Exploring the Hidden Gems of Denmark: Cruising beyond Copenhagen

Tuesday, 16 April 2024

Denmark is a stunning Scandinavian country that sits on the Jutland Peninsular and is comprised of several scattered islands. The country is often revelled for its popular capital of Copenhagen, but there is so much more that the country has to offer when on a cruise holiday to Denmark. Whether you want to travel to Denmark for the tranquillity and seclusion of Ronne on the enticing island of Bornholm, or see if the beauty of Denmark’s northernmost town, Skagen, is calling your name, keep reading to find out all about the hidden gems of Denmark, beyond Copenhagen as well as some top picks to make sure your next cruise ship holiday is jam-packed with excitement.

Fredericia

A small town located in the municipality of Frederica, Frederica is home to just under 2,000 residents and is situated in Denmark’s largest national park, Lillebælt National Park. The town itself has a unique and diverse history that dates to the 1600s and is prevalent in the architecture and Danish culture. Founded in 1660 as a fortress, the town, although small, has so much to offer visitors who are exploring for the day.

As mentioned, Frederica is situated in one of the greatest national parks in Denmark and is the perfect place for a day of exploration. Lillebælt translates to ‘The Little Belt’ and illudes to the narrow but powerful river that runs through the town. The perfect conditions mean the park is a hub of flora and fauna where rare plants and interesting animals thrive.

If you want to get the adrenalin rushing, then why not scale the Old Little Belt Bridge for a panoramic view of the Danish countryside. Sitting at 60m high, you can wave to sailors, spot animals, and see how the narrow Little Belt winds its way through the beautiful, wooded coastal landscape.

Things to do in Frederica:

Go bridgewalking on Den Gamle Lillebæltbro
Go whale watching in The Little Belt
Explore Trelde Næs
Prinsens Port (Tor)

Ronne

Potentially better known than Frederica, Ronne is the largest town on the island or Bornholm and is known for its iconic half-timbered houses and quaint squares. The harbour is often bustling with fishing boats, cruise ships and cargo vessels.

Christine Abroad talks about her experience on Ronne on her blog: “Ronne’s a cozy and charming town where you can stroll around beautiful surroundings dating back to the 13th century. In this medieval town you can visit the harbour, see beautiful little houses, visit churches, and eat delicious Danish food. Strolling around and experiencing Rønne is no doubt one of the best things to do in Bornholm!”

One of the best ways to explore Ronne is by foot, take some time to meander the cobbled streets and uncover Ronne Old Town as well as the hidden gardens that are abundant with lilacs and fruit trees.

Things to do in Ronne:

Visit Antoinette beach
Bornholms Museum
Explore the harbour
Wander Ronne Old Town

Skagen

Popularly known for being Denmark’s northernmost town, Skagen has a thriving tourist industry with over 2 million people flocking to it yearly. The town grew in popularity in the 1800s when a colony of artists flourished because of the unique quality of the light found in Denmark and this is how the small town gained an international reputation.

Julia from the blog Through Julias Lense comments about the stunning scenery of Skagen on her blog: “Skagen is famous for being the place where the two seas meet in Denmark, and the sandy beaches in that area are beautiful! The ocean is a pretty turquoise color, and it definitely helped me cool down on such a hot day. We started walking along the beach from the lighthouse, but there are some little beach buses that can take you to the exact spot where the two seas meet.”

There is so much to see and do in Skagen, but there are some things that shouldn’t be missed, one of those being the Sand Covered Church. In the dunes west of the town is the tower of the old Sct. Laurentius Church, or the Sand Covered Church as it is also known. Growing a congregation for over 400 years, the church has to cease worship due to the unpredictability of the often-moving sand dunes.

Things to do in Skagen:

Visit the Sand Covered Church
Visit Skagen’s Museum
Walk Råbjerg Mile
Visit Galleri Bo

Aarhus

Although it is technical the second-largest city in Denmark, Aarhus is actually tiny, but that doesn’t take away from the wonderful charm and excitement this city can offer.

There is plenty that Aarhus is great for, and one of those is wonderful food stops where delicious dishes can be bought and eaten along the iconic harbour. Wander down the cobbled street of Møllestien, explore the Aarhus Botanical Gardens completely free of charge, browse the shops in the cosy Latin Quarter or explore the coastline where historic houses and ancient castles sit proud along the way.

Things to do in Aarhus:

Browse the shops in the Latin Quarter
Visit Aarhus Cathedral
Visit Aarhus Botanical Garden and the Greenhouses

If a Scandinavian cruise is on your bucket list for 2024 then why not consider exploring some of the lesser-known destinations that Denmark has to offer? Take a look at our 2025 and 2026 sailings and get your next Ambassador cruise booked!