seaport which dominates the area. Situated at the mouth of the Kolding Fjord, the city is considered to be the seventh largest in all of Denmark.

The city is the transportation center of the nation. Visiting its Koldinghus castle standing above the city center can be one of the most haunted experiences you have ever had!

Koldinghus castle, beautiful cities and towns in Denmark by Bruno Postle

11. Vejle

Situated along the southeastern coastline of the Jutland Peninsula, you can find the town of Vejle at the mouth of the Vejle Fjord.

Once here, do not forget to visit city’s Town Hall, windmill, or drive through the Vejle Fjord Bridge.

Town hall in Vejle, beautiful cities and towns in Denmark by Mikkel Rask

12. Frederiksberg

The small town of Frederiksberg is known as one of the more popular shopping destinations in Denmark. Although it is surrounded by Copenhagen, it is not its suburb but an independent town.

There are countless malls and shopping districts in Frederiksberg. The city is also home to several of the country’s biggest universities which includes the Copenhagen Business School as well as the University Of Copenhagen Faculty Of Life Sciences. Very interesting is Frederiksberg Palace or Julius Thomsens Square with St. Mark’s Church.

Frederiksberg Palace and Gardens, beautiful cities and towns in Denmark by Kristoffer Trolle

13. Viborg

Located on the Jutland peninsula, you will find the community of Viborg which is a very popular tourist destination in the country.

With a population of just under one hundred thousand residents, you are bound to find something to keep you busy at any time of day. There are many clubs bars and restaurants in Viborg. You cannot miss 12th century Viborg Cathedral, which is the main site here. And if you are looking for some school to start studying, you will definitely like Cathedral school.

Viborg Cathedral, beautiful cities and towns in Denmark by Stig Nygaard

14. Silkeborg

The city of Silkeborg would not be what it is today if it were not for the paper mill that was built in the area back in 1844.

Not far from Silkeborg you can visit a theme park related to Mazes and Labyrinths called Labyrinthia. Or you can enjoy authentic western atmosphere at Fort Østerlund. Or just wear your boots and go on the hiking trip to the surrounding forests.

Silkeborg Forests, beautiful cities and towns in Denmark by Nico-dk

15. Fåborg

The city of Fåborg has a very rich history. It was founded back in 1229 after the area where the city is today, was given by Valdemar II to his daughter-in-law.

The city of Fåborg is now home to the Hvedholm Castle and is the ideal place for those looking for some hiking, cycling or sailing activities.

Hvedholm Castle, Faaborg, beautiful cities and towns in Denmark by PodracerHH

16. Ribe

The sleepy little town of Ribe was first established all the way back in the 8th century and as such, is known as the oldest town in the entire country.

There are many fine examples of historical architecture found throughout the city.

Ribe Cathedral, beautiful cities and towns in Denmark by Martijn.Munneke

17. Esbjerg

Located along the southwestern coastline of Denmark, the Esbjerg is home to a very important seaport on the North Sea. It is also the fifth largest city in the country of Denmark.

Fisheries and Maritime Museum or Harbour Sightseeing and Seal Safari are some of the most popular activities here. The city is also close to the UNESCO listed Wadden Sea National Park.

Esbjerg, beautiful cities and towns in Denmark by Taxiarchos228

18. Fredericia

The small town of Fredericia was founded back in 1650 by the one and only Frederick III, who named the town after himself.

The town can be found along the eastern most portion of the Jutland peninsula in the Trekanten region. The city has been well-preserved over the centuries which is the reason it has become a popular tourist destination.

Fredericia, beautiful cities and towns in Denmark by markow76

19. Hirtshals

The sleepy little town of Hirtshals can be found on the Vendsyssel-Thy Island which is situated at the top most point of the Jutland peninsula.

It is well known for its fishing industry as well as for being home to some of the largest aquariums in the whole of Europe. The North Sea Oceanarium is one of the most popular attractions in the area.

Hirtshals lighthouse, beautiful cities and towns in Denmark by Luftbildfotografie Von-Oben

20. Ærøskøbing

Ærøskøbing is quite hard to read, maybe even harder to write, but it is a small town in Denmark, which is very colorful and known in the country as a fairy tale town.

Its history started to count 750 years ago. The town does not have more than 1000 residents and is located on the island of Ærø

Typical small and colorful house in Ærøskøbing, beautiful cities and towns in Denmark by Bjørn Giesenbauer