Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
A Family Summer Road Trip in Denmark Wild Islands & Coastal Cottages
Denmark – Skagen – Esbjerg – Lolland – Copenhagen
The first chapter of this 12-day family summer road trip takes place in the country's northernmost region: Skagen. Your days here will include strolls alongside dramatic dunes, a wind-swept cycling tour and downtime in a cosy hotel, all the while combining culture, nature and family connection.
Then, dial up the adventure as you head to the west coast of Jutland for three days of beach antics, land sailing (yes, really), Viking heritage and nature walks. Well-acquainted with the wonders of rural Denmark, skip to the island of Lolland, home to steep cliffs, turquoise waters and poppy-studded hills. Dreamy.
Round out your adventure in the ever-cool Danish capital. The list of pulls to Copenhagen practically writes itself, but of course, Tivoli Gardens should be any family’s first port of call. After all, this is the place Walt Disney used as inspiration for Disney World. It doesn’t come much more magical than that (until you add some cinnamon buns into the equation, that is…).
Itinerary
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Rise and shine – your family adventure to beautiful Denmark kicks off today. Head to the airport, speed through check-in and indulge in some treats in the airport lounge while you wait for departure. Flights to Aalborg, in the north, connect through Copenhagen and take roughly three hours total, so you'll be on Danish soil before you know it.
Once you arrive, collect your hire car and drive an hour and a half to Skagen, on the northern edge of the Jutland peninsula. Then, park up, check in for a three-night stay and divvy up the beds.
Spend your first evening relaxing on the beach and slipping into the rhythm of Danish coastal life. For dinner tonight, be sure to order up a seafood-centric selection – bonus points if the children sample something new.
Wake up bright and early for your first full day in Denmark. A knowledgeable local will be your guide for the day as you set off on bikes to explore Skagen, the nation's northernmost (and sunniest) town. Bring on the family fun.
Enjoy a leisurely cycle around the city while learning about the local lore. Then, head to Grenen, where the North Sea and the Baltic Sea meet in a breathtaking natural spectacle. After that, visit Rabjerg Mile, the largest migrating dune in the country. Cue oohs and aahs from all in tow.
This evening, reach out to our local Concierge to nab a table at one of the best restaurants in Skagen. It’s time to feast on Denmark's culinary delights.
Another day, another dramatic coastal landscape. Tuck into a tasty breakfast this morning before packing your day bags and setting off on an independent exploration of Den Tilsandede Kirke, more evocatively known as the sandy church.
Built at the end of the 16th century, this church has been gradually consumed by the sand from the dunes. Generations of locals fought against the elements before finally giving in to nature in the 18th century. All that remains today is a white bell tower protruding from the ground.
While the history of the church itself is unusual, the backdrop of dunes, forest and ocean is also striking. To capture it in a memorable way, snap some craftily angled photos of the youngsters looking like giants next to the bell tower – now that’s one for the photo wall.
Load the little ones back into the car this morning and drive four hours through rural farmlands to Esbjerg, on the shores of the North Sea. Let’s pump those road trip tunes up and kickstart the family sing-a-longs.
When you arrive, settle in for the next three nights and indulge in some post-car-journey stretching. Spend the rest of the day scoping out your suave new digs, hopefully tiring out the youngsters in the meantime.
Come evening, rally the family for a delicious dinner and an excited discussion about the trip so far. Then, hit the hay and rest up for tomorrow.
The name of the game today: island exploration. Esbjerg is the ideal springboard for Fano, a 12-mile-long island in the heart of Wadden Sea National Park. After breakfast this morning, hop in a ferry for the 20-minute crossing to these scenic shores.
To start, head to Rindy Strand beach for an introduction to land sailing (yes, you read that right). Unlike regular sailing, land sailing involves gliding a wheeled, wind-powered vehicle across the sand. Lead by an expert local instructor, try your hand at this wonderfully wild activity.
The rest of your time on Fano can be spent however you – or really, your children – please. We suggest heading to Sonderho on the southern tip of the island. This historic fishing village is sure to charm with its thatch-roof houses and antique stores. Afterwards, travel north to Nordby for even more beach antics. Sandcastle-building competition, anyone?
Your last day in Esbjerg is dedicated to unbridled exploration. Fuel up on a hearty breakfast before venturing out – it's time to do as your children do and let curiosity lead the way.
Spend today exploring Ribe, which claims fame as Denmark's oldest city. The centre is particularly picturesque with its Gothic-style town hall and cathedral. There are a few good museums which are popular with families, too, including the Viking Museum and the Wadden Sea Centre.
After strolling by the pretty beaches along the seafront, drive across to the island of Romo, where you can hope to spot an abundance of birds and marine life. There’s also the house of a former whaling captain to visit. Pretty cool.
Leap out of bed this morning, because today, you’re island bound. Hop back in the car to drive three-and-a-half hours to Spodsbjerg. Then, climb aboard a boat for the crossing to Tars, where you’ll continue by car to Sollested, on the island of Lolland.
After pulling up outside your next home away from home, check in for three nights and dial up the cosy. Sollested is a small rural town in one of the most secluded parts of Denmark, ideal for an afternoon of scenic strolls or back-to-back board games.
Tonight, tuck into a medley of mouth-watering dishes before sinking into a stack of plush pillows. A world of adventure awaits tomorrow...
Perch up in front of a bountiful breakfast overlooking the windswept shore this morning. Then, stomachs full and curiosities high, hop in the car to drive an hour to the island of Mon, which is conveniently connected to Lolland by a series of scenic bridges.
One of Denmark’s rare hilly regions, Mon is home to numerous cottages with thatched roofs and flower-filled gardens. The villages of Keldby and Elmelunde showcase Nordic Romanesque arts, while, to the east, the chalk cliffs of Mons Klint soar to heights of 420ft.
Having more than met your step counts for the day, return to Lolland this afternoon to unwind and chill out before another family dinner this evening. This is the life.
Lace up your hiking boots today and head out for a day of walking on beautiful Lolland, Denmark's fourth-biggest island. One of our favourite spots for a family hike is the neighbouring South Fionian archipelago.
Visit Tasinge Island to marvel at the 17th-century Valdemar’s Castle, or head to the rural island of Langeland for old windmills, small hamlets and plenty of quintessentially Danish old-world charm. We also recommend stopping at Rudkobing, an old market town with a lively fishing port, cobbled streets and wonderfully preserved merchant houses.
Then, take the afternoon to explore the south of the island and the Klise Nor nature reserve, home to lagoons, coastal meadows and dunes. On the Ristinge side, it's not uncommon to see wild (and adorably petite) Exmoor ponies galloping against a backdrop of beaches, ochre cliffs and pebble coves.
Swap the wilds of Denmark’s coast for the cosmopolitan cool of its capital today. After breakfast, check out and load up the car to travel two hours to Copenhagen, skirting scenic Koge Bay in the process.
When you arrive, check in for a two-night stay, then head out to grab some lunch. This afternoon is free for you to spend as you please. Among the most family friendly capitals in Europe, Copenhagen is brimming with parks, swimming spots and nature reserves. Of course, there’s also the iconic Tivoli Gardens amusement park to explore. Cinnamon rolls and family photos incoming...
This evening, celebrate the final leg of your trip by reaching out to our local Concierge for some stellar restaurant recommendations. Bring on another family feast.
Sample the cosy culture of hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) this morning by visiting a welcoming cafe. Then, after everyone's tried an iconic Danish pastry, hit the streets with a friendly local guide.
Start your exploration with a leisurely stroll along the picturesque canals, passing a string of wonderfully colourful houses. With the help of your guide, you’ll discover the buildings from King Christian IV’s reign, learning about the stories and legends bound up in the city’s streets.
The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you please. Armed with a Copenhagen Card, you'll have unlimited access to all Danish public transport during your stay. This also means free admission to 89 museums and historical attractions. Let the adventure begin.
Sadly, the time has come to bid Copenhagen – and Denmark – a fond farewell. Luxuriate in a leisurely breakfast in another cool cafe this morning before packing your bags and checking out to drive to the airport.
Your flight home takes just under two hours, allowing plenty of time for everyone to reminisce about their favourite moments from the trip... and start thinking about where to spend the next one.
Why visit Denmark with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Denmark
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
