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Denmark, for me, was a distant and unfamiliar country. Eight years ago, I took a 47-day self-driving trip across Scandinavia, choosing Norway, Sweden, and Iceland, but I had yet to visit Finland and Denmark.
This trip originally included more than 20 days in the Netherlands and Belgium, but I feared becoming weary of the scenery. Luckily, a friend joined me for a self-driving tour. We spent just a few days in the Netherlands and decided to dedicate the second half of our trip to a ten-day self-driving tour in Denmark.
After researching, I found that Denmark does not have an abundance of cultural heritage sites. However, the historical Kalmar Union once brought territories such as Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands under Danish rule. The Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen showcases the crown, scepter, and other artifacts that demonstrate the absolute power of Danish monarchy.
Medieval Charm in Denmark
In the ancient medieval town of Ribe, you can experience the charm of history at every corner.
The Fairy Tale Atmosphere of Denmark
What impressed me the most about Denmark was its fairy tale ambiance. For instance, LEGO, which originated in Denmark, has both the LEGO House and LEGO Park. The world built from tiny blocks provides endless fun for both children and adults. We even enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by LEGO figures, making the dining experience even more delightful.
Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tale Town
The fairy tale town where Hans Christian Andersen was born features a museum where everything is anthropomorphized, making the experience feel as if you’re in one of his famous stories.
Denmark’s Most Northern City – Skagen
Skagen, the northernmost city in Denmark, offers a unique experience of standing with one foot in the sea, surrounded by the town’s pink church.
Exploring Danish Cuisine
Food is an integral part of any trip, and Denmark boasts a range of Michelin-starred restaurants as well as highly recommended ones. To save some money, we avoided the star-rated ones and dined at a few excellent yet affordable spots.
Weather
May in Denmark can still be chilly, especially when heading north to the coastal areas. A light down jacket is necessary, as the weather can fluctuate between sunny and rainy, requiring both an umbrella and a raincoat.
Safety
Overall, Scandinavia, including Denmark, is very safe. We didn’t encounter any suspicious individuals during our self-driving tour. Most places are safe enough to leave your camera out without concern. Of course, it’s always wise to watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas, which is something to be mindful of in all European countries.
Language and Services
During our trip, we had no trouble communicating in English. The Danes are friendly, and the service at restaurants was quite pleasant, without any unpleasant experiences.
Expenses
Denmark, like most of Scandinavia, is expensive. We found a good deal on car rental, but gas prices were quite high. Accommodation was cheaper than in the Netherlands but more expensive than in France or Germany. Overall, the costs were manageable. Dining, however, was pricy, with meals costing more than similar restaurants in the US.
Public Transportation
Be sure to buy tickets before boarding buses in Denmark, as there are no ticket machines on board. If you board without a ticket, you may face fines. In Copenhagen, the DOT app is used for ticket purchases, although I had trouble using my credit card with it. I ended up buying tickets from a machine at the metro station, which had an English option.
Self-Driving in Denmark
We rented a car through an online platform and paid a reasonable price. Danish roads are in excellent condition, and self-driving was easy, as long as you follow the speed limits and understand the road signs. Gas stations are self-service, just like in the US, and it’s important to check whether you’re filling up with gasoline or diesel.
Food in Copenhagen
While Denmark may not have standout traditional dishes, there are plenty of great restaurants offering delicious meals. Seafood is particularly popular and high quality due to Denmark’s coastal location.
Smørrebrød, an open-faced sandwich, is common in many European countries, but Denmark has its own version with rye bread instead of the usual baguette. It’s simple but tasty.
Hot dogs (Pølser) are an affordable street food option in Denmark. We visited a popular hot dog stand, where they served hot dogs with fresh onions, fried onion bits, pickles, mustard, and ketchup, which were delicious.
Frikadeller (meatballs) are another classic dish, served either alone or in a sandwich. The meat was very pure and flavorful.
For dessert, Rødgrød (fruit porridge) is a traditional Danish treat made from red fruits, sugar, and water, served as a pudding with cream.
We also tried traditional Danish chocolate-covered marshmallow treats (Flødebolle), which were sweet and delightful.
Copenhagen Restaurants
In Copenhagen, we visited a range of places to sample local dishes. Some highlights included:
- La Cabra: A popular coffee shop known for its aromatic brews.
- Harry’s Place: A casual hot dog joint, perfect for a quick bite.
- Restaurant Komplet: A Michelin-recommended restaurant offering a modern twist on classic Danish dishes.
- Buka: A famous bakery, known for its delicious pastries and breads.
journey
Day 1: Copenhagen – Helsingør – Roskilde
Self-drive: 2 hours 15 minutes
Attractions: Kronborg Castle, Fredensborg Palace, Frederiksborg Slot
Day 2: Roskilde – Odense
Self-drive: 2 hours
Attractions: Roskilde Cathedral, Roskilde Palace, St. Catherine’s Priory, Skt. Laurentius, Viking Ship Museum, Odense Old Town (Odense City Hall, St. Alban’s Church, Odense Cathedral – St. Canute’s Church, Odense Theater)
Day 3: Odense – Ribe
Self-drive: 2 hours 17 minutes
Attractions: Hans Christian Andersen Museum, Hans Christian Andersen’s Childhood Home, Egeskov Castle
Day 4: Ribe – Billund
Self-drive: 1 hour
Attractions: Ribe Cathedral, Ribe Viking Museum, Lego House, Lego Hotel
Day 5: Billund – Skagen
Self-drive: 3.5 hours
Attractions: Legoland Park
Day 6: Skagen – Aarhus
Self-drive: 2.5 hours
Attractions: Skagen Old Town, Grenen Park (Denmark’s northernmost point), Den Tilsandede Kirke, Aalborg
Day 7: Aarhus – Copenhagen
Ferry + Self-drive: 3 hours
Attractions: Aarhus Cathedral, Aarhus Theatre, ARoS Art Museum, The Old Town Museum, The Infinite Bridge, Marselisborg Deer Park
Day 8: Copenhagen Day Tour
Attractions: Grundtvig’s Church, Superkilen Park, The Round Tower & Trinity Church, Christiania, The Little Mermaid Statue and Kastellet Fortress
Day 9: Copenhagen Day Tour
Attractions: Frederiks Church, Amalienborg Palace & Changing of the Guard, Copenhagen City Hall, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Nyhavn
Day 10: Half-day Tour of Copenhagen & Departure
Attractions: Denmark’s Veterans’ Day, Rosenborg Castle & Gardens
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Day 1: Copenhagen – Helsingør – Roskilde
Self-drive: 2 hours 15 minutes
Attractions: Kronborg Castle, Fredensborg Palace, Frederiksborg Slot
1.1 Departure and Arrival
We took an early morning flight from Amsterdam to Copenhagen with KLM. For flights within the EU, arriving one hour in advance is usually enough, especially for early morning flights when airports are less crowded. Surprisingly, they even served a sandwich and a drink on this short flight, a nice touch.
We arrived on time in Copenhagen and met up with our friends. After picking up the rental car, we started our Denmark road trip.
1.2 Kronborg Castle
Address: Kronborg, 3000 Helsingør
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 17:00
Ticket Price: 125 DKK (145 DKK during peak season in June, July, and August)
Parking: 30 DKK, a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the castle entrance
Time Needed: 2 hours
Rating: 4.5 stars
Kronborg Castle, located to the north of Copenhagen, is one of the most significant Renaissance castles, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000. This medieval fortress dates back to 1420 and was built in the narrowest part of the Øresund Strait to charge tolls on passing ships, controlling the exit to the Baltic Sea. It was once the royal residence of the Danish monarchs, and it became famous as the setting of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” though it is said that Shakespeare never visited the castle himself. During the summer, the castle hosts special Hamlet-themed performances.
After walking ten minutes from the parking lot, we arrived at the main part of the castle. We began our tour of the 16th-century castle interiors, including the library, bedrooms, study, and reception rooms. There’s a LEGO block area where children can freely play. The Cannon Tower is impressive, requiring a climb of 145 steps. The view from the top is great, offering a view of the castle’s port and architectural details.
The kitchen and the underground storage and defense areas are also worth visiting, showcasing soldiers’ quarters and historical furnishings.
1.3 Fredensborg Palace
Address: Slottet 1B, 3480 Fredensborg
Fredensborg Palace, built between 1720 and 1726, is the residence of the Danish royal family during the spring and autumn. It is one of their most frequented palaces. We accidentally arrived here and saw the changing of the guard from a distance. Upon inquiring, the soldier kindly informed us that the royal family was currently residing inside, so visiting the interior wasn’t possible.
1.4 Frederiksborg Slot
Address: Frederiksborg Slot 10, 3400 Hillerød
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 17:00
Ticket Price: 110 DKK
Time Needed: 2.5 hours (1.5 hours inside the castle)
Rating: 5 stars
Frederiksborg Castle was originally built in 1560 as a private estate. Danish King Frederick II exchanged the estate for a forest monastery and added a queen’s gallery to connect the church and the palace. The castle is impressive, with beautifully decorated facades and a vast interior with many rooms open to visitors, including a stunning chapel built in 1606. The ceilings in some rooms are decorated with zodiac motifs, and the collection of royal portraits and furniture is remarkable.
1.5 Roskilde Dinner
Restaurant Raadhuskælderen
Address: Fondens Bro 3, 4000 Roskilde
Price: 350 DKK per person
Rating: 5 stars
The aloe vera juice and elderflower soda were both interesting choices. The steak selection was excellent, and the food was professionally prepared and flavorful. The trout dish, with fish wrapped in vegetables and served with Dutch hollandaise sauce, was particularly recommended.
1.6 Roskilde Airbnb
Address: Havnevej 22 Et værelses lejlighed, Roskilde, 4000, Denmark
Price: 107 USD
Rating: 5 stars
As Roskilde is close to Copenhagen, many people likely visit for day trips, so accommodations are limited. After finding no options on Booking, I turned to Airbnb. I found this one-bedroom apartment, which had a parking spot and was within walking distance (10 minutes) of the old town. The place was secure and convenient with self-check-in.
