10 Best Budget Weekend Breaks in Denmark

Aalborg has undergone huge changes since being one of the country's largest industrial towns less than 50 years ago. Today, the northern city of Aalborg radiates modernity and culture, boasting a wide array of enticing activities that don't cost even a single penny. For example, visit the Vestre Fjordpark open-air swimming pool or take a trip to the sprawling Lindholm Høje where you'll find hundreds of burial sites from the Viking Age. If you're interested in arts and culture, then you'll want to check out Karolinelund Park where various graffiti artists have left their mark on walls and murals, or visit Kunsten – a free museum boasting modern art exhibitions.

Randers is packed full of free cultural experiences, making it the perfect destination for a well-deserved yet budget-friendly weekend break in Central Jutland. You'll find no fewer than five museums offering free entry, which will take you on a cultural-historical journey from ancient times through to modern outsider art and unique visual art exhibitions. Weather permitting, you can break out your walking poles and set out on the Star Route (Stjerneruten) which will take you through the winding streets and alleys of this thousand year old town, past monasteries, churches and other beautiful, historic buildings.

'To travel is to live,' as H.C. Andersen so finely put it, and Odense is a travel destination not to be missed if you're looking for budget-friendly experiences to enjoy on your trip in Denmark. Follow in the footsteps of Denmark's most famous author while strolling along Odense's cobbled street network or see if you can find some of the many fairytale sculptures that are hidden all around H.C. Andersen's city of birth. Or if your feet are feeling weary, hop on one of the free city buses and explore central Odense in comfort. For fans of art and culture, Odense offers everything from art galleries and art buildings through to graphic workshops and glassworks – all of which are free to visit.

Aarhus is known in Denmark as the city of smiles and is home to great experiences for all ages and budgets. For example, gather the family and set your sights on Dyrehaven Deer Park where you can feed curious deer in beautiful surroundings. Then, just a stone's throw away, you'll find the Infinite Bridge (Den Uendelige Bro) which offers great views over Aarhus Bay. In 2017, Aarhus was named European City of Culture – take a walking tour and you'll soon understand why! Check out the Latin Quarter whose origins can be traced all the way back to the 15th century. If possible, try and plan your visit to Aarhus towards the end of August or the start of September when one of the largest cultural festivals in Scandinavia is held in the city.

When most Danes think of Billund, the first things that come to mind are costly resorts like Legoland or Lalandia. But Billund has plenty to offer for the more budget-minded traveller as well. The town is surrounded by incredible nature that's simply waiting to be explored. Hike along one of the few remaining heathlands or take the family on a kid-friendly cycling adventure through enchanting forests and the exciting outdoors. You can also pay a visit to the Billund Sculpture Park where you'll find 21 remarkable sculptures along a 0.8-mile asphalt path going through a green and luscious oasis.

Elsinore (Helsingør) was first mentioned by King Valdemar back in 1230 and has played an important role in Denmark's history ever since. One of the most iconic sights in Elsinore is Kronborg Castle – an important stronghold and the historic setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Kronborg is one of the most significant renaissance castles in northern Europe and was declared a UNESCO world heritage site back in the year 2000. There is an entrance fee to go inside but it doesn't cost a penny to admire the impressive building from outside. Another free spot that's worth visiting in Elsinore is Marienlyst Castle which rises up like an architectonic gem from the middle of a lush and tranquil garden.

With its population of just under 4000, Stege is the largest town on the southern Danish island of Møn. The perfect destination for a cheap weekend getaway as you will quite literally find a sea of different experiences and activities to enjoy without having to crack open your wallet even once. The most popular sight on Møn and the island's symbol is the chalk cliffs of Møns Klint which are completely free to visit. If you're travelling with the family (or simply fancy an ice cream) then be sure to visit the Møn Is ice cream factory on the island's south coast. At this working dairy kids and adults can learn first hand how ice cream is made and even meet the cows themselves.

If you're considering a mini-break in Esbjerg but don't want to break the bank then look no further than these handy tips for free adventures in the Esbjerg area. For example, head out on the water and visit the Men at Sea sculpture – or the four white men as they are better known – which are each nine metres tall and made from white concrete. Or how about a trip to the Wadden Sea National Park (Nationalpark Vadehavet) which was added to UNESCO's list of world heritage sites in 2014. In the wintertime, Esbjerg's central square is transformed into Denmark's largest outdoor ice skating rink complete with ramps, bumps and slides that the whole family can enjoy.

Skagen may well be home to Denmark's widest array of free experiences, so if you're planning a well-deserved holiday on a tight budget, you'll find a wide range of wallet-friendly activities to choose from in Skagen and the area surrounding Denmark's northernmost town. Besides Grenen Beach, which is an absolute must-see on any trip to Skagen, you can also enjoy Skagens Museum where you'll find an extensive collection of paintings by the world-famous Skagen Painters. If you're travelling by car then you should also pay a visit to the migrating dune of Råbjerg Mile and the incredible Sand-Covered Church (Den Tilsandede Kirke).

Langeland offers genuine tranquillity and experiences for all the family without draining your bank balance. The narrow island offers plenty of relaxing activities that will help you disconnect and clear your head. Enjoy beautiful viewpoints surrounded by wonderful nature where you might just be lucky enough to spot some wild horses or hop on a bike and cycle through some of the island's small rural villages with their charming half-timbered houses and tranquil village ponds. If you're a real water lover then Langeland is the perfect holiday destination for you. No matter where you turn, you'll never be far from a sandy, long and child-friendly beach – sometimes without a single soul anywhere in sight.