DENMARK TRAVEL GUIDE
Denmark, in Northern Europe’s Scandinavia region, is made up of a mainland area known as Jutland and a number of islands, the most significant of which are Zealand and Funen.
Copenhagen, the country’s capital city, is located on the island of Zealand and is without a doubt the most popular destination for tourists. The city is packed with historical attractions but also offers great dining venues and a vibrant evening entertainment scene.
Aarhus is also a popular visitor destination and perhaps blessed with even more cultural heritage-based attractions than the capital. Literary fans rarely miss out on Odense, where Hans Christian Andersen spent his formative years, while for pleasant maritime ambience Esbjerg and Aalborg are the cities to visit. With hearty fare in big portions on offer in the country’s restaurants, Denmark is also a good destination for anyone with a healthy appetite.
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DENMARK WEATHER - When To Go
Denmark’s climate is typical of countries occupying northern latitudes, offering warm summers, mild to cool spring and autumn seasons, and bitterly cold winters. Summer is the best time to take a holiday in Denmark as it sees the warmest temperatures by far. On good days, the mercury can climb up to the mid-20s (°C). Spring is drier but a good deal cooler so visitors heading to Denmark at this time should pack some warm clothes. Autumn is wet and not especially warm, while winter sees temperatures plummet to well below freezing.
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DENMARK HIGHLIGHTS - Places to Visit
- Copenhagen: Denmark’s capital is a city famed for its long and colourful history and its rich cultural heritage. Sightseeing enthusiasts will find everything from striking landmarks and fine old buildings to fascinating museums and scenic coastal panoramas. Places not to miss include the magnificent Christiansborg Palace, home of country’s three supreme powers, and the splendid 17th century Rosenborg Castle. For a spot of culture, the Museum of Decorative and Applied Art is a must while for history enthusiasts, the Museum of Danish Resistance is one to check out. For families, the Tivoli amusement park offers a wealth of attractions, while come summertime the beach is a good place to enjoy the warm weather. [More info on Copenhagen including useful web links can be found at our Copenhagen travel guide website.]
- Aarhus: Denmark’s second biggest city presents an eclectic mix of scenic natural beauty and historic buildings. A visit to its old town is essential for anyone who enjoys eye-catching 17th and 18th century architecture. The area is pedestrianised and teeming with charming cafés, bars and unique shopping outlets, not to mention a number of fascinating museums. For more light-hearted entertainment, check out the Tivoli Friheden amusement park on the outskirts of the city. This popular theme park offers attractions suitable for all the family. By plane, Aarhus can be reached in just 45 minutes from Copenhagen.
- Odense: Denmark’s third most-populated city can be reached in about two hours from either Copenhagen or Esbjerg by bus, making it a reasonable option for a daytrip from either of these cities. Odense is best known for having been the home of both the author Hans Christian Andersen and the composer Carl Neilsen. For fans of the former, attractions include the author’s childhood home and the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, both of which can be enjoyed on the popular Hans Christian Andersen tour. Other sightseeing attractions include the ancient Saint Canute’s Church with its brick Gothic architecture and Odin Tower, one of Europe’s tallest structures.
- Esbjerg: located in the southwest region of the country, a two-hour drive from Copenhagen, Esbjerg is a port city with thriving fishing and oil industries. The city offers a modest but interesting selection of attractions, among which are the Bogtryk Museum, the Esbjerg Art Museum and the Museum of Fishing and Shipping. The city is a good base for exploring the South Jutland region, where islands such as Rømø and Fanø are among the key attractions.
- Aalborg: the largest city in Northern Jutland, Aalborg is best known for its rich history, with its beginnings dating back over 1,000 years. Evidence of the city’s history is evident in the broad selection of old buildings gracing the city streets, among which are a number of restored 16th century houses. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Nordjyllands Kunstmuseet) is among the city’s best cultural offerings, while for background on Aalborg’s historic relationship with the ocean, the Marine Museum is the venue to head for. The city also has a zoo, Zoologiske Have, which is the second largest in Scandinavia. The city is 383kms from Copenhagen and can be reached by plane or train.
- Other Denmark highlights: Billund, in central Denmark, situated next to Denmark’s No.1 tourist attraction - LEGOLAND; Ribe with its medieval Viking Centre, Elsinore with Kronborg Castle and Roskilde, famous for its summer music festival.
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DENMARK HOSPITALITY - Eat, Drink, Sleep
- Food and Eating Out: Danish cuisine is based on the foods that its cool, moist climate fosters so you can expect to see plenty of potatoes, mushrooms, beetroot, green vegetables, rye and barley being used – plus herring and other seafood, of course. Restaurants are expensive and Danes don’t eat out very often. The best selections of restaurants can be found in Copenhagen and Aarhus.
- Entertainment and Nightlife: Danes know how to enjoy themselves and if they’re not enjoying the attractions of theme parks and nature spots in the daytime, they’re out in the evening drinking and dancing. Nightclubs of every description can be found in the big cities and live music venues are especially popular. Live music festivals are frequent in the summer season.
- Accommodation in Denmark: The cost of accommodation errs on the high side in Denmark but there are some cheap options such as hostels and small, independent hotels for those on a budget. Big names such as Marriott, Radisson, Hilton and Best Western can be found in the country’s larger cities, featuring all the usual amenities you would expect from these international brands. Try Booking.com and LateRooms for some good hotel deals in Denmark.
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DENMARK FLIGHTS - Flying from the UK
To compare all flight deals to Denmark, try Skyscanner.
Also try travel sites such as ebookers for flight deals to Denmark.
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