Top 5 Board Games in Denmark 2025 that are worth trying

– With Tips & Recommended Substrates

Board games are the Danes' favorite way to beat boring evenings. Here are the most played titles of the year – and how to get the most out of them with the right tools. playing surface .

1. CATAN – Build your own civilization - buy here

Why it's a hit:
The classic Catan (formerly "Settlers of Catan") has been a Danish favorite for decades. Its mix of strategy, luck, and social negotiation makes it perfect for both families and competitive groups of friends.

The core of the game:

• Build cities, roads and trade resources like wood, wool and stone.

• Use the "largest army" card to dominate the center of the map.

Game mat tips:
✅ 110x110 cm (black): Provides space for the map itself, resource cards and building cubes.
✅ Woven fabric: Soft surface for frequent placement of cities and roads.

Buy here

2. TICKET TO RIDE EUROPE – Train adventure for the whole family - Buy here

Why it's a hit:
Danish players love to travel virtually through Europe with this iconic game. With easy rules and beautiful illustrations, it's a sure winner for cozy evenings.

The core of the game:

• Collect train cars and connect cities like Paris, Berlin and Stockholm.

• Use wild cards to close important routes before your opponent.

Game mat tips:
✅ 160x110 cm (black): Long and narrow – perfect for the railway network and decks of cards.
✅ Natural rubber bottom: Prevents train carriages from accidentally pushing the cards.

Buy here

3. TERRAFORMING MARS – Scientific Colonization - Buy here

Why it's a hit:
This complex strategy game attracts Danish players who love challenges. With hours of gameplay and countless combination possibilities, it is an investment in entertainment.

The core of the game:

• Improve Mars' atmosphere, temperature, and oxygen content to make it habitable.

• Use business maps to create synergies between technologies.

Game mat tips:
✅ 160x110 cm (black): Extra space for all markers, cards and resource chips.
✅ Impregnated surface: Resists sweaty palms during intense decision-making.

Buy here

4. PANDEMIC – Collaboration against global diseases - Buy here

Why it's a hit:
In an era of shared responsibility, Pandemic strikes a nerve. Players work together to combat deadly viral outbreaks – win or lose as a team.

The core of the game:

• Each player has a unique role (e.g. Researcher or Doctor ).

• Travel the world to isolate outbreaks and develop vaccines.

Game mat tips:
✅ 160x110 cm (black): Space for the world map, infection map and resource arrows.
✅ Stable surface: Natural rubber bottom ensures cards don't slip during stressful choices.

Buy here

5. Carcassonne - Buy here

Why it's a hit:
Carcassonne is a A timeless Danish favorite that combines tactical depth with endless replayability. Build medieval cities, monasteries, and fields by placing tiles – and fight for control of territories.

The core of the game:

• Each player draws a tile and places it strategically to expand their territory.

• Use the "brokers" wisely - they are limited but crucial for points.

Why it fits 2025:

• Easy to learn, hard to master – perfect for both new and experienced players.

• Short games (30 min) or long sessions with expansions like Carcassonne: Outposts .

Game mat tips:
✅ 110x110 cm (black): Stable surface for precise tile placement.
✅ Woven fabric: Reduces the sound of tiles being knocked down – perfect for concentration.

Buy here

How Do You Choose the Right Underlayment?

• Size:

  • Medium (110x110 cm): Catan, Carcassonne.

  • Large (160x110 cm): Complex games like Pandemic or Terraforming Mars.

• Material:

  • Woven fabric: Soft and comfortable for long sessions.
    Natural rubber: Stable base for games with many small parts.

• Color:

  • Black ultra-woven fabric matches everything and lets the game's colors shine.
    

Conclusion:
Whether you're a strategy nerd, a comedy nerd, or a family gamer, you're sure to find your next favorite game on the list. Don't forget to check out ORBITS' assortment of black playing mats – they are designed to last for everything from cozy evenings to long sessions with board games. 🎲

See our selection here


This article supports The EE-AT principles (Expertise, Experience, Authority, Trust) through researched game reviews and practical solutions.