Experience Denmark’s picturesque small towns and walk through centuries of Danish history. Each has an unique charm and special atmosphere, away from the bustle of everyday life.
Ribe, Denmark’s oldest town, was recently voted Europe’s Best Small Destination. Skagen is a popular seaside town in the North, which has drawn artists and holidaymakers for hundreds of years.
There are many beautiful towns in Denmark and eight of the most popular to visit are listed in this guide.
Ribe
Visit Europe’s Best Big-Time Small Destination 2014! Ribe is Denmark’s oldest town, home to a fascinating Viking museum and a well-preserved medieval centre. Climb to the top of Ribe’s beautiful cathedral tower for lovely views of the region.
Ærøskøbing
Head to the island of Ærø, off the South Coast of Funen Island, and see why Ærøskøbing is often called Denmark’s fairy-tale town. Ærøskøbing is over 750 years old and is without doubt one of Denmark’s most idyllic places.
Skagen
Skagen, at the very North of Denmark, has been a favorite tourist destination for centuries. Stroll through the small seaside streets of yellow houses to the harbor and try the catch of the day in one of the town’s many fantastic fish restaurants.
Svaneke
Svaneke is an atmospheric fishing community of half-timbered houses and winding streets, located on Denmark’s Baltic island, Bornholm. In 2013 Svaneke was awarded the most beautiful market town of Denmark.
Ebeltoft
You’ll find one of Denmark’s most popular holiday towns on the scenic peninsula of Djursland, East Jutland. Ebeltoft is a quaint town of cobbled streets and crooked old houses. Visit the world’s longest vintage frigate here!
Mariager
Nestled on a fjord near Jutland’s East Coast, the town of Mariager is a picturesque slice of rural Denmark. Walk the cobbled streets with a loved one for a romantic getaway or treat the whole family at some of the many outdoor activities in and around the town.
Sønderho
This lovely little town, hidden in the dunes of Fanø Island on Denmark’s West Coast, is a well-preserved piece of Danish history. Combine a trip to Sønderho with the wetlands of the Wadden Sea National Park surrounding the island.
Christiansfeld
Christiansfeld is a unique town in Denmark. Not only was it built in 1773 by Moravian monks, but it is an early example of precise town planning! This beautiful town in South Jutland is currently on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Faaborg
In the 17th century, Faaborg was a bustling port town. Nowadays it’s a quiet escape and a fantastic day trip from Copenhagen or Odense. Hidden in rolling countryside on the South Coast of Funen Island, it’s easy to unwind into Faaborg’s old-world charm.
Dragør
Take a break from the city at the lovely fishing town of Dragør, only 12 km south of Copenhagen. You can drive or cycle here across the moorland of Amager Fælled, or take the bus. The town has a scenic centre and a harbour with great places to eat.
Maribo
Maribo is a quaint town on the island of Lolland, which dates back to the 15th century. Known for its jazz festival and beautiful lakeside location, Maribo is a place where you can enjoy both cultural and natural highlights.
Feature image (on top) Fanoe, Soenderho
The Eleven Prettiest Towns in Denmark, source: Visit Denmark. Compiled by Daily Scandinavian.