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If you ask a Dane where to stay in Denmark, they’ll probably shrug and say, “Depends on what you’re looking for.” And honestly, they’re not wrong.
Denmark isn’t just about cosy vibes, flickering candles, and perfectly designed furniture – though, trust me, there’s plenty of that, too. It’s also packed with Viking history, dramatic coastlines, and a sustainability scene that makes the rest of us look absolutely useless!
Maybe you’re in the mood to stroll the historic streets in Aarhus, soaking in that local charm. Or perhaps you’d rather zip through Copenhagen like a local on two wheels, attempting to look as effortlessly cool while balancing a coffee and dodging fellow cyclists! (or maybe that’s just me?)
There’s also a wild side of Denmark that often doesn’t get the attention it rightfully deserves. Home to windswept dunes, quiet fishing villages, and forests that feel like they are straight out of a Viking legend.
Whatever your vibe, Denmark has a place for you, and I’m here to help you figure out which one suits you best! So, let’s dive in.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
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Where is the Best Place to Stay in Denmark?
If you’re short on time, these are my absolute favourite three places to stay during your trip to Scandinavia! There is one for the budget backpackers, one for luxury-seekers, and one for the homey hygge vibe that has captured the world by storm:
Brøndums Hotel | Best Hotel in Denmark
Brondums Hotel is one of those timeless places that can make you feel like you’re living through another era. From the wooden floors to the soft, golden light, it makes sense that this historic hotel was where Denmark’s famous impressionist artists would gather back in the day.
It’s beautifully appointed with antique interiors and modern amenities, blending homeliness and heritage in equal measure. Wake up to the sound of seagulls swooping overhead and enjoy breakfast in the dining room with a salty sea breeze wafting through. If you’re craving old-world Danish charm, this is it.
Next House Copenhagen | Best Hostel in Denmark
Next House Copenhagen is a modern hostel that feels more like a boutique hotel than an affordable place to stay. It’s sleek, social, and stylish, with so many communal spots you’ll find it hard not to make a friend during your stay. I’m talking a glasshouse rooftop kitchen, a rooftop bar, a pizza restaurant, squash courts, a movie cinema, another bar, and even a gym.
It’s right in the city centre, close to the main train station, making it perfect for exploring Copenhagen’s top attractions on foot (or renting a bike from the hostel).
Beautiful Bohemian House with Three Bedrooms | Best Airbnb in Denmark
When I’m looking for an Airbnb in Denmark, it’s all about space and privacy. If you’re like me and enjoy having a living room to unwind in and a kitchen to prepare home-cooked meals, this boho house is it. The interiors are a busy combination of textures and muted tones, with plenty of sunlight streaming through the oversized windows.
Each room is uniquely designed and filled with amazing works of art. This is the kind of place for slow mornings, sipping coffee on the patio, and watching the sun peek its head over the Baltic Sea.
Denmark Neighbourhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Denmark
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is Denmark’s bike-friendly capital city and is almost a necessary stop for anyone arriving in the country for the first time.
Bornholm
Bornholm is a peaceful island retreat in the Baltic Sea. It’s technically closer to the Swedish mainland, yet it takes around four hours to get to from Copenhagen by train and ferry.
Aarhus
Aarhus is Denmark’s second-largest city. It’s particularly well known for its art, culture, and food scene. Design is at the forefront of Aarhus culture, with some of the world’s most famous furniture pieces designed in the area.
Skagen
You know those windswept Northern Hemisphere beaches with reeds rustling on the dunes and wild oceans? Skagen is one of Denmark’s main beach towns at the top of Jutland.
When planning a trip to Scandinavia, figuring out where to stay in Denmark is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make. Sure, Denmark is small (the entire country is just 16.6 square miles in area), but its unique geography is spread out across hundreds of islands. So don’t let its size fool you. Its regions are incredibly diverse, from modern urban centres to sleepy beach towns.
A visit to Copenhagen is the obvious starting point for your first trip to Denmark. It’s the capital and cultural hub, filled with some of the best restaurants, canalside cafes, galleries, museums, and quirky design stores. It’s walkable, bike-friendly, and effortlessly cool, especially during the summer.
Bornholm, on the other hand, feels worlds away. It’s located in the Baltic Sea and is a little island ideal for those after the peaceful Scandinavian experience, where life moves at a slower pace. It’s known for its rugged coastlines, smoked herring, and its arts and crafts scene.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Aarhus is denmarks second-largest city. Some say it has even more refined energy than Copenhagen, with cutting-edge architecture and a vibrant food scene that has been designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Skagen, located at the northern tip of Jutland, is a beachy escape with golden dunes, colourful seaside cottages, and the kind of dappled sunlight that once drew some of the world’s best impressionist artists to its shores.
Then there is Borre on the island of Mon. Home to the dramatic white cliffs of Møns Klint, this area is perfect for anyone who gets excited by dramatic landscapes. The towns around Borre are small and peaceful, and the region is famous for its hiking, stargazing, and Viking history.
Denmark’s Five Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in
There are so many wonderful places to explore in this country, but if I had to pick just a few places to stay in Denmark, it would be these five:
1. Copenhagen – Where to Stay in Denmark for Your First Time
Copenhagen is Denmark’s bike-friendly capital city and is almost a necessary stop for anyone arriving in the country for the first time. It’s the hub of Denmark’s culture, design, and history, home to the official royal palace and plenty of other castles, museums, and historic buildings. There are loads of things to do in Copenhagen for first-timers to Denmark!
Photo: @Lauramcblonde
The neighbourhoods within this city are so unique and diverse that they deserve their own article. In short, Norrebro, Osterbro, and Vesterbro are some of the city’s top tourist neighbourhoods to visit while backpacking in Copenhagen.
Accommodations around here are as varied as the city’s heritage, which I recommend learning about on your trip. Think canal-side rentals, hostels that feel like hotels, and hotels that feel like palaces.
25Hours Hotel Paper Island | Best Hotel in Copenhagen
25Hours Hotel feels more like an experience than a classic hotel. It’s one of the most luxurious hotels in the city, but it doesn’t give off that pretentious, grand feeling many high-end hotels have. Every corner has a little bit of personality, from the industrial-meets-artsy interiors to the low lighting to the unique art and furniture sourced from around the world.
You’ll love waking up to views of the harbour, strolling down to one of the most delicious breakfasts, and being just steps from some of the best places to visit in Copenhagen!
Next House Copenhagen | Best Hostel in Copenhagen
Next House Copenhagen might be the most social hostel I’ve ever stayed in, but without skimping on style. There’s a rooftop terrace with a bar, another rooftop with a huge kitchen and self-catering storage area, a cinema room, yoga classes, and even a gym and squash courts. Copenhagen can be expensive, so a hostel is a great choice if you want to save a few euros.
The shared spaces feel like a boutique hotel – classy and refined, yet with the buzz of international travellers meeting over a cocktail.
Stylish 1-Bed Apartment in Norrebro | Best Apartment in Copenhagen
This one-bed apartment is the kind of place you’d dream of having as your own during your 20s. It makes you instantly feel plugged in with local Danish life. Tucked away in Norrebro, one of the most desirable Danish neighbourhoods, it has high ceilings, plenty of windows, and natural light. It is filled with bespoke furniture that the owners have carefully curated.
Things to See and Do in Copenhagen
Photo: @Lauramcblonde
- Join a guided cruise through the canals
- Explore Rosenborg Castle to see the Danish crown jewels and watch the changing of the guard at Amalienborg
- Take an incredible cycling tour through the streets of Norrebro
- Cross the Øresund bridge into Sweden for a day trip to Malmö
- Taste the best of Danish pastries through the city
- Experience the magical Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks
- Explore the unique commune town of Christiania and Christianshavn with a local
- Check out the Viking artefacts at the National Museum of Denmark
- Walk along the iconic colourful houses at Nyhavn on an architecture walking tour
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View on Osprey2. Bornholm – Best Place to Stay in Denmark for Island Life
Bornholm is a peaceful island retreat in the Baltic Sea. It’s technically closer to the Swedish mainland, yet it takes around four hours to get to from Copenhagen by train and ferry. If you’re after a taste of the traditional Danish experience, where bread is baked fresh daily, fish comes straight from the fishing boats, and forests cover rocky hills, this is the place to stay in Denmark.
It attracts a mix of artists, outdoorsy types, and families, mostly over the summer. Many Copenhagen locals have their summer homes here. So, you’ll find little guesthouses and boutique hotels and plenty of cottages, cabins, and houses for rent.
Allinge Badehotel | Best Beachfront Hotel in Bornholm
The Allinge Badehotel feels like stepping into a snippet of a simpler, more elegant era. It’s perched right on the coast of the little village of Allinge, set in a traditional Danish building with an inner courtyard filled with hydrangeas.
It’s the kind of hotel where the sound of gulls will wake you up, with nothing to rush for except satisfying your own breakfast cravings. Consider this a place of seaside nostalgia with a touch of luxury.
Studio Apartment in Central Rønne | Most Affordable Apartment in Bornholm
This little studio in central Ronne is proof that you don’t need a huge space to have everything you need. It’s bright, functional, and so well located that you’ll hardly need to use public transportation. It’s close to shops, restaurants, museums, and about a fifteen-minute stroll from the beach or forest. Just take care with the steep stairs to enter the property!
Seaside 2-Bed Apartment with Balcony | Best Apartment in Bornholm
This two-bedroom apartment with a south-facing balcony is home to some of the best sunsets in Denmark. Modern yet hygge, it has an open layout perfect for families or a few friends. The interiors have that airy, Scandinavian cottage vibe with whitewashed walls, vintage details, and a calmness that can make even the most stressed feel at ease.
Can you think of a better way to wake up than with a coffee on the balcony overlooking the Baltic at this place to stay in Denmark?
Things to See and Do in Bornholm
- Visit the Hammershus castle ruins and join a fun, interactive treasure hunt through the castle
- Rent a bike and cycle around the island’s coastal trails
- Hike the dramatic cliffs and beaches of the Bornholm Coastal Path
- Visit the Round Churchs of Bornholm and learn about the architecture on the island
- Stroll through the Almindingen Forest
- Learn more about the island and the Baltic Sea at the NaturBornholm Museum, a natural history museum
- Taste the island’s traditional smoked herring speciality
3. Aarhus – Best Area in Denmark for Luxury-Seekers
Aarhus is Denmark’s second-largest city. It’s particularly well known for its art, culture, and food scene. Design is at the forefront of Aarhus culture, with some of the world’s most famous furniture pieces designed in the area. Somehow, this city blends a laid-back seaside vibe with a fast-paced city environment. You’ll want to check out the ARoS Art Museum and Dokk1 Library to experience what Aarhus is all about.
The Latin Quarter is a stylish place to stay. It’s full of boutique shops and cafes, while neighbourhoods near the harbour are home to various upscale apartments and hotels, many with sea views. Plus, with four Michelin-starred restaurants, it’s easy to see why Aarhus is home to some of the wealthiest residents.
Aura Apartment Hotel | Best Aparthotel in Aarhus
If you’re wondering where to stay in Denmark, Aura Apartment Hotel offers the best of both worlds – a polished hotel vibe, with the freedom of your own private apartment. It’s located in a quiet part of the city but still close to the action, ideal for travellers who enjoy a bit of space and peace without sacrificing comfort.
The rooms feel light-filled and thoughtfully designed, with minimalist decor, a calming colour palette, and the most comfortable bedding you’ll ever sleep in.
Roberta’s Society | Best Hostel in Aarhus
Roberta’s Society is another Danish hostel that doesn’t feel like a typical hostel at all. In fact, it feels more like spending the night at your artsy friend’s city loft, if that friend happened to be an interior design genius.
The communal spaces are filled with colour, art, and positive energy, and there’s a real sense of community here. Whether working remotely or exploring every corner of the country, this hostel in Aarhus has great vibes, great value, and even greater people.
Bathhouse Home on a Harbour Pier | Unique Apartment in Aarhus
The Scandinavians are famous for their saunas, many of which are located on floating docks on the water’s edge. This apartment hotel goes one step further, offering full suites right on the dock. The views from the high glass walls will be seared in your mind for eternity. The entire space feels simple and efficient. It’s located in a new and developing neighbourhood in Aarhus.
Things to See and Do in Aarhus
- Explore the old Latin Quarter and learn about the city’s Viking history
- Visit the ARoS Art Museum and walk through the famous rainbow panorama bridge installation
- Join a Craft Beer Walk, Aarhus’s equivalent to a bar crawl through the city’s best spots
- Walk the streets of Aros, an ancient Viking stronghold with perfectly preserved buildings
- Learn about Danish culture at the Den Gamle By, aka the Old Town open-air museum
- Experience the culture of the city with a street art and street food tour
- View the city from above on some of the best rooftops
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Grab an eSIM!4. Skagen – Best Area in Denmark for a Beach Trip
You know those windswept Northern Hemisphere beaches with reeds rustling on the dunes and wild oceans? Skagen is one of Denmark’s main beach towns at the top of Jutland. It’s the location where two seas meet and is famous for its golden light that has inspired some of the world’s top impressionist painters throughout history.
Today, it’s a family-friendly destination for a beach holiday, with some nostalgic guesthouses and hotels lining the coastline. Everything about this town is intrinsically tied to the sea, from the bike paths to the historic lighthouses to the seafood-heavy food scene. It’s welcomed travellers for centuries, and it’s easy to see why.
Brøndums Hotel | Most Authentic Hotel in Skagen
Brondums Hotel has been a meeting point for Skagen’s famous painters since the height of Denmark’s golden age of art. It’s the most quintessentially Skagen hotel – charming, historic, and brimming with character. As soon as you step inside, you’ll feel the artistic legacy, with antique furnishings and walls whispering stories of the past.
Plus, the location could not be better. It’s right in the heart of the little town of Skagen, across the road from the museum, and within walking distance of the town and nearby beaches. Wondering where to stay in Denmark for a touch of nostalgia? This is it.
3-Bed Summerhouse with Beautiful Views | Best Beachhouse in Skagen
This three-bedroom summerhouse in Skagen delivers on all the dreamy coastal vibes you could wish for. It’s a relatively new build, with a wooden deck overlooking the windswept dunes. It’s a few minutes’ walk from the beach, and although it is in a little neighbourhood, it feels totally remote.
Inside, it’s all about soft tones, open-plan living, and a calming beach vibe perfect for families.
4-Bed Skagen House Close to Beach | Most Traditional Rental in Skagen
Staying at this little house feels like crashing at a distant relative’s home in Denmark. With its yellow-painted walls, traditional windows, and no-fuss interiors that have been recently updated, it captures the rustic charm of Skagen without skimping on comfort or style.
It’s close to town and the sea, which means you can grab some fresh cinnamon buns to have with your morning coffee and walk straight to the beach at any time.
Things to See and Do in Skagen
- Go birdwatching in the beachy wetlands and forests around the Grenen Nature Reserve
- Visit the Skagens Museum to admire notable impressionist art from the 1800s, painted in the area.
- Climb the stairs of the historic Skagen Lighthouse and admire the panoramic sea views
- Imagine what Denmark was like during WWII at the Bunker SKJULT
- Journey to the point of the peninsula at Grenen, where the Baltic Sea and the North Sea meet but never mix
- Explore the ruins of Den Tilsandede Kirke, a Gothic church from the 14th century
5. Borre (Møns Klint) – Best Area in Denmark for Dramatic Landscapes
Borre is a small village on the island of Møn in south-eastern Denmark. It’s not so much the town that people visit but the nearby white-faced cliffs of Møns Klint. These towering chalk cliffs plunging into the sea below are so dramatic that they sometimes look more like ice glaciers than land cliffs at all. Borre is home to some of the best hikes in Denmark.
This region is for adventurers, hikers, stargazers, and landscape photographers. Borre, a small Danish neighbourhood, is peaceful and quiet, with a few traditional Danish cottages and the odd house rental. It’s so peaceful; it falls under part of Denmark’s first Dark Sky Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designated for preserving absolute darkness. As you can imagine, the stargazing here is next-level.
Tiendegaarden Møns Klint | Best B&B in Borre (Møns Klint)
Tiendegaarden Møns Klint is the type of bed and breakfast that will make you want to linger at the breakfast table with a second cup of coffee and ask the owners everything they know about the area. It’s located in a peaceful part of town (to be fair, there are no buzzing parts of this town).
It’s family-run, offering homemade comforts that give off a welcoming vibe you only get when someone truly loves what they do.
Villa Huno | Best Self-Catering in Borre (Møns Klint)
Villa Huno is a boutique hotel that feels like a slice of modern Copenhagen in the countryside. Best of all, it sits on a calm lake where misty mornings offer a magical start to the day. After exploring the nearby white cliffs, you’ll be able to recharge at the sleek, quiet, and thoughtfully curated space.
Beautiful Bohemian House with Three Bedrooms | Best House in Borre (Møns Klint)
Every inch of this house feels like a snapshot from an interior design magazine. With muted tones, antique finds, local art, and a big wild garden out the front, it’s got more personality than you might expect. It’s got three bedrooms, making it perfect for a family or a group of friends.
The space is filled with ambience and soul, with little details that make it one of the most ‘hjemlighed’ places in this Danish neighbourhood.
Things to See and Do in Borre (Møns Klint)
- Learn about the Møns Klint cliffs that date back 70 million years on a day tour to Møns Klint and the Forest Tower
- Hike the cliffside trail along the cliffs with a local guide
- Visit the gorgeous Liselund Palace and gardens, preserved from the 18th century
- Stargaze in Denmark’s first dark sky national park
- Take the stairs down to the beach at the base of the Møns Klint cliffs
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Where to Stay in Denmark
Here are four of the most frequently asked questions about the best places and accommodation in Denmark:
What To Pack For Denmark
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive hotel packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Denmark
Denmark, in all honesty, is a mega-safe country, and the likelihood of you coming to any harm is very small. But that doesn’t mean it’s zero!
Any smart traveller knows you should always have good travel insurance before heading overseas, because you just never know when you might trip on one of those famous cobblestoned streets!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Denmark
With so many little nooks and crannies spread across hundreds of islands (inhabited and deserted), it can be tough choosing where to stay in Denmark. From the bike-heavy streets of Copenhagen to the quiet towns around Møns Klint to the isolated island of Bornholm in the Baltic, Denmark is incredibly diverse considering its small size.
If I had to pick just two favourite places to stay in Denmark, it would have to be this Beautiful Bohemian House with Three Bedrooms in Borre and Allinge Badehotel on the beachfront in Skagen.
Photo: Christina
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking around Europe.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Europe.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Denmark instead.
- Sort out your travel insurance for Europe before your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Europe.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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