📍 Denmark

COPENHAGEN TO SKAGEN: DANISH NORTH ROUTE EXPLORER TRIP

Royal palaces anchor tradition, nature parks celebrate the wild, coastal towns radiate history. Northern Denmark's route is pure magic.

≈ 12
Days
1150
Km
10
Stops
📖 6 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

From Copenhagen to Skagen at Denmark's tip: Hillerød, Helsingør, Roskilde, Aarhus, Ribe, Thy National Park and Jutland fishing villages. Cross all of Denmark.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Copenhagen

🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Copenhagen's historic center and stroll along the Nyhavn canal with its colorful houses.
2
Visit to Rosenborg Castle and the royal treasures of Denmark.
3
Discovery of the National Museum of Denmark.
🎯

Activities

Walk in the Tivoli gardens and discovery of historical attractions.
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Next stop
Distance: 42 km
Travel time: 51min
2
Day

Hilleroed

royal palace estate

🔍

Discover

1
Visit to Frederiksborg Castle and its national history museum.
2
Walk in the baroque gardens of Frederiksborg Castle.
🎯

Activities

Stroll around Lake Slotssøen to admire the view of the castle.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 30 km
Travel time: 36min
3
Day

Helsingor

🔍

Discover

1
Visit to Kronborg Castle, UNESCO World Heritage listed.
2
Discovery of the National Maritime Museum of Denmark.
🎯

Activities

Walk on the castle ramparts with view over the Øresund strait.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 72 km
Travel time: 1h26
4
Day

Roskilde

sacred ground cathedral

🔍

Discover

1
Visit to Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2
Discovery of the Viking Ship Museum and its historic boats.
🎯

Activities

Walk along Roskilde Fjord and Skjoldungernes Land National Park.
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Next stop
Distance: 170 km
Travel time: 3h24
5
Day

Aarhus

cultural hub museum

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Discover

1
Visit to the ARoS Aarhus contemporary art museum with its panoramic rainbow.
2
Exploration of the open-air museum Den Gamle By and its historic houses.
🎯

Activities

Stroll through Marselisborg Forest Park and relaxation on Aarhus beach.
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Next stop
Distance: 184 km
Travel time: 3h41
6
Day

Ribe

medieval street town

🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Ribe's historic center and its half-timbered houses.
2
Visit to Ribe Cathedral, the oldest in Denmark.
3
Exploration of the Ribe Vikingecenter museum on Viking life.
🎯

Activities

Bird watching in the Wadden Sea National Park.
7
Day

Thy

🔍

Discover

1
Hiking in Thy National Park between dunes and wild beaches.
2
Visit to the national park museum to discover the local fauna and flora.
🎯

Activities

Bird watching in the protected areas of the park.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 189 km
Travel time: 3h47
8
Day

Aalborg

festive spirit festival

🔍

Discover

1
Visit to Aalborghus Castle and discovery of Aalborg's historic center.
2
Discovery of the contemporary art museum Kunsten.
3
Visit to the historical museum of Aalborg.
🎯

Activities

Stroll through the cobblestone streets and discovery of half-timbered houses.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 49 km
Travel time: 59min
9
Day

Loekken

fishing village harbor

🔍

Discover

1
Walk on the golden beach of Løkken and discovery of the iconic beach huts.
2
Visit to the Løkken By- og Museumsforening museum on local life.
🎯

Activities

Relaxation by the sea and tasting of traditional Danish ice cream.
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 304 km
Travel time: 6h05
10
Day

Skagen

sandy point peninsula

🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the Skagens Museum art museum and discovery of 19th century painters.
2
Walk through the artists' quarter and on Grenen beach where the two seas meet.
🎯

Activities

Observation of the natural phenomenon at Grenen point.
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Next stop
Distance: 110 km
Travel time: 2h12

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🛡️ Travel advice - Denmark

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, longest daylight hours, peak tourist season, highest prices, perfect for cycling and outdoor activities.

Spring (April-May): Pleasant temperatures, blooming flowers, fewer crowds, moderate prices, excellent for sightseeing and cultural activities.

Fall (September-October): Comfortable weather, autumn colors, fewer tourists, good value, cozy indoor attractions, harvest season.

Winter (November-March): Cold and dark, Christmas markets, hygge season, lowest prices, indoor cultural experiences, northern lights possible.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 10 and 14 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Denmark?

Hygge lifestyle with stunning coastlines, Viking heritage, and modern design excellence. Experience Copenhagen's cultural scene, fairy-tale castles, and sustainable living practices. The country offers excellent quality of life with beautiful architecture and progressive values. Denmark provides Scandinavian charm with cultural sophistication and environmental leadership.