Skanderborg Festival

Smukfest, often hailed as "Denmark's Most Beautiful Festival" is a cherished annual music event set in the scenic beech forests near Skanderborg. Held during the second weekend of August, this festival showcases a diverse array of music genres, including rock, pop, folk, heavy metal, hip-hop, and electronic. While it predominantly features Danish musicians, Smukfest has also hosted international stars like Britney Spears, Eric Clapton, and Prince.

The festival's beginnings trace back to 1980 as a modest one-day event featuring seven bands and attracting just 600 attendees. Today, Smukfest has transformed into a grand celebration. By 2009, it had become Denmark's second-largest overnight festival, drawing over 50,000 people, including 8,500 volunteers. Its popularity has continued to soar, with tickets for the 2017 edition selling out in less than five hours!

Adding a whimsical touch to the festival is its mascot, "Waltidur Festismuk Kærligkys Ølimund Rockilund Trold" a character with a storied history dating back to 1579, celebrating the festival's 400th anniversary.

Smukfest boasts four main stages: the Bøgescenerne (Main Stages), P3-teltet (P3 Tent), Stjernescenen (Star Stage), and Sherwoodscenen (Sherwood Stage). The Bøgescenerne, the festival's principal stage, actually comprises two stages, ensuring the music never stops and the festivities continue without pause.

Whether you're a fan of Danish music or international hits, Smukfest offers something for everyone in its breathtaking natural setting.