Denmark | Accidentally Wes Anderson

Nordisk Film Biografer Palads

This bright pastel structure is the Nordisk Film Biografer Palads, known simply as the “Palads.” It is Denmark’s largest cinema, with 17 screening auditoriums and a seating capacity of 2,600. It is also Copenhagen’s oldest cinema, almost continually in use for over 100 years.

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Axeltorv 9, 1609 København V, Denmark

Tivoli Gardens

In stark contrast with the clean, modern architecture that much of Denmark is known for, the historic Tivoli Gardens are a festive visual cacophony of color and light. Rollercoasters and restaurants overlap, and a joyful chaos keeps visitors guessing what could be around the next corner in this preserved approximation of the pleasure gardens of the past. The magical atmosphere and entertaining environment were among the major influences for Disneyland!

Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V, Denmark

Amalienborg

Amalienborg is the centerpiece of Frederiksstaden, a district that was built by King Frederick V to commemorate the tercentenary of the Oldenburg family’s ascent to the throne of Denmark.

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Amalienborg Slotsplads, 1257 København K, Denmark

Opera House

Shakespeare wrote “All the world’s a stage”, and in Copenhagen they’ve taken that quite literally. The Royal Danish Opera House (also called the Copenhagen Opera House, or just Operaen) sits on its own tiny island, with only two small bridges connecting it to the Holmen neighborhood, which is an island itself. Honoring the spot’s history as an international industrial port, the recently-constructed neighboring Opera Garden features plant species from all over the world.

Ekvipagemestervej 10, 1438 København K, Denmark

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

A treasure trove of sculpture and history, the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek houses over 10,000 works spanning ancient civilizations to modern masters. Founded on Carl Jacobsen’s passion for art, it remains one of Copenhagen’s most captivating cultural landmarks.

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Dantes Plads 7, 1556 København, Denmark

Old University Library

If you were told before seeing it that Copenhagen’s University Library had a bold and influential facade, you might arrive and find yourself thinking, “Brick? For a library? Groundbreaking,” à la Miranda Priestly. The thing is, architect Johan Daniel Herholdt’s stylistic choice of red brick was bold in the mid 1800s, where for nearly 200 years the material was essentially banned in favor of plaster. After the library’s construction, brick buildings quickly grew to the ubiquity we know today, but we all know who started it.

Fiolstræde 1, 1171 København, Denmark

Royal Library

While it’s an unfortunate but expected hazard of library work that a some books will just never be returned, the Royal Library takes book theft very seriously – and with good reason. The black, cube-like building houses a copy of every single book ever published in Denmark, including the very first Danish books printed in 1482. After an employee stole over 3000 antique works in the 1970’s, the library spent the next 30 years tracking them down. The overdue fine must have been enormous!

Søren Kierkegaards Pl. 1, 1221 Indre By, Denmark

Copenhagen Central Station

At Copenhagen Central Station, it’s somewhat of a tradition for reuniting friends and family to arrange to meet “under the clock”, the now-famous central fixture in the main hall. Although, with over 100,000 travelers passing through every day, you still might have to look around a while to find who you’re looking for. The current clock is in its third iteration, just as is the station itself – retired clocks have gone for high prices at auction, holding a romantic sentimentality for all those who came together in that spot.

Banegårdspladsen, 1570 København V, Denmark

Rosenborg Castle

Many people long to live in a castle but it is rarely a king who has such a fantasy. However, this was the case of the Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, Denmark which was the dream estate of King Charles IV.

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Øster Voldgade 4A, 1350 København, Denmark

Beach Huts Marstal

After visiting the modern art museum and the library of the future, you may find yourself wanting to get back to basics – don’t worry, Denmark has that too. The picturesque island town of of Marstal is home to a rainbow smattering of beach huts that are staunchly unchanged in the last century; no modifications, including electricity or running water, are allowed. Campers can collect lucky hulsten (hole stones) on the beach, take the 100% electric ferry, or bike around the gorgeous little towns dotting the island.

Kalkovns stien, 5960 Marstal, Denmark

Badehusene ved Vestre Strandvej

A short ferry ride northwest of the Marstal beach huts, you’ll find, actually, even more beach huts. The majority of the island’s badehusene (bath houses) are at Vesterstrand, where city-dwellers and beach guests alike often gather on the beach for sunset activities, barbeques, and soaking in the views. And if you thought the huts were well preserved, the walk back to town takes you even further back in time. Ærøskøbing is over 750 years old, and its cobblestone streets and impeccably preserved 18th century buildings have rightly earned it the loving title of “Fairytale Town”.

5970 Ærøskøbing, Denmark

Hans Christian Andersen Museum

One could say that Denmark does not play around when it comes to Hans Christian Anderson, but this museum makes it clear that they actually really do. When a person becomes so famous that most establishments’ claim to fame is that he visited, it can be easy for his museum to just be another place he’s been, talking about things he did. But this museum decided to tell a story as if it were coming from the writer himself. Imagination runs rampant in this fairytale land that breathes life into the stories we’ve all come to know.

Sankt Jørgens Haven 1, 5000 Odense C, Denmark

Kærum Church

Perched atop a quiet hill, Kærum Church sits so high above its surrounding parish that it used to function as a navigational landmark for pasing sailors. It was originally built in the 12th century, but went through expansions in both the 15th and 18th centuries, the latter introducing separate seating areas designated by the size of each family’s property. Don’t sit in the wrong spot – you’ll be fined 8 shillings!

Kærum, Kærumvej 34, 5610 Assens, Denmark

Egeskov Castle

Built on oak piles in 1554, Egeskov Castle still rises elegantly from its watery moat as Europe’s best-preserved Renaissance water castle. Today, its halls, gardens, and museums invite visitors to step back into fairytale history.

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Egeskov Gade 22, 5772 Kværndrup, Denmark

Assens Havn Lighthouse

Though the Assens Havn Lighthouse still stands tall looking out on Denmark’s “Little Belt” straight, it has been dark since the 1970’s. These days, the area is still a functioning marina and is host to sailing, rowing, fishing, windsurfing, and diving clubs – they just use the warm glow of the bustling city to guide them home.

Nordre Havnevej 12, 5610 Assens, Denmark

Den Gamle By

In 1908, the city of Aarhus decided the time had come to move on from the Old Mayor’s House. Over 300 years old, it would make sense that city officials might require some updating to their quarters. The initial plan, however, was to demolish the structure. For one citizen of Aarhus, that decision was unacceptable…

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Viborgvej 2, 8000 Aarhus Centrum, Denmark

AROS Art Museum

Looking at the modern yet playful exterior of the ARoS Art Museum, one of the largest and (unexpectedly) oldest in Denmark, we already know what you’re thinking: this building needs a dome. Well, artist James Turrell agrees – but they already have a panoramic cylindrical rainbow exhibit on the roof, so he has to put his dome underground. Opening in 2026, the highly-anticipated immersive skyspace expansion will be the largest of its kind and will live as a part of the landscape, in conversation with nature in both its design and its contents.

Aros Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark

Dokk 1 Library

As tech is infused into every aspect of our lives, who is thinking about the library of the future? The Scandinavians, that’s who (or is it whom? Librarians, any help?). Dokk 1 library is a paragon of sustainability, accessibility, and community – no stuffy stacks here. Named Library of the Year in 2016, Dokk 1 is a hive of activity, from art installations to music performances; you can even find the world’s largest tubular bell, which rings whenever a baby is born at the nearby hospital. With modern elegance and practical design, it’s only fitting that the library of the future is in Denmark.

Hack Kampmanns Plads 2, 8000 Aarhus Centrum, Denmark

The Iceberg

It may never have crossed your mind that you might want to live in an iceberg, but now that you know it’s possible is it not incredibly intriguing? A welcome respite from the sterile high-rise apartment buildings that can often mar a neighborhood’s personality and charm, The Iceberg was designed with nature. modern comforts, and aesthetics in mind. Its geologic design fits in seamlessly with the natural landscape, as well as the varied and distinct architectural character of the up-and-coming district.

Mariane Thomsens Gade 43, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark

Infinite Bridge

If you see a pier and think, “All that walking to the end just to, what – walk back?” the infinite bridge might be just what you need. The art installation-turned-beloved landmark is made from 60 identical curved wooden elements, forming a perfect circle connecting land and sea. The spot was once home to a historic pier frequented by visitors to the nearby Varna Pavillion, but the Infinite Bridge has become an attraction all its own – many even choose the panoramic fixture for their wedding!

Ørneredevej 3, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark

Utzon Center

Imagine, if you will, the Sydney Opera House on the banks of the Limfjord – then change everything. While Jørn Utzon did design both this building and the iconic Australian landmark, the Utzon Center was likely closest to his heart. Utzon’s final project before his passing, a joint effort with his son, is a love letter to his favorite design elements and to his hometown. More than a museum, it’s an active workshop that celebrates architectural artistry and innovation. Though Utzon didn’t design this Center to preserve his legacy, it thrives both in the building’s walls and in the imaginations of those who pass through.

Slotspladsen 4, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark

Kunsten Museum of Modern Art Aalborg

The Danish people have perfect the art of the architecture competition – the popular practice has yielded some of the most influential buildings in the country. Selected out of 144 submissions, the Kunsten Museum’s architecture is both elegant and functional. An intricate system of skylights allows natural light to flood the airy galleries without risking damage to the 4000+ works on display. The lofty atrium provides a vast canvas for ambitious expeditions, whether it’s trees twisting out from the floors or towering mountains of crumpled paper. We don’t know what the other 143 designs held, but it’s clear why this was the winner.

Kong Christians Alle 50, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark

The Sand-Covered Church

Cresting above the dunes of Skagen’s beaches stands a strikingly white ruin of a church long gone. At times looking like it might be swallowed by the sandy shore, centuries ago, it was home to a prosperous church community who were very committed to sitting in its pews. For this parish, sometimes digging in to one’s beliefs became quite literal.

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Gamle Landevej 63, 9990 Skagen, Denmark

Grenen

It takes no special training to ride Denmark’s Sandworm – in fact, it even takes credit card! The Sandormen, a long wagon hauled by a tractor (thankfully not a Dune-themed nightmare ride), is one of the primary methods for traversing the beach that culminates at Denmark’s northernmost tip. Here, the North Sea and the Baltic sea clash in an endless arm-wrestling match that is powerful to witness. Tourists and birds alike flock to the spot – the area is home to the greatest number of observed bird species in Denmark.

9990 Skagen, Denmark

Skagen Art Museum

Considering the frequency with which artists throughout time have tried to capture the essence of the sea, the opportunity to have a go at two seas at once must have been hard to pass up. The Skagen Art Museum is dedicated to the artist colony that took up residence in the area in the late 1800s. Their work both encapsulates the wild beauty of the sea and honors the humble charm of the townspeople.

Brøndumsvej 4, 9990 Skagen, Denmark

The Swedish Seamen's Church

When Danish wives and girlfriends allegedly started getting a little too friendly with visiting Swedish fishermen in the early 1900s, the residents of Skagen did the only natural thing and built a church. Since the pious Swedish fishermen did not work on Sundays (leaving them to… wander), the church came to function as a community center and a home away from home. To this day, visitors from all over can gather for a little taste of Sweden – especially if they visit the coffee room!

Vestre Strandvej 24, 9990 Skagen, Denmark

Seaweed Roof Houses

Cresting above the dunes of Skagen’s beaches stands a strikingly white ruin of a church long gone. At times looking like it might be swallowed by the sandy shore, centuries ago, it was home to a prosperous church community who were very committed to sitting in its pews. For this parish, sometimes digging in to one’s beliefs became quite literal.

Linievejen 36, 9940 Læsø, Denmark

Læso Saltworks

Premium sea salt is all the rage, but have you heard of seething salt? Since the Middle Ages, the unique topography of the island has created the perfect conditions for trapped groundwater that is over three times saltier than the surrounding seawater. What began as an exploratory resurrection of centuries-old saltmaking methods has blossomed into a thriving business with a wide array of salty selections, including chocolate, skincare, and even beer!

Hornfiskrønvej 3, 9940 Læsø, Denmark

Lobster Huts

If you decide to tour the Lobster Huts in Læso, you don’t have to worry about being pinched by an unsuspecting crustacean. The vaguely hobbit hole-like structures were once home to lobster fishermen, and were ecologically (and economically) constructed with anything useful that washed ashore. Seaweed is the unlikely star of the show – a thatched seaweed roof can last over 300 years.

Horneksvejen, 9940 Læsø, Denmark

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AWA, Vol. 2 (2024)

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Postcards

Puzzle

Tivoli Gardens

Opera House

Old University Library

Royal Library

Copenhagen Central Station

Beach Huts Marstal

Badehusene ved Vestre Strandvej

Hans Christian Andersen Museum

Kærum Church

Assens Havn Lighthouse

AROS Art Museum

Dokk 1 Library

The Iceberg

Infinite Bridge

Utzon Center

Kunsten Museum of Modern Art Aalborg

Grenen

Skagen Art Museum

The Swedish Seamen's Church

Seaweed Roof Houses

Læso Saltworks

Lobster Huts

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