Best Denmark Tours and 10 Things to Do in 2026

If you are planning things to do in Denmark in 2026, you are in for an extraordinary experience. From the buzzing canals of Copenhagen and the ancient Viking sites of Roskilde to the windswept white dunes of Skagen and the fairy-tale charm of Odense, Denmark is a country that rewards curious travellers at every turn. Whether you are a first-time visitor or returning for more, this guide covers the ten best activities and tours to make your Denmark trip truly unforgettable.

Denmark at a Glance

Getting to Denmark

Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is Scandinavia’s busiest international hub, with direct connections from London, Manchester, Dubai, Doha, and most major European cities. With so many incredible things to see in Denmark — from Viking longships to Michelin-starred restaurants — it is worth planning your base city carefully. If you are flying from the Middle East, Africa, or Asia, Qatar Airways operates direct flights to Copenhagen from Doha, making it an excellent choice for travellers connecting from across the world. Qatar Airways is consistently ranked among the world’s best airlines, offering a premium in-flight experience, generous baggage allowances, and seamless connections through Hamad International Airport.

Once you land, Copenhagen’s metro connects the airport directly to the city centre in under 15 minutes. For activities, tours, and attractions throughout Denmark, TripAdvisor is a brilliant resource for comparing guided tours, reading traveller reviews, and discovering hidden gems across the country.

10 Best Things to Do in Denmark in 2026

1. Explore Nyhavn, Copenhagen

No visit to Denmark is complete without spending time along the iconic Nyhavn waterfront in Copenhagen. The colourful 17th-century townhouses, bobbing wooden sailboats, and lively cafés make this one of Europe’s most photographed streets. Stroll along the canal, enjoy a smørrebrød (open sandwich) at a waterfront restaurant, or take a harbour boat tour for the best views of the city from the water.

2. Visit Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens in the heart of Copenhagen is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, having opened in 1843. It is far more than a theme park — think beautifully landscaped gardens, open-air concerts, world-class restaurants, and a magical atmosphere that appeals equally to children and adults. A visit after dark, when the park is illuminated by thousands of lights, is a truly special experience.

3. Discover Viking History at Roskilde

Just 30 minutes by train from Copenhagen, Roskilde is one of Denmark’s oldest and most historically significant cities. The Viking Ship Museum houses five original Viking vessels discovered in the nearby fjord, along with fascinating exhibits about Norse seafaring. The stunning Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and burial place of Danish monarchs, is also not to be missed.

4. Walk the White Dunes of Skagen

Skagen sits at the very tip of Denmark where two seas — the North Sea and the Baltic — meet in a dramatic collision of waves. The area is famous for its ethereal light, which has attracted Scandinavian artists for over a century, its remarkable Skagen Painters Museum, and the extraordinary buried Tilsandede Kirke (Sand-Covered Church). The Råbjerg Mile — Denmark’s largest migrating sand dune — is one of the most unusual natural wonders in Northern Europe.

5. Tour the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

For those wondering what to do in Denmark beyond the city, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art — located 35 kilometres north of Copenhagen on the banks of the Øresund Strait — is one of the finest art museums in Europe. Its extraordinary collection spans works by Giacometti, Picasso, and Francis Bacon, while its sculpture park, which extends down to the sea, is a genuinely breathtaking setting. The building itself, designed to integrate seamlessly with the landscape, is a masterpiece of Scandinavian architecture.

6. Experience Aarhus: Denmark’s Second City

Aarhus is a vibrant, youthful city with a superb cultural scene. The ARoS Aarhus Art Museum is home to Olafur Eliasson’s spectacular rainbow panorama — a circular walkway on the museum’s rooftop offering 360-degree views of the city through coloured glass. The open-air museum Den Gamle By (The Old Town) reconstructs Danish urban life across three centuries, while the Latin Quarter is ideal for independent boutiques and excellent restaurants.

7. Explore the Hans Christian Andersen Birthplace in Odense

Odense, on the island of Funen, is the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, one of the world’s most beloved storytellers. The Hans Christian Andersen Museum is a wonderfully immersive attraction that brings his life and fairy tales to life. The city itself is a charming mix of cobbled streets, medieval churches, and a thriving street food market scene. It is easily reached by train from Copenhagen in under two hours.

8. Cycle Through the Danish Countryside

Denmark is one of the world’s most cycle-friendly countries, and exploring by bike is the authentic Danish way to travel. Copenhagen alone has over 390 kilometres of dedicated cycle lanes, but the real joy lies in the countryside. The Marguerite Route is a 3,500-kilometre national scenic cycle route taking in castles, coastline, forests, and historic towns. Many companies offer guided cycling tours across various regions, suitable for all fitness levels.

9. Discover Bornholm: The Sunshine Island

Bornholm is Denmark’s easternmost island, sitting closer to Sweden and Poland than to Copenhagen, yet it feels like a different world. Famous for its distinctive round churches, smoked herring (røget sild), artisan craft scene, and rugged coastal cliffs, Bornholm is an ideal destination for those seeking a slower pace. Ferry services run from Ystad in Sweden and Køge in Denmark, or you can fly from Copenhagen in under an hour.

10. Take a Day Trip to Kronborg Castle

Immortalised as Elsinore in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Kronborg Castle in Helsingør is one of the most important Renaissance castles in Northern Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Standing guard at the narrowest point of the Øresund Strait, the castle is just 45 minutes by train from Copenhagen. The interior is richly atmospheric, and the casemates beneath the castle — where the legendary Viking hero Holger Danske is said to lie sleeping — are particularly memorable.

Planning Your Denmark Trip: Practical Tips

Best Time to Visit

Planning when to go will determine the fun things to do in Denmark that are available to you. The best time for outdoor activities and sightseeing is between May and September, when days are long, temperatures are pleasant (typically 15–25°C), and most attractions are fully open. June and July offer the most daylight hours. If you are interested in the Christmas markets or winter hygge atmosphere, November and December have their own appeal.

Getting Around Denmark

Denmark has an excellent public transport network. Trains connect Copenhagen with Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg, and Helsingør quickly and affordably. The DSB rail network is reliable and Wi-Fi enabled. For more remote areas, particularly in Jutland, hiring a car gives you the most flexibility. Within Copenhagen, cycling or using the metro are the most efficient options.

Where to Stay

Denmark offers accommodation across all budgets, from design hotels in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District to cosy farmstay guesthouses in rural Jutland. Use TripAdvisor to read verified traveller reviews and compare options in each region, ensuring you find the right base for your itinerary.
Looking for more European city inspiration? Read our guide: Best Things to Do in London 2026

Your Denmark Travel Questions Answered

1. What are the top things to do in Denmark?

The top things to do in Denmark include exploring Nyhavn and Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, visiting the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, walking the sand dunes of Skagen, touring the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, and experiencing the fairy-tale city of Odense. This guide covers ten of the very best activities across the country.

2. What is the best way to get to Denmark?

The most convenient way to reach Denmark is by flying into Copenhagen Airport (CPH), which has direct connections from across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. Qatar Airways offers excellent direct flights from Doha with onward connections from Africa, Asia, and the Gulf region, making it a popular choice for long-haul travellers heading to Copenhagen.

3. How many days do you need in Denmark?

A minimum of five to seven days allows you to explore Copenhagen thoroughly and take two or three day trips to places like Roskilde, Helsingør, and Louisiana. For a fuller experience covering Aarhus, Odense, and Skagen, allow ten to fourteen days. Bornholm can be added as a dedicated two-to-three night island escape.

4. Is Denmark expensive to visit?

Denmark is one of Europe’s more expensive destinations, particularly for food and drink in Copenhagen. However, many of the country’s top attractions — including most museums — are free or very affordable. Self-catering, using the efficient public transport network, and travelling in shoulder season (May or September) are the most effective ways to manage costs.

5. What is Denmark famous for?

Denmark is famous for its Viking heritage, the concept of hygge (cosiness and wellbeing), Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales, Lego, Noma (one of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants), world-class design and architecture, and being consistently ranked among the happiest countries on Earth. It is also celebrated for its cycling culture and commitment to sustainability.

6. What tours are available in Denmark?

There is a huge variety of activities to do in Denmark for every type of traveller. Guided tours include walking tours of Copenhagen’s historic districts, canal boat tours, cycling tours through the countryside, Viking history tours in Roskilde, and food tours exploring the New Nordic culinary scene. TripAdvisor is an excellent platform for comparing and booking tours across all regions of Denmark.

Final Thoughts: Why Denmark Should Be Your Next European Adventure

Denmark is a country that consistently surprises and delights. It combines world-class cultural institutions with breathtaking natural landscapes, a warmly welcoming local culture, and a standard of hospitality that is second to none. Whether you are spending a long weekend in Copenhagen, cycling through the Lake District of Jutland, or exploring the cliffs and ceramics studios of Bornholm, this Scandinavian gem offers experiences that stay with you long after you return home.
Book your flights with Qatar Airways for a seamless journey to Copenhagen, and use TripAdvisor to plan your tours and accommodation across this remarkable country.