Cheap and Free Tourist Attractions To Explore in Denmark
Welcome to Scandinavia!
Denmark, the leading nation in “happiness index”, was my first taste of a Scandinavian country. Flying in from Paris, I was warned that it was going to be chilly. For a tropical girl like me, yes, it was indeed cold even in Springtime. Denmark’s landscape, however, makes one feel very close to nature, especially when forests bloom and trees grow in many ways in many areas.
In this blog I will share that even though Denmark is an expensive country, many of its famous landmarks are FREE. Only a few attractions in this list require tickets. And you can save up if you book in advance.
So, are you ready?
Here are MY top cheap attractions to see.
FREETOWN CHRISTIANA
Christiana is Denmark’s version of the Netherlands. It’s a small community in Denmark where people are free to buy and smoke weed. This area was buried in deep controversy for a while until the situation somehow became stable and the government has decided to finally open it up to the public including tourists. In here was where I ate at one of the most unforgettable restaurants that offer ONLY organic and vegetarian dishes. I was welcomed by two musicians at the gate and I enjoyed roaming around this unique space for a few hours! Just remember to be mindful in taking pictures especially in the area where weed is bought and sold. Privacy is gold.
TIVOLI GARDENS
Entrance to TIVOLI requires a ticket.
Tivoli first opened in August 15, 1843 and has remained one of the many prominent attractions in Denmark. Since then, it continuously improved its rides and services — always aiming to offer the most breath-taking experiences imaginable. to make sure that adults enjoy this place as much as kids do.
Plan your trip, however, because TIVOLI Amusement Park is not open 365 days in a year.
Here are the operating dates:
WINTER FEBRUARY 1- FEBRUARY 24
SUMMER APRIL 4-SEPTEMBER 22
HALLOWEEN OCTOBER 11- NOVEMBER 3
To keep you from a “possible” long and inconvenient line, below is an entry ticket which you can purchase ahead of time.
CHRISTIANSHAVN
Sigh. How can I ever forget this quaint neighbourhood. Named after its founder, Christian IV, Christianshavn is dominated by narrow canals and an area in Copenhagen which is so similar to Amsterdam where its inspiration came from. This area is very relaxing surrounded by yoghurt, ice cream and coffee shops.
MY BELOVED COMPANY MAERSKLINE
Maersk Line is a Danish international container shipping company which was founded in 1928 and is now a leading company in the industry. I am lucky to be working and earning my bread and butter here. How can I miss it while in Denmark?
It’s interesting how even its building is built to look like a ship, very minimalist and modern. Minimalist and modern, just like yourstruly.
BOTANICAL GARDEN
FREE and OPEN FROM MONDAY TO SUNDAY 08:30–16:00
You will get lost in this huge garden’s sea of plants, trees and flowers. You will lose track of time. Everywhere you look is plenty of colours and most of all, it doesn’t cost a penny to be inside this garden.
This garden is known for its extensive collection of glasshouses.
It contains 27 glasshouses including an air-conditioned greenhouse that protects arctic plant species. In here is where you can also relax your tired feet and have some refreshments at the Botanical Garden Cafe.
THE LITTLE MERMAID
Address: Langelinie 2100 Copenhagen
Not too far away from the Maersk Line office is a tiny mermaid statue that is silently, patiently waiting for you since she was put there in August 1913 as Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen’s gift to the city of Copenhagen. At first I thought this statue was huge but I was surprised that it resembled a real human size mermaid built by a great sculptor named Edvard Eriksen.
It was a childhood dream come true for me to see this sculpture since it was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale about a mermaid who fell in love with a young, handsome prince on land. The Little Mermaid’s fairytale romance was my introduction to a world of fiction and many more stories about love and possibilities. My mother once bought me picture story books as a gift and those books included the story about the Little Mermaid. It was one of my favourite stories since.
Nowadays, the Little Mermaid is a famous attraction which you can see for free. She sits there waiting and eager to welcome travellers to the Copenhagen Harbour.
AMAGER BEACH
Address : Amager Strandvej 110 2300 København S
Copenhagen’s beach area, Amager Beach Park is busy all day long especially in summer. During spring, though, this place may still be visited but expect chilly wind and cold ,cold water.
The beach park is a two-kilometer long artificial island. This must be a typical Danish family’s favourite spot because this is where kids have a lot of space for playtime. This place is also a favourite for all kinds of outdoor sports. Danes are into those! Along the shore, there is also a spectacular view of a windmill park (which you can see on the background in the picture below) and an impressive bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden.
Copenhagen is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the whole world. Just like in Amsterdam, it is normal for people here to bike to work while dressed in skirts and suits. It is also easy to spot mothers or fathers biking around with their cute little children in front of their bikes. What a delightful sight! The trains around Copenhagen also give space to bicycles making it easy to bring one even if you stay at the outskirts of the city centre.
I highly suggest renting a bike while in Copenhagen since it is one of the most bike-friendly cities across Europe. There are many bike shops you can find around the city centre or you can also reserve one online here.
ROSENBORG CASTLE
This castle requires a ticket. I chose to see the insides of bigger castles instead such as Frederiksborg castle in Hillerod so I skipped lining up to see this one. I passed by Rosenborg to enjoy lounging around its beautiful gardens where swans and ducks were all free to swim in a little lake. I acted like the locals and fell asleep lying on the grass. What a beautiful day!
NYHAVN
Nyhavn is lined with bars and restaurants facing the harbor and also serves as a hub of canal tours.This colorful waterfront is lined by brightly coloured 17th century houses. To add to the beauty of this already amazing harbour are the many historical wooden ships and modern-looking boats and yachts.
The northern side of Nyhavn is lined by brightly coloured townhouses built with wood, bricks, and plaster. The oldest house, at №9, dates from 1681. It was here where Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen used to live. His house was at №67. You will find it when you see a memorial plaque. A few steps to the southern side of Nyhavn is Charlottenborg Palace.
Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød
38km north-west of Copenhagen, Frederiksborg Castle is a stunning renaissance castle from the 1600s. An easy way to get here is through public transport: S-train heading to Hillerød.
Frederiksborg Castle is situated in Hillerød, north of Copenhagen. It is a convenient ride from Copenhagen centre. This impressive Renaissance castle was built in the first decades of the 17th century by the Danish King Christian IV.
Totally distinct from Versailles Palace of France, the Danes definitely have their own taste in architecture and art. The impressive baroque style rooms, portraits and furniture invite visitors on a journey through Denmark’s rich history. The art collection here is huge.
Opening hours / Date
Monday to Sunday 11:00–15:00
Admission Price:
Adult 75.00 DKK
Child (6–15) 20.00 DKK
Copenhagen Card : FREE
Student/Retired 60.00 DKK
BUY yourself a COPENHAGEN CARD here. This allows you to save time and money by
1. Letting you enjoy free entrance to 87 museums and attractions
2. Giving you discounts at participating restaurants and activities
3. Making you see Copenhagen from its waterways on a canal cruise
4. Giving you free public transportation in the entire Copenhagen region including to and from the airport
Kronborg Castle, Helsingør
47km north of Copenhagen
Hamlet’s castle, now a World Heritage Site
Public transport: Regional train to Helsingør
Kronborg Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is worth your time. It is probably the most famous Danish castle known worldwide from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. This castle was home to the Danish royal family until the late 1600. A tour of this castle will show you baroque and renaissance designs. Impressive as it already is, it became widely known for William Shakespeare’s creation called Hamlet, a drama that takes place in the chambers of this castle.
In a country such as Denmark where transportation is efficient, it is easy to reach the castle by taking the coast line to the city of Elsinore, a place filled with quaint ports, attractions and a relaxing ambiance. During the day, trains run every 20 minutes from Copenhagen Central Station and Nørreport Station. It is approximately 40 minutes from Copenhagen center by train. I had a wonderful time here with my German friend, Kristina, who is now based in Denmark.
Opening hours / Date
Tuesday to Sunday
Opening hours : 11:00–16:00
Admission Price
Child (0–17) Free
Copenhagen Card Free
Adult 90.00 DKK
Student 80.00 DKK
ASSISTENS CEMETERY
Address: Kapelvej 2 2200 København N
If most of the cemeteries in some places are places to be feared, Assistens Cemetery in Denmark is a green oasis and a cultural treasury. As Denmark’s best known cemetery, Assistens is the final resting place of famous Danes, like fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen and philosopher Søren Kierkegaard. I didn’t miss Kierkegaard’s and Andersen’s graves. I found them!
It is unbelievably filled with lush green trees and plants in spring time. No wonder it has become a place of respite for many. Couples and families come here to have a quiet picnic or stroll.
It is indeed a very interesting place to visit while in Copenhagen and without a cost!
Opening hours / Date
Monday to Sunday 7:00 to 19:00
There you go. There are of course so many other places to see such as the LEGOLAND or the National Museum and other palaces. If you wish to go to LEGOLAND, I have found this LINK for you.
I hope this list gave you many ways to enjoy Denmark!
