Last Updated: February 21, 2022
Denmark Islands: From Small To Gigantic
What comes to mind when you think of an island getaway in Europe? The secluded coves of Capri, the dramatic cliffs of Corsica, or the rich culture and history of Crete?
Thing again. Further north, Denmark, only twice the size of the US state of Massachusettes, is comprised of around 400 islands with 70 of them inhabited. Each of these islands is unique with their own characteristics and feature a variety of landscapes, often on the same island.
In today’s world of travel, Europe can no longer keep the islands of Denmark a secret. And they’re all easy to get to from Copenhagen. Make one or more of these islands of Denmark your next destination.
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Fanø
The Danish Island Fanø lies out in the dramatic North Sea off the coast of southwestern Denmark. It’s most famous for being part of the UNESCO-protected Walden Sea National Park, the world’s largest continuous system of mudflats and intertidal sand. The preserve was developed to protect the migratory wildlife such as seals and terns that frequent the island. Bring binoculars or take a boat tour to spot falcons, shorebirds, and gray seals.
For outdoor fun, the island’s main attraction is Fanø Beach, a stretch of sandy beach 25 km long, and in some places, over a km wide. It’s the perfect beach for swimming, cycling, birdwatching, jogging, and riding a Blokart. You’ll want to slow down and stroll the beach looking for amber. The golden semi-precious gems are bountiful enough that the place is nicknamed Amber Island.
Besides the wildlife and the beach, there are two quaint, laid-back villages to visit on Fanø, Nordby, and Sønderho. Nordby is a mecca of maritime history and cultural activities. Stroll through Captain’s Village and visit its two museums. In Sønderho, you’ll find meticulous homes from the 18th and 19th centuries, galleries, local crafts, and restaurants.
Fanø is a 12-minute ferry ride from Esbjerg to Nordby. The nearest airport is in Billund.
Bornholm
Bornholm is a picturesque island located south of Sweden and to the east of the rest of Denmark. It’s adorned with rugged rocks unique to Denmark, an impressive coastline, and beautiful natural vistas. The contrast between the northern coast and southern coast is stark with the north having some of Denmark’s only cliffs and white sands lining the south coast beaches.
On the rugged northern coast, you can hike along the bluffs, go rock climbing at Vang, and visit the ruins of Hammerhaus, Northern Europe’s largest medieval fortress. The south coast beach of Dueodde features unusually fine silky sand and is one of Northern Europe’s best-loved beaches. There’s a beautiful lighthouse to climb for views of the coast and southern Bornholm.
The west-coast town of Hasle is a must-visit for foodies. Here you’ll find one of the island’s few remaining smokehouses, Hasle Røgeri where you can sample elder-smoked herring. Or go all the way with Sol Over Gudhjem, a local delicacy consisting of smoked herring, raw egg, and chives over thick rye bread. At the nearby culture center Grønbechs Gård, shop for goods by local artists ceramics and glass that is blown from the island’s fine, white sand.
Zealand
Zealand, Denmark’s largest and most populous island is located in the eastern part of Denmark. This is where you’ll find the world-famous city and capital of Denmark, Copenhagen. It lies between the Kattegat and the Baltic Sea and is the site of the well-known Øresund Bridge that crosses the strait of the same name into Sweden. The combined motorway and railway bridge is the longest of its kind in Europe, running for nearly 8 kilometers.
The northern part of Zealand is forested and strewn with pretty lakes, and the beaches along the coast are dotted with exclusive resorts. A few surviving castles are scattered about on what was once a royal hunting ground. And there are medieval churches and manor homes to admire. For the history buffs, many Stone Age and Viking relics can be found on the island including the Viking fortress of Trælleborg dated back to 1000 CE.
Most world travelers spend their time on Zealand in Copenhagen, but to experience more of the authentic culture, venture out into some of the quirky cities such as Roskilde and Helsingør.
Greenland
Part of the Kingdom of Denmark and located over 3000 km from the mainland, Greenland is famous for many things. It is the world’s largest island and one of the most unique travel destinations on the planet. With over 840,000 square miles, the best way to experience Greenland’s Nordic beauty is on a cruise or tour.
The whole gigantic island has a population of fewer than 60,000 inhabitants, all of which are very friendly to everyone. About 25 percent of them live in the capital city of Nuuk. With no roads between the towns, travel takes place by airplane or boat.
The best time to go? Greenland has three seasons, spring, summer, and winter. Each season has its own allure. March and April feature dog-sledding and the snow festival in Nuuk. In summer, the fjords have melted enough for sailing.
Funen
Funen, also called Fyn is Denmark’s third-largest island. It’s located closer to the peninsula west of Zealand. When you see the gorgeous seascapes, fertile countryside, historic castles, and romantic houses, you’ll understand the inspiration behind the fairy tales of Hans Christian Anderson who was born in the little town of Odense. The town has a museum dedicated to his life, and you can visit his childhood home.
Stroll through the streets lined with half-timbered houses and take a boat ride on the picturesque Odessa River lined with trees. The town has several medieval sites to ogle over such as St. Canute’s Cathedral and burial site of King Canute IV murdered nearby in 1086, and the 800-year-old Dalum Church. And only 40 minutes away by car, you can visit Egeskov Castle dating back to 1554.
Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands is an 18-island mind-blowing archipelago in the North Atlantic between Iceland and Norway. The rocky, volcanic islands are connected by causeways, road tunnels, and ferries.
Hikers and birdwatchers are attracted to the rugged landscape, mountains, valleys, and heathland. The steep coastal cliffs featured on the islands are home to thousands of sea birds. Bird watchers are especially fond of the westward island of Mykines, a breeding ground for migratory birds like the cute, pudgy puffin
You’ll be awed by the jagged cliffs, windswept land, and grass-roofed villages on the shores and across the mountains. The unspoiled landscape is definitely some of the most breathtaking on the planet. You’ll be talking about this trip for a long time to come.
Christansø and Frederiksø
The little islands of Christiansø and Frederiksø are very inviting despite having the background as a penal colony. The Danes arrived at this easternmost point in 1684 to build a fortress and naval base to help control sea traffic. Visitors will hear tales of a gruesome past involving horrid executions and mining explosions.
You’ll marvel at what life must have been like on a remote rock in the Baltic Sea as you stroll past historical fortifications and the quaint homes of the few permanent residents.
A not-to-be-missed point of interest is the Lille Tårn tower on Frederiksø, a squat, round building that displays relics from the island’s naval past. Across a small footbridge is the Store Tårn tower that surrounds the island’s oldest lighthouse.
Ærø Island
The little Danish island of Ærø is best known these days as Europe’s wedding capital. Couples come here from all over Europe and the world to “get hitched” among its breathtaking splendor. The ease of the marriage process counts for another reason. Foreign and same-sex marriages are welcomed.
But even if marriage isn’t on your agenda, the post-card pretty little island is worth a visit. Ærøskøbing, the island’s main town is an Instagram-worthy village from the Middle Ages with flower-covered cottages, cobblestone streets, and sea views. If you are here in nice weather, rent a bike from one of the beach huts at Marshal and Vester Strand beaches and bike around the island, or go kayaking out on the water.
For a really unique experience, tour the small whiskey distillery where Ærø whiskey is made. And local delicacies like locally-sourced organic cold cuts, handmade chocolates, and other goods from local farms are sold in the shops.
About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
