Where to Stay in Denmark
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
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Regions of Denmark
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
Denmark's capital region offers the country's most diverse accommodation scene, from luxury design hotels to innovative hostels and waterfront properties. The area serves as most visitors' entry point and features the highest concentration of international hotel brands alongside uniquely Danish boutique options. Pricing is Denmark's highest, but weekend and summer discounts at business hotels can offer value.
This affluent coastal region north of Copenhagen combines beach resort towns with historic castles and fishing villages. Accommodation ranges from seaside hotels to charming inns and vacation rentals, with a distinctly upscale character. Summer weekends see Copenhagen residents escaping to second homes, driving up prices in popular spots like Hornbæk and Gilleleje.
A quieter, more rural region featuring medieval towns, cliffside coastlines, and the islands of Møn, Falster, and Lolland. Accommodation is generally more affordable than the capital region, with family-run hotels, farmstays, and camping facilities predominating. The area attracts nature lovers and offers excellent value for those seeking a slower pace.
Denmark's 'Garden Island' offers a charming middle ground between urban sophistication and rural tranquility. Odense provides city-standard hotels, while the surrounding countryside and coast feature manor houses, countryside inns, and beach cottages. The island's compact size makes it ideal for touring from a single base, with accommodation generally more affordable than Copenhagen or popular Jutland coastal areas.
Denmark's second-largest urban area combines the vibrant university city of Aarhus with charming coastal towns and the Lake District. Accommodation in Aarhus rivals Copenhagen for quality and variety, while surrounding areas offer countryside retreats and coastal properties. Business hotel rates drop significantly on weekends and during summer, creating opportunities for budget-conscious travelers.
This dramatic coastline features wide sandy beaches, dunes, and traditional fishing villages that transform into bustling summer resorts. Accommodation is heavily seasonal, with many properties closing outside May-September. Summer cottage rentals dominate, alongside family-friendly beach hotels and camping facilities. Prices peak in July-August but offer excellent value in shoulder seasons.
Denmark's northernmost region combines the artistic colony of Skagen with the regional capital Aalborg and vast coastal landscapes. The area offers diverse accommodation from Aalborg's business hotels to Skagen's charming yellow-painted guesthouses and seaside resorts. The dramatic light and beaches attract summer visitors, while off-season offers solitude and lower prices.
This historically rich border region blends Danish and German influences, offering Viking heritage sites, Wadden Sea nature, and charming market towns. Accommodation is generally Denmark's most affordable, with traditional inns, small-town hotels, and farmstays predominating. The area sees fewer international tourists, making it ideal for those seeking authentic experiences away from crowds.
This Baltic island offers a distinct accommodation scene shaped by its rocky coastline, medieval round churches, and artistic communities. Summer brings high demand and prices, while shoulder seasons offer tranquility and value. The island's small scale means most accommodations are independent, family-run properties with strong local character. Ferry access adds planning considerations but rewards with unique Danish island life.
Denmark's lake and forest heartland offers a peaceful retreat centered on Silkeborg and the Gudenå River valley. Accommodation emphasizes nature access, with lakeside hotels, camping facilities, and countryside inns catering to outdoor enthusiasts. Prices are moderate, and the region provides a refreshing contrast to coastal and urban Denmark, particularly appealing in spring and autumn.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Denmark
International chains including Radisson, Scandic, Marriott, and Hilton maintain presence in major cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Aalborg, primarily serving business travelers. Nordic chains like Brøchner Hotels and Comwell Hotels offer distinctly Danish design sensibilities with broader national coverage. Budget chains such as Cabinn (uniquely Danish concept with compact, ship-cabin-inspired rooms) and Zleep Hotels provide affordable standardized options in cities and near transport hubs. Wakeup Copenhagen offers ultra-budget minimalist rooms in the capital.
Traditional Danish kro (countryside inns) represent a historic accommodation type, often family-run for generations, serving regional cuisine alongside lodging. Independent boutique hotels emphasize New Nordic design aesthetics, sustainability, and local partnerships. Bed-and-breakfasts (værelser) in private homes offer intimate experiences, particularly in rural areas and small towns. Manor houses and castles converted to hotels (slotte and herregårde) provide luxury heritage experiences. Danish youth hostels (Danhostel) are often high-quality, family-friendly facilities far exceeding typical hostel standards, with private rooms and excellent facilities.
Sommerhus (summer cottages) are quintessentially Danish, with thousands available for weekly rental across coastal and lakeside areas, offering self-catering family holidays. Shelters (shelters) provide free, basic overnight accommodation in nature areas for hikers and cyclists. Lighthouse stays offer unique coastal experiences in converted keeper's quarters. Glamping sites and eco-lodges are growing, particularly in nature areas like Wadden Sea National Park and Møn. Floating hotels and houseboats in Copenhagen's harbor provide novel urban stays. Farm stays (bondegårdsferie) connect visitors with working agricultural life, often including organic dining experiences.
Booking Tips for Denmark
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Copenhagen and Aarhus business hotels often slash rates by 40-60% on Friday-Sunday nights and during summer (July-early August) when corporate demand drops. Book directly through hotel websites to access these weekend packages, which frequently include breakfast and sometimes extras like museum passes. This strategy can make luxury properties accessible at mid-range prices.
Sommerhus rentals typically require Saturday-to-Saturday weekly bookings during high season (weeks 26-32), with prime locations booking 6-12 months ahead. Shoulder season (May-June, September) offers more flexibility with shorter stays possible and significantly lower rates. Use Danish platforms like Sol og Strand, Novasol, or DanCenter for the widest selection, and consider less-popular regions like South Zealand for better value.
Danish hostels offer private family rooms with en-suite bathrooms at prices well below hotels, often in excellent locations. Many feature full kitchens, playgrounds, and family-friendly amenities. Membership (easily purchased online) provides discounts and is required for booking. This option works particularly well for multi-night stays and families traveling with children.
When visiting Bornholm, book accommodation and ferry passage together through package deals offered by Bornholmslinjen or accommodation providers, which can yield savings of 10-20%. The island's limited accommodation fills quickly in July, so book 3-4 months ahead for summer travel. Consider flying to Bornholm Airport instead during peak season if ferry-inclusive packages are sold out.
Danish accommodation typically requires payment in full at booking or shortly before arrival, with cancellation policies varying widely. Budget chains and hostels often offer free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before arrival, while independent properties and summer cottages may require payment months in advance with limited refund options. Always purchase travel insurance when booking non-refundable rates, and book refundable rates for summer travel planned more than 3-4 months ahead.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Denmark
For July-August travel, book 3-4 months ahead for cities and 6-12 months ahead for coastal cottages and popular beach hotels. Bornholm, Skagen, and West Jutland beach areas sell out earliest. Copenhagen hotels during major events (Jazz Festival, Pride, New Year's) require 4-6 months advance booking. Christmas market season (late November-December) needs 2-3 months lead time for best selection.
May-June and September travel can be booked 4-8 weeks ahead for good selection and reasonable rates. Many properties offer last-minute deals during these periods, particularly in coastal areas where weather uncertainty keeps demand moderate. Business hotels in cities offer excellent weekend rates bookable even 1-2 weeks out.
October-April accommodation (except Christmas period) can be booked just 1-2 weeks ahead, with many properties offering promotional rates and packages. Many coastal and seasonal properties close entirely November-March, limiting options but creating bargains at properties that remain open. Copenhagen and Aarhus maintain year-round availability with lowest rates January-March.
Book 2-3 months ahead for summer city hotels, 6+ months for summer cottages and coastal properties, and 1-2 months for shoulder/low season travel. Flexibility with dates and locations yields better value, and booking directly with smaller properties often allows negotiation, particularly for multi-night stays outside peak season.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Denmark