This 5-day private tour of Denmark is designed for travelers who want to see the country’s most iconic sights in a short amount of time without feeling rushed. From royal castles and Viking ships to fairy-tale towns and scenic coastal drives, this itinerary blends the best of Danish history, culture, and charm.
You’ll explore vibrant Copenhagen, walk in the footsteps of Vikings in Roskilde, discover Hans Christian Andersen’s hometown in Odense, and visit two of Denmark’s most stunning castles in North Zealand. You’ll do all of this with a private driver guide, meaning you aren’t constrained to a specific itinerary. You’ll travel at your own pace, with every detail tailored to you.
5-Day Private Tour Itinerary
On this 5-day private tour, you’ll see the most popular attractions in Denmark. Your driver-guide is on hand to collect you from either the airport or your accommodation. Just tell us where it is convenient for you. The itinerary below has been designed to start and end in Copenhagen, but we can alter the route if it is easier for you to start or fish in a different location.
Day 1: Copenhagen – Day of Royalty
Your private tour begins with a walking tour of Nyhavn, a picturesque canal. Walk by the colorful 17th-century houses and wooden boats, and choose from one of the many vibrant cafes to enjoy a coffee and Danish pastry with harbor views. Your guide will lead you towards Frederik’s Church, one of Copenhagen’s most striking buildings.
As noon approaches, your private guide will take you to Amelienborg Palace. Admire the stunning architecture of the palace before witnessing the Changing of the Guard, a daily military ceremony featuring a formal handover of duties.
Enjoy a traditional Danish lunch at a handpicked restaurant carefully selected by our tour designers based on your preferences. After lunch, your journey into royalty continues at Rosenborg Castle. Explore the castle’s lavish rooms, with baroque furniture and portraits, as you learn about the history of the castle and the legacy of Danish monarchs. The highlight of the tour is a chance to witness the Crown Jewels, a truly remarkable spectacle.
Like with lunch, we will always try to find a suitable restaurant for you based on your food preferences and the type of setting you are searching for. Copenhagen boasts a diverse range of restaurants, from romantic bistros along the canal to casual food halls serving traditional Danish specialties.
Day 2: Copenhagen – Culture & Design
Your 2nd day will be spent enjoying some of Copenhagen’s cultural gems. Start at the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, a fine arts museum founded by the Carlsberg brewing family. See breathtaking collections of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian antiques, as well as a range of impressive French and Danish art. Finish with a walk through the lush indoor winter garden, set beneath a picturesque glass dome.
After the museum, enjoy waterfront views with a guided canal cruise, an essential Copenhagen experience. Departing from Nyhavn, which you explored on day 1, this tour offers panoramic views of the city’s cultural landmarks, including the Opera House, the Black Diamond, and the Little Mermaid Statue. It’s a truly rewarding experience traveling through the colorful canals for a unique view of the Danish capital.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the Designmuseum Denmark, featuring innovative Danish design and works from iconic designers such as Arne Jacobsen and Poul Henningsen. It’s a must-visit for those interested in Scandinavian aesthetics or anyone keen to learn more about Danish design history.
Finish at Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s most famous amusement park. Ride on historic wooden roller coasters and gentle rides, and walk through romantic gardens and lakeside paths. It’s an excellent experience for the atmosphere alone, even if you choose not to ride anything.
Day 3: Roskilde & Odense – Vikings & Fairytales
Set off for Roskilde on a 45-minute drive west of Copenhagen, starting at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Roskilde Cathedral. Enjoy the cathedral’s stunning Gothic architecture, and pay your respects at the burial site of 40 Danish monarchs, which notably includes the magnificent tomb of King Christian IV.
A short walk from the cathedral is the Viking Ship Museum, sitting along the Roskilde Fjord. 5 Viking shops were salvaged from this fjord and are on display inside the museum. Enjoy the hands-on exhibits where you can use Viking tools or even dress up like one! Walk through the boatbuilding yard, where traditional buildings are used to reconstruct Viking vessels. In a truly unique experience, during the summer, you can take part in a sailing trip as part of the crew on a Viking ship. Feel like a true Viking from centuries ago as you travel across the fjord.
In the afternoon, your private guide will take you to Odense, where you’ll start with a guided tour of the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, dedicated to the legendary author who wrote “The Little Mermaid,” “The Ugly Ducking,” “The Princess and the Pea” and many more. Visit the author’s birthplace and explore fascinating exhibits that offer insight into Andersen’s writing style and inspirations.
Finish with a peaceful walk along the Odense River before checking into your Odense accommodation.
Day 4: North Zealand – Castles & Coastal Beauty
On day 4, you’ll travel through the lush countryside in North Zealand on your way to Hillerød. Start with a guided tour of the magnificent Frederiksborg Castle, the largest Renaissance palace in Scandinavia. Before you even enter the castle, admire the stunning exterior with the castle standing above the surrounding sparkling water. Inside, explore the Chapel of Orders, used for royal ceremonies, the picturesque Grand Hall, and the National History Museum, taking you on a journey through 500 years of Danish history through its interactive exhibits. After your castle tour, walk through the beautiful Baroque Gardens before returning to your luxury vehicle.
Your private guide will take you northeast to Kronborg Castle, also known as “Hamlet’s Castle,” due to its role as Elsinore in Hamlet. Highlights of the castle include:
- Explore the grand banquet halls, royal chambers, and stunning tapestries.
- Walk through the dark underground tunnels beneath the castle once used by soldiers. See the statue of Holger Danske, the legendary sleeping warrior of Denmark.
- Enjoy panoramic views across the Øresund Strait, and on a clear day, you can see Sweden just across the water!
After your tour, enjoy the scenic journey back to Copenhagen. You’ll travel along the Strandvejen coastal route, one of Denmark’s most picturesque roads. When you arrive in Copenhagen, check into your city center hotel and unwind on your final night.
Day 5: Final Explorations & End of Tour
Quite often, our clients are flying home on the final day of the tour, so we will cater this day depending on what time you need to catch a flight or finish up.
Options include a trip across the Øresund Bridge into Sweden for a city tour of Malmö. Explore the city’s popular attractions, including Malmöhus Castle and Museums, Turning Torso, Västra Hamnen, and St. Peter’s Church.
If you don’t have time for a trip to Malmö, your guide can instead take you to some of the remaining attractions in Copenhagen, such as the National Museum of Denmark or Strøget, Copenhagen’s main pedestrian shopping street.
