See Some of the Most Adorable Villages in Denmark
CUTE COBBLESTONED CHARM OUTSIDE COPENHAGEN
(Originally posted June 2017, updated June 2021)
I love a Cinderella story. I like to cheer for the underdog. And while I live in the big, modern Danish capital and really do love it, I often seek out the simple. The slow. The little and quaint. For a bit. For the balance. And Denmark can do that. Charm you and court you with lots of little tiny town choices. What does it take to be the most darling Danish town? It depends.
A Danish village comes complete with cobblestone promenades and half-timbered houses. Colorful facades and maybe a fancy castle. Some sit near farms that are plum full of fresh produce. For me, it’s perfection if they are situated near water. But you if you’ve been reading along, you know that. So let’s take a look. These are the best. Don’t ask my teen, for he may disagree. But these are the towns that do it for me.
Let’s start on the west side of the country and work our way east towards the capital. I’m jumping to Jutland.
SPOILER ALERT: I’ve since written another post sharing 10 More Darling Danish Villages – now you’ve got 20 to choose from. So if you don’t see your favorite here, check over there.
NOTE: This post contains affiliate links, see my full disclosure here.
JYLLAND | JUTLAND
1 | Ebeltoft
Gem of Djursland, Ebeltoft sits on the east side of Jutland. Chock full of cobblestoned charm, little Ebeltoft is the perfect gateway to explore nearby Mols Bjerg National Park which lays claim to the highest hill in Denmark. That’s saying a lot around here. Half-timbered houses and purveyors of ice cream will surely make you happy after swimming in summer.
DON’T MISS:
- Put on your hiking shoes and make your way to Mols Bjerg National Park.
- Check out the ancient castle ruins in nearby Rønde; Kalo Slotsruin.
WHERE TO STAY IN EBELTOFT:
READ MORE: ENJOY A SLICE OF SUMMER TOWN LIFE IN ADORABLE EBELTOFT
2 | Løkken
Lovely little Løkken sits on the northwest coast of Denmark. It is rugged and windswept with wide sandy beaches. But don’t worry, this adorable wee village sits snug and calm behind the dunes with coffee shops and cafés and candy to create.
DON’T MISS:
- Learn to surf at North Shore Surf or just sit in the sun at their seaside cafe.
- Climb to the top of the abandoned Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse and then run down the dune.
- Make your own candy at Bolcheriet.
WHERE TO STAY IN LØKKEN:
READ MORE: You Need to Know Lovely Løkken | North Jutland Denmark
3 | Skagen
Sitting at the very tippy-top of Denmark is Skagen. But don’t say SKA-gen. It’s more like Skā-en, minus the g. However you say it, you’re sure to be swayed by the beautiful light and little yellow houses. This fishing village is famous for its painters and you can see why. It’s beautiful here. See where the North Sea and the Baltic combine.
DON’T MISS:
- Take the Sandormen, the “Sandworm” tractor ride out to where the Baltic and the North Sea meet.
- Climb up inside the Tilsandede Kirke, the (not-so) sand covered church.
- See the Danish masters and meet their fisherman muses at the Skagen Museum.
- Play in the surf at Gamle Skagen.
WHERE TO STAY IN SKAGEN:
FUNEN | FYN
4 | Kerteminde
Find your way to Funen, the oft-overlooked island that sits in the middle of Denmark. While Fyn may be tired of her big sister Marsha, er I mean Copenhagen, she has plenty to offer. With fields full of rye and poppies and fewer people, you’ll find wide-open spaces here to explore. We love quaint Kerteminde right on the water. It is a perfect base to explore the area and try the local produce.
DON’T MISS:
- Find your way to Fyns Hoved and smell the sea air with views over the Odense Fjord.
- Meet the sea creatures and seals at the Fjord & Bælt Museum.
- Fish for Seatrout in the early summer as they pass close to shore.
- Buy fresh produce from a farm stand. Pick apples in fall.
- Explore a Viking ship burial in nearby Ladby.
WHERE TO STAY IN KERTEMINDE:
READ MORE : Do Denmark in Fall | 5 Reasons Autumn is the Season
So You Want to Be a Viking?
5 | Faaborg
Faaborg on the southern side of Fyn might just tick all the boxes of Danish village darlingness. Colorful Scandi half-timbered homes, a classic harbor, and plenty of cobblestones.
DON’T MISS:
- Wander through the old town and out to the harbor.
- The delicious house-smoked fish at the Fåborg Røgeri Café.
WHERE TO STAY IN OR NEAR FAABORG
- Hotel Færgegaarden Faaborg
- Hotel Faaborg
- Falsled Kro (extra dreamy)
READ MORE: Faaborg Denmark | An Iconic Danish Village on Fyn
SJÆLLAND | ZEALAND
6 | Dragør
Dragør was my first and definitely still my favorite darling little Danish village. Don’t you know about Dragør? You might want to drop everything and drive right on over. It’s adorable and so close to Copenhagen.
DON’T MISS:
- Wander through the old town and out to the harbor.
- Share yummy brunch with your family at Fru Munk.
- Take a dip in the warm Øresund with views out to Sweden.
WHERE TO STAY IN DRAGØR
READ MORE: Darling Dragør Denmark
7 | Helsingør
Take the regional train from Copenhagen or the ferry from Sweden and head up to Helsingør. Here you will find Hamlet. Or his castle that is. So say the Danes. Kronborg Castle sits on the water majestic and magical. Time your visit in summer and see Shakespeare come alive with actors and action. Plenty of places to pause for a bite along the old town squares.
DON’T MISS:
- Looking for the ghost of Hamlet at Kronberg Castle.
- Finding Holger Dansk waiting to be woken in the basement.
- Sail into the Maritime Museum.
WHERE TO STAY IN HELSINGØR
8 | Hornbæk
I don’t need to toot too loud my love for Hornbæk, a pearl of the Danish Riviera. With wide swaths of beach and forested trails, it pleases many. Add in fresh fish markets, antiques to peruse, boutiques to shop, and cozy coffee shops for hygge and Hornbæk ticks all the boxes for most darling Danish town.
DON’T MISS:
- Wade in the water and wiggle your toes in the wide golden sand at Hornbæk Strand.
- Linger along the lush green paths that lead through the trees in the Hornbæk Plantage.
- Take a hygge break at Albi’s Kaffebar and Second Hand Shop in town.
WHERE TO STAY IN HORNBÆK
READ MORE: Hornbæk Denmark | Gem of the Danish Riviera
9 | Roskilde
Roskilde rocks even when the world-famous music festival isn’t on. This city has ancient roots with both Vikings and Royals. And it really is darn right cute to boot. Run, don’t walk, but I’ll allow you to rock right on over to Roskilde.
DON’T MISS:
- View Viking vessels dredged up from the nearby Roskilde Fjord at the well done Viking Ship Museum.
- Visit the stunning Roskilde Church and feel the spirit of the Danish royals buried therein.
- Rock out at Ragnarok, not the Viking apocalypse, but the museum dedicated to the music and culture that dominates the Roskilde Festival.
WHERE TO STAY IN ROSKILDE
READ MORE: So You Want to Be a Viking?
10 | Sjællands Odde
Most people drive right through here on their way to the ferry, but they would be amiss. Stop. Slow down and please try the fish. Odde’s not odd, but super quite delightful. Fishing boats and fish shacks add color and charm.
DON’T MISS:
- Toodle around Odde Havn, the harbor.
- Wait with the locals for delicious smoked fish at Odden Fisk.
READ MORE: Colors of a Danish Beach | Odsherred Denmark
Hotels not your cup of tea? Prefer to soak up Danish village life in a holiday home? Read more here about finding your own hygge in a decidedly Danish summer house.
READ MORE: SUMMER HOUSE HYGGE
RELATED: DANISH SUMMER HOUSE RULES
Did I do it? Did I tempt you? Do you know of these towns? Did I miss one? Do tell me. Here’s what left on my little town Denmark wish list:
UP NEXT: Svaneke and Gudhjem on the island of Bornholm.
ALSO THE CUTEST: Ribe and Fanø
Know someone who needs to know about these cute Danish digs? Please share it! Or save it. And see them for your very own self! Cheers from Denmark, Erin
I was going to suggest Fanø, but glad it’s already on your wish list! My parents moved there about 10 years ago, so now we get to go every summer 🙂 I think you’ll love Bornholm, it’s my favorite Danish island, see if you can make it to Christiansø while there, worth a visit.
I’ve never been to Ebeltoft before, but we’ll go there this summer to check out Fregatten Jylland, but now I’m looking forward to exploring the town too. 🙂
Oh – yes – we’ll definitely do Christiansø and I must get to Fanø – one of those places that only Danes recommend to me and I take that seriously! Cheers, Erin
love your pics! I am going to Roskilde for first time ever in July, looking forward to it. There are so many places to go…
Oooh – enjoy! At that time, you might even be able to row in a Viking ship at the museum! Have a blast – cheers!
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This is my favourite kind of blog post – so many charming places I’ve never heard of brought to my attention! From the photos and descriptions, so many of them sound like dream destinations for me. Definitely pinning so I can come back here if I’m able to plan a trip to Denmark in the future.
I should probably read up on my Shakespeare in the meantime, though – I didn’t know that about Kronborg Castle and the Hamlet connection. 🙂
Thanks kindly Lorna! My kids are actually studying parts of Hamlet in their school – I only know a few scenes… “something’s rotten in the state of Denmark perhaps?” Cheers from Copenhagen, Erin
These are so gorgeous – I can imagine whiling away hours (days) wandering around the streets, looking at the architecture, and Hamlet, Vikings and beach are a definite bonus. Hmmm. Danish road trip? #farawayfiles
Beach a definite plus in my book as well! Cheers from Copenhagen!
PS – please let me know if you do ever decide to drive over this way! Would love to meet!
Absolutely!
The all look so beautiful Erin – I must visit Denmark lol! Interesting, Roskilde came up in our pub quiz last night – what used to be the capital of Denmark? Thankfully we got it right!
Yes! You do! Come to Denmark she said! Nice work on the trivia (I’m guessing it has to do with the Viking heritage there?) Cheers from Copenhagen, Erin
Those towns look gorgeous. I’m definitely saving your post for my trip to Denmark somewhen in the future. 🙂 #FarawayFiles
You should! You should! It’s so different from Switzerland!
Thanks for this – my knowledge of Denmark’s towns isn’t great, so it’s very helpful! I think Skagen would be my favourite, although I’d have to go to the home of Hamlet, of course! #FarawayFiles
Skagen is a perfect pick if you only had one! Classisk Danish town!
So many cute towns! I love wandering through a quaint, cobblestoned town and usually prefer it to the big city. You’ve covered a lot of territory! #farawayfiles
We’ve had a few years and more than a few weekends to do it Corey!
I’d say you’ve definitely tempted me. Visiting small towns, for me, is a great break from Chicago. Old fishing towns are my favorite. #FarawayFiles
Mine too! I love all that a big city has to offer, but love a break from it too! Cheers from Denmark!
I have so much to see and do! Thank you for the tips!
From one Oregon Girl to another – you are so welcome!
Beautiful places and all different. I’m going with Lokken and Dragor for my wishlist, although actually now I’m eyeing up Hornbaek, it’s a tough choice! You are right they do make you want to drop everything and head for Denmark! The only one I have been to is Roskilde to see the Viking ships. Thanks for hosting #FarawayFiles
Top pics those three!!
How gorgeous, this would make a lovely road trip. What beautiful dinky towns. “Half-timbered houses and purveyors of ice cream”. Throw in cozy coffee shops and it’s basically all I want from my holidays
Denmark can do it then!!
Come to Denmark – they’ve got you covered! Cheers, Erin
Saving this everywhere, I especially fancy Lokken and Skagerrak #FarawayFiles
We loved Løkken in April. I heard it gets really crazy busy in peak summer. But that the town is buzzing and the beach is hopping then!
So many seaside towns are nicer out of high summer
Præcis! Exactly!
We really only had time for Helsingor & HUMLEBÆK – wish I had more time there!
On some of those relaxed days, when I am feeding my travel wish and bucket lists, I start to look for info about Denmark. Have to admit it is not that easy to kind good info about places to visit in Jutland. Most guides tend to focus on Zealand. So, I really liked to see your favorites in the peninsula. If I visit Denmark, I would like to get a taste of that area. #FarawayFiles
Ahhh… yes, Copenhagen gets lots of credit in Denmark. Maybe I need to make a guide to Jutland! Good idea!
All of these look wonderful! I’m super impressed with the amount of exploring you’ve done! Fyn, looks so nice, and I loved your Marsha reference, am I correct in assuming you mean Marsha of Brady fame? I love to see other people’s travel photos and this post is full of real gems! #farawayfiles
Haha – yes! Marsha, Marsha, Marsha! Fyn is definitely the middle sister in Denmark’s family. Cheers! Erin
These places do look adorable. Also, appreciate your pronunciation lesson — I hate to go somewhere and mispronounce the name! #farawayfiles
In Denmark – you’re pretty much sure to mispronounce most places! Danish is very difficult! Don’t worry – Danes speak many languages – so you are sure to find one way to communicate! Cheers, Erin
(not sure if my previous comment went through)
Coming from Asia, I would give anything to spend time in these gorgeous Danish towns! I can imagine fresh clean air, clean streets and beautiful environment 🙂 #farawayfiles
Ah! How are Danish towns always so adorable and photogenic!? They all look like tempting places to stop in the summer!
Kind of like most Danes? 😉
So many great towns to explore – I do love those quaint seaside towns. I really would love to visit Denmark and am bookmarking this for inspiration when hopefully we do plan a trip. Thanks for hosting #FarawayFiles
Great small towns!!
Thanks kindly Bea!
s cute! love the charm of small towns
#farawayfiles
So on my last visit I really wanted to explore Denmark far away from Copenhagen but next time, I need to make sure to head to the capital again cause there seem to be so many gems in the region I haven’t been to. Roskilde, Dragør, Helsingør and Hillerød all seem absolutely charming!
I think you would love them all for different reasons Vanessa! I get the desire to explore more than the capital – it gets a lot of credit for most travelers time in Denmark (and not without cause!) but it happens!
You have a knack for seeking perfect little towns out Erin! Kerteminde is my favourite from this list. I think we’ll need a lifetime to explore Denmark, let alone the world!
How far is Dragor to Copenhagen? Yes, you have convinced me to visit Denmark…these little towns and villages are gorgeous! I love the looks of the seaside towns too, especially Lokken. Oh, so many beautiful places in that part of the world!
Dragør is only about 30 minutes! So close, but it feels worlds away!
I want to see them all!!!!!
That’s it – I’m moving to Denmark! How amazing are these gorgeous little seaside towns. I love the painted buildings, the seafood, an occasional castle on the hill and of course the lifestyle. It all looks so idyllic. #FarawayFiles
Super cool!! Rosklide looks awesome! And so does Ska-en. Will add this to my Copenhagen bucket list!!
Both are so awesome – but Skagen is on the opposite side of Denmark from Copenhagen – just keep that in mind! Cheers, Erin
Hi Erin, we’re heading to Denmark in April (before Easter) with our boys aged 5 and 7. The kids love cycling, Lego and history so we’re planning a few days at Legoland, a few days in Copenhagen. Is there anywhere else at that time of year which you’d recommend? I’m thinking we could split our time between Billund (Lalandia?) and Copenhagen and do day trips by train from Copenhagen to other places like Odense. We have 8 night in total. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Denmark surely packs a mighty punch when it comes to brilliant sights and scenes in such idyllic and picturesque towns.
Your posts are compelling me to make a plan to revisit Denmark and explore it without further delay.
Thank you so much for sharing..!! 🙂
Great Post !