Things to do & places to visit in Zealand, Denmark

Denmark's largest island is so much more than simply the home of the country's dynamic capital, Copenhagen. Zealand also offers a delightful array of holiday homes and villas, pleasing harbors and sandy beaches, fringed by forests where castles lurk. Major destinations include the UNESCO-designated, Dutch Renaissance-style Kronborg Castle in Helsingor and the Viking attractions, cathedral and music festival of Roskilde. To the south bobs a flotilla of beautiful and relatively untouched islands.

Zealand #1 destination in Denmark 2023. The average rating score is 4.31 based on 168.9k traveler reviews, of 120 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Copenhagen, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 1:25.

Top things to do (35)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Frederiksborg Slotskirke (277 reviews)
- Very beautiful church
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals

This is part of the Frederiksborg Castle museum and included in the ticket. Short after the start of the route through the castle we visit this chapel. After two minutes we were directly (not very nicely) away because a service would start shortly. After finishing the route we did use our tickets again to take a proper look. We could walk around the second floor looking down on the chairs and the pulpit. The chapel has an impressive ceiling and organ. See more..
4.5 Nyhavn (29.6k reviews)
- Many nice terraces
Spent 2-3 hours Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas • Piers & Boardwalks

Copenhagen's Nyhaven, or "New Harbor," is actually steeped in a long heritage. Colorful buildings line the canal and hint at a history of small-vessel traffic. Like many ports, this strip has a salty history, rich with sailors, drinking and literary exploits. Danish author Hans Christian Andersen made his home in Nyhavn as well. It's cleaned up now and is a lovely place for a stroll. See more..
4.5 Tivoli Gardens (26.5k reviews) from $21.24
- Buy Tix Online
Monday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Gardens

More than two dozen rides await you at this world-class amusement park that inspired Walt Disney. Tivoli Gardens, in the very center of Copenhagen, is well-known for its old-world charm, lush gardens, and rides for all ages. You’ll get to watch live concerts and light shows, as well as see the fireworks that take place every week. When hungry, choose between the wide selection of restaurants and food stands, or have a picnic at the gardens. Tivoli Gardens is open during the summer months, as well as for Halloween and Christmas. Visit during the holiday season to catch the park’s lively Christmas market. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Rosenborg Castle (9.482 reviews)
- One of the most engaging castles in Europe
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Castles

The beautiful 400-year-old castle is situated in central Copenhagen's popular park, The King's Garden. The castle was built by one of the most famous Scandinavian kings, Christian IV. Today, the glory of the past can be experienced through the numerous art treasures of the previous kings and queens. Among the main attractions is the Great Hall with the coronation thrones and three life-size silver lions standing guard. The crown jewels and royal regalia sparkle behind the thick walls of the treasury beneath the castle. See more..
4.5 Rundetårn (7.838 reviews)
- Go when the observatory is open!
Spent 1-2 hours Observation Decks & Towers

The Round Tower Lookout Tower – Observatory – Exhibitions – Concerts.One of the best-known and most popular structures in Denmark, the Round Tower has been a distinctive feature of the Copenhagen skyline since 1642. The Tower once soared far above the rest of the rooftops in the city, and University astronomers studied the stars and planets from the Observatory at the top. The scholars may have forsaken the building a long time ago, but during the winter visitors are still able to gaze at the cosmos from Europe's oldest functioning observatory. The platform that runs around the outside of the Observatory affords views over the old Latin Quarter – from here, you can spot most of the city's famous buildings. The Round Tower does not have an elevator, so visitors have to climb the winding, white-washed Spiral Walk, where kids often hide in the niches, only to jump out shouting “boo!” as adults approach. Halfway up the tower is the entrance to the large and stunningly beautiful Library Hall, which now serves as a popular gallery and concert venue. It hosts several exhibitions a year, and stages concerts almost every week. Above the Library is the Bell Loft, notable for its enormous wooden beams, which were used in the reconstruction of the Tower following the great fire of Copenhagen in 1728. The Loft is also home to a small exhibition of fascinating artefacts from the Tower's history, including Christian IV's wax seal, a tin of medicine produced by Tycho Brahe, and a piece of the bomb that exploded in the Library Hall during the bombardment of Copenhagen in 1807.The Round Tower was built by Christian IV between 1637 and 1642. It was the first part of the Trinitatis Complex, which combined church, library and observatory in a single building. See more..
4.5 Our Saviour's Church (5.736 reviews)
- The best view I ever experienced
Monday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Opening hours of the tower: Every day, 09:00 - 20:00 until December 31. Opening hours of the church: Every day, 11:00 - 15:30. Please note that the church is closed for sightseeing during services and other activities taking place in the church. See more..
4.5 Christiansborg Slot (4.664 reviews)
- Fantastic view from an historical venue
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Castles • Government Buildings

Christiansborg Palace is situated on the little island of Slotsholmen (Castle Island) which is surrounded by canals in the heart of Denmark's capital, Copenhagen. Denmark has one of the oldest monarchies in the world, and the palace has a long, dramatic history which revolves around the exercise of royal power. Today, Denmark is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of governance. Under its beautiful copper roof, the palace houses the Danish parliament, the office of the Danish prime minister and the Supreme Court. It is therefore the center for legislative, executive and judicial power in Denmark. The palace also accommodates rooms for the Danish Monarchy. Focusing on the royal part of the palace, Christiansborg Palace is H.M. the Queen's working palace. This is where the Queen holds audiences, signs laws, holds banquets and receptions, celebrates royal anniversaries and receives state visits. It is a working palace where old traditions and the modern Royal Family meet. You will see dazzling halls, adorned with colorful tapestries, vast paintings, patterned floors, glittering chandeliers, and sumptuous stucco ceilings. You can explore The Royal Kitchen and see its two tons of shiny copper kitchenware. You can visit the beautiful palace chapel, stand underneath its dome and let your head spin as you gaze up at the angels in the ceiling décor more than 30 metres above you. In The Royal Stables you'll find the the white royal horses in the wintertime, and in the summertime the exhibition "All the kings' horses" - all year around you can see the Royal Family's array of carriages. One of them is coated with 24-carat gold leaf. You can also explore the underground ruins underneath Christiansborg Palace. These are ruins of earlier castles and palaces showing that the Castle Island is steeped in 800 years of power and political intrigue. See more..
4.5 Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (4.644 reviews)
- Museum is big !
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums

NY CARLSBERG GLYPTOTEK - EXPLORE 6000 YEARS OF ART This beautiful museum, founded in 1888, invites you to discover Northern Europe's largest collection of Ancient Mediterranean art and visit the leading collection of French Impressionist paintings in Denmark. The wonderful buildings are filled with atmosphere and every corner offers a new experience. The heart of the museum is the classic 1906 sub-tropical winter garden with tall palm trees, a fountain and a fish pool. The museum was founded by the renowned brewing magnate Carl Jacobsen, who made Carlsberg beer known world wide. Address:Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek,Dantes Plads 7,1556 Copenhagen V See more..
4.5 The National Museum of Denmark (4.565 reviews)
- Went for the Viking exhibition
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums

The entire history of Denmark comes to life at the National Museum In the National Museum's new, critically acclaimed Viking exhibition "The Raid", you come close to the ancestors who set sail and crossed the open seas to conquer, plunder and trade. Experience the treasures they brought back home from distant shores of the World. In a cinematic total experience, you are invited to join the legendary fleet of Captain Bjorn Ironside as he embarks on a journey to the Mediterranean. You can also hear the stories of the people who stayed back home in Denmark and experience the Vikings' everyday life when they did not engage in voyages or warfare The children can play in the Children's Museum or find and press the Boredom Buttons that enable animals to talk, mummies to mysteriously move and exhibitions to catch fire out of the blue. See more..
4.5 Kronborg Slot (3.139 reviews)
- Evocative castle of Elsinore
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Castles

Kronborg is a must-see! “Hamlet’s Castle” is a magnificent experience with soaring towers, a huge ballroom, damp casemates and just 40 minutes from Copenhagen. At the narrowest neck of the sound, between Denmark and Sweden, the medieval fortress merges with the magnificent Renaissance castle and there are few sites in the world where so much drama and history is gathered in one place. Mythical hero Holger the Dane’s mighty sword meets Shakespeare’s equally mighty pen, as the spirit of Hamlet glides through the castle. No wonder this extraordinary place is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. See more..
4.5 Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (2.480 reviews)
- Beautiful and tranquil
Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art collection focuses on contemporary works from 1945 to the present. Works by Pablo Picasso, Jean Dubuffet and Louise Bourgeois are part of the permanent exhibition at this white villa named Louise, after the first (and second and third) wife of the man who commissioned the building. See more..
4.5 Frederiks Kirke (Marmorkirken) (2.446 reviews)
- A very impressive large circular domed church very much worth visiting
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals

Large marble Baroque church which stood unfinished from 1770 to 1874. It was finally finished in 1894. See more..
4.5 Botanical Garden (2.395 reviews)
- Great place to visit in winter.
Monday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums • Gardens

The Botanical Garden is a part of the Natural History Museum of Denmark. The Botanical Garden holds the largest collections of living plants in Denmark. If you are interested in botany and gardening or are just looking for an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, the garden is a great place to relax and find inspiration. Year round it is home to a variety of exhibitions and activities, for example the Palm House, the Butterfly House and guided tours. The Botanical Garden are open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:30 AM to 4 PM in the winter, and every day from 8:30 AM to 6 PM from May through September. Visiting the Botanical Garden is free, except for the Palm House where there is an entrance fee. See more..
4.5 Torvehallerne (2.114 reviews)
- Great place to look for souvenirs and food!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Flea & Street Markets

A great food gem! This market covers 2 or 3 buildings including stalls selling fresh meat, a building selling fresh fruits and vegetables, and lots of other stalls selling pastry, chocolate, seafood, bakery and restaurant quality food stores. We bought Summerbird chocolate inside, drank Danish draft beer and ate sushi for dinner. It closes at 7 in normal days and it’s worth spending some time strolling inside. See more..
4.5 Frederiksborg Castle (1.952 reviews)
- A must-see in Northern Zealand
Monday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Castles

This historic castle was constructed on three islands and is surrounded by lake and beautiful gardens. Frederiksborg Castle has housed The Museum of National History since 1878. A tour through the museum's many beautiful rooms is an encounter with kings, queens, nobles, the bourgeois, events, and epochs, which have all shaped the country's history and development from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. The museum was founded by brewer J.C. Jacobsen, the founder of Carlsberg. See more..
4.5 Viking Ship Museum (1.926 reviews)
- Fantastic museum, only a 30 minute train journey from Copenhagen
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Ships • History Museums

Warships await you at the Viking Ship Museum. Don't worry, they won't open fire. This museum is dedicated to education about boat building, archaeology and Viking life. It's a favorite among kids, and visitors of all ages can take to the water in traditional vessels. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. seven days a week, until 5 p.m. in summer months. See more..
4.5 Copenhagen Opera House (1.767 reviews)
- Enjoyed Gounod's Faust
Spent 2-3 hours Operas • Architectural Buildings

We were delighted to spend an evening in the grand modern auditorium that has superb acoustics. We arrived as daylight faded and it looked magnificent lit up at the water's edge. Gounod's Faust was top-rate. With a contemporary setting, music and singing were exemplary. With centre seats in First Balcony’s first row, we had prime views of the stage. To arrive, we took the metro to Kongens Nytorv and then a fine walk along Nyhavn, crossing the Butterfly Bridge and onwards. See more..
4.5 Roskilde Domkirke (1.418 reviews)
- A must see
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals

The royal burial church of Denmark and a UNESCO world heritage site. Experience a magnificent church and an architectural masterpiece. 1000 Years of Danish history are gathered here under beautifully decorated vaults and in dark crypts. Here 39 kings and queens of Dnemark lie buried. Roskilde Cathedral is just 20 minutes away by train from Copenhagen central station. See more..
4.5 Davids Samling (The David Collection) (1.086 reviews)
- East and West Treasures
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

It was grand browsing amongst the extensive works from East and West. Particularly interesting were the sizable exhibitions from the Islamic world, covering many countries of origins. Manuscripts with writings and illuminations are plentiful. Moving to European art we enjoyed an engaging selection from Denmark’s Golden Age plus works from other major origins. See more..
4.5 Frederiksberg Have (984 reviews)
- Fairy tale charming forest
Monday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Parks

I have never seen such a combination of natural beauty and human handmade aesthetic approach. The place was marvelous. One forgets to breathe when sees wild geese grazing in couple of meters away from visitors. You could really feel the touch of God’s hand there. See more..
4.5 Møns Klint (670 reviews)
- Private tour for 2
Geologic Formations

Expensive to get there. The tour was booked out so we striked an agreement with our taxi driver to drive us there . In the end it was cheaper than the tour ! It’s is breathtaking and the steps are quite easy to negotiate . Just CHECK THE TIDE before you go See more..
4.5 Kongens Have (658 reviews)
- Lovely Park
Parks

Lovely park, well laid out. Popular with locals for family and friends picnics on a sunny summer day. Pleasant to wander through and enjoy the gardens and peaceful surroundings in the heart of the city. Recommended See more..
4.5 M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark (646 reviews)
- Worth a day trip from Copenhagen
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

The Maritime Museum of Denmark is an award winning museum built by renowned architects BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group. The museum hosts spectacular, evocative and inclusive exhibitions that actively involve a broad audience of children and adults, women and men, sea captains and laymen. See more..
4.5 Assistens Cemetery (634 reviews)
- Green spot
Cemeteries

If you want to experience other than the obligatory walk through the pedestrian street or just need a break then visit one of Copenhagen's many beautiful natural areas for example this cemetery. Hans Christian Andersen is buried here, as well as Niels Bohr and Soren Kirkegaard. There are signs directing you to the graves of famous people. Go for a different nature walks, a botanical triptaround the world where you can experience a selection of different types of wood and plants from countries around the World. The cemetery now contains both a park area, a museum section and a functioning cemetery. Copenhageners use it as a park, people come here for walking, jogging, picnicking, and in warm weather you can even sunbathe. It is obviously an integral part of the neighborhood, more like a garden than a cemetery really. See more..
4.5 Det Kgl. Bibliotek (627 reviews)
- Splendid meld of modern and olden
Monday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Libraries

Nicknamed the "Black Diamond" for its architectural profile, Copenhagen's Royal Library also functions as Denmark's national library and stacks for the University of Copenhagen. The building houses a cafe and bookshop, and hosts exhibitions and concerts. Entry to the library is free; public tours are offered on Saturdays at 3 p.m. for a fee. See more..
4.5 Knuthenborg Safaripark (504 reviews)
- Huge Improvements!
Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

We visited two years ago, back then it was all a bit tired and just not a great experience, not to mention the food outlet which was a deep fried unhealthy disaster. Not the case anymore! It seems like the Knuthenborg team has spent the Corona time improving the park so it's now modern, well maintained and a great day out. The dinosaur park was amazing, the new elephant and tiger enclosures world leading, and the cafe "Flintehuset" a modern cafe serving delicious Smørrebrød and good coffee, which can be enjoyed while looking at the water buffaloes, VERY nicely done, and maybe the biggest improvement in the park. The many new safari tents/huts where one can stay overnight is really clever, we did not have a chance to do it but spoke to other guests who had done it and who loved it. Definitely coming back next year! See more..
4.5 Experimentarium (501 reviews)
- Loads to keep children of all ages entertained. The best interactive science museum we have visited.
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Children's Museums

We visited as it was one of the activities included in the Copenhagen card. It was well worth the trip out of the centre of Copenhagen (a couple of stops on the train or an hour's walk). It was a brilliant day out, there was so much to do we didn't get chance to do everything. It is very interactive and our children (aged 10 and 12) absolutely loved it. There were so many interactive exhibits-bubbles, a storm simulator, a sensory experience, team activities and a theatre to name a few. There were live science displays as well-the staff were very fluent in both Danish and English (and switching between the two) very impressive. It is the best science museum we have visited and if it was closer to home (England!!) we would definitely be back. See more..
4.5 Frederiksberg Slot (483 reviews)
- Most beautiful castle I've seen
Monday: Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Military Bases & Facilities

I've been to many castles around Europe and this one really was enchanting. Perhaps it was because I visited on a crisp day with blue skies and snow all around, but I can't stress enough how beautiful it was. With the Copenhagen card (includes entry fee) you can take public transport all the way to Hillerød and it's a short walk to the castle from there. The surrounding lake is stunning and was frozen over when I visited. There's a nice forest walk all around and once you actually enter the castle, there's countless gorgeous rooms full of paintings, decorations and stories. The chapel was probably the highlight, absolutely stunning. You can easily visit this castle and Kronborg on the same day (take 1 hour train from Hillerød to Helsingør), but if you only have time for one then definitely go to this one. I was enchanted the entire time. See more..
4.5 Arken Museum of Modern Art (445 reviews)
- Very Modern Museum
Monday: Art Museums

It is easy to reach this museum. About 20 min. train trip from Copenhagen city centre and a short walk. Location is odd but very beautiful. This museum is for everyone, even for kids. Outside the museum there is a sculpture park. Beautiful surroundings, sea, sand dunes... See more..
4.5 The Open Air Museum (412 reviews)
- An amazing place for all
Monday: Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums

Experience the historic and atmospheric buildings from different parts of Denmark at The Open Air Museum. You can see impressive and atmospheric buildings, old breeds of domestic animals in the fields and attractive, historic gardens. Take a ride in the horse-drawn carriage and find inspiration in the museum shop. Bring along your family and a picnic basket and enjoy a day at the Open Air Museum. See more..