Denmark's 10 most Instagrammed places: a guide for photography and social media lovers

Denmark's 10 most Instagrammed places: a guide for photography and social media lovers

April 11, 2025

Denmark is a country that offers photographers countless opportunities to capture beautiful shots - from the picturesque canals of Copenhagen to the rugged, natural landscapes of the coast. Every corner of this Scandinavian kingdom holds the potential for a photo that will delight those watching on Instagram. Whether you prefer architecture, nature or atmospheric backstreets, Denmark has something that will make your profile light up with new, original shots. Here are 10 places that not only delight the eye, but also tell fascinating stories about Danish culture, history and nature.

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Iconic places of Copenhagen for perfect frames

Nyhavn is undoubtedly the most recognizable and photogenic corner of Copenhagen. This 17th-century harbor with its row of colorful townhouses has become a symbol of the Danish capital and one of the most photographed places in all of Scandinavia. Nyhavn's history dates back to 1671, when King Christian V had a canal dug to connect Kongens Nytorv (New Royal Square) to the sea. For centuries the place was home to sailors, traders and ordinary residents, and today it attracts tourists from all over the world. It is interesting to note that Hans Christian Andersen lived for many years in the building at number 20, where he wrote some of his most famous fairy tales. The best time for photos is in the early morning, when the light is soft and the crowds of tourists have not yet arrived, or during sunset, when the facades of the buildings take on warm colors. It's worth capturing the traditional wooden boats moored at the wharf, which add to the authenticity of the whole scenery.

Just a few steps from the city center is Rosenborg, a Renaissance castle built in 1606 as the summer residence of King Christian IV. This architectural gem is surrounded by a beautiful royal garden (Kongens Have), which provides the perfect backdrop for photographs. The castle impresses not only from the outside - its interiors house the royal coronation jewels and a rich art collection. Particularly photogenic are the lion statues guarding the castle's entrance and the geometrically designed rose gardens, which are most beautiful between June and September. Unlike crowded Nyhavn, Rosenborg's gardens offer more space and tranquility, making it easier to take thoughtful, unhurried shots.

The Round Tower (The Round Tower) is another historic landmark on the map of Copenhagen that attracts photographers. Built in 1642 as an astronomical observatory, it is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. The unique spiral ramp inside the tower, which can be ridden on horseback to the top (although today it is only used by pedestrians), makes for a fascinating photographic subject. The light streaming in through the narrow windows creates a magical play of shadows and lights on the white walls. The viewing platform at the top of the tower offers a panoramic view of Copenhagen, which is particularly impressive at sunset, when the city's red roofs are bathed in golden light. Note the library inside the tower, which has retained its historic character and provides the perfect backdrop for atmospheric portraits.

Tivoli Gardens is not just an amusement park, but a true icon of Danish culture, operating continuously since 1843, making it one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Hans Christian Andersen and Walt Disney drew inspiration for their works from here. Tivoli changes its face with the seasons - in spring it delights with thousands of flowers, in summer it bustles with concerts and shows, in autumn it takes on Halloween colors, and in winter it turns into a fairyland with thousands of lights and Christmas decorations. Each of these scenes offers photographers completely different opportunities. Particularly photogenic are the evening illuminations, when the colorful lights are reflected in the water of the lake located in the center of the park. The architecture of the pavilions, inspired by various styles from around the world, creates an eclectic but harmonious whole that provides the perfect backdrop for photographs.

Natural Wonders of Denmark through the lens

Møns Klint is one of Denmark's most spectacular natural wonders. These majestic white cliffs rising up to 128 meters above the Baltic Sea were formed from the sediments of Cretaceous marine organisms more than 70 million years ago. The contrasting whites of the cliffs, the blue of the sea and the green of the trees growing on top create an amazing color palette that delights photographers at any time of the year. Local legend has it that in the clear waters at the foot of the cliffs you can see sunken cities and hear church bells from the depths. The best shots can be taken from the beach at the foot of the cliffs, reached by a wooden staircase (with more than 500 steps), or from a boat while cruising along the coast. It is worth remembering that the cliffs are not only photogenic, but also hide treasures for fossil hunters - ammonites and belemnites from millions of years ago can be found here. The best time for photography is early morning, when the first rays of the sun give the cliffs a warm, golden hue, or during sunset, when the whole thing takes on a dramatic character.

Stevns Klint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another geological wonder of Denmark. These cliffs are particularly valuable to scientists because they contain a distinct layer of iridium-rich clay that provides evidence of an asteroid impact that contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. For photographers, Stevns Klint offers a slightly different aesthetic than Møns Klint - the rock layers here are more varied in color, with shades of gray, beige and ochre. Particularly photogenic is Højerup Old Church, part of which collapsed into the sea in 1928, leaving a dramatic ruin on the edge of the cliff. The site is best photographed during golden hour, when the light highlights the texture of the rocks and gives the whole place a mystical feel. Unlike the more popular Møns Klint, Stevns Klint offers a more intimate experience and smaller crowds, making it easier to take thoughtful, peaceful shots.

The Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse is one of Denmark's most remarkable architectural structures, and has become an icon of man's struggle against the forces of nature. Built in 1900 on top of a cliff, it was taken out of service as early as 1968 due to progressive erosion and sand fill. Over the years, the lighthouse has been gradually engulfed by the largest moving dune in northern Europe, creating a surreal landscape that attracts photographers from around the world. In 2019, to save the lighthouse from collapsing into the sea, a spectacular operation was carried out to move the entire 70-ton structure 70 meters inland. This dramatic story adds depth to the photographs taken at the site. The best shots can be obtained during sunset, when the last rays of the sun illuminate the white lighthouse structure contrasting with the sand dunes and blue sea. It is also worth photographing the footprints left on the sand by the wind, which create mesmerizing patterns.

The Råbjerg Mile is the largest wandering dune in northern Europe, moving about 15 meters per year in a northeasterly direction. This sand giant covers an area of about 1 square kilometer and rises up to 40 meters high, offering photographers a surreal, almost desert-like landscape in the heart of Scandinavia. The dune was created as a result of deforestation in the 17th and 18th centuries, which led to soil erosion and the movement of sand under the influence of strong westerly winds. The site is particularly photogenic at dawn and dusk, when the low light creates dramatic shadows and brings out the texture of the sand. Individual plants and trees struggling to survive on the edges of the dune are also a fascinating photographic motif, symbolizing the persistence of life in the face of harsh conditions. It's worth planning a visit after it rains, when the damp sand creates more pronounced patterns and footprints. Unlike crowded city attractions, Råbjerg Mile offers space and tranquility, allowing you to experiment with composition and perspective.

Hidden gems for seekers of original frames

Den Gamle By (Old Town) in Aarhus is a unique outdoor museum that offers photographers a journey through Danish history. Founded in 1909 as the first museum of its kind in the world, it consists of more than 75 historic buildings relocated from different parts of Denmark and recreating urban life from the 18th to 20th centuries. Of particular interest to photographers are three different time zones: a neighborhood from the 1700s, a neighborhood from the turn of the 20th century and a neighborhood from the 1970s. Each has been recreated with extreme attention to detail - from the architecture to the interior furnishings and even the smells characteristic of the eras. The museum is staffed by actors in period costumes who play the roles of residents, artisans and merchants, which adds authenticity and life to the photographs. The best shots can be taken in early spring, when blooming fruit trees contrast with the dark facades of the buildings, or in autumn, when the cobblestone streets are covered with colorful leaves. Unlike typical museums, Den Gamle By allows for free exploration and photography, which encourages creative, out-of-the-box shots.

Amager Beachpark is a modern artificial beach just a few kilometers from the center of Copenhagen, offering photographers a fascinating contrast between nature and architecture. Created in 2005, the park covers an area of 4.6 km² and consists of a lagoon separated from the sea by an artificial island. This unusual construction creates unique photographic opportunities - on the one hand we have the calm waters of the lagoon ideal for reflective shots, and on the other the wilder sea coast. Particularly photogenic are the wooden piers going deep into the water and the characteristic white towers of the lifeguards. A unique feature of the landscape is the skyline of Copenhagen visible in the distance, with distinctive wind turbines offshore, capturing the contrasting combination of nature, recreation and modern energy. The best photos can be taken during the golden hour, when the setting sun paints the sky and water with warm colors, and the silhouette of the city forms a distinctive outline on the horizon. In contrast to Copenhagen's historic attractions, Amager Beachpark offers a more contemporary aesthetic, ideal for minimalist, clean compositions.

When comparing all the described places from a photographic perspective, it is worth noting their diversity and unique features. Nyhavn and Tivoli Gardens are lively, colorful and crowded places, ideal for photographers looking for dynamic, energetic shots, but requiring patience to capture frames without crowds of tourists. Prices at these locations are rather high, especially at Tivoli Gardens, where admission is charged. In contrast, natural attractions like Møns Klint, Stevns Klint and Råbjerg Mile offer peace, space and majestic views, ideal for contemplative landscape photography. Admission to these sites is usually free, making them attractive to photographers with limited budgets. Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse and Den Gamle By combine elements of history, architecture and nature to offer a multi-dimensional photographic experience. Rosenborg and the Round Tower are historical gems in the heart of the city, allowing you to capture Danish history and culture in elegant, classic frames.

For photographers looking for less obvious but equally photogenic locations, also consider Christianshavn, a Copenhagen neighborhood with canals reminiscent of Amsterdam but less crowded than Nyhavn, or Kastellet, one of the best-preserved star fortresses in Europe, whose geometric shapes create fascinating patterns from a bird's eye view. Architecture lovers should visit Grundtvig Church, with its expressionistic organ-like facade, and seekers of modern design should visit Kastrup Sea Bath, a wooden structure stepping into the sea that looks particularly impressive at sunset. Regardless of the location chosen, Denmark offers photographers an incredible variety of motifs, light and stories waiting to be captured on Instagram.

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