When it comes to the best cities to live in Denmark, you’re spoiled for choice. That said, while the Danes have many great cities where you could live, the best one for you is going to depend on your individual needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for a bustling metropolis with plenty of things to do, then Copenhagen is probably the best choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more laid-back lifestyle, then Aarhus or Odense might be better suited for you. Whichever city you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the high quality of life that Denmark has to offer.
That said, it’s not only the major cities which should be on your list of options when considering where you should move in Denmark, as plenty of the smaller Danish cities offer a great quality of life too. To find out more, check out our top picks for the best cities in Denmark for living – from someone who’s actually lived in a few of them!
Best cities to live in Denmark
1. Copenhagen
There are many reasons why Copenhagen is considered a great place to live – and, in fact, is one of the things that Denmark is most famous for. For one, the city has a very low crime rate. In fact, it is often ranked as one of the safest cities in the world. Additionally, Copenhagen offers a high quality of life, with residents enjoying access to excellent healthcare, education, and transportation options.
The city is also home to a vibrant cultural scene, with plenty of museums, theaters, and other attractions to enjoy. And, of course, Copenhagen is simply a beautiful place to live, with its picturesque canals and charming medieval buildings, including a ton of historical churches in Copenhagen that are worth a visit.
The capital is also home to some of the best food in the world. From Michelin-starred restaurants, street food markets, and restaurants in Copenhagen’s meatpacking district, there is something for everyone in this city. And with new restaurants and cafes popping up all the time, there is always something new to try.
While you can always head for the Michelin stars to find offerings of seasonal menus of Nordic dishes, for something a little more casual (or cost-effective – after all, Copenhagen is by far the richest city in Denmark and the prices often reflect that), head to one of Copenhagen’s street food markets.
The Torvehallerne market is a great option and has everything from fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses – to even specialties like Danish caviar, stenbiderrogn.
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2. Aarhus
Aarhus, Denmark should definitely be on anyone’s list of the best Danish city to live in. First of all, it is the second largest city in the country with a population of over 330,000 people. This means that there is always something going on in the city and there is a great variety of things to do.
Secondly, Aarhus has a very good infrastructure with a lot of green areas, good public transportation and a wide variety of shops (keep an eye out for our pics for the best Danish shoe brands!) and restaurants. In addition, the city has a very low crime rate and is generally considered to be very safe. And last but not least, Aarhus is located in a beautiful area of Denmark with easy access to the sea, forests and other great outdoor areas.
In particular, Aarhus is a great city for cycling, with plenty of dedicated cycle paths and lanes making it easy and safe to get around by bike. The flat terrain also makes it ideal for biking, and there are many parks and green spaces to enjoy along the way. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cyclist, Aarhus is a great place to explore by bike.
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3. Aalborg
Aalborg is a great place to live for a number of reasons. It is located in a very scenic part of Denmark – right on the water and surrounded by beautiful countryside. Alborg is also a small city with a close-knit community feel, yet still offers all the amenities and cultural activities of a larger city.
One standout aspect is that the cost of living in Aalborg is quite reasonable, especially when compared to other major cities in Denmark. Finally, the people of Aalborg are known for being friendly and welcoming, which makes it a great place to settle down and raise a family.
One of the most popular things to do in Aalborg is to visit the Aalborg Zoo. This zoo is home to over 1,500 animals, making it one of the largest zoos in Denmark. The zoo also has a wide variety of plants and trees, making it a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the scenery.
If you are interested in history, you will want to visit the Aalborg Historical Museum. This museum houses a large collection of artifacts that date back to the Viking era. You can also learn about the city’s role in World War II at the Aalborg War Museum.
4. Vejle
Vejle is another good place to live for a number of reasons. Located in a beautiful setting in the Jutland region of Denmark, the landscape is dotted with picturesque lakes and forests, and Vejle itself is situated on the banks of the Vejle Fjord.
Vejle is a small town, so it has a cozy, community feel to it. It helps that the people of Vejle are known for being friendly and welcoming, making it a great place to settle down. At the same time, Vejle is an affordable place to live, with a cost of living that is lower than in many other parts of Denmark. All of these factors make Vejle an attractive option for those looking for a good place to live in Denmark.
There are also plenty of things to do in Vejle, Denmark’s seventh largest city! For starters, you can visit one of the many museums or art galleries, including the Museum of Natural History and the Danish Museum of Art & Design. If you’re feeling active, you can even go for a hike or bike ride in one of the nearby forests, or go for a swim in one of the city’s many lakes (which are also known for their fishing, just saying).
5. Odense
Odense is the third largest city in Denmark and is located on the island of Funen. The city has a long history dating back to the Viking age, and it is full of historic landmarks and museums. Odense is also home to the University of Southern Denmark, making it a great place for students with a fun, young vibe.
The city has a lively cultural scene with many festivals and events, while also being a great place to raise a family. There are plenty of green spaces and parks, as well as excellent schools and healthcare. Interestingly, Odense is also the cheapest place to live in Denmark, according to one study.
In addition, Odense is an attractive and affordable city to live in, and it is easy to get around by bike or public transport. The city has a lot to offer its residents, and it is no wonder that it is considered one of the best cities to live in Denmark.
There is also plenty to do in Odensey! Visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, learn about the city’s Viking history at the Odin Teatret, explore the picturesque old town, or take a stroll through one of the many parks you’ll find in this charming city.
6. Hillerød
Hillerød is a good place to live for a number of reasons. One major advantage is that it is close to Copenhagen, so residents have access to all the amenities and opportunities that the city has to offer, while also giving you the small town feel when you head home. Hillerød is also home to a number of parks and green spaces, making it a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
The town also has a strong sense of community and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in local activities.
The beautiful Egeskov Castle in Hillerød is one of the main attractions in the town, although there are plenty of other things to do in Hillerød, whether you’re looking for a relaxing day or an active one. For those looking to relax, you can take a stroll through Frederiksborg Castle Gardens or go for a swim at Lake Esrum. If you’re feeling more active, you can go hiking or biking in Gribskov Forest or go for a walk around Hillerød Lake.
7. Horsens
Horsens is one of the best cities to live in Denmark because it offers a high quality of life, a strong economy, and a wide range of cultural and recreational activities. The city is home to a number of large companies, including Vestas, Grundfos, and Danfoss, which provide good job prospects for residents.
Interestingly, Horsens has one of the liveliest cultural scenes in Denmark – yes, even on par with Copenhagen as the capital. Not only are there a number of museums, art galleries, and music venues, but the town has managed to attract some major performers over the years, including The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Madonna and Bob Dylan.
There are plenty of green spaces to enjoy in the city, and residents can take advantage of the many sports and leisure facilities on offer. All this makes Horsens an attractive place to live for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
In Horsens, there are a few must-see attractions that include the Prison Museum, the Open Air Museum, and the Horsens Art Museum. For those interested in a more active holiday, horse riding, golfing, and hiking are all popular pastimes in the area. Denmark’s second-largest lake, Lake Arreskov, is also located nearby and is perfect for a day of swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
For nightlife, Horsens has a variety of bars and clubs to keep visitors entertained into the early hours. And, for something a little different, the town also has its own casino. With so much on offer, Horsens is the perfect place to relax and enjoy all that Denmark has to offer.
8. Roskilde
Roskilde is one of Denmark’s oldest and most historic cities, with a rich cultural heritage dating back to the Viking age. Today, Roskilde is a vibrant and modern city, home to a diverse population of people from all walks of life. The city is renowned for its excellent quality of life, with residents enjoying access to a wide range of amenities and activities.
Roskilde is also an important economic hub, with a thriving business community and a growing number of high-tech companies. The Roskilde Festival that’s held there is actually one of the largest and most popular music festivals in Europe, and the city also plays host to a number of other festivals and cultural events throughout the year.
In Roskilde, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy even when it’s raining. With one of the best Viking museums in Denmark, you can visit the Viking Ship Museum, the Roskilde Cathedral, or one of the many other museums and galleries. Take a walk through the medieval streets of Roskilde, or go for a hike in one of the nearby forests.
All this makes Roskilde an ideal place to live for those who enjoy a good quality of life and want to be surrounded by history and culture. The city has something to offer everyone, and is a great place to raise a family or start a business. If you’re looking for an exciting and dynamic city to call home, Roskilde is the perfect choice.
9. Randers
Randers is a great place to live, located in the eastern part of Denmark and with a population of just over 61,000 people. The town has a rich history dating back to the Viking age, and there are many interesting things to see and do in Randers.
The town center is small and compact, making it easy to get around on foot, and there are plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants to enjoy. There is also a lovely river that runs through the town, which is perfect for taking a leisurely stroll along on a sunny day.
Randers is an ideal place to live if you want to experience the best of Danish culture. The people here are friendly and welcoming, and there is a strong sense of community. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in local activities and events, and the town has a lively cultural scene with something for everyone to enjoy.
This includes that there are plenty of things to do in Randers! For starters, visitors can explore the charming city center and take a stroll down by the river and if you’re looking for some fun activities, Randers Regnskov is a great place to start. This tropical rainforest houses over 200 different species of animals and plants, making it a great place to learn about the natural world.
There are also several museums in Randers that are worth checking out, such as the Danish Textile Museum and the Museum of Ancient Art. No matter what you’re interested in, you’re sure to find something to do in Randers!