Discover the magic of the Danish periphery: 7 enchanting places away from the city

Discover the magic of the Danish periphery: 7 enchanting places away from the city

June 11, 2025

Denmark is not just bustling Copenhagen or industrial Aarhus. The real magic of this Scandinavian country is often hidden in its outskirts, where time passes more slowly and nature and history intertwine in a fascinating whole. Exploring Danish corners away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can experience the authentic charm of rural landscapes, learn about fascinating legends and immerse yourself in an atmosphere that delights in its simplicity and beauty. I invite you to discover seven unique places that show a completely different face of Denmark - tranquil, picturesque and full of surprises.

Ad

Historic pearls of the Danish peripheries

A journey through the Danish outskirts should begin with places that hide a fascinating history and legends passed down from generation to generation. It is here, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, that you can feel the authentic spirit of Denmark.

Kronborg Castle in Helsingør is undoubtedly one of Denmark's most important historical gems. This majestic structure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in the 16th century as a symbol of the power of the Danish monarchy. Kronborg is not only an imposing fortress guarding the strategic Sound strait, but above all the place that inspired William Shakespeare to create the setting for 'Hamlet'. Walking through the castle's dark corridors and vast halls, you can almost hear echoes of the famous words "To be or not to be. Local legend has it that in the castle's vaults sleeps the mythical Holger Danske, a legendary knight who will awaken when Denmark is in mortal danger.

On a completely different note is The King's Garden (Kongens Have), the oldest royal garden in Denmark, founded in the 17th century by King Christian IV. It's a place where history is intertwined with the daily lives of modern Danes. The garden surrounding Rosenborg Castle impresses with its geometric precision and abundance of vegetation. Particularly noteworthy are the rose gardens, which in full bloom fill the air with an intoxicating fragrance. Interestingly, the garden is home to Denmark's oldest statue depicting a human figure - a sculpture of Hans Christian Andersen, who often strolled the alleys of the garden looking for inspiration for his fairy tales. Unlike crowded city parks, The King's Garden offers a space for contemplation and relaxation, where you can feel the atmosphere of old royal parties.

Frederiksberg Gardens is another historical gem that impresses with its English landscape style. Established in the 18th century as part of the Frederiksberg Palace complex, these gardens have witnessed many historical events. Walking along the winding paths among the centuries-old trees, one can come across picturesque bridges, romantic pavilions and hidden corners that once served as secret meeting places for the aristocracy. Particularly charming is the Chinese pavilion and its surrounding garden, which is a perfect example of the fascination with Far Eastern culture that prevailed among European nobility in the 18th century. Frederiksberg Gardens, in contrast to The King's Garden, offer a more naturalistic landscape, with rolling hills, ponds and freely spaced vegetation, creating the impression of being away from civilization, despite its proximity to the city.

Each of these places has its own unique character and tells a different story about Danish culture, tradition and connection to nature. Kronborg impresses with its power and legends, The King's Garden impresses with its elegance and formal beauty, and Frederiksberg Gardens tempts with its romantic atmosphere and picturesque views. All of them, however, have one thing in common - they are a testament to Denmark's rich history and its penchant for harmoniously combining architecture with nature.

Natural wonders of the Danish countryside

Denmark, though small in area, boasts a remarkable variety of landscapes. Outside the urban centers hide true natural treasures that delight in their uniqueness and unspoiled beauty.

One of Denmark's most fascinating natural phenomena is the Råbjerg Mile - the largest wandering dune in Northern Europe. Located near Skagen, at the northern tip of Jutland, it moves about 15 meters a year in a northeastern direction, gradually engulfing everything it encounters in its path. This sandy colossus with an area of about 1 square kilometer and a height of up to 40 meters creates a surreal, almost desert-like landscape that contrasts dramatically with Denmark's typical green plains. Local guides tell a fascinating story about a former village that was completely engulfed by the shifting sands. According to legend, on moonless nights you can hear the bells of a church sunk in the sand. Råbjerg Mile offers not only unforgettable views, but also the unique experience of walking on soft, warm sand that forms mesmerizing patterns and shapes when exposed to the wind.

On a completely different note, Deer Park Vejle (Dyrehaven) is an excellent example of the Danish approach to nature conservation and cultural heritage. This vast forested area is home to a large population of deer and fallow deer, which can be observed up close in their natural habitat. The park was established in the 18th century as a royal hunting ground, but today serves as a sanctuary for wildlife and a recreational destination. Particularly charming are the centuries-old oak trees, whose twisted boughs remember the days of Danish kings who hunted in these forests. In spring, the park blooms with thousands of forest flowers, forming a colorful carpet under the treetops. In autumn, on the other hand, you can witness the roar of deer - a spectacular display of strength and determination of males vying for the favor of females. Unlike the Råbjerg Mile, Deer Park Vejle offers a peaceful, green oasis where you can immerse yourself in the dense forest and forget the existence of civilization for a while.

Camp Adventure is a relatively new, but already iconic attraction in the Danish province. At the heart of this complex is a spectacular 45-meter-high spiral observation tower that rises above the treetops of the Gisselfeld Klosters forest. The hourglass-like structure was designed to blend harmoniously into the surrounding landscape while offering unforgettable views of South Zealand's vast forests. Walking to the top of the tower is a gradual ascent above forest level, culminating in a panoramic view that reaches all the way to the horizon. In addition to the tower, Camp Adventure also offers rope trails suspended between the trees that allow you to experience the forest from a completely different perspective. This place perfectly illustrates the Danish approach to ecotourism - combining adventure with environmental education and respect for the natural environment.

Each of these sites represents a different aspect of Danish nature - from the rugged, almost desert-like landscapes of Råbjerg Mile, to the lush, vibrant forests of Deer Park Vejle, to the modern approach to experiencing nature at Camp Adventure. But they all have one thing in common - they offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and experience its beauty away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is in the Danish outskirts that nature shows its most fascinating face, creating landscapes that remain in the memory for a long time.

Oases of tranquility and entertainment -. Danish gardens and parks

The Danes have a special talent for creating spaces that combine elements of nature, culture and entertainment. Their parks and gardens are not just places of recreation, but true oases where history is intertwined with modernity and tradition with innovation.

Tivoli Gardens is probably Denmark's most famous amusement park, which despite its popularity retains a unique, almost fairytale-like character. Founded in 1843, it is one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the world and is said to have inspired Walt Disney himself to create Disneyland. Unlike modern amusement parks, Tivoli has retained its historic charm with oriental pavilions, romantic gardens and traditional carousels. In the evening, the park turns into a magical land illuminated by thousands of colorful lanterns, which creates a unique fairy-tale atmosphere. It is interesting to note that Hans Christian Andersen was a frequent visitor to Tivoli and it was here that he wrote some of his most famous fairy tales. Local legend has it that the park is home to a good spirit named Tivoli-Dreng, who watches over the safety of visitors and brings good luck to those who spot him.

Compared to the bustling Tivoli Gardens, Frederiksberg Gardens offers a very different kind of experience. This sprawling English-style park impresses with its tranquility and naturalistic beauty. As you stroll along the winding paths, you'll come across picturesque bridges, romantic pavilions and hidden corners that once served as secret meeting places for the aristocracy. Particularly charming is the view of Frederiksberg Palace reflected in the waters of the pond, around which swans and ducks gather. In contrast to the geometric precision of The King's Garden, Frederiksberg Gardens offer a more casual composition that is meant to give the impression of a natural landscape, though it is in fact carefully planned. The park is also home to abundant wildlife - squirrels, hedgehogs and even woodpeckers and owls can be found here.

The King's Garden, while mentioned earlier in a historical context, also deserves attention as a unique oasis of greenery. Unlike other parks, it has retained its formal Baroque layout with geometric flower beds and symmetrical avenues. The centerpiece of the garden is a monumental statue of Hans Christian Andersen, surrounded by colorful flower beds that change with the seasons. In spring, the garden explodes with the colors of tulips and daffodils, in summer it delights with roses and lavender, and in autumn it sparkles with the gold and purple of falling leaves. The King's Garden is also home to numerous cultural events, from classical music concerts to theatrical performances inspired by Andersen's work.

Each of these parks has its own unique character and offers a different experience. Tivoli Gardens impresses with its fairy-tale atmosphere and wealth of attractions, Frederiksberg Gardens entices with romantic landscapes and tranquility, and The King's Garden impresses with its formal beauty and historical heritage. All of them, however, have one thing in common - they are excellent examples of the Danish approach to designing public spaces to serve not only recreation, but also education, culture and social bonding.

It is worth noting that Danish parks and gardens differ not only in style and atmosphere, but also in accessibility and infrastructure. Tivoli Gardens, as a commercial theme park, offers the widest range of attractions, but also requires the purchase of an entrance ticket (prices are rather high). Frederiksberg Gardens and The King's Garden, on the other hand, are open to the public and free of charge, making them more democratic spaces where people from different backgrounds and cultures come together. In terms of infrastructure, Tivoli Gardens leads the way with numerous restaurants, stores and restrooms, while the other parks offer more basic amenities, prioritizing natural beauty and tranquility over commercial attractions.

Similar articles

Ad