3 hrs from: Copenhagen airport
Exciting tips an easy drive away.
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Aarhus – from rainbow walk to Danish buzz
Aarhus is Denmark’s second city, almost exactly three hours from Copenhagen (using bridges or ferry). The city was European Capital of Culture in 2017, and is both a picturesque holiday city and an ultra-modern art destination. There is also some great food to be found, and everything more or less within walking distance.
Modern art in all shades
ARoS
The ARoS Art Museum is one of the biggest in Northern Europe, and always has exciting world-class exhibitions featuring artists such as Grayson Perry, Robert Mapplethorpe and Joana Vasconcelos. It is perhaps best known for its rooftop rainbow panorama by Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, as well as Ron Mueck’s gigantic sculpture, Boy.
A Danish journey through time
Den Gamle By
For a different kind of museum, just head to Den Gamle By, an open-air museum where you can go back in time and see Denmark as it was in the days of Hans Christian Andersen – and earlier. Den Gamle By is one of Denmark’s most popular tourist attractions, and it’s easy to see why.
An infinite bridge
Den uendelig bro
Just outside Aarhus is one of the area’s most popular photo motifs: The Infinite Bridge. The installation was created by architects Niels Povlsgaard and Johan Gjødes for a sculpture exhibition in 2015, but was so popular that the borough council made it a permanent feature – and you can visit every year from April to October. A good tip is to then carry on to the spectacular Moesgaard Museum, renowned for its exhibition on Danish history.
Fairy tales for all ages in Odense
Denmark’s best-known literary export, Hans Christian Andersen, was born in Odense in 1805, and the city is a natural destination for all fans of his fairy tales – especially since the museum dedicated to him opened. But Odense is also a good starting point to discover the island of Funen with its many amazing castles.
A cycle-friendly city
Rent a bicycle in Odense and enjoy some of the city’s 500 km of cycle paths. Odense has been awarded as Denmark’s most cycle-friendly city, and several specially built cycle bridges mean you can get around quickly and easily. We recommend heading for the harbor and the free of charge Odense Harbor Bath, with a structure resembling the deck of a ship. For those with more time and energy, Funen island is a great place to explore further as it’s flat and great for cycling.
A true fairy tale museum
H.C. Andersens hus
It would be sacrilege to visit Odense without seeing Hans Christian Andersen’s house – especially in its new guise, designed by Japan’s star architect, Kengo Kuma. The museum is now an experience beyond the ordinary, where the author’s stories are brought to life by artists and technology, and where the museum strives to talk like Andersen, rather than about him.
Danish and modern art experiences
Kunstmuseum Brandts
Art Museum Brandts has a spectacular collection of Danish art from the last 250 years, and it combines this treasure trove with exhibitions featuring exciting modern artists. There is also an incredibly popular sensory exhibition for children, which in spring 2023 focuses on pølser, Denmark’s famous hotdogs.
The historic stronghold of Nyborg
Denmark’s first constitution was signed in Nyborg in 1282, and from 1200 to 1413 the city was the site of the Danish parliament, Danehof. So this is a place with a pivotal place in Danish history. Today it’s something of a hidden gem, an idyllic coastal town in the middle of Denmark, a perfect distance from everything.
Castle hopping
Nyborg Slot
There are several amazing castles in and around Nyborg. Start with Nyborg Castle, which started being built in the late 12th century and is Denmark’s oldest preserved royal castle. Holckenhavn Castle, just outside Nyborg, is a popular location for weddings, and the extensive park and gardens are open to the public. Another beautiful building is Juelsberg Manor, just north of Nyborg. With its classical late 18th century architecture, it attracts visitors to its park and gardens, open May 1 to October 31.
Gourmet experience by the water
Restaurant Lieffroy
In a beautiful yellow building with Georgian-style windows and a tiled roof, is Restaurant Lieffroy. The views across the water are phenomenal, whether from the outdoor seating area or the huge panorama windows which open up the wall to the sea. The Lieffroy was named Restaurant of the Year in 2021 by Den Danske Spiseguide, Denmark’s food guide, and in the kitchen are people with many years’ experience of three-star Michelin establishments. On the menu: beautiful, delicious dishes made with local produce.
Podcast promenade
Nyborg Municipality has produced a series of podcasts to listen to while strolling around the picturesque town. Listen to how Queen Margaret I of Denmark took over Magelund Castle in 1391 – and burned it down. Or experience Nyborg Square in the 1960s, during the Second World War, all the way back until it was built. All you need to do is download the Useeum app on your phone, search for “Nyborg’s hidden tales” and press play.
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Text by Daniel Björk