Nowadays, Denmark is mostly famous for its hygge culture and for having the happiest people on the planet. But Denmark is also a gorgeous country with an incredible array of attractions and “must-see”. From the remains of the Viking era to its impressive modern architecture, from the most livable city, Copenhagen, to little sea-side villages, a road trip in Denmark will surprise you.
Note: This post includes affiliated links down below. If you decide to purchase one of the books about traveling in Denmark, I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
A Road Trip in Denmark: The UNESCO World Heritage Sites
On this road trip, you will get to see 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites. This means you will get to see ALL of Denmark UNESCO sites apart from the 2 which are in Greenland and therefore just a little too far away to include!
The UNESCO World Heritage sites you will get to explore:
- Kronborg Castle
- Christiansfeld, a Moravian Church Settlement
Of course I included other sites which are not UNESCO sites, but are still pretty cool.
In case you are wondering, yes I have been to all of those UNESCO Sites!
Below you will find the description of the itinerary and the different places recommended. There are many more sites below than on the map.
Let’s go!
A Road Trip in Denmark: The itinerary
Starting and ending in Copenhagen
For the purpose of this map, I assumed you would be starting this road trip in Copenhagen (the capital of Denmark). I’m not going to detail all the amazing things to do and see in Copenhagen. This will be for another map!! (one day!!)
When in Copenhagen, it’s a bit hard to resist taking the Øresund Bridge to hop in Sweden. Do be mindful that it cost a pretty penny to cross. With this road trip, you will get to cross another amazing bridge anyway.
Preferred mode of transport in Copenhagen: Cycling of course! Ok, walking is good too.
If you are looking for a hotel in Copenhagen, I can, without any hesitation, recommend you the Manon les Suites. Eco-friendly, gorgeous, trendy, relaxing! Just perfect!
Driving in Denmark
It’s really easy to drive in Denmark, as roads are in excellent conditions and highways are free (apart from the toll on the Great Belt Bridge). Driving is done on the right side and the only thing you need to be really mindful of are cyclists.
Speed limits are usually 50 km/h within towns, 80 km/h outside towns and 110 to 130 km/h on highways.
No drinking and driving as alcohol limit is super low.
Rent a car, after you have visited Copenhagen, as you won’t need it there.
Your Road trip itinerary in the East part of Denmark called Zealand
After having visited Copenhagen and its surrounding, you will drive North to Helsingør to visit the Kronborg Castle, also called Hamlet’s Castle. The Kronborg Castle is the first UNESCO World Heritage site on your list! Have a walk around Helsingør, it is charming.
After leaving Helsingør you could visit Fredensborg Palace if you have planned such visit and booked your ticket in advance.
Next you should have a little hike in the par force hunting landscape, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, head to Frederiksborg Castle, a 17th century palace in Hillerød.
Next, you should head toward Roskilde where you will find the 3rd UNESCO site on the list: The Roskilde Cathedral. Do check the opening times on the official website: visit.roskildedomkirke.dk. The first time we tried to visit, it was closed, the second time, once again I didn’t check and as there was a wedding, we didn’t get to see anything! The third time was amazing!
The city of Roskilde is worth a stroll and the Viking ship museum is at walking distance.
Next you absolutely have to visit Trelleborg, the Museum of the Viking Age in Slagelse. It is my favorite open air museum. the official website is: en.natmus.dk
It is time to change area and cross the Great Belt Bridge to reach Funen. Do note that the Great Belt Bridge has a toll and its own website: www.storebaelt.dk
Your Road trip itinerary in the central part of Denmark called Funen
It may look on my map that you are just passing by, but actually there are a couple of things you can do on this island:
First and just after crossing the bridge, you can stop in Nyborg. I didn’t add the Nyborg castle on my map, because it is closed for renovation until 2020.
Next, go to Odense and after a stroll through the city, visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum.
Finally, do a little detour to see Egeskov Castle, Europe’s best preserved Renaissance water castle.
Your Road trip itinerary in the mainland part of Denmark called the Jutland
You will first drive up North.
You can visit the Jelling Stone on your way. The Jelling Runic Stones and Mounds is the 4th UNESCO Site on the list. Do visit the little museum across the street. The rooftop view is worth it alone but the museum is actually really nice.
Continuing toward the North, stop in Aarhus and check out the Aarhus Old Town open air Museum and the impressive modern architecture of the city.
I do recommend you to drive pretty much all the way to the North of Jutland. The beaches there are out of this World, although not ideal for sunbathing, considering they could be extremely windy, to say the least. Skagen is well-known for its light which attracted many famous painters. The Rubjerg Knude lighthouse is worth the detour. “Rugged” is the word the most used to describe this area.
It is time to drive back South.
Sagnlandet Lejre, the land of legend, is another open air museum that you might appreciate. Here is the official website: www.sagnlandet.dk
If you haven’t stopped by Jelling on your way North, it is time to do so. The Jelling stone is the birth stone of Denmark, you really can’t miss that.
Yes, you can also go to Legoland, if you must!
Christiansfeld, a Moravian Church Settlement is the 5th UNESCO World Heritage site on your route. I’m actually still wrapping my head around this one. Here is the official website: christiansfeldcentret.kolding.dk
Your next stop will be to admire the Walden sea, the 5th UNESCO site of the list.
You can stop by Esbjerg, to at least pose for an Instagram picture at the Man at the sea sculpture by Sv. Wiig Hansen. I would however recommend you to stay in Ribe as it is the oldest town in Denmark and the Walden sea visitor center is much closer.
Your Road trip itinerary from Zealand back to Copenhagen
From the Walden sea, we drove down to Germany because we were on our way back home. You can choose to stay on land and go back toward Copenhagen by Odense. Alternatively, as shown on the map, you can also drive South to Germany and take a ferry in Puttgarden on the Island of Fehmarn to come back in Denmark in Rødby. That’s what we did on our way to Sweden. Ferry’s are fun and this one is just a quick crossing.
Driving back toward Copenhagen in the Lolland-Falster region or South Zealand, you should do a little detour to see Stevns Klint, the last UNESCO World Heritage of the list. In Stevns Klint, you will understand why Dinosaurs didn’t like Asteroids!
How long will it take you to do this Road trip in Denmark?
It’s always hard to answer this question as it all depends on you and what you choose to do and not do. I would say 10 days to 2 weeks would be good. 3 weeks would be marvelous!
How to get the free printable version of the map?
You can click on the image above or follow this link: Denmark Road Trip Map.
A new window will open with the high-resolution pdf of the map. You can save it or print it directly. If using Letter US paper, you may need to center the image to ensure nothing gets cropped.
As usual, this is a free map. Hope you enjoy!!
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Additional freebies!
If you subscribe to RTatW newsletter, you will get the password to the “not so secret postcard page” where you will find some of these drawings (and lots of others) in a postcard format ready to be downloaded. You can print any of them and send to your friends or frame! If you frame them, do send a picture so I can cry of happiness!
Last but not least….
I’ve created the below poster which is now available on Society6. It is available as art print, notebook and cards.
If you would prefer to see these Danish landmarks on a different product (a mug maybe?!), you can email me and I will see if possible.
My email is: Miss Coco Travel @ gmail . com (no spaces!)
I hope you like those!
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You can also check my other maps:
Here are a few books you may enjoy
These are affiliated links. If you decide to purchase one of the books about traveling in Denmark, I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The little book of Hygge is a must have!!
