Denmark With Kids: From Copenhagen to the Faroe Islands

There’s so much to love on a vacation to Denmark with kids, from Renaissance and Baroque castles to rolling moorlands and stunning islands that welcome adventurous families. When you make this your destination, get ready for a jam-packed itinerary! Denmark is a land rich with famous fairy tales thanks to native-born son Hans Christian Andersen. And you’ll fall in love with the tranquility and beauty of this colorful nation where hygge is a daily habit.

The nation comes with all the conveniences you expect from Scandinavia, like the wide acceptance of credit cards and the ability of most Danes to speak English. It’s time for you and your family to learn why Denmark consistently ranks number one in the UN World Happiness Report. Here are some highlights you’ll want to incorporate into your Denmark family itinerary.

Step Back in Time in Ribe

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Ribe is the oldest town in Denmark, and it has the history to prove it. At the Ribe Viking Center, step back in time 1,300 years as you explore authentic city recreations from the 700s AD through the 900s AD during the Viking Age. Live actors in period costumes bring the wonders of ancient Ribe to life. For added interest and value, check out the center’s daily schedule of educational programs and dramas, including warrior training, archery, Viking games, and flatbread baking.

At the Museet Ribes Vikinger, discover what Ribes was like between 710 and 850 AD when its marketplace was a thriving center of European trade. Check out the gorgeous replicas of Viking artifacts and objects, which include the work of a comb maker, bronze caster, and bead maker. The exhibits span the Middle Ages through the Renaissance and do an excellent job of telling the story of this fascinating city from era to era.

Explore Denmark’s Stunning Network of Beaches

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Although Denmark is a relatively small nation, it boasts some of the world’s most pristine beaches. The country boasts its own Danish Riviera, where you’ll find gorgeous swathes of beach and inviting Edwardian-era hotels and summer homes. Like the French Riviera, this region attracts the most affluent Danes for a bit of sun and surf.

Other sites worth checking out include Rørvig Beach. Located near the Sandflugtsplantagen forest, a quick trek through the woods brings you to sweeping vistas of the vast ocean and coastline. Lynæs Beach is shallow, making it an ideal place to let your children play and run free. And Hornbæk Beach is hands-down the most popular swimming spot in the region.

And don’t forget about the splendid shopping in Hornbæk, which is filled with chic and artsy boutiques . From there, head to Kronborg Castle in Helsingør. The supposed haunt of Shakespeare’s iconic Hamlet, the site dates to 1420. Finally, your family won’t want to miss out on the National Maritime Museum. Designed by the cutting-edge architect Bjarke Ingels, its exhibits will let you and your family uncover fascinating stories from Denmark’s rich and lengthy maritime legacy.

Get Sophisticated in Copenhagen

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Copenhagen is a city rich in character and sophistication. Kid-friendly activities in Copenhagen abound, whether you’re after a cruise of the canals, delectable cuisine, or interactive museums. Moreover, Copenhagen is a pedestrian-friendly and bike-friendly destination, inviting families to get acquainted with its various neighborhoods and attractions. While vacationing in the city, consider a fun family photoshoot with a professional through flytographer. Find out more about hiring a flytographer for your next vacation.

Nothing beats a tour of Copenhagen’s canals by boat. When booking a cruise, you’ll have a choice of open or roofed boats, depending on the time of year and weather. If you opt for an open boat, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views, but be sure to pack an umbrella for unexpected downpours.

Back on land, take a stroll down Strøget, the main shopping street. Not only will you find many opportunities for window shopping, but delicious restaurants abound. Our favorite treats are Danish pancakes (similar to crepes) smothered in your choice of toppings: chocolate and bananas, strawberries and cream, apples and cinnamon, etc. After a quick snack, head to the Hans Christian Andersen Fairytale House, just off Strøget, to learn more about the author’s life and inspiration. Then, take a walk on the wild side at the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum next door, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Next, head to the Nyhavn to experience quintessential Copenhagen. From vibrant architecture to sidewalk cafes and a lively boardwalk, there’s something for all ages. And don’t forget about a trip to Tivoli Gardens, the world’s second-oldest amusement park. You’ll want to snap plenty of photos of the park’s gorgeous grounds, and your kids will have a diverse pick of multiple rides.

Go LEGO Crazy

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The first LEGOs were invented in Billund, which makes this the perfect location to celebrate these fun, colorful little plastic bricks at the LEGO House. It’s a creative and inspiring experience for kids and adults alike, providing interactive exhibits that inspire innovation and experimentation.

The museum is divided into color zones where you and your kids can develop different skill sets. In the Yellow Zone, explore your emotions through the language of LEGOs. Go big with monumental building projects in the Red Zone. Or let the Green Zone stimulate your creative and social skills. To round out your problem-solving and cognitive skills, head to the Blue Zone, where more fun challenges await.

Discover Denmark’s Stunning Castles

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In the 10th century, two Viking leaders — Gorm the Old and Harald Bluetooth — declared Denmark a sovereign nation. From that time onward, noble families ruled the country, leaving their mark on Denmark’s history through palatial residences. These castles remain incredible testaments to strength and affluence. Affording amazing views, the best ones also contain fascinating secrets about the aristocratic families who called them home.

At the top of our list is Egeskov Castle located in the southern part of Funen Island. Situated in the middle of a small lake, which acts as a moat, it’s one of the most photogenic destinations in Denmark. And it’s one of the best-preserved Renaissance palaces in Northern Europe. From its flourishing gardens to its majestic architecture, your family will fall in love with this 500-year-old stunner. The layout includes two longhouses connected by a double wall. Closer inspection reveals intriguing hidden staircases and defenses for siege warfare.

Or head to Hillerød north of Copenhagen to explore Frederiksborg Castle. Constructed by King Christian IV, consider it the equivalent of the Scandinavian Versailles. Surrounded by a massive, symmetrical baroque garden, it’s the largest Renaissance castle in the nation (and Scandinavia). Best of all, it hosts the Museum of National History, where you can dive even more deeply into Denmark’s colorful past.

Find Adventure in the Faroe Islands

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The Faroe Islands are a self-governing archipelago that fall under the larger umbrella of the Kingdom of Denmark. These islands are a true hidden gem teeming with opportunities for sightseeing and adventure. On a visit, discover Viking villages, fairytale castles, and verdant moorlands.

You’ll also want to head out on a sailing excursion for a day of sightseeing and fishing. Savor the freshest lunch you can imagine from the daily catch you’ll reel in with the help of your captain. Besides fish, try langoustines and sea urchins, among other delicious seafood delicacies.

Make time for a breathtaking hiking excursion. One of the best spots to start a walking exploration of the islands is Klaksvik, the second-largest city in the Faroe Islands. This city contains 5,000 residents and is the perfect starting point for a trip to Archibald’s House. Its tremendous isolation has earned it the unofficial title: “middle of nowhere.”

Another fun activity families can get behind in the Faroe Islands is birdwatching. The islands contain more than 300 species, from black-and-white puffins to boisterous kittiwakes. For families especially interested in puffins, schedule your trip between May and September, which is the breeding season for these birds. But this is just the beginning of the incredible adventures you’ll have on the archipelago.

Denmark With Kids

Get ready to explore attractions steeped in the nation’s vibrant cultural heritage on a trip to Denmark with kids. Activities are plentiful for every interest and age, whether you’re longing to experience engaging museums, delicious cuisine, or an excursion to the adventure-filled Faroe Islands. Other incredible ways to soak up Denmark at its best include stepping back in time at a Viking museum, tasting fully loaded Danish pancakes, and people-watching at one of the city’s quaint cafés.

Ready to begin planning the perfect Denmark family vacation? Let us help. We’ve got the local connections, travel expertise, and experience with family getaways to guarantee you enjoy the best family-friendly vacation Denmark has to offer.

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