Discover Denmark in 2026: Top Experiences to Explore

New attractions

Iconic multi-sensory artwork ‘The Dome’ opens in ARoS 
On 19 June 2026, Aarhus Municipality and ARoS Aarhus Art Museum will unveil the monumental artwork As Seen Below - The Dome, a Skyspace by the internationally acclaimed artist James Turrell. The large, domed artwork measures 16 metres in height and 40 metres in diameter. Visitors arrive via an underground, light-filled corridor before entering the vast interior dome, where Turrell’s signature lighting bathes the space in colour and light, framing the open sky through a central oculus. The art work will be James Turrell’s largest Skyspace in a museum context and completes ARoS’s long-standing vision, The Next Level.

Minifigure Speedway newest roller coaster in LEGOLAND
The original LEGOLAND Family Park in Billund is launching a new roller coaster for the 2026 season: the Minifigure Speedway. The LEGO®-themed ride is an exciting family duel featuring two cars that race side by side, both forwards and backwards, before ultimately crowning a single winning team. The entire storyline behind the roller coaster is built around two teams - Team Legends and Team All Stars - each led by their own Minifigure captain racing for first place. One team is headed by Corn Cob Guy and the other by Banana Guy - two captains with very strong opinions about which fuel is best: popcorn or banana juice.

“Egtvedpigens Verden” new prehistoric heritage museum
The brand new museum “Egtvedpigens Verden” (Egtvedpigen’s World) in Vejle, is scheduled to open in April 2026. The museum brings the story of the famous Egtved Girl to life in a whole new way, a journey that takes visitors 3500 years back in time. Visitors are invited to experience the Bronze Age through play, discovery and active exploration of the area where the Egtved Girl once lived, one of the most significant and well-preserved finds from the Danish Bronze Age.

Final ‘Dodekalitten’ stone closes circle
Dodekalitten, a mystical circle of monumental stone sculptures, has become an artistic landmark on the island of Lolland. Created by sculptor Thomas Kadziola, the towering stone pillars - combined with electronic music composed by Wayne Siegel - offer a holistic experience for both body and mind. Kadziola has been working on this monumental project for 12 years, and in the summer of 2026 it is set to be completed with the installation of the twelfth and final sculpture.

New Engine Museum in Skagen
On 2 April 2026 ‘Maskinrummet’, Denmark’s new engine museum, will open in North Jutland. Located in the harbour of Skagen, the museum spans 10,000 square metres and houses Denmark’s largest private engine collection. Its mission is to showcase and preserve the country’s maritime and industrial heritage.

Unique bathing experience at Copenhagen harbour
In 2026, the new ‘Vandkulturhus - the House of Water Culture’ is expected to open in Copenhagen’s Papirøen district. Combining indoor and outdoor pools, the new 5,000 m2 space celebrates the Danish affinity for water and invites visitors to swim while enjoying views of Copenhagen’s harbour. The striking building is designed by the Japanese architecture firm Kengo Kuma & Associates and will be a neighbour to the Opera house.

Anniversaries and special celebrations

600 years of Elsinore

The 600-year jubilee of Elsinore as a market town will be celebrated throughout 2026. Elsinore is situated in northern Zealand and is home to the famous attraction Kronborg Castle, the iconic setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. A series of events is planned under the themes “The Open City”, “The Living City” and “The Mysterious City” highlighting both the town’s historical past as well as its future. The peak celebration of the jubilee is on 2 June 2026.

500 years reformation in Haderslev
The city of Haderslev in South Jutland has its very own Reformation history. On the occasion of the 500th anniversary, Haderslev will host a series of events and celebrations in 2026. The main attraction of the jubilee year will be an impressive flower exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Johnny Haugaard which can be experienced from September 12 to October 31, 2026. In addition, there will be concerts, lectures, and the Duke Hans Festival.

100 years of Verner Panton

The renowned Danish architect and designer Verner Panton (1926–1998) would have celebrated his 100th birthday in February 2026. Many of his iconic designs such as the VP Globe pendant lamp, the famous Panton Chair, and the Flowerpot lamps, remain immensely popular today. Those wishing to explore Panton’s work in honour of the centenary are encouraged to visit the permanent exhibitions “Danish Modern” at the Design Museum Denmark and “So Danish!” at Copenhagen’s Danish Architecture Centre.

25th anniversary JyllandsAkvariet 
At JyllandsAkvariet (Jutlands Aquarium) in Thyborøn you get an up-close encounter with the many different and colourful fish species that live in the North Sea and the Limfjord. Join one of the nature trips and experience the sea life though a seal or oyster safari.  

20th anniversary FÆNGSLET
FÆNGSLET (The Prison) in Horsens officially closed as a facility in 2006. In 2026 it’ll be the 20th anniversary of the old Horsens State Penitentiary as a Prison Museum. Here you can experience what it was like to be either imprisoned or employed in the prison system throughout the 153 years of prison life. You can even spend a night behind bars at SleepIn FÆNGSLET.

10th anniversary Camønoen
Camønoen is a 175 km long hiking route across the islands Møn, Bogø, and Nyord. It is divided in ten stages, each named for a place or an adventure along the route. Each hike leads to a Camøno bench where you can take a rest and chat with other hikers. The route will take you through beautiful landscapes, old woods, sandy beaches, along fields and little villages.

Hvidbjerg Strand turns 50 years old
In 2026, Hvidbjerg Strand Feriepark celebrates its 50th anniversary. The holiday resort is Denmark's only 6-star campsite and the country's most award-winning campsite. Located on the edge of the North Sea, the holiday resort is open all year round.

Outdoor news

175 hike along the Gudenå Trail

A three-year project to create a continuous hiking route along Denmark’s longest river will reach its crowning conclusion in 2026 with the opening of the Gudenå Trail. Spanning 175 kilometres, the trail leads from the river’s source at Tinnet Krat to its mouth in Randers, passing through “The Land of the Towpath Walkers”, “The Søhøjlandet Area” and “The Land of Gudar.” Located in eastern Jutland, the Gudenå Trail consists of 11 stages, each ranging from 9 to 31 kilometres in length.

From Coast to Coast in South Zealand
As part of the “Vandrelandet Selandia” project, a new coast-to-coast hiking trail is being developed in South Zealand. Covering roughly 100 kilometres, the route will run from Faxe Ladeplads in the island’s southeast to the charming harbour town of Karrebæksminde in the southwest. The new trail is scheduled to open in autumn 2026.

“Køsten” trail on Falster
A new hiking route, called “Køsten,” is also being planned for the island of Falster. This scenic coastal trail will cover 60 kilometres, starting in Stubbekøbing in northern Falster, following the island’s east coast to Hesnæs, and continuing along the west coast to Nykøbing Falster. The first sections of the trail are set to open in 2026.

Hiking trail through Denmark’s largest forest
The newly certified “Robbers’ Route”, recognised as a Premium Walking Trail by the German Hiking Institute, is a 5,1-kilometre circular route through Rold Skov, Denmark’s largest forest. This easy trail, which follows forest paths and soft woodland terrain, is ideal for beginners and families with children.

Nature connections on Fyn
Fyn and the surrounding islands are investing in “Naturforbindelser på Fyn”, a new initiative designed to enhance the overall outdoor experience for international visitors. Next to the “Tag mig med” (Take me along), a new concept creating simple, welcoming meeting spots in nature, in 2026, an additional 14 benches will be installed across Fyn. The aim is to create small, meaningful touchpoints in nature that invite people to pause, connect and explore. The islands are also developing Denmark’s only Recreational Cycle Network, a fully signposted recreational cycle network connecting 3,400 km of the region’s most scenic and bike-friendly roads and trails, linked together by a new system of numbered junctions, inspired by the successful Belgian and Dutch junction systems.

New UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site?
Denmark is eagerly awaiting the possible designation of another World Natural Heritage site: Knudeklint on the island of Fur and Hanklit on Mors are currently nominated for inclusion on UNESCO’s list of unique natural monuments. The steep Moler cliffs consist primarily of diatoms that lived in the sea some 55 million years ago. From this period, both experts and amateurs continue to discover remarkable fossilised animals and plants. Many of these finds can be viewed at the nearby Moler Museum.

Endelave next Dark Sky Park?
The island of Endelave on the east coast of Jutland is in the process of being vetted for a Dark Sky certification. This international certification is awarded to some of the least light-polluted areas on Earth. The islands Møn and Nyord have received the status as the first Scandinavian Dark Sky Park in 2017, followed by Bulbjerg in 2023 and Mandø in 2024.

Food and gastronomy news

Nordic Michelin Awards ceremony in Tivoli
Denmark will once again host the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony for the Nordic countries in 2026. With 37 award-winning restaurants featured in the MICHELIN Guide 2025, Denmark has firmly established itself as a top-tier culinary destination. In 2026, Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens will serve as the venue for the ceremony.

New food market on Møn
Fanefjord Torv is a new food market on the island Møn with local produce from the small islands in the area. The market is inspired by the iconic Torvehallerne in Copenhagen and built in beautiful wooden materials.

Underwater wine cellar
Kalum Winery is an emerging vineyard, who has created an underwater wine cellar, where selected wines are aged for several years on the seabed right off the UNESCO cliffs of Møn. The constant temperature, darkness, and gentle sea movement create exceptional conditions for maturation. The first batch has just been brought up and tasted, with great success. Kalum takes its name from the fusion of lumen (light) and calcium, the mineral essence of the chalk-rich soil that defines the landscape of the little northern island Møn.

New restaurant in Nykøbing Falster
The well-known restaurant Pomle Nakke can now also be found in Nykøbing Falster. The menu at Pomle Nakke challenges the taste experience in a menu that twists the usual classic flavours. The love of food and wine is palpable, and the restaurant prefers to use organic and local ingredients from Falster's lush larder.

Simon Juel nominee Rising Chef Trophy 
Simon Juel, head chef at Falsled Kro on Fyn, has been selected as one of only 13 nominees worldwide for the Relais & Châteaux Rising Chef Trophy 2026, and the only nominee from all of Scandinavia. Being chosen by the 20 chefs of the World Culinary Council is a significant recognition of his talent, creativity and his ability to elevate gastronomy with calm precision and personality. 

Accommodation news

Luxury hotel Brændte Ege Gods
Brændte Ege Boutique Manor on Lolland Falster is a new boutique hotel, only for adults over the age of 21. The opening is planned for July 2026. This manor and historic building houses today a lovely interior design boutique and will transform into a unique residential house. In 2026, Brændte Ege Gods (Burnt Oaks estates) will celebrate its 120th birthday.

Locke at Postbyen
Early 2026 Locke will open the doors to the first hotel in Copenhagen, Locke at Postbyen. In the central Copenhagen district of Postbyen, featuring 234 rooms across two circular towers, the new hotel will offer a communal garden, a coffee shop, a restaurant, a cocktail bar, a coworking space, an on-site car park and a meeting room.

CORI Hornbæk Hotel
Opening in 2026 on the Danish Riviera in North Zealand, the new CORI Hornbæk Hotel will represent a seaside getaway with a spa that celebrates the raw and timeless beauty of the Danish coastline, locally sourced dining experiences and rooms designed for serene sleeps and stunning sea views.

New seaside spa and conference hotel
Karrebæksminde Strandhotel, a new seaside spa and conference hotel in the old fisherman’s village, will open in 2026/2027. The hotel is built in modern materials and has a clear Scandi-vibe right off the coast and near one of Zealands best beaches. The architects behind the new luxurious Rox Resort in Køge has been hired to transform the old hotel.

Dark Sky Suites
Camp Møns Klint is introducing several completely new Dark Sky Suites with green plants on the roof and private spa. The modern, spacious accommodations can host up to six people, overlooking the magnificent landscape and just a short walk from Møn’s Cliff. 

Renovations and expansions

Fjord&Bælt expands
Fjord&Bælt in Kerteminde is a combined tourist attraction and research institution with the sea in focus. The institution is expanding with a new entrance area, shop, café, otter habitat and additional exhibition spaces, as well as a multifunctional room for meetings and educational events. As part of the town’s harbour redevelopment, the upgrade aims to strengthen Fjord&Bælt as a modern marine experience centre specialising in marine mammals and the Danish inland waters, combining research, nature interpretation and visitor comfort in a more integrated way. The reopening is scheduled for Pentecost 2026.

Willumsens Museum reopens
Willumsens Museum is dedicated to the Danish multi-artist Jens Ferdinand Willumsen's art, as well as his own art and picture collections. The museum will reopen in 2026 after a major renovation, which among other things includes improved conditions for visitors as well as creating the ideal environment for storing the museum’s many works.

Gavnø Castle greenhouse and butterfly garden
In 2026, Gavnø Castle will unveil its beautifully restored and newly rebuilt historic greenhouse and butterfly garden. The greenhouse will once again bloom with Gavnø’s traditional species that have grown here for generations.

Sports events

Badminton World Championship in Horsens
In April and May 2026, the world’s badminton elite will gather in Horsens as the world championships take place at Forum Horsens, also known as the the Thomas & Uber Cup. National teams compete for the title of the world’s best badminton nation. The Thomas Cup is the men’s tournament, while the Uber Cup is the women’s equivalent. The two tournaments will be held as one combined event in Horsens, with matches spread across ten days. On both the men’s and women’s sides, 16 nations will participate, each with 7–8 players per team. This is the second most prestigious badminton event, after the individual world championships.

Danish Golf Championship 2026 
The Danish Golf Championship in Kerteminde is part of the DP World Tour and is the premier league of men’s professional golf in Europe. The event will take place at Great Northern Golf Club from August 13-16 2026. The tournament is expected to draw between 60-80.000 spectators from Denmark and abroad and will be broadcast to over 60 countries, giving international exposure.

Transportation news

New train connection Prague-Berlin-Copenhagen
Starting 1 May, two daily train pairs (round trips) are planned to operate year-round, offering travel times of just seven hours between Copenhagen, Berlin and Prague. German stops along the route include Hamburg, Berlin, Dresden and Bad Schandau. This new train connection is established in cooperation with Deutsche Bahn (DB), DSB (Danish State Railways) and ČD (Czech Railways). In addition, a seasonal night service will be introduced. This connection already operates today between Hamburg and Copenhagen during the summer months, but from 2026 it will be extended, using the new ComfortJet trains, via Berlin and Dresden all the way to Prague. Plans for a direct night train between Copenhagen/Malmö and Basel have been put on hold. Despite strong demand and tickets already sold, the project has been halted after funding failed to materialise and a right-wing majority in Switzerland voted against operating subsidies.

New international flight connections via Billund Airport 
Norwegian will expand their flights to the United Kingdom and Italy. London Gatwick to Billund will fly 6 times a week, Edinburgh 3 times a week Milan and Rome 2 times a week and Naples 3 times a week.

New direct flight Aalborg-Rome (Fiumicino)
Starting from the summer of 2026 SAS will connect North Jutland to Southern Europe’s cultural capital. 

2025 … but still relevant

Møns Klint newest UNESCO World Heritage site
With its towering white chalk cliffs and rare wildlife, Møns Klint has joined Denmark’s UNESCO World Heritage sites in the summer of 2025. It is now Denmark’s second UNESCO-listed cliff, joining nearby Stevns Klint. Located on the island of Møn, this natural landmark is a favorite among nature lovers and geologists for its unique ecosystem and ancient rock formations. Visitors can hike trails along the cliffs, spot peregrine falcons, or simply take in the spectacular views.

Copenhagen Sprint’s second round 
Copenhagen Sprint is part of the World Tour calendar and brings together some of the world’s best riders. The vision is to create an event that combines top-class cycling with a festive atmosphere along the route for both local residents and visiting spectators. The race was held for the first time in 2025, starting at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde and heading north to Frederikssund, finishing in Copenhagen. In 2026, the race will return for the second time and will take place on the 13 and 14 June.

New spa hotel on The Danish Riviera 
Hôtel de Ville, the new boutique hotel centrally located in the town of Gilleleje is a new luxurious spa and design hotel on The Danish Riviera. This former town hall from 1939 has been transformed into a spa and conference hotel with almost 40 rooms, restaurant, wellness area and sun terrace with outdoor pool.