The Best Danish Islands to Visit
Denmark is made of some 400 islands, and a handful of them are among the country’s loveliest places to spend a few days. The best Danish islands range from sunny, granite-edged Bornholm to romantic Aero, the white cliffs of Mon and the wild beaches of the Wadden Sea. Here is what each is known for, and how to reach it.
A nation of islands: the best Danish islands
With around 400 islands – some 70 of them inhabited – you are never far from one in Denmark. Two of them, Zealand and Funen, are where most trips begin (Copenhagen sits on Zealand, Odense on Funen). But the real magic is in the smaller ones, each with its own character and pace. The best Danish islands are easy add-ons to a city trip or the whole point of a slow summer week. Here are the ones worth the ferry or the bridge.
For sunshine and the most to do, go to Bornholm; for romance, Aero; for nature and cliffs, Mon; for wild beaches, the Wadden Sea islands of Fano and Romo.
Bornholm
Out in the Baltic, closer to Sweden than to the rest of Denmark, Bornholm is the “sunshine island” – and arguably the most rewarding of all. It packs granite cliffs and sandy beaches, distinctive round churches, the brooding Hammershus castle ruin, a celebrated food and crafts scene, and the smokehouses that gave Danish smoked herring its name. Reach it by ferry (via Sweden) or a short flight. Give it several days.
Aero and South Funen
In the gentle South Funen archipelago, Aero is the postcard – cobbled Aeroskobing, brightly painted beach huts on the dunes, and a slow, romantic mood that makes it a favourite for weddings. The nearby islands of Tasinge (with Valdemars Slot) and Thuro are quiet, pretty detours from Svendborg.
Mon
Reached by bridge from Zealand, Mon is all about Mons Klint – dazzling white chalk cliffs plunging into turquoise sea, backed by beech woods and walking trails. It is also a certified Dark Sky reserve, so the stargazing is superb. An easy and dramatic addition to a Copenhagen trip.
Samso
Bang in the middle of the country, Samso is famous as Denmark’s energy island – effectively self-sufficient in renewable power – and beloved for its beaches, gentle cycling and sweet new potatoes. A relaxed, family-friendly ferry escape.
Fano and Romo
On the North Sea side, the Wadden Sea islands offer Denmark at its wildest. Fano (a short ferry from Esbjerg) and Romo (reached by causeway) have enormous, firm sandy beaches – so broad you can drive and land-sail on parts of them – plus seals, vast skies and the UNESCO-listed tidal flats. Bracing, beautiful and uncrowded.
Laeso
Up in the Kattegat, peaceful Laeso is known for its seaweed-roofed houses, old salt-making huts, langoustines and a wonderfully slow rhythm. One for travellers who want true quiet.
Getting there
How you arrive depends on the island. Some are connected by bridge – Funen, Mon and Tasinge, and Romo by causeway – so you can simply drive. Others are ferry-only: Bornholm, Aero, Samso, Fano, Laeso and Anholt. In summer, book car ferries well ahead, as the popular crossings sell out. Many islands are also a joy by bike once you arrive.
Which to choose
- Most to see, plus sun: Bornholm.
- Romance and prettiness: Aero and the South Funen islands.
- Nature and drama: Mon’s cliffs and dark skies.
- Beaches and wilderness: Fano and Romo in the Wadden Sea.
- Total quiet: Laeso or Samso.
Questions and answers
Which is the best Danish island to visit?
Bornholm is the all-rounder – sunshine, beaches, cliffs, food and history. For romance choose Aero, for cliffs and stargazing Mon, and for wild beaches the Wadden Sea islands.
How do you get to the Danish islands?
Some are reached by bridge (Funen, Mon, Tasinge) or causeway (Romo); others are ferry-only (Bornholm, Aero, Samso, Fano, Laeso). Book car ferries ahead in summer.
Which island has the white cliffs?
Mon – Mons Klint, a stretch of white chalk cliffs with beech woods above and a dark-sky reserve for stargazing.
Which Danish island is best for beaches?
The Wadden Sea islands of Fano and Romo have huge, firm sandy beaches; Bornholm and Samso also have lovely sands.