Denmark
Forming the geographical link between Europe and Scandinavia, Denmark offers the visitor a unique variety:
• A modern and cosmopolitan capital, Copenhagen, centre of culture, politics and finance
• Odense, the country’s third largest city, birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, and inspiration for many fairy tales
• Viking ruins, half-timbered houses and medieval remnants all over the country-side
• Excellent museums, majestic castles, palaces, historic churches, and cultural festivities
• Seemingly endless blue flag beaches on the North Sea coast.
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INTRODUCTION
Denmark is a small country consisting of an archipelago jutting out from Germany to the south, and about 450 islands, with Zealand (Sjælland), on which Copenhagen is situated, the largest, and Funen (Fyn), the second largest, upon which Odense is to be found.
Besides encountering all the facets of a contemporary environment in Denmark, the historical background is always present. The country’s national flag (red with a white Christian cross) is e.g. the oldest in the world, whilst it boasts the oldest kingdom in Europe – also the fourth oldest in the world - founded by the Vikings during the 10th century.
ACCESSIBILITY
• Denmark’s main airport is situated about 9 km south-east of Copenhagen at Kastrup, from where normal transport of metro, trains, buses, car rentals or taxis are available.
• Train services operate from all of the surrounding countries
• Ferry services are available mainly from Norway and Sweden, but also from Rostock in Germany.
• By car: Copenhagen can either be reached from Germany by way of the E45, running through the archipelago, over Odense to Copenhagen, or by way of the Øresund link from Malmø (Sweden) to Copenhagen. A short ferry trip between Puttgarden to Rødbyhaven also facilitates a car trip from Germany.
WHEN TO GO
The most popular tourist season is summer, especially June to August, with daytime temperatures in the twenties, even the low thirties. However, spring or autumn are also special, whilst even winter is not too cold, due to the warm Gulf Stream, resulting in a temperate climate.
GETTING AROUND
• By car: As is the case with most countries, the best way to explore is by way of self-driving. In Denmark this mode of travel is most rewarding, due to the excellent network of motorways, scenic routes and breathtaking trips over some of its many bridges.
• By air: Several domestic flights are daily available between cities like Copenhagen, Aalborg, Aarhus and Billund.
• By train: Since Denmark is such a small country, the regular train service transports the visitor within hours to the most remote destination. The Eurail Denmark Pass ensures affordable travel to non-Europeans.
• By bus: An excellent and extensive bus service offers transport all over the country.
• By ferry: Hundreds of ferry routes operate between the many ports on the different islands.
TOP 5 – DON’T MISS
• In Copenhagen: The world famous theme park, Tivoli, the colourful Nyhavn harbour with its open air restaurants, some on moored boats, and of course, the Little Mermaid watching over the harbour.
• At Billund: At this small town in Southern Jutland in the south-west archipelago, the original 45 acre Legoland next to the Lego factory is one of the most visited attractions in Denmark with its wide variety of themes and activities for young and old, especially the Miniland built from millions of lego parts. The second largest airport in the country is situated here.
• At Roskilde: The “live” Viking Village where the way the Vikings lived some thousand years ago, as well as the Viking Ship Museum, the cathedral and interesting museums.
• In Aarhus: The ARoS Art Museum, one of the largest in northern Europe, with a panoramic 360 degree view of the city and the bay from the roof.
• At Nimtofte: The Djurs Sommerland, Scandinavia’s largest summer park, with amazing aqua playgrounds and a magical Haloween Festival during October.
TOP SLEEP & EAT SECRETS
Excellent accommodation, as well as exquisite restaurants can be found all over the country. The following might be considered:
Copenhagen: Hotel – The Clarion Collection Hotel Mayfair, centrally situated near train station and Tivoli Gardens.
Restaurant – Noma has since 2010 for three consecutive years been ranked as the best gourmet restaurant in the world, and Geranium as the 45th best in 2013
Odense: B&B – The BnB Odense, superb accommodation, just 5 min from the city center.
Restaurant – The Sortebro Kro is ranked by Tripadvisor travellers as the best, serving “superb food” in “historical surroundings”.
Aarhus: Boutique Hotel – The Hotel Villa Provence, centrally located, near the train station and cathedral
Restaurant – The welcoming staff of Den Lillo Kro serves delicious Danish dishes.
MEETING THE REAL PEOPLE
Many festivals are held annually all over the country, like:
• The Viking Plays (Vikingespil) and Viking Markets in Frederikssund based on Viking folklore, beginning around the summer solstice (20 – 26 June) in Scandinavia.
• In mid October in Copenhagen during the Nights of Culture more than 300 museums, galleries, churches and venues otherwise closed to the public, are opened to visitors.
• The Aarhus Festival for 10 days from late August with over 300 events such as music, dance films, exhibitions, celebrating Danish culture.