Denmark is a country full of charming landscapes, iconic architecture, and historical sights. Whether you’re wandering through the streets of Copenhagen or gazing at the cliffs of Møns Klint, you’ll find endless ways to capture stunning photos and videos during your visit. Here’s how to make the most of your time and ensure your shots come out perfect, all while respecting local culture.
1. Best Locations for Photography in Denmark
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a goldmine for photography. You can’t miss Nyhavn with its colorful 17th-century townhouses and boats lined up along the canal. Arrive early in the morning for fewer crowds and soft, diffused light. For a contrast, visit Freetown Christiania. The street art and unique vibe make it a curious subject. Just be aware that some locals prefer no photography in certain areas, so look for posted signs or politely ask.
Møns Klint
The white cliffs of Møns Klint stretching into the Baltic Sea are one of Denmark’s most dramatic landscapes. To get the best shot, climb to the top of the cliffs or take the stairs down to the beach below for a different perspective. Sunset is an excellent time to be there—the cliffs glow with warm hues as the sun goes down. Bring a good wide-angle lens or use panorama mode on your phone for sweeping landscape shots.
Kronborg Castle
This is the legendary castle of Hamlet! Kronborg Castle is located in Helsingør, a short trip from Copenhagen, and is rich in historical charm. Capture the castle’s full grandeur by taking photos from the waterfront. Try to go just after sunrise for fewer tourists and magical lighting, which bathes the fortress in a golden glow. A telephoto lens can help you get those detailed shots of the fortress architecture.
Ribe
Denmark’s oldest town, Ribe, has well-preserved medieval streets, cobblestone alleys, and traditional Danish houses. Use natural light in the morning and evening to enhance the look of the historic streets. Most of your shots will benefit from using a wide-angle lens to capture the narrow roads and the rows of medieval homes. If you’re into night photography, the town feels mystical when it’s lit up with artificial lights after sunset.
2. Best Times of Day to Shoot
Golden Hour
The hours just after sunrise and just before sunset offer the most flattering light. The sunlight is softer and less harsh than at midday. This is the best time to capture landscapes, architecture, and portraits. The key to a good golden hour photo is planning ahead. Use apps like “PhotoPills” or “Golden Hour” to track the sunlight times wherever you are in Denmark.
Blue Hour

This is the period right before sunrise and after sunset when the sky is a deep blue, often offering stunning contrast. This time is perfect for urban and landscape photos. For example, photographing Copenhagen’s Nyhavn or Tivoli Gardens during blue hour gives your images a romantic, slightly mysterious quality. A tripod is essential as there will be less natural light, and a longer exposure will help you capture detailed shots.
Midday (But Make It Work)
If you’re stuck shooting in the harsh midday sun, position yourself so the sun is at your subject’s side, not directly overhead. This makes shadows less harsh and helps your colors pop without over-exposing the image. If you’re using a smartphone, tap the screen where you want the camera to focus to ensure the exposure is balanced. In highly reflective environments like Møns Klint, you can use a polarizing filter to reduce glare.
3. Cultural Considerations When Taking Photos
Be Mindful of Personal Space
Denmark is a place where people value their personal space, so be cautious when photographing locals. Always ask for permission if people are prominent in your shot, especially in more personal places like cafes or markets. Danes are generally friendly and will appreciate the courtesy.
Churches and Museums
Many of Denmark’s most beautiful churches and museums allow photography, but always check for signs first or politely ask the staff. Flash photography can be especially frowned upon in some places as it may disturb others or damage artifacts, particularly in historical buildings like Roskilde Cathedral. When in doubt, err on the side of no flash.
Drone Use
If you’re bringing a drone to Denmark, make sure you follow local regulations. You cannot fly a drone in areas like Copenhagen’s inner city to protect people’s privacy. In natural landmarks like Møns Klint or Råbjerg Mile, check the local rules to fly safely. Apps like “Drone Assist” help give you a clearer idea of allowed areas.
4. Camera Equipment and Smartphone Tips
Camera Equipment
If you’re serious about capturing Denmark at its best, consider bringing a DSLR or mirrorless camera. A lightweight wide-angle lens (16-35mm) is ideal for architecture and landscapes. For portraits and details, a prime 50mm lens can capture crisp images with a nice depth of field.
Also, don’t forget an ND filter. This will help you shoot long exposures during daylight, perfect for the motion of water at Møns Klint or the many fountains found throughout Copenhagen. A lightweight travel tripod is a must for long-exposure shots, particularly during blue hour or nighttime photography.

Smartphone Photography
Smartphones do a great job nowadays, especially in well-lit conditions, making them more than adequate for most travelers. Use the native camera app for more control. The “pro” or “manual” mode lets you adjust exposure, ISO, and shutter speed. Play around with these settings to get the best photos in low light.

For landscapes, use your smartphone’s panorama feature. Make sure to move slowly to avoid distortion as the phone captures the full scene. For tough lighting conditions like midday sun, use the HDR setting. It balances the exposure levels in your photos and avoids the bright whites or deep shadows created during midday shots.
Bonus tip: Use a lens attachment to get better zoom or macro shots. These attachments are lightweight and can make a big difference in your mobile photography.
5. Video Tips
Stabilization
A steady hand makes a real difference in your travel videos. If you’re capturing a video while walking through the streets of Copenhagen or hiking Møns Klint, a gimbal or smartphone stabilizer helps immensely. If you don’t have one, try walking slowly and focus on smooth motions.

Resolution and FPS
If possible, shoot in 4K for the best quality. Even if you only plan to publish in 1080p, shooting in 4K gives you more flexibility for cropping in post-production. For walking scenes or movement-heavy shots, switch to 60 fps for that crisp, smooth video.
Audio Considerations
If you’re recording video clips with narration or live sound, consider using an external microphone or a clip-on mic for better audio quality. Wind can interfere with sound, so pay attention to your environment. Recording video at beaches or cliffside locations like Møns Klint? Use a dead-cat wind cover for your microphone to reduce wind noise.
Final Thoughts
Denmark is full of stunning places to photograph and memorable scenes to capture on video. Whether you’re using a DSLR or your smartphone, it’s important to plan your shots and understand the best time of day to get that perfect light. Respect local customs and the people you photograph, and you’ll come away with not just stunning photos, but meaningful memories.

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