Danish delights
- The International
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
Your guide to an end-of-summer getaway.
Photographs: Various
Text: Ophelia Wu
Summer in Denmark truly is something special. Beyond the long days and pervasive joy, it's about the Danes' serious approach to their summer holidays. With out-of-office replies set and many establishments closing, the entire country embraces a distinct holiday atmosphere that everyone respects. Whether Danes are travelling abroad or exploring their own country, there's always a perfect balance between exploration and relaxation. For expats, discovering Denmark beyond the vibrant capital is both enjoyable and essential. Take a moment to step off the well-trodden paths and immerse yourself in a Denmark brimming with understated luxury, authentic experiences, and a profound connection to its very essence.
Where do Danes go within Denmark?
Wondering where Danes spend their summer holidays? Booking.com data (May 24-31, 2025, for June 28-August 11, 2025 stays) reveals their top picks beyond Copenhagen. Topping the list, perhaps unsurprisingly, is Aarhus. Jutland's capital is known for innovative architecture, world-class museums, and a burgeoning gastronomic scene. Further north, Skagen, an artistic haven, is famed for its unique light and the convergence of the North and Baltic Seas. Odense, Hans Christian Andersen's birthplace on Fyn, offers a fairytale escape with charming streets and cultural attractions.
On sun-drenched Bornholm, Allinge and Rønne attract visitors with rugged coastlines, artistic communities, and a relaxed island atmosphere. On the Jutland peninsula, Aalborg impresses with its dynamic waterfront and historical charm, while Sønderborg boasts a blend of history and picturesque harbour views. For families, Billund is an undeniable draw, home to LEGOLAND. Rounding out the top nine is Svendborg, an idyllic harbour town in the South Fyn Archipelago, perfect for sailing and island-hopping. These destinations offer a genuine insight into the nation's favourite getaways, inviting exploration of their unique charms.
Summer in Denmark truly is something special. Beyond the long days and pervasive joy, it's about the Danes' serious approach to their summer holidays.
Regional deep dives & activities
While Denmark might be considered a small country, a closer look reveals a wealth of diverse destinations, each offering a distinct experience for a mini-break.
North Zealand, the Danish Riviera, offers a wealth of summer getaway options. Explore quaint beach towns, perfect for strolls or dips. Delve into royal history at Frederiksborg Castle or gain insight into royal life with a guided tour (July only). Art enthusiasts can immerse themselves at the renowned Louisiana Museum of Art. Explore picturesque landscapes by bike or enjoy the region’s culinary scene. For a classic seaside retreat, Marienlyst in Helsingør blends historic charm and modern comforts, ideal after a day in the city where Shakespeare’s Hamlet is set in the medieval Kronborg Castle.
If you’ve already been to Bornholm, try Læsø. It offers an escape defined by serenity and unique natural beauty. Ideal for a day trip or long weekend, especially for walkers and cyclists, its distinct landscape was shaped by its rise from the seabed 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. Attractions tied to its UNESCO candidacy include the historic salt works at Læsø Saltsyderi and unique seaweed roofs. A must-visit is Læsø Kur, an award-winning wellness centre in a disused church. Don't miss the Rønnerbus, a unique tractor tour across the vast salt marsh, offering insights and anecdotes that live up to its slogan: "Rich in tranquillity and good experiences."
Returning to Aarhus, this dynamic city offers a wealth of experiences for a mini-break. Delve into its past at Den Gamle By (The Old Town), an open-air museum where you can easily spend a whole morning. Here, costumed interpreters bring Danish urban history from various eras to life, allowing you to immerse yourself fully. Explore the history of Aarhus from the Viking Age to the modern day through the exhibition at Den Gamle By. For art lovers, ARoS Aarhus Art Museum is a must-visit, a beacon of international art. Ascend its iconic 'Your Rainbow Panorama' walkway for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city bathed in a kaleidoscope of colours designed by Olafur Eliasson.
Continue your cultural journey at the striking Moesgaard Museum, an architectural marvel built into the landscape south of the city. Named one of the World's Greatest Places, it's renowned not just for its architectural design and exhibitions, but also for its stunning location overlooking the forest and the sea. Its exhibitions blend scenography, storytelling, and extensive research, appealing to visitors of all ages and generations. Here, interactive exhibits bring prehistory and anthropology to life, allowing you to walk through human evolution and come face-to-face with the incredibly preserved Grauballe Man, a bog body from the Iron Age. Leave ample time to absorb everything the museum offers; the extensive research behind and curation truly warrant a full day's visit, offering a fascinating crash course in the history of mankind.
Beyond these city destinations, Jutland also boasts significant cultural landmarks. Explore the Viking heritage at Kongernes Jelling, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where monumental runic stones carved from the 10th century tell tales of Denmark's formation. Around an hour’s drive from Aarhus, Kongernes Jelling is a must-visit destination for anyone, locals or expats. This marks a significant point in Denmark’s history, where the Kingdom of Denmark was officially mentioned and carved onto the stone for the first time. Often dubbed “the birthplace of Denmark,” it represents King Gorm the Old's official declaration of the kingdom's establishment, marking a transition from tribes to a unified realm. The other was raised by King Gorm's son, Harald Bluetooth, celebrating his conquest of Denmark and Norway, and his conversion of Denmark to Christianity. Don’t miss the beautifully curated exhibition, which offers an extensively informative perspective on the area, the significance of the Jelling stone, and Denmark's early history and beliefs, brought to life with digital technology. Whether you’re a history lover or not, this is a place not to be missed.
Unique stays: beyond the ordinary
To truly elevate a mini-break, Denmark offers accommodation experiences that are destinations in themselves. Imagine waking up surrounded by nature, in a space where design and tranquillity intertwine.
Within the Trekantområde close to the Vejle Fjord, Jutland's natural beauty shines at Comwell Kellers Park, a spa wellness hotel ideal for a relaxing escape. This hotel is nestled in historical buildings with a profound past. Originating as the Keller Institutions in 1865, founded by Johan Keller for the care of individuals with disabilities, the site's magnificent location by Brejning was, according to legend, chosen by his son, Dr. Christian Keller, after a sailing trip on Vejle Fjord. Pamper yourself with saunas and indoor and outdoor pools for a relaxing retreat close to the Fjord.
Around a 1.5-hour drive south lies Nordborg Resort, a groundbreaking new family destination. As Scandinavia's first Centre Parcs, it promises "quality park, quality experiences" with a strong emphasis on nature. Expect a wealth of activities rooted in nature, embracing play and learning by the sea in a unique natural area.
On the lush, often-overlooked island of Lolland, just 1.5 hours south of Copenhagen, lies The Glashytterne (The Glass Hut): a single, minimalist, Danish design-led hideaway. This unique architectural marvel promises complete seclusion and an escape into nature. The vision of Danish-Spanish Michael Rubio and his Vietnamese-Danish partner Hoa Pham distils years of global travel into a sanctuary where stillness, privacy, and intentional design reign supreme. Glazed on three sides, it offers panoramic views of forest, meadow, and open sky, while an outdoor hot tub invites starlit soaks. Guests are treated to a locally sourced breakfast featuring Lolland’s finest produce – an experience crafted for unparalleled tranquillity with no neighbours or distractions. Lolland itself, with landmarks like the Dodekalitten sculpture circle, rich food traditions, and peaceful coastlines, provides a serene backdrop. Be warned: The Glass Hut is in high demand, so plan your escape and transportation early.
This summer, nature lovers can look forward to an exclusive experience on Bornholm, as Løvtag opens three luxurious treetop cabins in a forest near Gudhjem. This new site brings Løvtag’s unique blend of Nordic architecture, understated luxury, and natural tranquillity to the "sunshine island." Imagine waking to birdsong seven metres above the forest floor, with views into the canopy. Each cabin accommodates up to four, featuring a small kitchen, a toilet with an outdoor shower, and, uniquely, a living tree growing freely through the cabin. A rooftop terrace offers fantastic forest views. The cabins Gry, Myr, and Tre are located on the Birkelund property near Gudhjem and are set to open no later than 15 August 2025, but booking is already open.
For many Danes, owning a summer house is a cherished family tradition. For those without that luxury, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season. Founded in Denmark in 1968, NOVASOL has grown into one of Europe’s leading holiday home rental companies. With a broad portfolio of summer houses across the country, NOVASOL connects homeowners with travellers seeking unique Danish experiences.
Planning your Danish mini-getaway
When planning your Danish mini-getaway, remember that unique stays are in high demand, so early booking is essential. For rural areas or islands, renting a car is advisable, though Denmark's excellent public transport and ferry networks are largely seamless. A car offers door-to-door convenience, and countryside drives often reveal hidden gems. Whether seeking a tranquil retreat, active adventure, or cultural immersion, combining a city break with a nature escape is easily achievable. Most importantly, embrace the Danish concept of hygge, which permeates every summer escape here.
There’s still time to discover the cherished corners of this enchanting Nordic nation, where every sun-drenched day invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and create lasting memories.
