A stunning Scandinavian country which is considered to be ahead of the curve in terms of global quality-of-life, Denmark is a beautiful, progressive and intriguing destination with a lot to offer for any visitor.
With Germany to the south and fellow Nordic countries Sweden and Norway to the north, Denmark links Europe with Scandinavia and this fusion is noticeable throughout the country. Exquisite architecture, scenic landscapes and stylish yet understated design ensure that Denmark has an old-fashioned charm with a forward-thinking culture.
Denmark consists of the peninsula Jutland and an archipelago of 433 islands, only 70 of which are inhabited. The largest of these islands, Zealand, is where the capital and
historic city of Copenhagen is found. This magical and charming city is the primary destination for most visitors and it is clear to see why, but there are many other fantastic areas to explore to fully appreciate the Danish way of life.
What to Do
Exploring majestic Copenhagen is the obvious activity when visiting Denmark, with many great sights and activities to keep you busy. Stroll the main avenue of Stroget and soak up the distinctive atmosphere in this area lined with shops, restaurants, bars and street performers. Nyhavn (New Harbour) is a stunningly beautiful corner of Copenhagen with vintage ships and colourful houses, whilst Tivoli Garden is a fun and picturesque park with many great attractions. Copenhagen is also famed for its Little Mermaid statue, which is also a must visit.
Away from the capital, Roskilde is a wonderful destination with an epic twin-towered Danish cathedral which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city is also home to a thrilling Viking Ship museum, as well as other brilliant historical and cultural highlights. Another popular Danish city is Odense, which is the third largest city and famed for being the birthplace of author Hans Christian Andersen. Located on the garden island of Funen, the fairytale-esque Odense features magnificent castles and manor houses, cosy pubs and cafes, and a thriving artistic scene.
For those seeking sublime natural beauty, Jutland features fjords, beaches, forests and the type of vistas you only see on postcards. It is also home to many of Denmark’s oldest sites and monuments.
Local Cuisine
The geography, cold winters and agricultural history of Denmark shape the Danish cuisine, which centres on meat-based comfort food and meals with high nutritional value. Pork or beef with potatoes and vegetables are a Danish staple, whilst poultry and fish are also popular choices.
Denmark is famed for the “smørrebrød”, or open-faced sandwich, which is a national speciality which is now eaten all over the world. This consists of buttered rye bread topped with endless combinations of cold meats, cheeses, pastes and various toppings. This creates a delicious yet also visually appealing dish comparable to canapés.
There has been a move towards gourmet cooking in the last 50 years, with Danish chefs developing a New Nordic cuisine which blends gourmet dishes with high-quality local produce.
Climate
The summer months of June, July and August provide the warmest weather and gorgeous landscapes, with temperatures averaging around 20 degrees in July. Autumn quickly brings cold weather due to the coastal waters, but the fallen leaves everywhere add to the charm of the country. Although the least extreme of the Scandinavian countries, the Danish winters can be difficult and particularly when there is little daylight, with temperatures dropping as low as -15 degrees. However, there is also a unique and magical atmosphere at this time of year.
How to Get There
Flying to Denmark from the UK is simple with all major international airline operators servicing Copenhagen airport. Flights from London to Copenhagen are direct and take less than 2 hours. Alternatively, you can fly to the Jutland peninsula, which has Aalborg, Aarhus and Billund airports.
Travelling to Denmark? Don’t Miss…
- Kronborg lot is a formidable castle which was the inspiration for “Elsinore” in Hamlet. The UNESCO World Heritage site has a fascinating history, which has included being ravaged by fire and later being looted during a Swedish attack, but it is now a brilliant museum and scenic area of Zealand. The luscious gardens are the perfect spot for a picnic after exploring the impressive interior and walking around the grounds.
- Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen perfectly showcase the magic of Denmark, with beautiful renovated roller-coasters, striking pavilions, pristine gardens and numerous entertainment venues. During the day you can enjoy carnival games, amusement rides, open-air shows and plenty of family friendly entertainment. In the evening, the gardens transform into an enchanting space with twinkling fairy lights, fireworks, free rock concerts and an electric atmosphere in the heart of the capital.
- Bornholm is a fantastic Danish island accessible by Ferry which is home to pure beaches, pretty architecture and lush forests. There are numerous churches, castle ruins, parks and museums to explore and it is all easily accessible on foot or by bicycle, before relaxing on the sandy beach and taking in the awesome ocean views.
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