Travel Tips For Denmark

Consisting of the Jutland peninsula and over 400 islands, Denmark is the smallest of the Scandinavian countries. Renowned as a land of peace and harmony, it is difficult to imagine Denmark once produced the brutal, seafaring Vikings.

Denmark offers tourists a wide variety of delightful options. Visitors will find a wealth of charming villages and towns, castles, ring forts, and monuments. In addition, there are sandy beaches, coves and fjords in this remarkably beautiful country. The best time to visit Denmark is August, although the months of April through October will generally see nice weather and longer days.

Located on the islands of Zealand and Amager, Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark. This city of copper roofs was founded in 1167, and holds great appeal for tourists. Not to mention the Little Mermaid at the harbor entrance, this cobblestoned city abounds with old buildings, parks, gardens, fountains and squares. Open from late April to mid-September, visitors can also enjoy the world famous amusement park, Tivoli, as well as outstanding eateries and shopping opportunities. In addition, tourists can take advantage of an inexpensive train network to get them around Copenhagen.

Copenhagen offers tourists a wide variety of tours, including the Vikingland Tour, which takes you to the Viking Ship Museum. There is the Royal Tour, to the Christianborg Palace, as well as a tour of the famous Carlsberg brewery, and these are just a few.

As fascinating as Copenhagen is, Denmark does offer many delights beyond its capital. There is the biggest Viking burial ground, as well as the most extensive Renaissance buildings in Denmark, both located at Aalborg. In addition, Arhus has a collection of over sixty 17th and 18th century buildings, taken from all over the country and recreated, then set on a beautiful landscaped site.

The 'Garden of Denmark' is another tourist favorite. Funen has some of Denmark's most enchanting countryside. All set in parks and gardens, there are numerous historic castles, striking churches and elegant manor houses. Odense is the third largest city in Denmark, as well as Funen's primary city. Named after the Norse god Oden, it is often called the 'Capital of Fairytales'. However, this city is best known as the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875). Every July and August, Odense celebrates his works with a festival, and visitors can tour his childhood home, as well as the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. Naturama can also be found in Funen. One of the newer attractions, Naturama opened in 2005, and has three levels of multimedia, natural history displays.

Visiting the Knuthenborg Park at Lolland is well worth the trip. It is Denmark's largest park, with well over 500 species of trees, flowers and plants, not to mention the fact that there is also a safari park. Visitors that stop at Bornholm will find the largest castle ruin in Denmark, Hammershus, which was built in 1260. Elsinore is another favorite stop. The old fortress of Kronborg is located here. Not only is it the most arresting structure in Scandinavia, but Shakespeare's Hamlet was set here.