Europe's Best Drives

View of the Dybbol Windmill ©Arne List

The Daisy Route (or Marguerite Route, Margueritruten in Danish) is thought to be the best way to see Denmark in all its glory. Passing through stunningly beautiful countryside and past many important tourist attractions, it is the main tourist route through Denmark. The way is marked by roadside brown signs with the highly recognisable white marguerite daisy flower motif, and can be followed in either direction.

The route was founded in April 1991 by the Danish Queen Margrethe II, and befitting of her favourite flower, was given its daisy symbol. The daisy is also the national flower of Denmark. Since then it has been a popular route for drivers to discover beautifully scenic roads, and hidden gem towns and villages while still linking all the major tourist and family destinations. Highlights include Egeskov Castle (Europe’s best preserved Renaissance Water Castle), the Dybbøl Mill, Kronborg’s fantastic castle and of course Legoland. In all, the route passes through over 100 major attractions, providing a real change from a direct drive along one of the main highways to reach these destinations.

The highly recognisable Marguerite Route signs ©Niels Jeberg

The drive is actually made up of 14 individual routes joined together to form over 3500km of roads. The sheer length of this route means that it also provides insight into areas of Denmark less frequently travelled by tourists, to parts which you wouldn’t normally see. The terrain is mainly smaller country roads or minor highways, and at some points can be very narrow or pass under low bridges. It is only really recommended for cars or motorcyclists as camper vans/caravans or trailers can encounter problems on these minor roads.

Part of the route holds special significance to those who have read the stories of Hans Christian Andersen, as it passes many of the places in which he stayed and visited. The rooms where he stayed in Holsteinborg Castle can even be visited by prior arrangement should you wish to do so.

View of Kronborg Castle ©Riktov

Many guide books on Denmark cover the different sights, towns and villages on the route, and self touring guides can be purchased form the Danish Tourist offices. On maps, the route is marked by a green line or dots. One word of warning if following the sign posts, they are sometimes stolen by those seeking a souvenir with no thought to those following who will be looking out for the marker!