Apartments and airbnb in Denmark

Denmark is one of those exquisitely beautiful countries in Europe with a unique landscape entirely focussed around the sea. In fact, no matter where you are in Denmark, you're never more than 50km from the sea. The intricate series of lakes and rivers that permeate the country have created a land made up of over 400 islands, each one colourful, creative, cultural, and seamlessly blended with the green areas and nature that sweep through the countryside. Denmark is the perfect choice for any style of holiday; from trekking through the Jutland forests to wandering through the streets of Copenhagen and discovering the birthplace of Hans Christin Andersen.

Best time to visit Denmark

Found along the western side of Europe, there is never a bad time to visit this beautiful Scandinavian country. Visit during the summer to wander through the rolling hills, bask in the glorious sunshine, and stroll along the sandy beaches, or take a trip over during winter to see the castle turrets blanketed in snow, like a real fairy tale. The warmest season is by far June through to August, but this is also the high season in terms of tourists. The months when children across Europe are on their summer holidays, this is when families like to head off on short breaks, and the long sunlight hours and warm weather only adds to their excitement and desire to get away. Winter (November through to March) is great for anyone looking for a snowy getaway, and a number of big cities will have Christmas lights strewn along with the buildings, and ice skating set up, which can make for a magical visit. However, make a note of the shorter daylight hours and the typically cold and wet weather, which can make outdoorsy sightseeing a little uncomfortable and tricky. Spring and autumn (April until early June, and September-October) make for the best of both worlds: less crowded, but still lovely weather and all the activities are open.

How to get to Denmark

There are a number of different ways to get to Denmark. Thanks to its location on the western side of Europe, travellers from all over the continent and drive there, turning their visit into a road trip. This can take a few days, which means its best to stop off at any number of short-term apartment rentals along the way and explore the European landscape. If you're in the UK, you can drive using the Eurotunnel, which will take roughly 12 hours. If you want to break up your drive, reserve a holiday home in Dover where you can dine and recharge by the coast before heading on to mainland Europe the following morning. The primary way to visit Denmark, however, would be to fly over. Copenhagen airport services countries all over the UK, from the main London airports, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.Alternatively, there's also the option to get a bus, which typically takes 22 hours from London but can be a reasonably cheap way to travel over. Some people may choose to visit Denmark as part of a Scandinavian tour, as this is a wonderful way of visiting a host of beautiful countries at once. If you are travelling by train, you can reach Denmark in around 7 hours from a holiday rental in Oslo, while an apartment in Stockholm is only 5 hours away.

Where to stay in Denmark

Copenhagen

No matter what you're looking for from your trip to Denmark, you'll definitely find it in the capital. Choose an apartment rental in Copenhagen which is completely surrounded by the ocean. Here, travellers can find the Nationalmuseet (National Museum), a great showcase of Danish culture and history, as well as the statue of The Little Mermaid, one of the most famous spots in the city. Some of the best holiday rentals in Denmark can be found here, including a unique, floating bed and breakfast set on the canal in the middle of the city.

Anholt

The main city on Kattegat, is an island in the middle of Denmark that is home to a community of isolated islands, creating a remote paradise in westernised Europe. Although small, the island is home to forests, dunes, rolling hills and open deserts, and it's one of the best places to witness the elusive spotted seal in its natural habitat – as well as at the seal sanctuary found in Totten. Less than 200 people live here, and the community is entirely self-sufficient with its own priest, post office, doctor, and school.

Odense

The home of Hans Christian Andersen, Odense is one of the best places to stay in Denmark – especially with families, who can hunt down one of the many B&B holiday rentals that create the perfect family holiday atmosphere. More than just the birthplace of fairy tales, Odense is also home to the beautiful Egeskov Castle, traditional Scandinavian homes scattered throughout the town, and even King Canute's tomb.

What to do in Denmark

Copenhagen Zoo

Copenhagen Zoo was one of the first to ever be built across Europe, first opening in 1859. Set across 27 acres, the zoo is home to over 250 different species and over 3000 animals. Spend a day here and wander through the Tropical Zoo, the butterfly garden, and visit the dwarf goats from Africa.

The Råbjerg Mile

Tucked away in the North Juland region right next to Skagen, the Råbjerg Mule is an incredible sand dune that actually moves at a pace of around 18 meters a year – making it the largest moving sand dune across Northern Europe. More than 250,000 people visit the Råbjerg Mile every year, and the beauty is that no matter when you go and see it, it will always be slightly different.

Egeskov Castle

First built during the 16th century, Egeskov Castle is nestled away in the south of Funen, an island connecting the west and east parts of Denmark. Built in the beautiful Renaissance style, the castle still has its own working moat, as well as a Knights' Hall and a number to elegant spires making for the picture perfect shot.

Skagen's Buried Church

The coastline of Skagen is famous not only for having a beautiful sandy beach front, but also for the Den Tilsandede Kirke – otherwise known as the sand buried church. First built during the 1300s, the church was dedicated to Saint Laurence – the saint of seafarer's – and it was once the largest church in the area. However, over the years sands have blown over from the nearby beaches covering the church and forcing it to close in 1795. Today, only the main tower can be seen above ground.

Hans Christian Andersen Museum

Hans Christian Andersen is famous for writing the most iconic and traditional children's fairy tales ever to be created: The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, Thumbelina, The Princess and the Pea, The Snow Queen. Pretty much every story read to children today is an original Andersen's tale, a Brother's Grimm story, or one inspired by these. The Hans Christian Andersen Museum was first opened in 1908 in Odense, the writer's birthplace, to celebrate his life and work, featuring several different exhibitions containing original and unique drawings and paintings.

Viking Museum

Vikings dominate a lot of the early history of Denmark, so it's no surprise that there is an entire Viking Museum in Roskilde, complete with five preserved Viking boats, all of which are over 1000 years old. There's even the option for visitors to dress up like Vikings and head out onto the water in a Viking-style boat.

The Little Mermaid Statue

The Little Mermaid tale was first written by Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish writer from the 1800s. Given that The Little Mermaid is one of the most popular stories to have ever been written, it's no wonder that there is a statue dedicated to both the tale and the writer in the capital city of Copenhagen. Over 100 years old and carved out of bronze, the statue depicts the Little Mermaid sitting on a rock along the shore, gazing out towards her prince.

Kronborg Castle

One of Denmark's UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, Kronborg Castle was used as the setting for William Shakespeare's iconic play, Hamlet, and was first built during the early 15th century. Inside, visitors can see the intricate woodcarving and take a stroll through the castle chapel.