Denmark's fascinating history comes to life at the National Museum of Denmark, one of the best museums in Copenhagen. Journey through 14,000 years of Danish culture – from ancient Viking sagas to the mysteries of the Golden Horns - perfect for history enthusiasts and families alike. Explore a wide selection of exhibitions that displays coins, medals, artifacts, jewelry, and much more. Below, you'll find highlights from a few of the exhibitions available for you to visit.
The Danish Viking: Daily Life, Legends, and Exploration
Want to learn how the fearsome Viking warriors shaped the Nordic region? Discover authentic artifacts and engaging tales of the Nordic Vikings. The sagas are many and vary a lot, from bloodthirsty heathens and thieves to settlers and farmers. They made settlements as far away as Iceland and North America. It might not seem far away to us but imagine crossing the open sea in a wooden boat sailed by oars.
Even today, the legacy of the Vikings is so potent that Scandinavians, especially men with a certain rugged look, are often colloquially referred to as 'Vikings'. This modern nod to our ancestors is more about appearance and cultural heritage than historical accuracy.
The Golden Horns – A Dramatic Tale
The Golden Horns, famous yet enigmatic artifacts of Denmark's past, are only replicas of the originals, which date back to around 400 AD. Adorned with mystical figures—such as centaurs, horned humans, and leaping animals—these decorations remain shrouded in mystery. The creator of the Golden Horns is unknown, and the only remnants of the original, ancient treasure are two pairs of earrings, displayed in the ‘Danish Prehistory’ exhibition.
A Children’s Museum - Adventure Awaits!
Transform history into play at the interactive Children's Museum! Kids aren't just visitors here; they're adventurers. From sailing a Viking ship to cooking in a medieval kitchen, every activity is a fun, hands-on history lesson. Look for the ‘Boredom Button’, press it and see what happens! Will you meet a samurai, a fire-breathing dragon, or something completely different? Buckle up and be prepared for anything.
A trip to the National Museum of Denmark should be at the top of your list of things to do in Copenhagen!
Ready to explore centuries of history? Board our Classic Copenhagen route to stop 10 - Gammel Torv, which is just a few minutes' walk from the museum.
Address: Ny Vestergade 10 / Prinsens Palæ / 1471 Copenhagen K
Photo credit: All images are courtesy of The National Museum of Denmark
