Exploring Denmark: Beautiful Places to Visit with Children
Denmark is filled with charming cities, fairytale castles, and vibrant coastal landscapes, making it an ideal place to explore with children. Whether you’re discovering ancient Viking towns or visiting the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, there’s something magical in every region.
Copenhagen: A Fairytale Capital
Copenhagen, one of Europe’s oldest capitals, is a city of museums, parks, and colorful row houses. Kids can enjoy a day at Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, filled with rides, games, and musical shows. A walk along Strøget, Europe’s longest pedestrian street, offers plenty of shopping and entertainment for families.
The royal Amalienborg Castle, made up of four elegant palaces surrounding a courtyard, is open to visitors. Children especially enjoy watching the daily changing of the guards. Nearby, the harbor of Langelinie is home to the famous Little Mermaid statue, a symbol of Denmark inspired by Andersen’s tale.
Funen Island: The Land of Castles and Stories
Funen, also known as Fyn, is a picturesque island and the birthplace of the beloved storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. This island is filled with Renaissance architecture, charming towns, and over 120 castles. Egeskov Castle is particularly popular with families for its playgrounds, gardens, and maze.
Grenen and the Northern Peninsula
At the northernmost point of Denmark, children can stand with one foot in the North Sea and the other in the Kattegat Sea at Grenen. The surrounding peninsula is full of natural wonders like the Lønstrup Cliffs and the moving sand dunes of Råbjerg Mile, both perfect for a day of adventure and learning.
Jutland: History and Beaches
Jutland, the mainland part of Denmark, offers a mix of modern cities and old-world charm. Aarhus and Aalborg are lively cities with museums and family-friendly attractions. Ribe, Denmark’s oldest town, features cobblestone streets and medieval buildings. Kids can learn about Viking history at the Viking Museum, or explore the Ribe Cathedral and St. Catharinæ Church.
Kronborg Castle and Hamlet’s Legacy
Near the town of Helsingør stands Kronborg Castle, known worldwide as the inspiration for Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. The impressive fortress welcomes visitors with towers, ballrooms, and views over the Øresund Strait. Children can imagine themselves as characters from a royal drama while exploring the vast castle grounds.
The Bridge to Sweden
Denmark and Sweden are connected by the Øresund Bridge, a ten-mile engineering marvel that carries cars and trains across the sea. Built over nine years and completed in 2000, the bridge is a fascinating sight for children interested in transportation and construction.
The Original Legoland in Billund
Billund, the hometown of LEGO, is where the world’s first Legoland park opened in 1968. This theme park is made of millions of LEGO bricks and includes a 4D cinema, interactive exhibits, and rides for all ages. Kids love Miniland, where famous landmarks from around the world are recreated in LEGO form.
Learning Danish Through Travel
Exploring Denmark’s cities and landmarks is a great way for children to connect with the language and culture. When paired with fun and interactive language learning, such as the resources offered by Dinolingo, children can build vocabulary and cultural understanding at the same time. Dinolingo offers Danish lessons through videos, songs, games, and printable materials, designed for children ages 2 to 14 and accessible via web, iOS, and Android.