Why Danish Pastry Is Worth Traveling For (And Where to Try It)

You’ve probably heard of Danish pastry before. Maybe you’ve even grabbed one at a random café and thought, “Yeah, that was nice.” But here’s the thing: the real stuff? The kind baked fresh each morning in Copenhagen’s best bakeries? That’s a whole different game.

Over the past couple of decades, the city’s baking scene has gone from traditional to trailblazing, blending old-school techniques with new ideas and seriously high standards. So if you’re planning to visit Copenhagen, don’t just come for the architecture, bikes, and design. Come hungry—and come curious.

A Quick History of Danish Pastry

Let’s clear something up: Danish pastry didn’t actually originate in Denmark. It was brought here in the 1850s by Austrian bakers during a workers’ strike. They introduced laminated doughs (think croissants, but sweeter and fluffier), and the Danes took it from there. Over time, the pastries were adapted to local tastes, filled with custard, jam, almond paste, or remonce (a buttery sugar mix), and became a Danish staple.

Fast forward to today, and Copenhagen has turned that tradition into an art form. A new generation of bakers—many inspired by places like Noma and fueled by local, seasonal ingredients—have elevated the craft and made the city a dream spot for pastry lovers from around the world.

Three Bakeries You Need to Try in Copenhagen

If you’re only in town for a few days and want to taste the best, these three spots should be at the top of your list:

Hart Bageri

This place changed the game. Founded by Richard Hart, a former head baker at Noma, Hart Bageri is where tradition meets serious precision. Everything here is bold and balanced—from the croissants with perfect crunch to the cardamom buns that basically melt in your mouth. It’s a little pricey, but you’ll understand why the second you take a bite.

Buka

Buka is one of the newer kids on the block, but they’ve already made a name for themselves. Tucked away near the lakes, this bakery combines inventive flavors with a warm, minimalist vibe. Expect flaky, creative pastries that change with the seasons—like their twisted sourdough pastries with seasonal fruit or unexpected combinations that still feel totally Danish.

Juno the Bakery

Juno has become a bit of a cult favorite in Østerbro—and for good reason. Their cardamom buns are legendary (seriously, people queue for them), and everything they

make is sharp, simple, and delicious. The vibe is stylish yet cozy, and the quality is consistently next level. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to come back to before you leave town.

Want the Full Experience?

Sure, you could bakery-hop on your own—but if you really want to understand the story behind the pastries (and get tips from locals who are borderline obsessed), join our guided pastry tasting tour in Copenhagen. We’ll walk through the heart of the city, visit five hand picked spots, and share the history, culture, and flavors that make Danish baking so special. It’s the perfect way to dive into the city—and yes, you’ll get to taste a lot of pastries.