On 1 July 2025, Denmark officially began its six-month presidency of the EU Council, with security and competitiveness identified as its primary objectives. The European Union’s current climate of extreme uncertainty and volatility will make an already challenging task even more difficult.
“Europe is at a defining moment in time,” said Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. “The world that secured our freedom and made us prosper can no longer be taken for granted.”
While Denmark takes on a critical leadership role in shaping Europe’s future, it’s also a destination worth discovering. Here are 10 reasons why Denmark should be on everyone’s travel list:
1. Danish hygge
Hygge is probably the most Danish concept – a feeling more than a word. Essentially it means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life. While often translated as “coziness,” it often goes beyond that. For example, hygge is the warm glow of a candle or cuddling up with a loved one to watch a movie.
However, hygge is not something that refers to one thing – Danes usually use the term for many things. During Denmark’s long, dark winters, locals embrace hygge like a lifestyle—layering up in oversized scarves, lighting dozens of candles, and gathering indoors to enjoy simple pleasures. Christmas, with its festive markets and glowing windows, is peak hygge season.
2. Safety
Denmark often ranks among Europe’s safest countries, usually supported by reliable data and public security measures. The country is peaceful with a well-organized transport system, allowing people to travel safely. Travellers can move around by train, bus (city, regional or long-distance), ferry, and occasionally plane. Despite its size, Denmark is a cluster of islands which sometimes can cause issues. Domestic flights are usually short – approximately 40 to 50 minutes.
3. Viking history
Viking history is a major part of Danish identity, made even more popular by streaming service shows. The most famous Danish Viking Ship Museum is located in Roskilde – just 45 minutes away from Copenhagen. The Museum exhibits ships, seafaring, and boatbuilding culture in ancient and medieval times.
Moreover, history buffs can visit the UNESCO-listed Jelling Monuments, in South Jutland, featuring two runic stones, a church, and the two largest mounds known from the Nordic Viking Period.
4. Sustainability
Denmark is widely recognized for its green energy initiatives, bike-friendly cities, and commitment to sustainable living. Copenhagen aims to become completely carbon-neutral by 2025. Overall, Denmark has managed to keep its environmental impact impressively low. Eco-conscious travellers will find plenty to admire here, from zero-waste cafés to clean energy innovation and sustainable fashion.
5. Copenhagen
The Danish capital blends royal history with modern architecture. It is famous for its royal palaces including Amalienborg, and Rosenborg as well as various museums and churches.
Adventurers interested in adrenaline experiences can visit the famous Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park in the heart of the city, which offers amazing experiences for locals and tourists alike.
6. Explore architectural landmarks
Denmark is the birthplace of famous names such as Arne Jacobsen and Jørn Utzon, the name behind the design of the Sydney Opera House.
Designed by Bjarke Ingels, the Danish Maritime Museum is one of the architectural wonders of the country. The architecture of the building was inspired by a whirlpool, winning the award for Best Building in the World Architecture Festival. Another place that is worth seeing is the residential building Bølgen, designed by studio Henning Larsen Architects. Bølgen has been awarded several prestigious architectural prizes, including the Civic Trust Award and LEAF Award, and was hailed as Residential Building of the Year in 2009.
Adventurers with a love for architecture can visit the Royal Danish Opera House, Superkile Park, and the Black Diamond, all architectural marvels of the county.
7. Hans Christian Andersen House in Odense
For any literature lover, visiting Hans Christian Andersen’s House is an experience, allowing to journey through the author’s creative universe. He is one of the most famous and best authors in the whole world, known for his unique fairy tales.
The immersive museum allows visitors to experience fairy tale rooms in their own imagination. Besides the interactive museum, those interested have the opportunity to explore the author’s childhood home, which is a small yellow half-timbered house.
8. Cooler but longer summer days
Denmark is the perfect destination for anyone who doesn’t fancy the scorching temperatures of Southern Europe. The average temperatures in the summer are between 15 °C and 22°C, with peak temperatures occasionally reaching up to 30°C during short heatwaves.
Thanks to its northern latitude, Denmark enjoys up to 17 hours of daylight in June. The sunrise is as early as 3:30 am and the sun goes down around 10 pm, allowing visitors enough time for outdoor activities and exploration. While sometimes it could rain, showers are typically light and pass quickly but anyone travelling should keep that in mind.
9. Explore Danish cuisine
Denmark has confirmed its reputation as a global foodie destination. In 2021, a local restaurant in Copenhagen became the World’s Best Restaurant in 2021, attracting food tourists from across the globe.
For those interested in tasting typically Danish cuisine, the menu mostly consists of ingredients such as bread, potatoes, fish, and pork. Typical dishes include smørrebrød (Denmark’s open-faced sandwich of rye bread topped with roast beef, shrimp with eggs, or pickled herring), oysters, pickled herring, stegt flæsk (Denmark’s national dish – crispy pork served with parsley sauce and potatoes).
10. Easy to access
As an EU and Schengen member, Denmark is easy to access for many EU and EMEA countries as well as Swiss and Nordic countries not part of the EU (Iceland and Norway) residents.
Additionally, citizens from many visa-waiver countries—such as Japan, New Zealand, and the UK—can travel visa-free to Denmark.