Denmark is a small country (it’s the 21st biggest country in the European Union — out of 27 countries!) but it packs a big punch when it comes to charming and interesting cities. From bustling metropolises to idyllic coastal towns, historical villages, and lush natural sites, Denmark has it all.
One of the best ways to get to know the country better is by learning more about the major cities in Denmark! That’s right: while each city and town has something interesting, the biggest cities can particularly tell us more about Denmark — and perhaps even inspire you to put a few places on your Denmark itinerary!
This blog post goes into detail about the biggest cities in Denmark by population, as well as what the city is known for, its major attractions, and other fun facts. For reference, we used data from the most recent population census, which was taken by Statistics Denmark in January 2022.
Denmark truly has something for everyone, with cities that offer a mix of history, culture, and modern flair. So why not plan a trip and discover the country’s diverse and captivating cities for yourself? Let’s check out the top ten biggest cities in Denmark!
10 | Roskilde
Population: 51,916 (2022) | Location: Zealand
What do rock music, royal mansions, and vikings have in common with each other? Nothing — unless you travel to Roskilde!
Roskilde is a charming and historical city located in the eastern part of Denmark, just 30 kilometers (18.6 mi) from Copenhagen. While it may be the 10th largest city in Denmark, Roskilde welcomes more than 100,000 travelers annually — making it quite a popular destination in Denmark!
Right, where were we? Roskilde is famed for its annual rock festival, where locals have been rocking out (sorry) for more than 50 years. That’s not all: the city recently opened the Ragnarock museum in 2016, which showcases rock and pop culture from the 1950s to the present. Fun fact: the Crown Prince of Denmark inaugurated the museum when it opened.
What about royal mansions? Glad you asked! The Roskilde Royal Mansion, also known as Roskilde Slot, was in the 17th century and served as a royal residence for many years. Nowadays, this Baroque mansion is open to the public, alongside being used as an art gallery and for exhibitions. Interestingly, one wing is still occupied by the Bishop of Roskilde.
Last but certainly not least, did you know that Roskilde was Denmark’s first capital? While few remnants remain from this time, five Viking ships have been miraculously preserved — and now travelers can see them at the national Viking Ship Museum. Visitors can admire the intricate design of the ships, and learn about the rich history of the Vikings through interactive exhibits and displays.
9 | Vejle
Population: 60,230 (2022) | Location: Southern Denmark
Vejle is the epitome of a hidden gem, as not too many international tourists know about this delightfully local city! It’s very much a local attraction, as many Danes come to Vejle to experience the city’s architectural profile and to go shopping at one of the many stores and malls around the city.
Consider adding Vejle to your Denmark trip, as it’s fairly close to Legoland (only a 30 minute drive) and has plenty of local attractions to keep you busy. Another interesting tidbit about Vejle is that it is known for the tall forested hills that surround the city — truly an interesting feat considering that Denmark’s highest natural elevation is only about 170 meters (558 ft) above sea level!
8 | Horsens
Population: 61,074 (2022) | Location: Central Jutland
Despite its small population, Horsens is known as the city for culture in Denmark. The legendary Nw Theater puts on more than 200 shows each year, ranging from stand-up comedy to theater performances, children’s shows, and, of course, concerts.
In fact, Horsens’ list of guests reads like a who’s who of the musical world — artists ranging from Madonna to Bob Dylan, Elton John, Dolly Parton, One Direction, AC/DC, Metallica, and Rammstein have all performed in the city!
Besides music, Horsens is also famed for another cultural event: the European Medieval Festival (above), held on the last weekend in August, is the largest of its kind in Denmark. The city is transformed into a medieval realm, complete with jousting tournaments, falconry displays, and live music performances.
7 | Kolding
Population: 61,638 (2022) | Location: Southern Denmark
Kolding, a picturesque city located in the southern part of Denmark, is a destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its medieval castle, vibrant art scene, and scenic countryside, Kolding is a destination that should not be missed by tourists.
The biggest tourist attraction in Kolding is the Koldinghus, a stunning 700-year-old medieval castle that offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the castle and its grounds, and learn about its history through guided tours and exhibitions (including a special augmented reality tour through a tablet!)
Likewise, the city is surrounded by rolling hills, verdant forests, and scenic countryside, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts who love hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting.
6 | Randers
Population: 62,802 (2022) | Location: Central Jutland
Would you like to be transported to a tropical rainforest? While that question might sound strange, it’s perfectly normal in a place like Randers!
The Randers Rainforest is a lush and exotic indoor oasis that will transport you to a world of tropical wonder. With its towering trees, exotic plants, and fluttering butterflies, this indoor rainforest is an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking a unique escape from the typical tourist trail.
Step inside and be surrounded by the lush greenery, the hum of exotic birds, and the scent of blooming flowers. It’s like being transported to the Amazonian jungle, but with the comfort and convenience of being in the heart of Randers.
Besides the rainforest, Randers is — like many other Danish cities 😉 — a charming and historic place with plenty of interesting architecture, attractions, and enchanting cobblestone streets. The city is especially known for its merchant history, with traditional timbered houses still lining the streets — like the photo above!
5 | Esbjerg
Population: 71,698 (2022) | Location: Southern Denmark
Esbjerg is a charming and vibrant city that offers a unique blend of maritime heritage and whimsical attractions. With its picturesque harbor, historic landmarks, and diverse cultural offerings, Esbjerg is a destination that should not be missed by travelers looking to immerse themselves in classic Danish culture.
One of the highlights of Esbjerg is its maritime heritage, which is showcased at the Fisheries and Maritime Museum (Fiskeri- og Søfartsmuseet). The museum offers a fascinating insight into the city’s rich seafaring history, including its fishing and shipping industries. Visitors can explore the exhibits, which include original artifacts and interactive displays, and ‘meet’ five local seals during the twice-daily feeding.
For those who love the great outdoors, Esbjerg is surrounded by stunning nautical landscapes, making it an ideal destination for activities such as hiking, swimming, and fishing. Thanks to the city’s location on the coast, tourists can visit the nearby beaches for a relaxing day in the sun or take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the scenic views.
Of course, Esbjerg is home to a variety of restaurants and cafes that serve traditional Danish cuisine. The city is especially famous for its seafood, so be sure to try the local specialties like bakskuld (dried flatfish) and smoked salmon!
Esbjerg is an excellent starting or ending point in your trip around Denmark, as it’s a little over an hour’s drive from the German border.
4 | Aalborg
Population: 119,862 (2022) | Location: Northern Denmark
Aalborg, Denmark is a vibrant and dynamic city, perfect for travelers looking for a unique blend of history, culture, and modern flair. With a rich past dating back to the Viking age, Aalborg is steeped in tradition and history. But it’s not all about the past in this city – Aalborg is also a hub of creativity, with a thriving arts scene, innovative architecture, and a buzzing nightlife.
Aalborg is known for its many museums across different topics, including history, architecture, art, vikings, and more. At Aalborg Historical Museum, you can get a glimpse into the city’s rich history at this museum, which showcases the Viking age, medieval times, and more.
Looking for something a little modern? The Utzon Center, named after the famous Danish architect Jørn Utzon, showcases his life’s work, including the iconic Sydney Opera House.
After a long day of museum hopping, it’s time to relax and party! Thankfully, Aalborg has Jomfru Ane street — this colorful spot is lined with a variety of bars, pubs and restaurants, making it the perfect place to grab a drink, have a meal, or enjoy a night out. For those looking for a traditional Danish pub experience, Jomfru Ane Gade offers several options. These pubs often feature a cozy atmosphere and traditional Danish drinks like Carlsberg beer or snaps.
Lastly, Aalborg is known for the Aalborg Carnival, a major event in Europe that takes place every year in the last week of May. It’s known as the biggest carnival in all of Scandinavia!
There are plenty of events during the carnival, including a street party and parade that attracts more than 100,000 visitors from around the world. The highlight of the Aalborg Carnival is the Grand Parade, which features thousands of people dressed up in themed clothes, with dancing, food, music, and much more. It’s a great way to experience the city’s vibrant culture and have a lot of fun!
3 | Odense
Population: 180,863 (2022) | Location: Funen
Besides being the third-largest city, Odense is often called the fairytale capital of Denmark!
The city is famous for being the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, the world-renowned fairy tale writer, who was inspired by his hometown. A celebration of his life and works and has been beautifully transformed into a fairytale world that is both enchanting and whimsical.
One of the highlights of Odense is the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, which is dedicated to the life and works of the famous fairy tale writer. The museum, which is housed in a charming 18th-century building, displays a collection of original manuscripts, illustrations, and personal artifacts of Andersen.
Tourists can also explore the city’s aptly-named Fairy Tale Garden, a beautifully landscaped park that is home to a variety of fairy tale sculptures, including those of Andersen’s most famous characters such as Thumbelina and The Little Mermaid. Visitors can take a stroll through the park, relax by the lake, and immerse themselves in the enchanting world of H.C. Andersen.
Continue the fairytale with a visit to St. Canute’s Cathedral, which is one of the city’s oldest and most historic buildings, or take an easy day trip to Funen Village, which portrays life in the 18th century and was a backdrop for many of Andersen’s stories.
2 | Aarhus
Population: 285,273 (2022) | Location: Central Jutland
Aarhus’ claim to fame is that it’s called the “City of Smiles,” and it’s not hard to see why — locals here are some of the friendliest Danes in the country!
Besides its cheerful personality, Aarhus is also known as one of the best university towns in the country. There are more than 40,000 students studying at Aarhus University alone (almost 15% of the total population!). Thanks to its younger crowd, Aarhus is full of culture, food, and unique attractions.
Let’s start with Aarhus’ rich cultural scene. The city is home to several world-class museums, including the Aarhus Kunstmuseum and the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum (above, a must-visit!), which showcase contemporary and classical art from Denmark and around the world. Aarhus also has a thriving music scene, with several live music venues and theaters that host regular concerts and performances. No wonder it was selected as a European Capital of Culture city in 2017!
That’s not all: Aarhus was selected as a European Region of Gastronomy in 2017, and has plenty of delicious local and international cuisine. The city is full of alternative cafes and third wave coffee shops, featuring modern decor and farm-to-table dishes.
1 | Copenhagen
Population: 1,366,301 (2022) | Location: Zealand
Last but certainly not least, we have the capital of Denmark and the largest city in the entire country — none other than Copenhagen!
Copenhagen is a destination that offers visitors a mix of history, culture, and modern flair. Located on the coast of Zealand, this vibrant city is a hub of commerce, arts, and architecture, and it’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the best of what Denmark has to offer. But you knew that, didn’t you? 😉
Besides its status as a super interesting destination, Copenhagen is also the most visited city in Denmark, with nearly 9 million tourists visiting in 2018. Interestingly, this figure is expected to double by 2030, so be sure to visit before then!
What should you see in Copenhagen? One of the most iconic landmarks is the Little Mermaid statue, which was inspired by the fairytale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen.
Another popular attraction is the Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park that was founded in 1843 and has since become one of the most famous attractions in the city. Visitors will love exploring the park’s stunning gardens, exciting rides, and live entertainment.
The Round Tower is a one-of-a-kind destination that will transport you back in time to the 17th century. With its spiral ramp, you can take a leisurely stroll up to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Not only will you be in awe of the scenery, but you’ll also get a chance to learn about the fascinating history of Danish astronomy. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind experience!
Nyhavn, on the other hand, is a feast for the eyes and a delight for the senses. This charming canal and harbor area is the epitome of Danish charm, with its bright and colorful 17th and 18th-century buildings, quaint cafes and restaurants, and bustling boat traffic. Take a stroll along the canal, or savor a delicious meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants along the promenade.
That’s all for our ‘little’ round-up of the biggest cities in Denmark! We hope you learned something new or interesting. 🙂
Photo Credits | Roskilde by Krists Luhaers (Wikimedia CC 2.0) | Velje by Oleksandra Tsvihun (Unsplash) | Horsens medieval festival by Hanne Nielsen (via middelalderfestival) | Koldinghus by Preben Matthiesen (Royal Danish Collection) | Randers city center by Jesper Maagaard (via VisitAarhus) | Odense H.C. Andersen sculpture courtesy of VisitOdense | Aarhus Mollestien by Steffen Muldbjerg (Unsplash)