The Regions of Denmark
Denmark is made up of one peninsula and around 400 islands, but for travellers the regions of Denmark break neatly into four parts: Zealand in the east (home to Copenhagen), Funen in the middle, the Jutland mainland to the west, and a scattering of beautiful islands. This guide explains what each region is known for and links you to the city and town guides within them – the easiest way to plan where to go.
The regions of Denmark in a nutshell
Denmark sits between the North Sea and the Baltic, sharing its only land border with Germany. The country is low and gentle – no mountains, lots of coast – and is split by water into a handful of distinct areas. Knowing the four regions of Denmark makes planning far easier: you can pair a city with the towns and islands around it rather than criss-crossing the country. Bridges and frequent trains tie it all together, so hopping between regions is quick.
The main regions of Denmark are Zealand (Copenhagen and the east), Funen (the central garden island), Jutland (the western mainland), and the outlying islands led by Bornholm – all linked by bridges and ferries.
Zealand (Sjaelland)
The largest island and the country’s beating heart, Zealand is where you will find Copenhagen, the royal castles of North Zealand, the cathedral city of Roskilde and Shakespeare’s Helsingor. It is compact and rich in day trips, making it the natural base for most first visits.
Funen (Fyn)
Funen is Denmark’s central island, often called its garden – rolling countryside, manor houses and Hans Christian Andersen’s home city of Odense. To its south lies the lovely South Funen Archipelago, a cluster of small sailing islands.
Jutland (Jylland)
The mainland peninsula, Jutland is by far the largest region and the most varied – from the second city of Aarhus and northern Aalborg to the Lake District, the North Sea beaches, Legoland, Denmark’s oldest town of Ribe, and Skagen at the windswept northern tip where two seas meet.
The islands
Beyond the big three, Denmark’s smaller islands are some of its most special places – sunny Bornholm out in the Baltic, green Samso, the chalk cliffs of Mon, and the storybook lanes of Aero. Many are reached by short, scenic ferries.
Travelling between the regions
Denmark’s bridges make region-hopping easy. The Great Belt Bridge links Zealand and Funen (with a toll of around 250 kr for a car), and the Little Belt bridges connect Funen to Jutland, so you can drive or take a train clean across the country – Copenhagen to Odense to Aarhus in a few hours. The Oresund Bridge reaches Sweden. The islands are served by ferries (Bornholm from Koge or Ystad, plus routes to Samso, Aero and others).
Questions and answers
What are the regions of Denmark?
For travellers, Denmark divides into Zealand (the east, with Copenhagen), Funen (the central island), Jutland (the western mainland) and the outlying islands such as Bornholm.
Which region is Copenhagen in?
Copenhagen is on the island of Zealand, on its east coast facing Sweden.
How do you travel between the regions?
By bridge and train – the Great Belt Bridge links Zealand and Funen, the Little Belt connects Funen and Jutland, and ferries serve the islands.
Which region should I visit first?
Most first-timers base themselves on Zealand for Copenhagen and its day trips, then add Funen or Jutland depending on time.