Top things to do in Denmark: History, Natural Beauty, and Cultural Highlights
Exploring Denmark: History, Natural Beauty, and Cultural Highlights
Standing at the giddy height of 171M
Denmark is often ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, thanks to its strong social welfare system, excellent work-life balance, and high levels of trust in society. The Danish concept of "hygge" is central to this—focusing on warmth, coziness, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Copenhagen is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities on the planet, with more than half of its residents cycling to work or school daily. Denmark is also home to the world’s oldest monarchy, dating back over 1,000 years, and the world-famous LEGO bricks, which were invented in Billund in 1932. The country has 444 islands, though only 76 are inhabited, and interestingly, there are twice as many pigs as people. It also has the world’s oldest amusement park, Bakken, which has been running since 1583. Denmark’s influence on storytelling is just as strong, with Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales known worldwide, including The Little Mermaid, whose famous statue sits by the Copenhagen harbor.
Møllehøj: Denmark's Highest Point
Standing at the giddy height of 171M
Our first stop was Møllehøj, Denmark's highest natural point at 170.86 meters (561 feet) above sea level. Located in the rolling countryside of Ejerbjerge, this spot is part of the Veliko Møllehøj-Ejer Bavnehøj range. While not a towering mountain, it offers panoramic views of Denmark's gentle landscapes and is a great place to appreciate the country's natural beauty. Historically, the surrounding area was significant for early Viking settlements and has long been used as a vantage point.
The church tower Aalborg
Five Things to Do Near Møllehøj:
Visit Ejer Bavnehøj, another nearby high point with a historic tower.
Explore the Himmelbjerget area, one of Denmark’s most famous scenic spots.
Take a scenic drive through the rolling countryside of Jutland.
Learn about Viking history at the Moesgaard Museum in Aarhus.
Enjoy a picnic with sweeping views of Denmark’s flat but charming landscape.
Aalborg: A Blend of Viking Heritage and Modern Charm
The church tower Aalborg
Next, we traveled to Aalborg, a vibrant city with a rich Viking history. Aalborg's origins date back over 1,000 years, and it was once a crucial trading hub for the Vikings.
Today, it blends historic charm with modern culture. We strolled along the Limfjord waterfront, explored Aalborg Castle, and admired the city's colourful street art. Aalborg’s thriving food scene and buzzing atmosphere made it a wonderful place to experience Danish urban life outside of Copenhagen.
Five Things to Do in Aalborg:
Visit Lindholm Høje, a Viking burial site with an excellent museum.
Explore Aalborg Zoo, home to over 100 species, including polar bears.
Walk through the Aalborg Street Art District, filled with murals and creative designs.
Experience Nordic cuisine at the award-winning restaurant Textur.
Climb Aalborg Tower for panoramic views over the city.
Copenhagen: A Capital of Culture and History
Arriving in Copenhagen, we parked our camper at a campsite outside the city and took the driverless metro into the heart of Denmark’s capital. Our first stop was Christianshavn, a district made up of small islands connected by bridges. This area is famous for its hipster vibe, canals, and colorful townhouses. We then ventured into Freetown Christiania, a self-governing commune that has existed since 1971. Walking through its graffiti-covered streets and alternative markets gave us a unique insight into a very different side of Copenhagen.
Copenhagen itself is stunning—a city of grand historical buildings, scenic waterways, and a cycling culture like no other. The sheer number of bikes was overwhelming, proving that this truly is one of the most eco-friendly capitals in the world.
Five Things to Do in Copenhagen:
Take a canal tour for a unique perspective of the city.
Visit Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks.
Explore the National Museum of Denmark to learn about Viking history.
Walk along Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets.
Check out the Black Diamond Library, a stunning modern architectural gem.
Exploring the Landmarks of Copenhagen
We were so captivated by Copenhagen that we decided to spend an extra day exploring. Here are some of the incredible places we visited:
The Palaces & Royal Attractions: We watched the Changing of the Guard at Amalienborg Palace, the home of Denmark’s royal family. We also visited Rosenborg Castle, a 17th-century Renaissance castle housing the Danish Crown Jewels.
Historic Churches & Towers: The Round Tower (Rundetaarn) provided an incredible 360-degree view of the city. We also admired Frederik’s Church (The Marble Church) with its impressive dome, and the Trinity Church, part of the Rundetaarn complex.
Nyhavn: This is Copenhagen’s most famous postcard view, with colorful houses lining the harbor. It was once home to Hans Christian Andersen, Denmark’s beloved fairytale writer.
Christiansborg Palace: Home to the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court, and Prime Minister’s office, this palace is an architectural masterpiece.
Kongens Nytorv & Kongens Have: We strolled through these grand public squares and gardens, soaking in Copenhagen’s historic elegance.
Torvehallerne Food Market: A must-visit for food lovers, this market was packed with Danish delicacies, fresh seafood, and artisan treats.
The Little Mermaid Statue: No visit to Copenhagen is complete without seeing the iconic bronze statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale.
Changing of the Guard
Crossing the Great Belt Bridge & Heading Home
As our time in Denmark came to an end, we made our way across the Great Belt Bridge (Storebæltsbroen)—one of the world’s longest suspension bridges—connecting the islands of Zealand and Funen. This was our final stretch before making our way back to the UK.
Final Thoughts: Denmark’s Lasting Impression
Changing of the Guard
Denmark, though small, offers an incredible mix of history, modern innovation, and natural beauty. From the Viking heritage of Aalborg to the hip streets of Christianshavn, from the grandeur of Copenhagen’s palaces to the serenity of Møllehøj, every stop on our journey left us with lasting memories. Our only regret? Not having more time to explore even further.
If you’re planning a trip to Denmark, we highly recommend:
Taking time to explore Copenhagen fully—it’s a city that deserves at least a few days.
Visiting in the summer months to experience the lively outdoor culture.
Embracing Danish history, from Viking heritage to royal palaces.
We hope to return someday to discover even more of this fascinating country!
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