Denmark

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

Marstal Havn

Marstal was once the second-largest shipping hub in Denmark- exceeded only by the capital, which means this tiny island town once commanded a fleet that rivaled Copenhagen’s. The town grew from the water up: houses were built along paths along the piers as the harbor dicatated the town’s entire layout.Today, Marstal School of Navigation has been training navigators for the Danish merchant navy for more than a century and a half. When the government tried to close the historic school, thousands of islanders (nearly a third of the entire island) traveled to Copenhagen to protest, ultimately forcing it to remain open. All roads still lead to the harbor!

Havnepladsen 8, 5960 Marstal, Denmark

Beach Huts Marstal

Situated on the charming island of Ærø lies colorful symbols of Denmark’s coastal heritage. The picturesque town 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

Hotel Ærøhus

Ærøskøbing’s oldest hotel has roots stretching back to the 1700s, and it’s been shape-shifting ever since- Bonsacks Gjæstgiveri in 1836, then Marcussens Hotel, then Hotel Skandinavien twice, then Højskole-Hotellet, before finally settling on Hotel Ærøhus in 1954. For generations it functioned as a gathering place for traveling artists and the town’s cultural scene. The restaurant still carries the name Bonsack, a callback to the original guesthouse from nearly two centuries ago. Today it’s housed in a traditional half-timbered building with a Spanish chef serving tapas and paella alongside Danish classics like flæskesteg. The hotel is still family-run, and they still hold events like community sing-alongs and summer university sessions, as they have for decades.

Vestergade 38, 5970 Ærøskøbing, Denmark

Søby Havn

For decades, Søby Havn was a quaint and bare bones bridge where ferries could dock. That changed in 1865, when area skippers pooled resources and built a stone pier- this DIY harbor project would eventually anchor Denmark’s shipbuilding ambitions. In 1931, Arthur Christian Jørgensen founded an engine factory here, creating the “Søby ship engine” that became the shipyard’s trademark. What began as a 30-person workshop repairing small boat engines evolved into a full shipyard with three dry docks- the largest capable of building ferries and naval ships up to 7,000 tons. In 2019, the yard launched Ellen, the world’s most advanced E-ferry, designed and built on an island with just 438 residents. Not bad for a harbor that started as a community project!

Søby Havn 12, 5985 Søby Ærø, Denmark

Klods Hans

One of the country’s oldest souvenir shops, The Klods Hans, takes its name from Hans Christian Andersen’s 1855 fairy tale about a “stupid” brother, Hans, who outsmarts his siblings by embracing absurdity. While his brothers memorize Latin dictionaries and newspapers to impress a princess, Hans rides a billy goat to the palace, picks up a dead crow and a broken wooden shoe along the way, and fills his pockets with mud, then presents them all as gifts. The princess then marries him! Inside Klods Hans, tourists can buy everything from porcelain figurines to postcards… minus the dead crows and mud, presumably.

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Hans Jensens Stræde 34, 5000 Odense, Denmark

Hans Christian Andersen Museum

One could say that Denmark does not play around when it comes to Hans Christian Andersen, 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

Odense City Hall

Viking settlement ruins lie buried directly beneath Odense City Hall- but the real Viking spectacle sits just south of the city center. Nonnebakken, a massive 180-meter ring fortress built around 980 AD by King Harald Bluetooth, is preserved underground beneath the streets of modern Odense, making it the only ring fortress that has since become part of a city. Even further: this fortress was built on top of an even older fortification dating back to around 760-780 AD. A focused research and excavation effort over the past decade has shown that the fortress is remarkably well preserved under the city’s pavements. As for the City Hall itself: the tower over the main entrance was torn down in 1942 and never rebuilt, and a German bullet hole from World War II still marks the facade.

Flakhaven 2, 5000 Odense, Denmark

Hans Christian Andersen’s Childhood Home

The little yellow half-timbered house on Munkemøllestræde where Hans Christian Andersen lived from age two to fourteen contains just 42 square meters- three small rooms that held an entire childhood. Twelve people from three families lived in this space in one of Odense’s poorest quarters, where Andersen’s mother, a washerwoman, and his bookish cobbler father raised a boy who would become one of Denmark’s most famous. Yet somehow these tiny quarters became what one account calls the “cradle of imagination”- the place where poverty and storytelling collided, and where a child absorbed enough struggle to fuel 168 fairy tales.

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Munkemøllestræde 3, 5000 Odense, 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

Assens Marina

Assens was the main ferry point for goods and postal services between Copenhagen and Hamburg, Germany until the Little Belt Bridge opened in 1935, ending centuries of maritime traffic through this coastal town. Today, Assens Marina sits at Næs alongside a campsite, water sports center, restaurant, maritime shop, service workshops, and sailmaker- a far cry from the ferry crossings that once defined it. Every Wednesday in July, the Assens Harmony Orchestra plays as the sun sets, starting at 9 p.m. and ending with community singing. There are at least 23 harbors within 20 nautical miles, and the islands of Baagø and Årø can be reached in about an hour, making this a launching point for island-hoppers navigating the Little Belt strait.

Næsvej 29, 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

Råbjerg Mile

Råbjerg Mile, the largest migrating dune in Northern Europe, feels like a world of its own. For centuries, its shifting sands forced people to abandon farmland and villages as it crept across the landscape. Today, it still advances about 15 meters a year toward Grenen, the tip of Denmark, but is now protected as a natural wonder. Visitors leave with a new respect for nature’s power—and usually a bit of sand in their shoes.

Råbjerg Mile Vej, 9990 Skagen, 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

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

Grenen Beach

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

Seaweed Roof Houses

On the Danish island of Læsø, the houses seem to wear the sea itself. Centuries ago, when salt-making had stripped the island of trees, there was little wood left for building. The islanders turned instead to the ocean, gathering the long strands of seaweed and weaving them into roofs so enduring that some have lasted hundreds of years. Over time, they grew shaggy and mossy, with wildflowers sprouting from their tops, as if the houses were alive!

Linievejen 36, 9940 Læsø, Denmark

Læsø 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 Læsø, 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

India

Singapore

The First State

Denmark

Italy

The Seventh Continent

AWA Adventure guides See All

India

Singapore

The First State

Denmark

Italy

The Seventh Continent

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AWA, Vol. 2 (2024)

AWA, Vol. 1 (2020)

Postcards

Puzzle

Danish Delights

Welcome to Aarhus!

Our friend Mathias takes us around Denmark's second largest city!

10 Day Denmark Itinerary

Exploring everything Denmark has to offer- in 10 days!

Tivoli Gardens

Opera House

Old University Library

Royal Library

Copenhagen Central Station

Marstal Havn

Beach Huts Marstal

Badehusene ved Vestre Strandvej

Hotel Ærøhus

Søby Havn

Hans Christian Andersen Museum

Odense City Hall

Kærum Church

Assens Marina

Assens Havn Lighthouse

AROS Art Museum

Dokk 1 Library

The Iceberg

Infinite Bridge

Utzon Center

Kunsten Museum of Modern Art Aalborg

Råbjerg Mile

Skagen Art Museum

Grenen Beach

Seaweed Roof Houses

Læsø Saltworks

Lobster Huts

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