Explore Denmark

Museums & Historic Attractions in Denmark

Explore the best museums and historic sites in Denmark, from Viking ships and royal tombs to national treasures and art museums.

Denmark offers more than just pretty villages and coastal charm — it’s also packed with some of the most important museums and historic sites in Northern Europe. Whether you're interested in Viking history, royal heritage, or modern art, Denmark has cultural attractions that are worth building your itinerary around.

This guide highlights the best museums and historical landmarks in Denmark, including Viking ships, UNESCO-listed cathedrals, national collections, and interactive exhibitions. From Copenhagen to Aarhus and beyond, here’s where to go if you want to explore Denmark’s past.

National Museum of Denmark

📍 Location: Copenhagen
🎯 Best for: Viking history, royal artifacts, Denmark's cultural heritage

The National Museum of Denmark is the country’s largest museum of cultural history and one of the best places to understand Denmark’s past. Exhibits cover everything from the Stone Age and Viking era to royal treasures and modern Danish culture.

Don’t miss the well-preserved Viking weapons, medieval artifacts, and the famous Gundestrup Cauldron. It's centrally located near Strøget in Copenhagen and easy to combine with nearby historic sites.

Highlights

Extensive Viking collection
Danish prehistory and Bronze Age finds
Temporary exhibitions on global cultures
Family-friendly and interactive areas for kids

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

📍 Location: Aarhus
🎯 Best for: Modern art, architecture, rooftop views

ARoS is one of the largest art museums in Northern Europe and a major cultural attraction in Aarhus. It's best known for its rooftop installation Your rainbow panorama by Olafur Eliasson, which offers 360-degree views of the city through colored glass.

Inside, you'll find a mix of contemporary and classic works, installations, and provocative exhibitions that rotate frequently. It’s a must-visit spot if you're into design, architecture, or modern art.

Highlights:

Your rainbow panorama rooftop walk
Major Danish and international art collections
Striking modern architecture
Easy to reach from Aarhus city center

Viking Ship Museum

Viking long ship on display in Roskilde, Denmark.

📍 Location: Roskilde
🎯 Best for: Viking ships, hands-on history, maritime culture

The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde is one of the most immersive historical experiences in Denmark. It features five original Viking ships that were excavated from the nearby fjord and restored. You’ll learn how these ships were built, used, and eventually sunk on purpose to block enemy access.

Visitors can also watch boatbuilding demonstrations and even take part in sailing a Viking-style ship in summer months. The open-air vibe and fjordside location make this more than just a museum—it’s a full historical experience.

Highlights:

5 preserved Viking ships from the 11th century
Interactive workshops and reconstructions
Boat rides on Viking-style vessels (seasonal)
Great for families and history buffs alike

Roskilde Cathedral (UNESCO)

Sunset in Denmark at the Roskilde Cathedral.

📍 Location: Roskilde
🎯 Best for: UNESCO heritage, royal tombs, Danish history

The Roskilde Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the burial place of nearly 40 Danish monarchs. It’s one of the most important religious buildings in Scandinavia and a must-visit for anyone interested in Danish royal history or Gothic architecture.

The cathedral is massive, with side chapels added over centuries in different architectural styles. Each chapel tells its own story, tied to Denmark's kings and queens. Combine this with the Viking Ship Museum nearby to make a full-day history trip from Copenhagen.

Highlights:

Final resting place of Danish royalty
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture
Panoramic city views from the bell tower

Jelling Stones & Viking Monuments (UNESCO)

Old large stone hat have ancient engravings on them at Jelling Stones & Viking Monuments, a UNESCO site.

📍 Location: Jelling, Southern Denmark
🎯 Best for: Viking heritage, rune stones, UNESCO sites

The Jelling Stones are often called “Denmark’s birth certificate.” These massive rune stones were erected by King Gorm the Old and his son Harald Bluetooth in the 10th century to honor their family and the Christianization of Denmark.

Today, the site is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes a visitor center, church, and burial mounds. It’s a peaceful but powerful stop that gives deep insight into Viking history and the origins of the Danish nation.

Highlights:

Famous rune stones carved by Viking kings
UNESCO recognition for cultural importance
Museum with digital and interactive exhibits
Historic burial mounds and church on-sit

Planning a longer trip around Danish culture and history?
Start with the Ultimate Denmark Travel Guide to find the best cities, castles, towns, and practical travel tips.