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The Danish islands, particularly the Danish South Sea Islands such as Zealand, Funen and Bornholm, offer breathtaking landscapes, rich culture and diverse activities. Find out more about these beautiful places and what makes them so special. In this article you will find information and inspiration about the most beautiful islands in Denmark and specific regions in Zealand.
The essentials at a glance
Denmark offers a great variety of islands with unique landscapes and attractions, including Zealand with the capital Copenhagen and Funen, the 'heart of Denmark', known for its charming villages and dense forests.
Here are the top 10 islands in Denmarkthat you should visit: Zealand, Funen, Bornholm, Rømø, Fanø, Samsø, Langeland, Møn, Ærø and Læsø. Each of these islands has its own unique features and attractions that make it a must-see for any visitor to Denmark.
The North Sea islands Rømø and Fanø are ideal for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts, whilst Bornholm as the 'sunshine island of the Baltic' offers impressive white sandy beaches and historical sights.
Samsø stands for sustainability and nature experiences and offers numerous activities such as kayaking and cycling, whilst Ærø is known for its romantic atmosphere and rich seafaring tradition.
The diversity of the Danish islands
Denmark consists of over 400 islands, which offer a wide choice of destinations for holidaymakers. This diversity makes the country an ideal destination for an island holiday. From the long sandy beaches and dune landscapes to the lush forests and idyllic villages – Denmark's islands offer a wide range of scenic attractions. Holidaymakers can discover the following on the Danish islands:
- Dream beaches
- Chalk cliffs
- the Wadden Sea
- the Danish South Sea Islands sailing area
- historic sights
To make your choice easier, we have put together a list of the top 10 islands in Denmark that you should definitely visit.
Denmark's largest island, Zealand, is known for its capital Copenhagen, whilst Funen is regarded as the heart of Denmark with its charming villages and dense forests. Lolland and Falster offer family-friendly havens with diverse leisure opportunities. Those visiting the North Sea islands Rømø and Fanø can look forward to wide sandy beaches and fascinating dune landscapes. Bornholm, the Baltic's sunshine island, impresses with white sandy beaches and historic sights. Møn entices with spectacular chalk cliffs, whilst Samsø is renowned for sustainability and nature experiences. Langeland and Ærø offer unspoilt beaches and romantic seafaring traditions.
Zealand – Denmark's largest island
Zealand is Denmark's largest island and home to the Danish capital Copenhagen, a centre for fine cuisine, culture and the Danish way of life. The island offers significant historic sights such as Kronborg Castle near Helsingør, famous as the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet, and the former Viking settlement of Roskilde with the Viking Ship Museum. Kronborg Castle in particular is a must for anyone wishing to follow in Shakespeare's footsteps.
North Zealand is known for its holiday home resorts, beautiful beaches and good infrastructure. Here holidaymakers will find a wealth of activities and opportunities for relaxation. The beaches are ideal for long walks, whilst the holiday homes offer comfortable accommodation. A visit to Copenhagen perfectly rounds off a stay on Zealand with its many cultural and gastronomic highlights.
Funen – The heart of Denmark
Funen, often referred to as the heart of Denmark, offers a delightful blend of nature and culture. The island is known for its dense forests, hilly terrain and beautiful beaches. South Funen is distinguished by its scenic regions with many castles, country estates and forested landscapes. The charming villages and idyllic countryside invite exploration and leisurely stays.
Odense, the island capital of North Funen, is the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen and offers a rich array of culture and gastronomy. Visitors can tour the famous storyteller's birthplace and immerse themselves in the world of his tales. The city also boasts numerous museums, restaurants and cafés that make any visit an unforgettable experience.
Lolland and Falster – Family-friendly Oases
Lolland and Falster, situated in Denmark's southern Baltic Sea, are perfect destinations for families. Lolland impresses with its green landscapes, child-friendly beaches and idyllic lakes and waterways. Main attractions include:
- the sandy beaches
- a safari park
- a mediaeval centre
- prehistoric dolmens
The Maribosøerne Nature Park and the Lalandia water park offer additional leisure activities for young and old alike.
On Falster, visitors can expect a varied landscape with sandy beaches, steep cliffs and forests. The port of Nysted is an idyllic harbour town with a child-friendly beach. Over 1,100 holiday homes line the long, wonderful sandy beach on Falster's east coast, providing an ideal base from which to explore Denmark's southern Baltic islands.
North Sea islands Rømø and Fanø
The North Sea islands of Rømø and Fanø offer:
- wide sandy beaches accessible by car
- charming thatched houses
- unspoilt nature
- a unique landscape
Rømø is the the southernmost island in the Danish Wadden Sea and lies about 3 kilometres north of the German island of Sylt. Fanø is known for its charming thatched houses and unspoilt nature. Both islands are characterised by wide sandy beaches and high dunes.
The landscape around the holiday homes on Rømø is highly diverse. One finds beaches, flat dune heathland and numerous holiday homes. On Fanø, by contrast, there are historic villages such as Sønderho and Nordby, renowned for their well-preserved thatched houses. Activities such as walking, kite flying, fishing and mudflat hiking make these islands a paradise for nature lovers and active holidaymakers.
Rømø – Paradise for Beach Lovers
Lakolk Beach on Rømø is one of the longest beaches in Europe and a true paradise for beach lovers. The beach is up to 6 kilometres wide and can be driven on by car. Every year at the beginning of September, the beach becomes the venue for the Rømø Kite Festival, which attracts numerous visitors.
Rømø can be reached either from Jutland via a free causeway or from Sylt by ferry to Havneby. This makes the island easily accessible and promotes tourism. The vast sandy beaches and the opportunity to walk in the Wadden Sea or observe seals make Rømø an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and active holidaymakers.
Fanø – Historic villages and unspoilt nature
Fanø captivates with its historic villages and unspoilt nature. The charming thatched-roof houses in the villages of Sønderho and Nordby are a particular highlight and transport visitors back in time. These villages are lovingly maintained and offer an insight into traditional Danish architecture and way of life.
The island offers numerous walking and cycling paths that wind through lush countryside, giving nature lovers the opportunity to discover the flora and fauna of this island world. Many visitors have already discovered hidden treasures here.
The combination of historic charm and natural beauty makes Fanø a unique destination.
Bornholm – The sunshine island of the Baltic
Bornholm, known as the sunshine island of the Baltic, impresses with its white sandy beaches in the southeast of the island. The island offers diverse landscapes with steep coastlines, high cliffs, wheat fields, beech forests and mediaeval round churches. Particularly worth seeing are the ruins of Hammershus Castle, the largest in Northern Europe, and the lighthouse at Dueodde Beach.
Bornholm is also a Paradise for active holidaymakers. Here are some activities you can enjoy on the island:
- Hiking on the numerous walking trails that lead through wonderful landscapes
- Cycling tours along the coast or through the island's interior
- Discover the dinosaur footprints at NaturBornholm
- Visit the towns of Allinge and Gudhjem, considered the most beautiful on Bornholm, offering picturesque fishing villages and sun-kissed beaches.
Culinary highlights on Bornholm
Bornholm is known not only for its scenic beauty but also for its culinary highlights. The island offers a variety of local specialities, served in cosy harbour restaurants. The freshly caught fish and the island's famous smokehouses are a particular treat for gourmets.
The smokehouses on Bornholm offer local delicacies and are a must for all visitors. Here you can experience the traditional art of smoking and enjoy the delicious products directly on site. The culinary diversity and quality of the food make Bornholm a popular destination for gourmets.
Møn – Spectacular chalk cliffs and more
Møn is best known for its spectacular chalk cliffs known as Møns Klint. Denmark's highest coastal cliffs offer breathtaking views over the Baltic Sea and attract visitors with their natural beauty. The island is also a paradise for nature lovers and offers numerous activities such as kayaking, cycling tours and horse riding.
The car-free island of Nyord north of Møn offers a large nature reserve and the charming village of Nyord. Stege, one of Denmark's oldest trading towns, offers a blend of mediaeval and modern character and is another highlight on Møn. The diverse activities and impressive landscape make Møn an unforgettable destination.
Samsø – Sustainability and nature experiences
Samsø is known for:
- its market garden
- its sustainability initiatives
- The Samsø Energy Academy, which is working towards becoming completely free of fossil fuels by 2030
- The Samsø Ecomuseum, which displays exhibitions on the island's landscape and culture in the past, present and future.
- beautiful sandy beaches
- excellent fishing opportunities
- The Samsø Labyrinth, the world's largest, offers a combination of nature, adventure and puzzles
- numerous cycling and walking trails
- the opportunity to discover the local cuisine
This makes Samsø an ideal destination for nature and sustainability enthusiasts.
Langeland – Nature paradise in the Danish South Sea Islands
Langeland stretches over a length of 52 kilometres and a width of 11 kilometres, making it an ideal place for nature lovers. The island's landscape is characterised by its approximately 140-kilometre-long coastline and the hundreds of rounded hills that formed from glacial deposits during the last ice age. The island offers unspoilt beaches, dense forests and charming villages that provide a picturesque backdrop for a relaxing island holiday.
Among the island's most beautiful attractions are:
- small towns such as Bagenkop
- wonderful beaches such as Ristinge Strand and the beach at Drejet Spodsbjerg
- a herd of wild horses that animal lovers can discover on Langeland
For a snack or a drink, the lovely harbour in the town of Bagenkop is recommended.
Ærø – Romance and seafaring tradition
Ærø is an island known for its romantic atmosphere and rich seafaring tradition The capital Ærøskøbing, often described as a fairy-tale town, is one of Denmark's most beautiful small towns and is famous for its well-preserved historic buildings and cobbled streets. The colourful old houses in places such as Søby and Ærøskøbing lend the island incomparable charm.
Ærø's seafaring tradition is deeply rooted, and the island was Denmark's second most important seafaring town after Copenhagen. The Marstal Maritime Museum is dedicated to the island's maritime history and offers a fascinating insight into the life of seafarers. Marstal itself has the island's largest marina with over 500 berths, making it a popular destination for sailors.
Island hopping in the Danish South Sea Islands
In the Danish South Sea Islands, also known as Det Sydfynske Øhav, visitors can experience a true island-hopping adventureThis area is a popular watersports region and perhaps Denmark's most popular kayaking area. From Flensburg it is only about 60 kilometres as the crow flies to the Danish South Sea Islands, making the journey very straightforward.
Ærø is an ideal starting point for island hopping, with short distances to other islands such as Drejø, Birkholm and Hjortø. The SUP tour from Søby to Marstal on Ærø offers a route of approximately 15 to 18 kilometres. For kayakers and sailors, the islands of Drejø and Birkholm are popular destinations. There are numerous primitive overnight spots where you can pitch your tent and enjoy nature in all its splendour. For cabin charter in Denmark, particularly in the Danish South Sea Islands, there is something for everyone.
Popular activities on the Danish islands
The Danish islands offer a variety of activitiessuitable for all ages and interests. Here are some examples:
- On Zealand, visitors can explore the royal history and historic towns.
- Copenhagen offers fascinating insights into the royal heritage and contemporary Denmark.
- Water sports such as surfing, kitesurfing and sailing are particularly popular on the North Sea islands.
Whether you are interested in culture, history or water sports, the Danish islands have something for everyone.
On Møn, several exciting museums inspire cultural and historical experiences for the whole family. For active holidaymakers, there are numerous hiking and cycling trails, such as on Fur, where visitors can also observe seals. The Brændesgårdshaven water and leisure park offers a variety of activities for young and old, including water sports.
Best time to visit the Danish islands
The ideal travel time for the Danish islands is between May and September, when temperatures are pleasant and nature is in full bloom. The summer months from June to August are particularly popular, as temperatures can reach up to 25 degrees. The spring months of April and May as well as autumn in September and October also offer ideal conditions to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
Overall, each season offers its own charm and makes a visit to the Danish islands an unforgettable experience.
Accommodation options – holiday homes and campsites
Holiday homes are a popular choice for an island holiday in Denmark and are part of the Danish way of life. On the Danish islands there are many cosy holiday homesoffering different amenities, from simple accommodation to luxury facilities such as pools and saunas. A holiday home on Bornholm offers welcoming and comfortable accommodation and allows guests to enjoy the island and their holiday to the fullest.
Campsites are also a popular accommodation option and offer various amenities such as Wi-Fi, balconies and barbecue facilities. Many campsites are pet-friendly and have gardens, playgrounds and childcare, making them particularly family-friendly. The variety of accommodation options ensures that every holidaymaker finds the right option for their stay.
Getting to the Danish islands
Getting to the Danish islands is easy and convenient thanks to the well-developed infrastructure . There are various ways to reach the islands:
- Ferries from Rostock and Puttgarden bring travellers to the eastern Danish islands such as Zealand.
- Direct ferry connections from Sassnitz to Bornholm with Bornholmslinjen exist.
- From Langeland, the islands of Lolland and Falster can be reached by ferry.
- There are also regular ferry connections from Germany and Sweden to the Danish islands.
These connections make travel considerably easier.
The Danish islands can be reached in various ways:
- The Storebælt and Øresund bridges connect various islands to the mainland and other islands. In Denmark there are no motorway or toll charges except at these bridges, which makes travelling by car particularly attractive.
- From Hamburg, the A7 motorway leads towards Flensburg and Denmark, from where well-developed motorways lead to the islands.
- International flight connections to Copenhagen and Billund offer another convenient way to reach the Danish islands.
Summary
The Danish islands offer an incredible variety of experiences that make every holiday an unforgettable adventure. From picturesque landscapes and historic sights to expansive sandy beaches and charming villages – each island has its own unique appeal. In our list of the top 10 islands in Denmark you will find the best places worth visiting. The diverse activities and excellent infrastructure make the Danish islands a perfect destination for every taste and age.
Whether you want to explore the historic capital Copenhagen on Zealand, visit the charming villages on Funen or marvel at the spectacular chalk cliffs on Møn – the Danish islands offer something for everyone. Let yourself be enchanted by the natural beauty, rich culture and warm hospitality of Denmark and start planning your next island holiday today.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit the Danish islands?
The best time to visit the Danish islands is between May and September, but the quieter spring months of April and May as well as autumn in September and October are also recommended.
What activities can you do on the Danish islands?
On the Danish islands you can experience a variety of activities such as cultural discoveries, water sports, cycling and hiking. Popular activities also include beach kiting, beach sailing, fishing and exploring historic sights. Enjoy discovering the Danish islands!
How do you get to the Danish islands?
Thanks to well-developed infrastructure, the Danish islands are easily and conveniently accessible by ferry, bridge and international flight connections.
What accommodation options are available on the Danish islands?
On the Danish islands there are various accommodation options such as cosy holiday homes and family-friendly campsites. Holiday homes offer different amenities, whilst campsites are often pet-friendly.
What makes Bornholm special?
Bornholm is special thanks to its white sandy beaches, impressive rocky coastlines, historic sights and culinary highlights such as freshly caught fish and local delicacies from the smokehouses.
