Looking for some family fun? Here's how to visit one of Scandinavia's leading tourist attractions: the original home of the humble Lego brick in Billund, Denmark.
Lego, invented in 1932 in Billund, Denmark, has entertained and educated children for generations. Legoland resorts worldwide bring childhood creativity to life, making Denmark a must-visit destination for Lego enthusiasts of all ages.
Billund hosts the original Legoland, an immersive park blending entertainment, creativity, and thrills. Those fantasy worlds you once built at your kitchen table? Watch them come to life in front of your eyes.
Since opening in 1968, Legoland Billund remains a premier destination, despite showing its age in parts. The addition of the on-site Castle Hotel has freshened up the experience.
Over a million visitors come to Billund annually, making it Denmark's top tourist attraction outside Copenhagen. Despite its small size, Billund is a popular family city break in Denmark.
Visiting Legoland Billund
The park, officially known as Legoland Billund Resort, is divided into several themed lands, each offering unique experiences. Dining options match each area's theme, adding to the immersive experience.
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Top-rated rides include the Flying Eagle rollercoaster, and the LEGO Train and Monorail, providing unique park views. The rotating observation tower, Lego Top, offers panoramic views, ideal for starting or ending your visit.
Miniland showcases intricate Lego versions of global landmarks and offers rides for younger children. This area is generally less crowded, providing a more relaxed pace.
A unique attraction is the Traffic School, where children aged 6 to 13 can drive small electric cars and earn a Legoland driver's license. This experience requires an additional fee but is worth it for the excitement and the unique souvenir.
Ninjago fans should visit Ninjago World, featuring training activities, life-sized character displays, and an immersive 3D Ninjago ride.
A new addition for 2024 is the Peppa Pig Playground, the first play area to merge the worlds of Peppa Pig and Lego Duplo.
Legoland Planning Tips
As one of Denmark's most visited attractions, Legoland can get busy at weekends and during school holidays. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays outside of peak season.
The park is generally open from late March to late December but not every day in September and October, and usually only from Friday to Sunday in November and December.
Maximize your visit by planning ahead. Download the Legoland app. This is great for checking live waiting times at the various rides and attractions.
Obtain a park map to organise your activities but remain flexible if areas are busy. Discuss souvenir purchases with your children to manage expectations and avoid having to carry items around the park all day.
To fully see and do everything the park has to offer, two days are required. Consider staying on-site for a fully immersive experience. The Castle Hotel, with 142 rooms themed on dragon knights, princesses and wizards, is the best choice.
Look for discounts and deals before your trip. Coupons for free child entry with a paid adult ticket can be found on everyday items in Denmark and in various European publications and online.
Lego House
Outside Legoland, Lego dominates Billund. Lego House, a striking downtown centerpiece, is filled with 25 million Lego bricks.
It serves as an experience centre and public space, featuring zones dedicated to creativity, logic, emotions, and social skills. A gallery showcases creations by Lego fans worldwide.
An Introduction to Billund
While most tourists visit Billund for Legoland, there are other attractions worth exploring.
Lalandia
Located right next to Legoland, Lalandia is a tropical holiday center offering a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities. It boasts the largest waterpark in Scandinavia, featuring thrilling water slides, a wave pool, and a relaxing lazy river.
Beyond the waterpark, Lalandia includes bowling lanes, trampolines, and mini-golf, providing entertainment for all ages. The centre also hosts several restaurants.
Billund Sculpture Park
For art and nature enthusiasts, Billund Sculpture Park is a must-visit. This park features a collection of modern sculptures set within a scenic natural environment.
The park connects downtown Billund with the Legoland area, making it easily accessible. As you stroll along the mile-long path, you'll encounter 19 permanent sculptures, each offering a unique artistic perspective.
The blend of art and nature creates a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely walk or a reflective pause.
Givskud Zoo
Just a short drive from Billund, Givskud Zoo and Safari Park provides an educational and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. Originally home to lions, the zoo expanded in 1970 to include Asian elephants and has since grown to host over 70 species.
The park is renowned for its unique layout, featuring large enclosures that allow animals to roam freely. Visitors can drive through these enclosures in their own cars, getting up close to elephants, white rhinos, gorillas, and, of course, lions.
This immersive experience offers a rare opportunity to observe animals in environments that closely resemble their natural habitats. The zoo also features walking paths, a petting zoo, and informative exhibits, making it an ideal destination for families.
Beyond Billund, visitors can explore the charming nearby villages, historical sites, and scenic countryside surrounding the town. These areas offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and enjoying the picturesque landscapes of rural Denmark.
How to Travel to Billund
Billund's international airport is Denmark's second-largest, after Copenhagen. Legoland is a major reason for that!
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Direct routes to Billund are available from several UK airports, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh, operated by British Airways and budget airline Ryanair. Some of these routes are seasonal.
Other major European airports with direct routes to Billund include Amsterdam, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Paris, and all the Nordic capitals.
For those not flying, trains and buses from Copenhagen go as far as Vejle, where a connecting bus is available to Billund. Trains to Velje take just over two hours, while the bus takes about three hours. The connecting bus to Billund takes 45 minutes.
Have you ever visited Legoland Billund Resort? If so, I'd love to hear your experiences and tips for other visitors down in the comments.
