19-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Denmark
Denmark is often perceived as a prohibitively expensive destination for the average backpacker, but with a strategic approach, it can be an accessible Viking playground. This 19-day journey spans the country from the vibrant capital of Copenhagen across the island of Funen to the windswept northern tip of Jutland, all while maintaining an ultra-lean budget.
By leveraging the country's world-class public transport, staying in social hostels, and utilizing the 'Too Good To Go' app alongside supermarket staples from Netto and Rema 1000, you will experience the high Danish quality of life without the hefty price tag. Get ready for historic cathedrals, modern architecture, and stunning natural landscapes.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Copenhagen, Denmark - Arrival & Canal Vibes
Arrival at Kastrup Airport
Touch down and take the DSB train or Metro directly to the city center. It is a quick 15-minute ride and much cheaper than a taxi.
Check-in at Steel House Copenhagen
Drop your bags at this industrial-chic hostel known for its budget-friendly dorms and excellent social atmosphere.
Nyhavn Stroll
Walk through the iconic 17th-century waterfront. Skip the expensive canal-side restaurants and grab a local beer from a nearby convenience store to enjoy on the pier like the locals.
Strøget Window Shopping
Explore one of Europe's longest pedestrian streets. Head to the 'Flying Tiger Copenhagen' store for affordable travel essentials and snacks.
Day 2: Copenhagen, Denmark - Royal History & Free Views
The Little Mermaid & Kastellet
Visit the world-famous statue and walk through the star-shaped 17th-century fortress, which is entirely free to enter.
Amalienborg Palace
Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at noon. It is a grand display of Danish royal tradition that costs nothing to watch.
The Round Tower (Rundetårn)
For a small fee (one of the few worth paying), climb the spiral ramp for a panoramic view of Copenhagen's copper roofs.
Torvehallerne Food Hall
Visit this high-end food market. While prices can be high, look for the 'Dåse' or bakery stalls for affordable high-quality Danish rye bread sandwiches (Smørrebrød).
Day 3: Copenhagen, Denmark - Alternative Culture
Freetown Christiania
Explore this unique self-governing neighborhood. It is famous for its murals, handmade houses, and alternative lifestyle. Remember to follow the 'local rules' regarding photography.
Church of Our Saviour
View the incredible corkscrew spire from the ground in Christiania, or pay a small fee to climb the external stairs for the best view in the city.
Reffen Street Food
Take the harbor bus (included in your transit ticket) to Refshaleøen. This massive street food market offers a variety of global cuisines at relatively low prices.
Botanical Garden Night Walk
The garden grounds are free to enter and offer a peaceful escape from the city bustle before heading back to the hostel.
Day 4: Copenhagen, Denmark - Parks & Statues
Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK)
Explore the national gallery. While the full museum requires a ticket, the grand architecture and certain temporary exhibits are often accessible for free or a reduced fee for students.
King's Garden (Kongens Have)
Picnic in the oldest royal garden in Denmark. Grab supplies from a 'Lidl' supermarket nearby to keep costs under $5.
Glyptoteket (Free Days)
If your visit lands on a Tuesday, enjoy free entry to this world-class sculpture and art museum. Otherwise, the winter garden interior is a must-see.
Vesterbro Craft Beer Tour
Vesterbro is the hip heart of the city. Visit 'Mikkeller Bar' for one drink, then move to cheaper local pubs like 'Fermentoren'.
Day 5: Roskilde, Denmark - Viking Legacies
Train to Roskilde
Take a regional train from Copenhagen Central. It takes about 25 minutes. Use your Rejsekort for the best fare.
Viking Ship Museum Harbor
While the museum interior has a fee, walking around the harbor to see the replica Viking ships being built and maintained is free.
Roskilde Cathedral
Visit the burial site of Danish monarchs. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an architectural marvel of brick gothic style.
Ragnarock Museum Exterior
Visit the Musicon district to see the golden-studded architecture of the rock music museum and the creative local skate parks.
Day 6: Odense, Denmark - Fairytale Beginnings
Intercity Train to Odense
Travel from Roskilde to Funen island. Book 'DSB Orange' tickets weeks in advance to save up to 70% on the fare.
H.C. Andersen Neighborhood
Walk through the cobblestone streets of the old town where Hans Christian Andersen was born. The colorful small houses are incredibly photogenic.
Odense City Hall & Plaza
Relax in the central square and admire the gothic-inspired city hall architecture.
Storms Pakhus Street Food
A vibrant indoor market in an old warehouse. It is the best place in Odense for a budget-friendly and social dinner.
Day 7: Odense, Denmark - Parks & River Walks
Munke Mose Park
Join the locals for a walk along the Odense River. It is a beautiful, free green space perfect for a morning stroll.
St. Canute's Cathedral
This impressive brick cathedral houses the remains of King Canute the Holy and is free to enter for quiet reflection.
Brandts Klædefabrik
Explore this former textile mill turned cultural center. The surrounding area is full of street art and independent boutiques.
Eventyrhaven (The Fairytale Garden)
Located right behind the cathedral, this garden features statues dedicated to Andersen's stories.
Day 8: Aarhus, Denmark - The Cultural Capital
Train to Aarhus
Cross the Little Belt bridge into Jutland. The train ride offers beautiful views of the Danish countryside.
Aarhus Street Food
Located in an old bus garage, this is one of the cheapest places to eat in the city. Try the Danish 'Flæskestegssandwich'.
Dokk1
Visit the largest public library in Scandinavia. It is a masterpiece of modern architecture with free exhibits and great views of the harbor.
Latin Quarter Stroll
Explore the oldest part of Aarhus, filled with narrow streets and historic buildings from the 14th century.
Day 9: Aarhus, Denmark - Rainbow Views & Deer
ARoS Aarhus Art Museum
While the museum has an entry fee, 'Your Rainbow Panorama' on the roof is an essential Aarhus experience. If on a strict budget, the ground floor architecture is free.
Marselisborg Deer Park
A short bus ride or long walk south. This park is free and you can feed the free-roaming fallow deer with carrots you bring along.
The Infinite Bridge (Den Uendelige Bro)
A circular wooden pier located on the beach. It's a great spot for photos and a dip in the sea (seasonal).
Vestergade Nightlife
Check out the bars along Vestergade for student-friendly prices and live music.
Day 10: Aarhus, Denmark - Botanical Blisses
Botanical Garden Greenhouses
The tropical houses are free to enter and offer a warm escape with exotic plants and a butterfly house.
Den Gamle By (The Old Town)
This open-air museum is expensive, but you can view much of the historic architecture from the surrounding park area for free.
Salling Rooftop
Head to the top of the Salling department store for a free 360-degree view of Aarhus and a terrifying glass skywalk.
Godsbanen
A former railway station turned cultural hub. Walk up the inclined roof for an alternative sunset view of the city.
Day 11: Aarhus, Denmark - Northward Bound Prep
Moesgaard Museum (Exterior)
Visit the museum for its incredible grass-covered roof that you can walk on. The surrounding forest and beach paths are free.
Bazar Vest
A multicultural market where you can find the cheapest fresh produce and spices in Aarhus. Great for stocking up for the next leg of the trip.
Brabrand Lake Walk
A popular spot for local joggers and nature lovers. It is a flat, easy path with bird-watching opportunities.
Hostel Cook-off
Use your groceries from Bazar Vest to prep a meal in the hostel kitchen, saving your budget for the north.
Day 12: Aalborg, Denmark - Waterfront Wonders
Train to Aalborg
Head further north to Denmark’s fourth-largest city. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
Aalborg Waterfront
Admire the Utzon Center (designed by the Sydney Opera House architect) and the Musikkens Hus from the outside.
Jomfru Ane Gade
Denmark's most famous party street. During the day, it's a quiet historic alley; at night, it offers some of the cheapest happy hours in the country.
Nordkraft
A former power station now housing a cinema, sports center, and cafes. It is a great place to hang out and people-watch.
Day 13: Aalborg, Denmark - Viking Burials
Lindholm Høje
Take a short bus across the bridge to one of Scandinavia's most significant Viking burial sites. Walking among the 700 stone ship graves is free.
Aalborg Tower
A quirky 1930s tower. While the lift costs a small fee, the view of the fjord is the best in the region.
Kildeparken
Visit the 'Singing Trees' park where famous musicians who have performed in Aalborg have planted trees that play their music at the touch of a button.
Street Art Hunt
Aalborg is famous for its large-scale murals. Spend the evening following a free online street art map of the city.
Day 14: Skagen, Denmark - The Top of the World
Train to Skagen
Take the local 'Nordjyske Jernbaner' train to the northernmost town in Denmark. The landscape turns sandy and wild.
Skagen Harbor
Watch the fishing boats come in. Buy fresh 'Pille-selv-rejer' (peel-them-yourself shrimp) from a harbor shack for a cheap, authentic lunch.
Grenen
Walk to the very tip of the continent where the Skagerrak and Kattegat seas meet. You can stand with one foot in each sea. Look out for seals!
Skagen Lighthouse
Walk back along the coast to see the Gray Lighthouse, which serves as a bird observatory.
Day 15: Skagen, Denmark - Sand and Churches
The Buried Church (Den Tilsandede Kirke)
Visit the 14th-century church that was buried by migrating sand dunes. Only the tower remains visible above the sand.
Råbjerg Mile
A short bus or bike ride away. This is Northern Europe's largest moving sand dune. It’s like a mini-Sahara in the middle of Denmark.
Skagen Museum Exterior
Admire the architecture and the gardens where the famous Skagen Painters once worked.
Sunset at Solnedgangspladsen
Join the crowd in Old Skagen (Højen) to watch the sunset over the sea—a local tradition accompanied by applause.
Day 16: Esbjerg, Denmark - The Western Coast
Long Train Journey to Esbjerg
This is your longest travel day, moving from the north to the southwest. Pack plenty of snacks from a supermarket.
Men at Sea (Mennesket ved Havet)
Visit the four giant 9-meter tall white statues overlooking the North Sea. They are an iconic symbol of the west coast.
Esbjerg Harbor
Explore the industrial side of Denmark at the country's largest offshore port.
Fisheries and Maritime Museum (Exterior)
Walk around the coastal paths near the museum for sweeping views of the Wadden Sea.
Day 17: Ribe, Denmark - Medieval Charms
Short Train to Ribe
Visit Denmark’s oldest town, located just 30 minutes from Esbjerg.
Ribe Cathedral
Climb the Commoner's Tower for a view over the flat marshlands. The church itself is a beautiful mix of styles.
Ribe Old Town Stroll
Wander through the beautifully preserved half-timbered houses and crooked streets.
The Night Watchman's Round
Join the free traditional tour with the Night Watchman as he walks through the streets at night, singing and telling stories (seasonal).
Day 18: Copenhagen, Denmark - The Return
FlixBus to Copenhagen
Take a long-distance bus from Esbjerg back to Copenhagen. This is usually cheaper than the train for this specific route.
Check-in & Recharge
Return to a hostel in Copenhagen for your final night. Consider a different neighborhood like Nørrebro.
Superkilen Park
Visit this incredibly diverse park in Nørrebro, featuring objects from around the world and distinct red and black zones.
Farewell Dinner at Papiroen
Try one last Danish classic like a Hot Dog from a 'Pølsevogn' (sausage wagon) for a true budget feast.
Day 19: Copenhagen, Denmark - Souvenirs & Departure
Pastry Run at Sankt Peders Bageri
Treat yourself to a 'Onsdagsnegl' (cinnamon roll) at Copenhagen's oldest bakery.
Free Museum: The National Museum
If you haven't yet, check out the free sections or use any remaining time to see the Viking treasures.
Final Souvenir Shopping
Head to 'Netto' to buy affordable Danish licorice or butter cookies to take home.
Train to Airport
Take the final 15-minute train ride back to Kastrup for your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Denmark
The best time for budget backpackers to visit Denmark is during the shoulder seasons of May, June, and September. During these months, the weather is pleasant enough for cycling and walking, but the massive summer crowds haven't peaked, and hostel prices are slightly lower. July and August offer the best weather and longest daylight hours (up to 17 hours), but you must book accommodation months in advance to secure budget rates.
Currency & Money
Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK). It is one of the most cashless societies in the world; you can pay for even a single piece of fruit or a bus ticket with a credit card or mobile pay. Tipping is not required or expected, as service charges are included in the bill. To save money, always opt to pay in DKK on card terminals rather than your home currency.
Getting Around Denmark
The most efficient way to travel between cities is via the DSB train network. To save money, always look for 'DSB Orange' tickets on their website or app. For local travel, the 'Rejsekort' (travel card) is essential and halves the price of most fares. For the absolute lowest prices on long-distance routes, such as Aarhus to Copenhagen, check FlixBus or Kombardo Expressen, which often offer fares as low as 99 DKK.
