The wonders of West Denmark

If you're looking for world-class art and a great view of Aarhus, ARoS is your place. This sensational art gallery - the most visited gallery in Scandinavia - shows art from the 19th century to the present day, and also has a cafe, restaurant and shop. Best of all is the 360-degree rainbow panorama, an art installation designed by Olafur Eliasson, at the top, where you can walk in a rainbow and get a distinctly different view of the city. 

Architect Jørn Utzon is best known for designing the Sydney Opera House. He's celebrated here in Aarhus at this vibrant cultural center, where you'll find interactive exhibitions, family areas and workshops and a great restaurant. Right on the waterfront at Aalborg, it's a striking building and ideal for design and architecture fans.

Head north from the west of Denmark and keep on going until you hit the sea. There you'll find Skagen, a former artist colony perched at the edge of Denmark where two seas meet. It's one of our favorite holiday destinations, with beaches to explore, a charming town and plenty of restaurants to eat the freshest of fresh fish, straight from the harbor.

Denmark's first national park stretches over 50km down the west coast and is the setting for adventure. Whether you learn to surf or kite surf at Klitmøller Beach, walk a long distance hiking route with Oh So Quiet, saddle up and explore by horse, or simply visit the many small towns and sample their delicacies on a food tour, it's an unmissable stop on your West Denmark journey.

Scandinavia's oldest town has its roots going back beyond the Vikings. Its cobblestone streets offer cozy corners and history at every stop, and it's a great place for Viking fans, who can visit the living history center, Ribe VikingCenter. Nearby you can also discover the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea National Park, and several offshore islands, including Fanø and Mandø.

Did you know that Legos come from Denmark? Billund, the home of LEGO®, is a paradise for families. Not only does it contain the original Legoland® theme park, but also LEGO® House, a museum-mecca for LEGO® enthusiasts built to look like it's made of the colorful bricks. Legoland® Billund Resort also has a zoo-safari park and a water park to enjoy.

Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen was born in Odense, and in 2021, a new museum opened celebrating his life and works, which include The Little Mermaid and The Princess and the Pea. Odense itself is a charming small city to visit, with cobblestone streets and colorful houses. It's Denmark's third largest city and is easily accessible during a trip to West Denmark.

Whereever you are in Denmark, you are never more than 32 miles from the sea. The beaches of West Denmark offer opportunities for swimming, watersports, horseback riding and relaxed beach days. When it all gets too hot - and it can! - Denmark's gourmet ice cream makers are on hand to cool you down.