Denmark

When you experience the genuine, friendly welcome upon arrival into fairytale capital Copenhagen, you might find it hard to imagine the historic Danes as horned Vikings marauding through Europe. But before the beautiful, smiling royal family, Danish history is littered with dramatic stories. Our pick of the best places to stay in Denmark are centred around Copenhagen, but this beautiful country has plenty to offer further afield too.

Visitors to Denmark also have the pleasure of uncovering the realities behind contentment surveys showing that the Danish love their lives more than almost any other nationality. How many countries have a transport system people actually enjoy using? Denmark isn't just beautiful, functional design, wonderful fairytales, Lego and fish, but you'll be surprised by how charming and persuasive these things can be in the right setting…

Hans Christian Andersen summed it up best: 'My life is a lovely story, happy and full of incident'. If you consider Denmark's rich, well-preserved cultural heritage to be some of the interesting 'incident' Andersen refers to, and the high GDP and liberal, civilised society to equate to a general high standard of living and happiness, you can see why he found life lovely.

What Not To Miss

• Stroll through Copenhagen, a wonderfully charming city that you're bound to truly love. Be sure to check out especially the colourful Nyhavn harbourside area where Hans Christian Andersen used to live.
• Visit a Baltic beach - no place in the country is more than an hour's drive from a picturesque bit of seashore!
• If you have any love for Lego at all, you owe it to yourself to visit the Legoland theme park in Billund.
• The Frederiksborg Castle is a wonderful place to visit, built on three islands and surrounded by beautiful gardens. Filled with gorgeous antiques and artworks, it's also home to The Museum of National History.
• If you're looking for more architectural splendour and opulently decorated interiors then Christiansborg Palace is the spot for you. Truly dreamy!

If you are visiting in the summer months, be sure to book ahead if you want to guarantee yourself a room in one of the best places to stay in Denmark.

For Copenhagen City Style

• For a totally unique, totally Danish experience try staying on a converted barge in the hip area of Christianshavn - right near the museums, galleries and nightlife - with CPH Living.
• For the ultimate in Danish design you'll want the Hotel Alexandra. The chic, eclectically designed rooms feature splashes of bright colours, there is a bar, library and excellent restaurant.
• The boutique SP34 provides super stylish rooms in the lively Latin Quarter. Tuck into wonderful cuisine from the two restaurants and come back after a day out sightseeing to unwind on the rooftop bar with a tipple.
• Set in a converted warehouse, Nyhaven 71 features charming rooms with wooden beams and contemporary furnishings. Within walking distance to the city's sights, you can enjoy international cuisine from the restaurant.
• Boasting a wonderful location in a trendy area Hotel Carlton Guldsmen oozes understated class - offering rooms with four posters and Persian carpets. Tuck into a wonderful breakfast before heading off exploring.
• The stylish Guldsmeden Axel features Balinese-style interiors with Persian rugs and teak four posters, plus an organic restaurant - so it's great if you fancy something a tad different from the usual options.

For Copenhagen Scandi-Chic

• For a Copenhagen city break consider the cool, contemporary, centrally located Ibsens hotel. Chic and comfortable accommodation in a top spot.
• Andersen Hotel boasts colourful rooms in a central location, plus you can take full advantage of the spa treatments on offer. A hip stay.
• Scandic Palace Hotel, set in an historic property, boasts sleek contemporary accommodation with plenty of clean lines. Tuck into quintessentially Nordic cuisine and enjoy a refreshing cocktail in the bar.
• The stylish Absalon Hotel features sleek contemporary rooms contrasting white walls with colourful furnishings. Enjoy Scandinavian style breakfasts to set you up for the day and come back to a refreshing cocktail in the bar.
• Hotel Kong Arthur is a fabulous option, set in a grand building in a quiet part of town. Offering ultra-chic rooms as well as a spa and three top restaurants, it has everything you need for a lovely city break.
• First Hotel Skt Petri boasts smart contemporary rooms in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter. Offering light and airy rooms with bright headboards, there's also an in-house restaurant.

For Copenhagen On a Budget

• The Urban House hostel is the ideal place for those on a budget, with a variety of rooms and dorms from just £25 per night. There is a sociable bar and even a tattoo parlour! It is definitely geared towards a younger crowd.
• Wakeup offers minimalist whitewashed accommodation starting at £70 per night. An unfussy base from which to get to know Copenhagen.

For Romantic Retreats

• If you want Danish fairytale magic stay at the Nimb Hotel, an early 20th Century Moorish-inspired palace. The magical Tivoli amusement park is right on the doorstep, plus there are all sorts of antique treasures to be discovered inside.
• D'Angleterre is an elegant 5* city stay, boasting classical rooms with chandeliers and marble bathrooms. Tuck into Michelin-starred cuisine or pamper yourself in the spa before heading to the champagne bar.

For The Coast

• Fasled Kro is a charming inn, providing minimalist white rooms in an idyllic coastal setting with direct beach access. What's more, they brew their own beer on site and the restaurant is Michelin star quality!
• Henne Kirkeby Kro is a top spot from which to explore Denmark's west coast. Featuring chic contemporary accommodation and a highly acclaimed restaurant, it's a wonderful all round stay.

For Aarhus

• Oasia Hotel features quintessentially Nordic design, offering chic contemporary rooms with wooden flooring. Plus, it's located right in the centre of town.
• Aarhus Guldsmeden provides chic and comfortable suites (featuring four posters) in the city's Latin Quarter. A calm base in the heart of the Old Town.

For An Apartment Or Villa

If you think you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• You're probably best off visiting from May to August, when the weather's at its nicest and the days are longest. Be warned though that in the middle of summer cities like Copenhagen will be fairly busy.
• Denmark has three main airports: Copenhagen Airport, Billund Airport and Midtjyllands Airport. These are all served by direct flights from the UK and have public transport links to the surrounding areas.
• For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Denmark.
• Widen the net to look at our recommendations for the best places to stay in Sweden.
• Or feel free to contact one of our friendly gurus for advice