Denmark

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Why visit Denmark?

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Denmark seems to have cemented its position at the top of every global quality-of-life survey.
Denmark captures global imagination as the epitome of a civilized society, and it punches above its weight on many fronts: progressive politics, urban planning, sustainability, design, architecture. Recent global crushes, freshly exported from Copenhagen include city cycling culture, the New Nordic culinary movement, and brilliantly addictive TV drama series.

It’s true, Denmark doesn’t have the stop-you-in-your-tracks natural grandeur of its neighbors, but its landscapes are understated – pure and simple, often infused with an ethereal Nordic light. Such landscapes are reflected in the Danish design philosophy towards fashion, food, architecture, furniture and art. Simplicity of form and function come first, but not at the expense of beauty. And so you will find moments of quintessential Danish loveliness on a long sandy beach, beside a lake, admiring a Renaissance castle, or in a candlelit cafe that has perfected the art of Hygge.

What does Denmark bring in mind?

Viking Ship Museum

Viking fans will be wowed by the superb Viking Ship Museum, which displays five Viking ships discovered at the bottom of Roskilde Fjord. The museum is made up of two main sections – the Viking Ship Hall, where the boats themselves are kept; and Museums, where archaeological work takes place. There are free 45-minute guided tours in English daily at noon and 3pm from late June to the end of August, and at noon on weekends from May to late June and in September.

Frederiksborg Slot The impressive Dutch Renaissance-styled Frederiksborg Slot spreads across three islets on the castle lake, Slots. The oldest part of the castle dates from the reign of Frederik II, after whom it is named. His son Christian IV was born here and most of the present structure was built by Christian in the early 17th century. With its gilded ceilings, tapestries and fine paintings, the castle's interior is magnificent. Especially dazzling is the Slotskirken (Coronation Chapel), which retains the original interior commissioned by Christian IV.

Roskilde Domkirke

Not merely the crème de la crème of Danish cathedrals, this twin-towered giant is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Started by Bishop Absalon in 1170, the building has been rebuilt and tweaked so many times that it is now a superb showcase of 800 years’ worth of Danish architecture. The chapel of King Christian IV, off the northern side of the building, contains the builder-king himself. His ocean-green coffin, surrounded by processing angels, is quite low-key for such an extravagant monarch.

Kronborg Slot The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kronborg Slot began life as Krogen, a formidable tollhouse built by Danish king Erik of Pomerania in the 1420s. Expanded by Frederik II in 1585, the castle was ravaged by fire in 1629, leaving nothing but the outer walls. The tireless builder-king Christian IV rebuilt Kronborg, preserving the castle’s earlier Renaissance style and adding his own baroque touches.  The galleried chapel was the only part of Kronborg that escaped the flames in 1629 and gives a good impression of the castle’s original appearance. Kronborg fell upon more bad luck during the Danish-Swedish wars, with the Swedes occupying the castle from 1658 to 1660 and looting everything of value, including its famous fountain.

Legoland Mind-blowing Lego models, fun rides and the happy-family magic associated with great theme parks have transformed Legoland into Denmark’s most visited tourist attraction outside of Copenhagen. It is a great day outing (you will need a day to do it justice), and it sits smack-bang in the middle of Jutland, 1km north of Billund.

Egeskov Slot

Egeskov Castle, complete with moat and drawbridge, is a magnificent example of the lavish constructions that sprang up during Denmark’s ‘Golden Age’. It was built in 1554 on a foundation of thousands of upright oak trunks. Inside the castle itself, 12 rooms plus the attic are open to visitors. These are full of antique furnishings, grand period paintings and an abundance of macabre hunting trophies. In the attic is a beautiful collection of old toys, and a model train set from the early 20th century.

Tivoli Gardens Dating from 1843, tasteful Tivoli wins fans with its dreamy whirl of amusement rides, twinkling pavilions, carnival games and open-air stage shows. Each of Tivoli's numerous entertainment venues has a different character. Perhaps best known is the open-air pantomime theatre, built in 1874 by Vilhelm Dahlerup, the Copenhagen architect who also designed the royal theatre. Tivoli's large concert hall features performances by international symphony orchestras and ballet troupes, and popular musicians.

Louisiana

Even if you don't have a consuming passion for modern art, Denmark's outstanding Louisiana should be high on your 'To Do' list. It is a striking modernist gallery, made up of four huge wings, which stretch across a sculpture-filled park, burrowing down into the hillside and nosing out again to wink at the sea (and Sweden).
The collection itself is stellar, covering everything from constructivism, CoBrA movement artists and minimalist art, to abstract expressionism, pop art and photography. Pablo Picasso, Francis Bacon and Alberto Giacometti are some of the international luminaries you will come across inside, while Henry Moore's monumental bronzes and Max Ernst's owl-eyed animals lurk between the hillocks of the garden. Six to eight temporary exhibitions take place each year, and the museum's evening programme often includes art lectures and live music.

Great things to do in Denmark

• Canal Tours' Grand Tour of Copenhagen: Canal Tours Copenhagen is a wonderful way of seeing Copenhagen. Many Copenhageners take the tour to get an opportunity to see their capital from a different perspective.

• King’s Garden: The King's Garden in Copenhagen - sometimes referred to as Rosenborg Garden - was laid out during the reign of King Christian IV in connection to his pleasure Palace.

• Nyhavn: Especially during summer, Nyhavn is the perfect place to end a long day. Have dinner at one of the cozy restaurants or do like the locals and buy a beer from a nearby store and rest your feet at the quayside.

• Biking Copenhagen: Copenhagen is made for biking and there is no easier way to get around. With Biking Copenhagen you can go on a guided city tour around Copenhagen and see it all from the saddle of a bike.

• The street Nansensgade: Fashion tips: innovative youth fashion and secondhand clothing at Ymer Dress, 38, Nansensgade or at Kendt, 42, Nansensgade. Cool, trendy shoes, clothing and accessories at Apair, 39, Nansensgade. Eating your way through Nansensgade Nansensgade offers plenty of excellent take-aways. Pizzas, pastas, Italian specialties and home-made ice-cream at Pizzeria La Fiorita and Fiorita is, 62, Nansensgade.

• Danish pastries: Denmark’s best kept secret… until now? Danish pastries aren’t really Danish

• Latin Quarter: Streetwear and stockings The Latin Quarter, comprising the Studiestræde, Larsbjørnsstræde, Teglgårdsstræde, and Skt. Pedersstræde streets, is a fabulous place with lots of funky shops and small relax.

• Let loose at world-famous Tivoli Gardens: Tivoli is more than just a fairground. It’s a cultural wonderland and historical gem right at the heart of Copenhagen. So, buckle up and prepare for a unique mix of big thrills and traditional Danish culture.

• The Little Mermaid: At Langelinje Pier, you will find one of Copenhagen's most famous tourist attractions: The sculpture of The Little Mermaid. On August 23rd, 2013 she turned 100 years old. Unveiled on 23rd of August 1913, The Little Mermaid was a gift from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen to the City of Copenhagen.

Cities of Denmark

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the capital, and largest city in Denmark. The city is situated on the east coast of the island of Zealand. Another small portion of the city is located on Amager Island. Copenhagen and Malmö, Sweden are separated by the strait of Øresund. In 2008, the magazine "Monocle" named Copenhagen as the most livable city on their Top 25 Most Livable Cities list, and the city was awarded their "Best Designed City" award.

Aarhus

Aarhus is an educational and shipping center. The major city of Jutland. Lively city with a beautiful open air Museum 'The Old Town (Den Gamle By)'.

Odense

Largest city on Fyn. The childhood home of the world famous fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen.

Aalborg

North eastern Jutland. With one of the most famous streets in Denmark 'Jomfru Ana Gade'. Close to the impressive Viking Age burial ground 'Lindholm Hoje Museum'.

Esbjerg

West coast of Jutland. Close to many outdoor attractions. Beaches, ferries to many popular destinations.