Forget fairytale castles or sweet cobblestoned streets — Denmark’s true magic lies hidden in its kros!
Don’t get us wrong, the castles are lovely… but for a taste of Denmark’s true soul, we recommend venturing off the beaten path and staying in a traditional Danish kro!
What’s a kro you might ask? These traditional Danish inns go back to the Middle Ages and were a place for weary travelers to rest, recharge with a delicious communal feast, and continue their journey the next day. Thankfully, nearly a hundred kro have survived to this day — and we’re excited to show you some of the best kros in Denmark!
Besides beautiful classic architecture (think thatched roofs or timber details!) and a rustic atmosphere, Danish kros are also known for their delicious traditional cuisine. Practically every kro has at least one signature dish (or a 3-course meal at those fancy kros!), whether that’s freshly-caught seafood, succulent roasts, or a tantalizing dessert. Dining at a kro is definitely a must-have authentic Danish experience.
If you;re looking for a unique accommodation in Denmark, we humbly present our list of the best 20+ kros across the country!
A Short History of the Danish Kro
Denmark’s kros have an interesting history that spans more than 800 years — let’s take a little trip back in time to learn more about these interesting accommodations. 🙂
Kro literally translates to an inn, and the first kro appeared sometime in 1283 after a royal degree. Back then, King Erik Klipping wanted to ensure that travelers would have a comfortable place to spend the night, so the idea of the kro was born. These kro were built on the side of ‘royal roads,’ which were routes that kings used when they traveled around the country on diplomatic missions.
Over the years, hundreds of kros were established, each with its own unique identity and atmosphere. Some common characteristics of kro are their thatched roofs (especially in older buildings), long and rectangular shape, and an in-house restaurant.
Around the 1500s, Christian II of Denmark edited the previous rules and said that there should be a kro every two miles (3.2 km) along Danish roads. This was especially important because kros were traditionally located between major cities (i.e. between Copenhagen and Aarhus), and travelers welcomed a nice rest after a long day’s journey between cities.
One unique aspect of these Danish inns was a concept called royal privileges. In the 17th century, Danish monarchs began granting special privileges to certain inns and allowed them to serve as royal rest stops. These privileges often included the right to display a crown in their logo, which was a mark of distinction that signified the inn’s approval by the royal family. Over history, there were around 110 kros that received the title of ‘royally privileged’ — and we’ve highlighted some that still exist to this day, like Schackenborg Slotskro and Kryb I Ly Kro (both mentioned below). <LINK>
Kros originally offered travelers accommodation, a place to eat food, stables (‘parking’ for the horses), and a small barn where the horses could eat. While these inns were originally used to accommodate travelers, mail carriers, and diplomats working under the royal family, in many places they also became gathering places for the locals.
Unfortunately, kros started to slowly wane in the 1800s with the advent of the railway, but some hundred or so inns still exist to this day. Many are remodeled with modern comforts, yet some have also retained their rustic charm — which is why we invite you to come along with us as we list some of the best kro in Denmark! 🙂
Best Kros in Denmark
Svostrup Kro
Legend has it that the history of this kro goes back nearly a thousand years, when the original building was mentioned in a travelogue from the late 1200s. Since that time, the building has undergone a few renovations, and nowadays it contains 16 rooms that each have their own unique design (with traditional Danish furniture and knickknacks from the owner’s personal collection!)
Besides the accommodation aspect, Svostrup Kro is located within a beautiful natural area full of trees and hiking paths, and there is a river behind the building.
As a bonus, this is a dog-friendly kro 🙂
Munkebo Kro
Located on the outskirts of Odense (it’s a short 15-minute drive to the city center!), Munkebo Kro is an endearing inn set right on the waterfront of Kerteminde Fjord. If you’re looking for a classic Danish kro experience, this is it!
If you’re planning a visit, don’t forget to inquire about their events — the kro usually holds fun festivities like beer tasting night, various gourmet events (i.e. cod fish dinner, dining week, etc), and more.
Bromølle Kro
Did you know that Bromølle Kro is one of Denmark’s oldest kro that’s still operating? For more than 800 years, Bromølle Kro has served travelers on the road here and still does so to this day — just imagine the stories that happened here over all these years!
Hodde Kro
We’ve already mentioned a few classic kro accommodations, but if you’re looking for something a little more modern, we have that too!
Hodde Kro is a contemporary take on the classic kro concept, since the main building is a traditional thatched-roof kro from the 1780s, while just behind it are 15 luxury cabins. Each mini-cabin has a private bathroom and kitchenette, and comes in 2- or 4-person spaces.
If you’re looking to explore the nearby area, Legoland is a 35-minute drive away, and the beautiful coastal city of Esbjerg is a 30-minute drive.
Herlev Kro
Don’t want to travel too far? If you’re looking for a Danish kro in Copenhagen, we’re sure you’ll love Herlev Kro 🙂
This minimalistically cozy inn is located on the outskirts of Copenhagen and is a quick 11-minute walk to the train station (with commuter trains C and H that will take you to the center).
Despite the inn’s 150 year history, the rooms are spacious and have modern furniture. On the first floor, Herlev Kro has a cafe with traditional dishes (they’re famous for their smørrebrød sandwiches!)
The hotel said it best themselves: “We offer good service, the Danish ‘hygge’ atmosphere, and traditional [local] cuisine.”
Kryb I Ly Kro
Often referred to as ‘Jutland’s most beautiful inn,’ Kryb i Ly Kro is an interesting juxtaposition of new and old.
Despite being one of Denmark’s oldest kros (and one of the few inns that was allowed to keep the royal crown in its logo!), the inn’s rooms are a breath of fresh air with its modern furniture and simple designs. It’s also one of the few kros that has a swimming pool and sauna.
Kryb i Ly Kro has a total of 77 rooms including single rooms, double rooms, six family rooms, 1 business room, and a superior room.
Schackenborg Slotskro
Speaking of royal privileges, another historical Danish kro is the magnificent Schackenborg Slotskro. As the name might hint, this inn was given royal privileges in 1687 and has kept its elegant reputation ever since.
The 20 rooms were beautifully renovated in 2021 and, in the words of the hotel, “The rooms are cozy and romantic and furnished in the best South Jutland country style with modern conveniences added with plenty of nostalgia and charm. Here, time stands still in a good way.”
The main draw to this kro is the Schackenborg Castle, which is located practically next door! The hotel is able to arrange bespoke tours to the castle, around Møgeltønder (the village where it’s set in), and/or to Møgeltønder Church.
Schackenborg Slotskro is easily accessible, as it’s only 5 km from the German border; a 1.5 hour drive from Esbjerg, or a 2-hour drive from Odense (another fairytale city!).
Despite the inn’s prestige and amenities, nightly prices are quite reasonable and accommodations start at only 1,000 DKK per night!
Filskov Kro
Set in a historical brick building, Filskov Kro is an excellent choice if you want to experience a traditional Danish kro on your way to Legoland (it’s only a 15-minute drive away!). The kro is especially excellent for large groups and families, as its biggest accommodation (a 4-bedroom apartment) can hold up to seven people).
Tyrstrup Kro
This isn’t just any typical kro — it’s a charming inn set in a UNESCO Heritage Site!
The 350-year old Tyrstrup Kro is a historic inn set in a gorgeous crimson red building and has 27 rooms in a lovely classic style. In typical kro fashion, the room rate includes a delicious continental breakfast.
Besides its UNESCO-listed location,Tyrstrup Kro is famous for its restaurant, which focuses on local and seasonal ingredients with a friendly touch. We recommend trying their 3-course menu.
Reersø Kro
Located between Copenahagen and Odense, Reersø Kro is a delightfully rustic inn that has all the hallmarks of a traditional kro, including the thatched roof and timber details. Despite the small town that it’s located in, there’s a microbrewery, a café, a small store, a museum, and an art gallery within 200 meters of the kro.
If you love seafood, be sure to try the pan-fried eel (the restaurant’s specialty!)
Brobyværk Kro
For a touch of contemporary charm, we love Brobyværk Kro. This modern kro is the perfect embodiment of Scandinavian chic, with its minimalist yet cozy rooms, plenty of natural light, and beautiful neutral hues — it feels more like a boutique hotel than a historical kro from the 1700s!
Of course, there is also much to rave about the restaurant. With a view of the Odense river and an ambitious team, the kro’s restaurant is a beautiful fusion of Danish and French cuisine. As Brobyværk Kro says in their own words, “We add a modern twist with dishes inspired by French brasserie cuisine served in a rustic enough way that they belong in a Danish inn.”
Den Gamle Kro Hornslet
This colorful yellow kro is the perfect way to experience the traditional Danish inn, and includes simple rooms, a restaurant, cafe, and lounge area.
Rold Storkro
If you want to escape the hustle of city life and recharge in the peaceful surroundings of nature, then a stay at the scenic Rold Storkro is a perfect choice.
The kro’s 3-course seasonal menu is enjoyed in the Panorama restaurant with a view of Gravlev Ådal, while around the kro there live a herd of fallow deer (which are also part of the inn’s logo :)).
Rold StorKro is one of the newer kros on our list (it was built in the 1950s by an entrepreneur), and it certainly shows in the beautiful details and design.
Norsminde Kro
Norsminde Kro is a historic inn that has been welcoming guests for centuries thanks to its location on Denmark’s beautiful East Jutland coast. It’s also a lovely stop if you’re traveling to Aarhus and want to explore the coast.
The inn was originally built in 1693, and it has been a popular destination for travelers ever since. The surrounding area was originally called Kysing, but the name Norsminde has come to be used for both the inn and the surrounding area. The kro offers spacious rooms with modern décor and views of the Norsminde Fjord, as well as high-level gastronomy at the inn’s two restaurants.
Fladbro Kro
With a history that goes back to the 1700s, Fladbro Kro is idyllically located just 10 minutes from Randers’ city center and surrounded by the lush Fladbro forest. The inn Fladbro Kro was given the title of royally privileged back in 1739, and even welcomed famous fairytale author H. C. Andersen in the mid-1800s!
Other Great Options
Nørre Vissing Kro — Beautiful cobblestone streets, a classic building, and a countryside location make this kro a guest favorite. Book here →
Ballum Slusekro — What happens when you take a classic Danish kro and put it on the seaside? You get Ballum Slusekro! This adorable coastal kro is famous for its good ol’ fashioned Danish food and calm atmosphere. Book here →
Purhus Kro — Located between Aalborg and Aarhus, Purhus Kro has been welcoming guests since the 1750s. This rural kro has all the rustic charms, including a large breakfast. Book here →
Hjørring Kro — If you’re looking for a cozy holiday in North Jutland with delicious food and lovely surroundings, you don’t have to travel far — Hjørring Kro is exactly what you need. 🙂 Hjørring is a lovely family-run kro just 35 minutes from Aalborg and a short drive to north Denmark’s beautiful nature. Book here →