VisitDenmark

DENMARK
Royal
Experiences
Dine like a prince
Amazing Spaces
Inspired by design
visitdenmark.com
Contents
5 Welcome to Denmark
6
Classic Copenhagen
8
Green Copenhagen
10
Shopping in Copenhagen
12
Gay Copenhagen
13
Cruise Copenhagen
14
Denmark is Cooking
16
Denmark by design
18 Skagen - seaside romance
21
Hop on a bike!
22
Royal Denmark
24
Land of Vikings
26
Hans Christian Andersen’s
Denmark
27
Søren Kierkegaard
28
Christmas
Discover Denmark
– where life
is good
www.visitdenmark.com
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Do as the
Danes Do!
Hop on a bicycle and
discover a Nordic land of
400 islands, 1,000 years
of history and inspiring
cities – a land where life
is good!
Why not spend your next vacation in a land where
life is good? The Danes are the happiest people
on the planet – and Denmark is easy to discover.
Everything is within easy reach. Simply hop on a
bicycle or take the slow road and explore a nation
of 400 islands and liveable cities with world-class
design and gastronomy.
A small Scandinavian nation with more than 1,000
years of history and one of the world’s oldest
monarchies, Denmark has many museums, castles
and festivals where history is brought to life – with
fun and learning for the family.
Enjoy the good life by the sea at Denmark’s classic
seaside hotels and country inns. Denmark’s bicyclefriendly woodlands, beaches and national parks
are open to everyone. And all along the windswept
coasts you’ll find vacation homes nestled among
the sand dunes.
Discover Denmark – where life is good.
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Explore Copenhagen’s historic
sights by canal tour boat,
bicycle, pedicab, kayak or
Segway.
www.visitcopenhagen.com
Classic
Copenhagen
Tour buses, canal boats and
bicycles make it easy to navigate
classic Copenhagen and its many
historic attractions. Walking is
also a fine way to see the city.
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Royal sights
top of the golden spire. Of course, they also cruise to Copenhagen’s
The Royal Palace, Amalienborg, is home to the Queen of Denmark, the
famous symbol, the Little Mermaid statue, which celebrates its 100th
Prince Consort and the Crown Prince and Princess. The palace has a
anniversary in 2013. Copenhagen’s most colorful landmark is the
small museum where you can visit the private chambers of some of the
picture-postcard Nyhavn Canal with its brightly painted canal houses,
Queen’s ancestors, and the changing of the Royal Guards takes place
vintage schooners and waterside restaurants.
at noon. Just a 20-minute walk from the palace is Rosenborg Castle, a
royal hermitage that showcases 400 years of interiors and the dazzling
Romantic gardens
emeralds, diamonds and rubies of the Crown Jewels. The King’s Garden,
Copenhagen is home to Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest
which surrounds the castle, features open-air jazz concerts, pavilion
amusement parks. Located in the heart of town, the park offers
cafés, rose gardens and children’s puppet shows, making it a popular
funfair rides, fine restaurants, flower displays, concerts and family
retreat on sunny days.
entertainment. Among the city’s great secrets is another grand classic
park, Frederiksberg Gardens, where you can meander down the stream
Canal tour highlights
in rowboats, enjoy Sunday tea in a 200-year-old Chinese pavilion and
An easy and enjoyable way to tour Copenhagen is by canal boat.
even watch the roaming elephants in the neighboring Copenhagen
Simply sit back and enjoy views of the city’s harborside landmarks,
Zoo. Another of Copenhagen’s secrets is the Open-Air Museum, a
such as the Opera House, the Royal Danish Playhouse and the Black
living museum with more than 100 historic farms and rural dwellings,
Diamond – contemporary buildings amid Copenhagen’s classic skyline
including cottages thatched with seaweed. There are watermills,
of palaces and copper towers. The tour boats also pass the Church of
windmills, herb gardens and fruit orchards, all located just 20 minutes
Our Saviour where visitors can climb the corkscrew stairway to the
north of the city by train.
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Green
Copenhagen
A city of bicycles and water sports
Biking
the royal woods
A pilgrimage destination for more than 500 years,
the woods of the Royal Deer Park – 20 minutes by
Urban
villages
Open, easygoing and liveable
train north of Copenhagen – once drew travelers
In this city geared to pedal power, more than half
of Copenhageners use their bicycles every day.
By the summer of 2013, four new bicycle and
pedestrian bridges will open, crisscrossing the
city’s waterways and connecting the old Nyhavn
Canal with the canal district of Christianshavn
and the city’s famous “alternative” community,
a busy marketplace. Today, it’s the location of
Bakken, a popular amusement park. Rent a horsedrawn carriage at the station in Klampenborg – or
bring a bicycle on the train. The woodland trails let
you experience herds of deer roaming among the
centuries-old oak trees. A perfect picnic spot!
Copenhagen is a great city to live in and a great
place to visit. Urban renewal has brought new
life to the city’s 19th-century neighborhoods,
while retaining their historic character and
liveable charm. Wander down side streets such
as Jægersborggade, Elmegade, Blågårdsgade and
Ravnsborggade in the Nørrebro district – the city’s
Christiania. The new bridge that faces the “Black
“hipsterville” – and explore vintage design stores,
Diamond” building of the Royal Library was
fashion boutiques, pocket parks, galleries and
The Blue Planet
innovative eateries.
and offers places to sit and read while bicycles
whisk by.
Water sports and swimming aren’t the only
only one-of-a-kind creative experiences and
reasons to visit Copenhagen’s sandy urban
community-oriented offerings.
The designated harbor baths, where you can go for
beach. In April 2013, the energy-efficient Blue
The neighborhood’s main street, Nørrebrogade, is
a swim in the cool, clean water of the harbor, have
Planet aquarium will open as the area’s newest
said to have the most bicycle traffic in the world.
become a popular summertime spot. In 2013, new
attraction. The swirling landmark designed by
Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district offers much the
wooden jetties will be in place to offer kayakers
Danish architects 3xN will be visible from above for
same urban village feeling in the areas around
easier mooring. And there are more water sports to
passengers landing at Copenhagen Airport. With
the Kødbyen meatpacking district, Værnedamsvej
be enjoyed at Copenhagen’s sandy beach, which is
almost 2 million gallons of water in its oceanarium
and Enghave Plads. Connecting the districts of
located only 7 minutes from downtown by metro
and tanks, the Blue Planet will be one of Europe’s
Nørrebro and Vesterbro is the perfect green route
and offers a full view of the city’s offshore wind
largest aquaria, featuring recreated natural
– the Copenhagen Lakes.
farm.
habitats with sea creatures from around the world.
www.visitcopenhagen.com
designed by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson
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from afar to its holy springs. Soon the area became
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There are no international chain stores here –
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Shopping in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a city of shopping and design where you find international brand
stores and royal luxury within easy walking distance
by King Christian VII as a gift to Catherine the
Great of Russia, who died before the 1530-piece
series was completed. Today, some of the pieces
are exhibited at Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen
and some are still used by the Royal Family on
special occasions. Flora Danica tableware has
been in production ever since 1862 when a service
was commissioned for the wedding of England’s
King Edward VII and Princess Alexandra, a Danish
princess. The Flora Danica dinner service, which
is among the world’s most prestigious, is available
from the Royal Copenhagen store.
Illums Bolighus
Next to the Royal Copenhagen store you will find
Illums Bolighus, a department store dedicated to
the great names of 20th-century Danish Modern
and international design and to contemporary
living. Come here for lighting design, housewares
and furniture by such grand masters of comfort
and style as Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen,
and Hans J. Wegner. And for those browsing for
a little Scandinavian yuletide souvenir, the store
even has an all-year Christmas department. Illums
Bolighus also has gift shops in Tivoli Gardens
and at Copenhagen Airport. Other department
Chair designed by Poul Kjærholm, produced by Fritz Hansen
stores with major design departments within five
minutes walk from Amagertorv include Illum and
Magasin.
Danish living
Boutiques and stores with
contemporary design
One of Copenhagen’s finest small historic squares, Amagertorv, is
Royal Copenhagen
HAY House is the flagship store of the hottest
the exclusive retailer of ceramics by Aage Würtz
home to the flagship stores of some of Denmark’s most celebrated
Right next to Georg Jensen you find the flagship store of one of
contemporary names within Danish furniture and
whose earthenware is used by top Copenhagen
luxury brands.
the nation’s most illustrious names, Royal Copenhagen, which was
interior design, offering a townhouse view of one
restaurants such as Noma. For more ceramics visit
originally founded by the Danish Crown in 1775 as the Royal Porcelain
of the city’s picturesque squares, Amagertorv.
the WAUW design store at Læderstræde 14 (also
Georg Jensen
Manufacturer. Their famous porcelain designs include Blue Fluted
Noted for their soft-lined seating and comfort
right next to Amagertorv) or head to the Stilleben
Silversmith Georg Jensen rose to fame in the early 1900s with
tableware, which is also available in a modernized version, Mega
accessories, such as vivid rugs and felt cushions,
store at Niels Hemmingsensgade 3 for unique
his classic collections of Art Nouveau jewellery and hollowware.
Mussel. For a gastronomic experience try the miniature-size Danish
HAY has a smaller design boutique in the nearby
ceramics by leading Danish studios, such as Kähler,
Today, the Georg Jensen brand offers a wide array of contemporary
open sandwiches, called “smushis”, at the store’s Royal Café – served
Pilestræde, a street also housing Danish fashion
and emerging new talents.
collections, including flatware and timepieces, all of which are
on Blue Fluted porcelain.
brand DAY BIRGER ET MIKKELSEN.
A little further afield you find Normann
designed by major Danish and international names.
Royal Copenhagen’s most historic tableware service, Flora Danica,
Fans of ceramics can also head around the
Copenhagen, a playful world of own-brand design
depicts Danish wildflowers and was originally commissioned in 1790
corner to the Skjalm P store at Nikolaj Plads 9,
housed in a former cinema.
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Gay
Copenhagen
Feel at home in a city of love
Design, cuisine, heritage, green living – there are
many great reasons to visit Copenhagen, and for
the LGBT community there are even more. Open
and liveable, Copenhagen will not only make you
feel at home, the city also invites you to celebrate
your love. Visit Copenhagen on your honeymoon
– or even better, tie the knot in the first city in
the world to embrace gay love. Getting hitched
in Copenhagen is as easy as can be. Same-sex
weddings officiated in English are offered at
Copenhagen City Hall and outdoors in the city’s
romantic Botanical Gardens. To register,
simply log on to the municipal website
www.kk.dk and select “English” and “marriage.” You
will be asked to scan a few documents, choose a
date and pay a small fee. Then comes the fun of
planning all the romantic details. Tivoli Gardens? A
designer boutique hotel? Copenhagen offers you
outstanding choice. So make yourself at home in a
city of love.
Cruise
Copenhagen
Gateway to the Baltic Sea and the
Norwegian Fjords
Considering a Baltic Sea cruise visiting great cities, such as Stockholm
and Saint Petersburg, or a cruise on the magnificent Norwegian
Rainbow
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fjords? Then start your holiday in Copenhagen – the gateway to
kayakers
right, it is also Europe’s top cruise port. Don’t just take our word for
Historic destinations
it: in 2012, Copenhagen was voted Europe’s Leading Cruise Port
Among Denmark’s many historic cruise
Most visitors to Copenhagen will notice that
at the World Travel Awards for the fifth time. In Copenhagen, you
destinations is the city of Aarhus, host of the 2013
the locals love to run, bicycle and kayak. And a
can expect a smooth cruise transfer, allowing you time to enjoy
Tall Ships Race (July 4-7), featuring vintage sailing
surprising number of kayakers are gay. “We’re a
the city and do a little shopping. Most cruise liners are moored by
ships from around the world. Other destinations
kayak club with people from all walks of life; gay,
Copenhagen’s waterside promenade only a few minutes walk from
include the northern city of Aalborg, which will
straight, everyone is welcome,” says Jens Jørgen
the Little Mermaid and close to other major attractions. Bus tours
open a new waterfront concert hall in the coming
Madsen. “From my dockland home I can look
and canal tours offer you a chance to do a little sightseeing. And in
months; Elsinore, home of Hamlet’s castle and a
straight down on the passing kayakers, so naturally
2013, Copenhagen opens a new cruise wharf to welcome even more
new maritime museum; the romantic seaside town
I wanted to try it out. It’s such a great thing to live
visitors.
of Skagen; Rønne on the Baltic island of Bornholm;
in a city where you can just hop on a bike or hop
Summer isn’t the only time of year you can cruise to Copenhagen –
and the historic towns of Nyborg, Kalundborg and
into your kayak and go.”
how about a Christmas call?
Korsør.
Scandinavia. Not only is the city an inspiring destination in its own
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Denmark is
Cooking
The Danes have rediscovered their culinary roots and let
their gastronomy go wild!
Have you ever tasted beef from free-range cattle that roam the salty marshes
of the Danish west coast? Or a dessert made with wild sea-buckthorn and herbs
fresh from Danish woods? In Denmark the emergence of New Nordic Cuisine has
changed the way many people think – not only about food, but also about nature.
You may have heard of Noma – a Copenhagen restaurant rated as the “World’s
Best” by leading international culinary writers and chefs for several years running.
René Redzepi, the restaurant’s executive chef, even made it to the cover of Time
Magazine in 2012 under the heading “Locavore Hero.”
Copenhagen’s top eateries
The New Nordic Cuisine movement has inspired a new generation of Danes to
rediscover their culinary roots and develop a taste for nature’s bounty. Today, the
Danish capital is one of Europe’s leading gourmet destinations – a place with plenty
of surprises. Not only is there a Michelin-rated restaurant at one of the world’s
oldest amusement parks, Tivoli Gardens, there’s a top-rated restaurant at the city’s
national soccer stadium. And Anita Klemensen, Denmark’s first female chef to earn
a Michelin star, welcomes diners to her two cottage restaurants under the oaks
north of the city.
One of the great Danish culinary classics is the open-faced sandwich, Smørrebrød
- usually a slice of rye bread topped with cold cuts, cheese or seafood. With subtle
new approaches, leading sandwich chef Adam Aamann has transformed this
lunchtime favorite into a creative gastronomic experience.
Seaside sensations
Summer cuisine?
“Danish summer food tastes and feels like a
wonderful sunny day. Organic rooster served with
pickled cucumber salad, rhubarb compote, gravy
and freshly dug potatoes with parsley, followed by
sweet strawberries topped with rich dairy cream.
. . That’s redolent of summer – with a light and
heavenly taste!”
Chef Mette Gassner of Ti Trin Ned, a leading restaurant in
the town of Fredericia.
www.titrinned.dk
There are many good reasons to visit Denmark’s seaside, and some of them are
especially tasty. Gourmet dining is part of the experience at classic seaside spots
such as Ruths Hotel in the town of Skagen and Henne Kirkeby Kro on the west coast
of Denmark, a thatched inn that crafts its cuisine using homegrown produce.
And long before it opened its popular Copenhagen eateries, restaurant Kadeau, in
a converted old wooden beach house on the Baltic island of Bornholm, was widely
known for its New Nordic-style cuisine made with island bounty.
Restaurant Noma
www.noma.dk
Restaurant Geranium
www.geranium.dk
Den Røde Cottage
www.cottagerne.dk
cured, dried, and salted our food for the winter to
conserve the crispness of summer. My dishes seek
to retain the freshness of winter vegetables, such
as beetroot, but I also try to reflect the mood of the
Ruths Hotel
season, such as with my new potato dish, which
www.ruths-hotel.dk
is made with fallen leaves to give it a mossy, wet
Henne Kirkeby Kro
woodland sensation.”
Restaurant Kadeau
www.kadeau.dk
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“For thousands of years, we Danes have pickled,
Seaside
www.hennekirkebykro.dk
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Winter cuisine?
Executive Chef Allan Poulsen of Copenhagen’s Michelinstarred Nimb Louise restaurant, located in Tivoli Gardens.
www.nimb.dk
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Chairs designed by Arne Jacobsen, produced by Fritz Hansen
Visit a land
designed for
people
Super Danish
Playful and popular design
Sleek, functional, cool – to many people the
image of Scandinavian design is one of clarity and
contemplation. In recent years some of the great
classics of Danish mid-century furniture design
by names such as Poul Kjærholm, Arne Jacobsen
www.visitdenmark.com/en-us/design
and Hans J. Wegner have enjoyed a renaissance
that reflects a newfound appreciation for
craftsmanship and accomplished form.
Now, a new generation of young Danish designers
M/S Maritime Museum
of Denmark
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is emerging who have a more playful approach
to design and an inclusive social agenda. One
example is Bjarke Ingels, whose BIG architectural
practice has designed award-winning housing in
Denmark by
design
wood-crafted furniture.
On the grounds of the Ordrupgaard art museum,
The new M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark,
Copenhagen’s new Ørestad district – even a project
designed by the BIG architectural firm, opens June
with a public walkway running to the top of a
29, 2013, right next to the UNESCO World Heritage
multi-story housing complex. Working with artists
site of Kronborg Castle in Helsingør. Submerged
and the local community in the Nørrebro district,
below ground beside an old dry dock, the new
BIG has also developed Superkilen, a new global
museum will spotlight Denmark’s maritime
park featuring park furniture and objects from the
heritage from the 15th century until today – from
57 different nations represented in the multi-
A hallowed hall of Danish design located in rolling
classical decorative art also features permanent
tattoos to rum barrels. Nearby is Helsingør’s new
ethnic neighborhood.
hills near the town of Kolding, the Trapholt
collections of 20th-century Danish design.
culture center and a stainless steel sculpture
Museum of Modern Art and Design is home to
Also located in the Danish capital, the Danish
of a “merman,” inspired by Copenhagen’s Little
Denmark’s largest collection of Danish mid-century
Architecture Center showcases exhibitions on
Mermaid. www.visitnordsjaelland.com
chair designs. Until April 14, 2013, the museum
sustainability and contemporary architecture.
www.mfs.dk
will feature an exhibition of contemporary Danish
www.visitcopenhagen.dk
Where to go and what to see
you can also visit the private home of one of
Denmark’s great designers, Finn Juhl. His playful
1950s furniture designs have, in recent years,
been “rediscovered” worldwide.
Copenhagen is home to the Designmuseum
Danmark, which in addition to its collections of
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Skagen
- seaside
romance
A narrow, sandy peninsula with classic fishermen’s
cottages nestled among the heather dunes –
the very tip of Denmark is a romantic getaway
destination. For centuries the sea winds have
shifted the sands, burying villages and towns. Just
south of the town of Skagen you find a sandengulfed church with only the steeple protruding.
Farther down the coast there is a mighty migrating
sand dune, Råbjerg Mile. And to the north, two
seas – Skagerrak and Kattegat – converge in a
rippling current.
The fishing town of Skagen is known for its
seafood – local specialities that you can enjoy at
classic seaside hotels and harborside eateries in
the old wooden fishermen’s huts. In 2013, Skagen
celebrates its 600th anniversary as a merchant
town with a wide range of activities, from open-air
concerts to market days. Ever imagined taking a jog
through a Nordic desert? Then how about joining
the Råbjerg Mile Marathon (May 19, 2013)!
www.lysetsland.dk
The Skagen
Painters
The shimmering sea and Skagen’s blue reflected
light drew a colony of Scandinavian artists to
the town in the late 19th century. Their Realist
paintings of the rugged life of fishermen and of
romantic beachscapes bathed in magical light can
be viewed at the Skagen Museum. Among the
artists was the German-born Marie Krøyer, whose
tempestuous marriage to Norwegian-born artist
Peter Severin Krøyer was portrayed in the recent
Danish movie ‘The Passion of Marie’.
www.skagensmuseum.dk
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The drifting sands of Råbjerg Mile, the old town of Skagen (Højen) and a seafood restaurant by Skagen harbour.
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Hop on a
bike!
Bicycling is a great way to experience Denmark, whether you’re
A bicycle vacation lets
you get close to nature
– the salty air, the wild
hedgerows and the
rolling woodlands
Get close to
nature – go
cycling in
Denmark
exploring small islands, the coastline and seashore or rambling
woodlands. There are 11 national bicycle routes crisscrossing the
country and covering more than 2600 miles of bicycle-friendly country
lanes. Plus, there are regional bicycle routes that let you pedal through
lovely towns and villages and across a landscape of remarkable natural
beauty. To cover long distances with ease, you can bring your bicycle
on the train and then take short bike trips from any destination you
choose.
The East Coast – woodlands and rolling hills
Winding along the east coast of Jutland, the bicycle route goes from
Sønderborg in the south all the way to Skagen at the “top” of Denmark.
The stretch south of Aarhus takes you past woodlands, rolling hills and
small archipelagos – and through all the major coastal towns. North
of Aarhus, the coastal route passes the Mols Bjerge National Park and
winds along the quiet lanes and designated bike routes of Djursland.
There are hostels, vacation homes and campsites en route. If you’re not
afraid of hills, head into Mols Bjerge National Park for sweeping views,
old manors and peaceful pastures.
www.visitdenmark.com/en-us/cycling
The west coast – wild and windswept
When the professional cyclists of Giro d’Italia headed out on the first
stage of the 2012 race, they started in Denmark. One of the official
routes covered the 18 miles sandy spit off Ringkøbing Fjord, a windswept
narrow stretch with sea on both sides. This wild and rugged route is part
of the North Sea bicycle route, which stretches from the Danish-German
border to Skagen. But don’t rush through like the racers do. Take your
time and spend the night in a vacation home, or at a hostel or campsite,
enjoying the open expanses of the lagoon and river estuary.
Copenhagen-Berlin
North Jutland
www.visitvest.dk
www.lysetsland.dk
For a combo of cycling vacation and city adventure, the 390 miles
Copenhagen-Berlin Cycle Route might be just the right challenge. But if
that distance sounds a little daunting, you can opt for just the seaside
stretch in Denmark. Crossing the island of Falster takes you to the island
Denmark’s national parks
www.danmarksnationalparker.dk
of Møn with its tree-capped white cliffs and heritage attractions, such as
Nyord, one of Denmark’ best preserved thatched villages. Although Møn
East Denmark and Lolland-Falster
is connected to the archipelago by bridge, you might prefer to take your
www.visiteastdenmark.com
bike on one of the small vintage ferryboats that crisscross the waters
www.visitlolland-falster.com
from one island to another. Along the Zealand coast you’ll discover the
Top: Cottage in the village of Sønderho on the island of Fanø (Wadden Sea National Park). Bottom left: Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse engulfted in drifting sand dunes
Berlin-Copenhagen
old church of Højerup, teetering on the edge of the rugged coastal cliffs
(west coast). Bottom right: The island of Møn
www.bike-berlin-copenhagen.com
of Stevns.
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Palace in the heart of Copenhagen. On New Year’s
Audioguide
in English
A NORDIC FAIRYTALE
FREDERIksbORg
CAsTLE
Day, they ride through town in a 270-year-old
golden state coach escorted by Royal Horse
Guards. You can visit the royal stables with the
Queen’s twenty horses and her many state
coaches at Christiansborg Palace.
The
crown
prince and princess
The sporting spirit of a royal couple
Just an hour from Copenhagen is Frederiksborg
Open all days
www.dnm.dk
Castle, a picture-postcard attraction with
Balancing work with family life is a challenge for most people – even
manicured Renaissance gardens and woodland
those who happen to be a prince or princess. Officially residing in the
lakes. Today, the castle features national portrait
Frederik VIII wing of Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, Denmark’s
collections. Another easy day trip by train from
Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary are raising a family
Copenhagen is Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO
while also fulfilling their many official duties.
World Heritage site and resting place of twenty
Their eldest child, Prince Christian, age 7, attends a regular public
Danish kings and seventeen queens. In Helsingør,
school, while Princess Isabella, age 6, and the twins, Princess
along the coast north of the city, you’ll find the
Josephine and Prince Vincent, age 2, still have a lot of energy to burn
400-year-old Kronborg Castle, the inspiration
before their school days. Indeed, physical exercise also helps the
for Elsinore in Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’. The castle,
Crown Prince and Princess generate the energy needed to stay on
bristling with cannons, is also a UNESCO World
top of a busy schedule.
Heritage site. Each summer a Shakespeare festival
Crown Prince Frederik is an avid yachtsman and has run the
is held featuring international stars.
Copenhagen Marathon more than once. Crown Princess Mary, who is
www.visitnordsjaelland.com
originally from Tasmania, is a former competitive swimmer and took
part in the 2012 “Round the Parliament” swim through the canals of
2 Dine like a prince
Copenhagen.
Southern Jutland also offers royal attractions,
including the UNESCO World Heritage site Jelling
Monuments – Viking rune stones erected 1,000
Royal
years ago by Denmark’s first kings, Gorm the
Old and Harald Bluetooth. Less than an hour’s
drive south is Koldinghus, a former royal fortress
Denmark
Ancient palaces, Viking rune stones and Renaissance gardens
perched above the town of Kolding. Ravaged by
fire, the fortress has been turned into an arts and
heritage center. Two hours further south is the
village of Møgeltønder and the country home of
the Queen’s younger son, Prince Joachim, and his
family. Among the thatched cottages is the village
inn, co-owned by the Prince. Here guests enjoy
local gourmet cuisine. If you are lucky, you’ll dine
1
2
A kingdom for more than 1,000 years, the Danish monarchy is among
like royalty at the Prince’s table with the crown-
the world’s oldest and among the most accessible, offering visitors a
shaped candleholder.
chance to enjoy royal experiences close up and firsthand.
www.visitsydvestjylland.com
1 Pageantry and history
The Queen of Denmark, Margrethe II, has many homes. She and the
Prince Consort spend much of the summer at Fredensborg Palace
north of Copenhagen – that’s when the royal couple are not touring
the nation on board the royal yacht. In July, visitors to Fredensborg
enjoy a unique chance to visit the Queen’s private vegetable
gardens, complete with hothouses and herb borders. From the small
boathouse inn you can also take tours of the castle lake, Esrum Sø.
During winter, the royal couple resides at the rococo Amalienborg
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Opposite page:
Fredensborg Palace.
Top right: The Jelling
Monuments. Bottom right:
Kronborg Castle
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Viking
for a day
Sail and feast like a Viking!
ships were uncovered – including the world’s
longest, a 121-feet longship with a 16-feet bow
that originally took 78 oarsmen to sail. Once such
mighty seafaring ships crossed the Atlantic Ocean,
sailing as far as Canada and Greenland where
Vikings made their home. But this particular ship
Raging warriors, Viking food and living crafts – in
Denmark there are many ways to experience
hands-on what life was like in the Viking Age.
Close to the town of Roskilde, in an area known
as the cradle of Viking culture, you find the Land
of Legends with reconstructed settlements from
is believed to be a warship built in Oslo during the
the Iron Age to the Viking Age. Here families can
reign of Cnut the Great (995-1035AD), a Danish
even spend their holidays living, working and
king who also ruled England and territories in
eating like in prehistoric times. And just 60 miles
Norway and Sweden.
south of Copenhagen you find the Trelleborg
Ring Fortress, which features the vestiges of
A Viking experience
a giant Viking stockade and a reconstructed
Painstaking conservation methods have been
Viking longhouse. Here a Viking festival is held
employed to prepare the world’s longest Viking
July 13-21, 2013. For more family fun you can
Ship for exhibition – the 25 percent of it that has
survived 1,000 years under water. For 17 long
years the almost sponge-like wood has soaked
in a solution of polyethylene glycol to restore
the original cellulose molecules – before being
freeze-dried to remove the remaining 40 percent
water. In July 2013, the ship will on public display
also visit the annual Viking Moot by Moesgaard
Beach south of Aarhus, complete with battle
re-enactments and Viking barbecues (July 2728). On the way you can visit the Viking Museum
at Ladby, which showcases a Viking ship once
buried with its captain, a chieftain, along with his
horses, hounds and other worldly belongings.
as part of a major Viking exhibition at the National
Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen. After it closes
in November, the exhibition will travel to London
Land of
Vikings
The world’s longest Viking ship – ready to
conquer the world
learn about the ancient Vikings – their beliefs,
The Roskilde Viking Ship Museum
www.vikingeskibsmuseet.dk
crafts and seafaring ventures, not only as swordwielding conquerors but also as tradesmen. But
The Land of Legends
for a more hands-on experience of clinker-built
www.sagnlandet.dk
Viking ships, you can also head to the museum
harbor at the Roskilde Viking Ship Museum where
the world’s longest Viking Ship was found. Here
Something amazing happened in 1996 when the Roskilde Viking Ship Museum
on reconstructed Viking ships, whose scent is
built a new museum boatyard where marine archaeologists and craftspeople would
surprisingly pleasant – a subtle whiff of almost
reconstruct clinker-built Viking ships using original methods and freshly cut oak.
sandalwood fragrances from the rigging of wool,
The waterside Viking Ship Museum was originally conceived to house five seafaring
horsehair, linden bark and leather and the ship’s
Viking warships excavated from the seabed beside the historic town of Roskilde – a
coating of natural pine resin tar.
royal town and Denmark’s former capital.
And then, of course, there is the silence of the sea
As excavation near the museum began, no fewer than nine 1,000-year-old Viking
– as the sails pick up the wind.
DENMARK 2013
www.natmus.dk
The Viking exhibition offers a unique chance to
you can join daily sailing trips in the Roskilde inlet
24
The National Museum of Denmark
and Berlin.
Discover
the Viking in
you – in Denmark
The Viking Museum at Ladby
www.vikingemuseetladby.dk
www.visitdenmark.com/en-us/denmark-vikings
DENMARK 2013
25
In Hans
Christian
Andersen’s
footsteps
The life of a fairytale writer
‘The Snow Queen’ and ‘The Little Mermaid’ are
stories that most people know from Disney
cartoons and toyshop merchandise. But the
modern versions of these tales came from the
stories of Denmark’s legendary fairytale writer,
Hans Christian Andersen. Born into poverty in the
town of Odense, the storyteller’s life famously
echoed his tale of “The Ugly Duckling” who grew
up to become a beautiful swan. His rags-to-riches
life is portrayed at two museums in his hometown
where you’ll also find the Tinderbox children’s
storytelling center. Small riverboats take you down
the city’s meandering stream to the Funen Village
open-air museum where the age of Hans Christian
Andersen has been recreated, complete with
authentic historic farms, a windmill and a watermill
relocated brick by brick from across the island.
This year, Odense launches a new Hans Christian
Andersen Festival to coincide with the city’s Flower
Cemetery
Festival (August 14-17, 2013).
turned urban
park
www.visitodense.com
www.visitfyn.com
DENMARK 2013
Kierkegaard
The father of angst
One of Copenhagen’s most inspired spots of
Scorn and ridicule – that’s what Denmark’s
greenery is a cemetery – the final resting place of
famous philosopher fell victim to in his own day
great poets and thinkers, such as Hans Christian
and age. “Søren Sok” (Søren Sock) was one of his
The Little Mermaid
Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard, as well as
nicknames, referring to his unusual trouser length.
great jazz legends such as Kenny Drew and Ben
Theatrical and unforgivingly sarcastic, the famous Dane was
Apart from a short trip to the 2010 Shanghai
Webster, who made Copenhagen their home.
nonetheless the father of the philosophical concept of angst and became
EXPO, the Little Mermaid statue has sat on her
Steeped in history and buzzing with red squirrels,
the early architect of Existentialism. Writing under a legion of pseudonyms,
stone by the Copenhagen harbor promenade
the cemetery (Assistens Kirkegård) in the heart of
his authorship reflected his own “Stages on Life’s Way,” as he dissected the
for 100 years. Created by sculptor Edvard
the city’s Nørrebro neighborhood is also a popular
conditionality of the human condition. His ideas, his anxieties and his quirks
Eriksen, who drew inspiration from Hans
urban park where people picnic and play Frisbee
have fascinated generations. A small collection of his belongings is exhibited
Christian Andersen’s famous tale and used
among the tombstones.
at the Museum of Copenhagen, which along with the rest of the nation
his wife, Eline, as a model, the Little Mermaid
celebrates the bicentennial of the birth of this passionate thinker in 2013.
statue has become the symbol of the city. On
www.copenhagen.dk
August 23 she celebrates her 100 birthday.
www.goldendays.dk
th
26
Søren
DENMARK 2013
27
Copenhagen and Odense
www.visitcopenhagen.com
www.visitodense.com
Aalborg and Skagen
www.visitaalborg.dk
www.toppenafdanmark.dk
Ribe
www.visitribe.dk
www.petersjuliribe.dk
www.visitdenmark.com/
denmark/christmas-denmark
Magical
Christmas
2
1
3
1
The most wonderful time of
the year! Christmas starts early
in Denmark and gives you a
unique scarf-snuggling chance to
experience that cuddly, candlelit
winter feeling the Danes call
“Hygge.”
Christmas in Denmark starts in mid-November when Tivoli Gardens
carriages that take you around town – experience Christmas of yore at
in Copenhagen opens for the season with the most magical winter
the Old Town Open-Air Museum in Aarhus. The city itself is known for
wonderland and in historic towns and ancient castles there are
its design stores and boutique shopping. Located between Aarhus and
Christmas markets with fun for the family.
the city of Aalborg, the old cathedral town of Viborg welcomes visitors
to Christmas street parades. The old city square in Aalborg also hosts a
1 Copenhagen and Odense
With classic seaside hotels, fishing towns and windswept beaches the
Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen opens for the season with a winter
seaside region north of Aalborg is a welcoming winter retreat. Here you
wonderland of fairground fun, boutiques, market stalls and
can also visit Voergaard Castle where one weekend in December the
entertainment for the family. The gardens have their own children’s
rooms are decorated with seasonal floral displays.
parade band and even their own symphony orchestra. December 2630, Tivoli Gardens hosts a festive fireworks festival.
Honey cakes, Santa parades and yuletide of old – Denmark’s southern
locations near the city, such as Gavnø Castle and Gisselfeld Abbey,
borderland to Germany offers great experiences. Fly into Billund Airport
featuring hundreds of stalls, carol singing and activities for children.
and you’ll be close to all the action. In November, the town of Tønder
About an hour by train from Copenhagen, the town of Odense hosts
hosts Santa parades. Throughout November and December, there
a Christmas market in honor of the city’s famous son, fairytale writer
are markets, street entertainment, processions and music in the old
Hans Christian Andersen.
cathedral town of Ribe. Market events with family entertainment are
held at Tirsbæk Manor and Sønderskov Castle, and Christiansfeld, a
Homemade cookies from wood-fired kitchens and horse-drawn
DENMARK 2013
3 Ribe and South Jutland
Also in November, you can visit other Christmas markets at historic
2 Aalborg and North Jutland
28
yuletide market.
One of the world’s oldest and most magical amusement parks,
town that has changed little since Renaissance days, is famed for its
Christmas honey cakes.
DENMARK 2013
29
Faroe Islands
1 North Jutland
The white cliffs of Møn. Many sandy
summer weather is changeable, breezy and with low
Wide-open sandy beaches, mighty
beaches. Historic towns include
humidity. Evenings are often a little cool. There are
migrating sand dunes, heather heaths
Roskilde and Kalundborg. See pages 21,
warm spells of +30°C/86°F.
and seaside towns and fishing villages,
24-25.
Average temperatures:
including Skagen. The main city is
www.visiteastdenmark.com
January: 0°C/32°F
Aalborg. See pages 13, 15, 18-19, 21, 29.
May: 10.8°C/51.4°F
www.lysetsland.dk
August: 21°C/70°F
www.visitaalborg.com
Currency
6 Copenhagen
2 Central Jutland
New Nordic Cuisine and modern design.
100 øre.
west coast. Forests and lakes around
See pages 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12, 15, 16-
the town of Silkeborg. Rolling hills and
17, 22-23, 24, 26-27, 29.
woods along the east coast. Historic
www.visitcopenhagen.com
Copenhagen, Aalborg, Aarhus (Tirstrup), Billund
(Legoland), Odense and Rønne (Bornholm). Metro and
Airport to downtown Copenhagen in just 10 minutes.
Geography
Denmark is a Scandinavian country and member of the
European Union. The total area is 43,000 km2 (26,7oo
sq. miles). The population is 5.5 million. Greenland and
the Faroe Islands are part of the Kingdom of Denmark
but enjoy extensive home rule.
Language
The official language is Danish. English is widely
The main city is Aarhus. See pages 13,
21, 25. www.visitvest.dk
Royal castles, manors and palaces,
www.visitaarhus.com
woodlands, lakes and seaside towns
0
0
10
5
20
10
30
15
40 km
20 miles
Aalborg
å
en
Gr erg
rb
Va
with classic hotels. Contemporary
3 South Jutland
art museums. Historic towns include
Open marshlands and tidal flatlands
Elsinore with Hamlet’s Castle. See
to the west. Here you find the historic
pages 13, 16-17, 22-23.
town of Ribe. LEGOLAND is located in
www.visitnordsjaelland.com
2
east where you find the historic towns
8 Bornholm
Tax-Free shopping
www.visitsydvestjylland.dk
woodlands. Bornholm is known for its
Travelers residing in non-European Union countries
www.visitvejle.dk
arts and crafts. See pages 15.
www.visitkolding.dk
www.bornholm.info
gør
Helsin
borg
g
Helsin
Copenhagen
JUTLAND
historic seaside towns, sandy beach,
ZWEDEN
Aarhus
7
the region. Rolling farmlands to the
pages 15, 17, 21, 22-23, 29.
Time zone
Denmark
1
Andere wegen
7 North Zealand
of Vejle, Kolding and Sønderborg. See
are eligible for VAT refunds on purchases in Denmark.
avn
iksh
der
rg
ebo
Göt
towns include Ebeltoft and Viborg.
Rocky, bicycle-friendly islands with
spoken.
Veerdienst
Luchthaven
Fre
en
ag
nh
pe
lo
Co
Os
airport rail shuttle links take you from Copenhagen
Greenland Spoorweg
Primaire route
Secundaire route
liveable city famous for its bicycles,
Wide-open sandy beaches along the
DENEMARKEN
Europaroute
The capital of Denmark with historic
The currency is the Danish Krone (DKK), subdivided by
Danish Airports
Hirtshal
s
Stavange
r
and contemporary attractions. An open,
November: 4.7°C/42.8°F
Hir
tsh
a
ist
ian ls
sa
nd
Kr
Oslo
Denmark has a mild and temperate climate. The
The Kingdom of
Denmark also
comprises the Faroe
Islands and Greenland.
Frederikshavn
Climate
Denmark’s
tourism regions
Hirtshals
Larvik
Pratical
information
6
3
Odense
SKÅNE
SEELAND
5
Esbjerg
Harwich
4
FUNEN
Rø
nn
Yst e
ad
Rønne
Køge
8
www.visitsonderborg.dk
Denmark is in the Central European Time Zone and is
Denmark Magazine 2013
Published by: VisitDenmark, Copenhagen 2012
ahead of Pacific Standard Time.
The Funen Archipelago with green
Denmark observes Daylight Savings Time.
islands and rolling farmlands. Many
Tourist visa
historic harbour towns including
Print: Mediagraf S.p.A.
There are no tourist visa requirements for U.S. and
Nyborg and Fåborg. The main city is
Nicolai Perjesi, Ty Stange, Niclas Jessen, Kim Wyon,
Canadian nationals staying less than 90 days.
Odense, hometown of Hans Christian
Other nationals should consult their local Danish
Andersen. See pages 26-27, 29.
Egeskov, Anne-Mie Dreves, Jens Markus Lindhe, Iwan
embassy for further information.
www.visitfyn.dk
Turistbureau, Tobias Toyberg, Pia Enghild, Hansen Ole
Voltage
www.visitsydfyn.dk
Madsen, Thomas Nykrog, Michael Damsgaard, Holger
The domestic electrical current in Denmark is
www.visitodense.dk
Alsing, Christian Geisnæs, Claus Randrup, Lennard
pole Euro-plugs (CEE 7/4/ CEE7/7). Intercontinental
travelers may require adapters.
30
DENMARK 2013
Executive editors: VisitDenmark
Graphic design: Xedum
Photography:
Royal Copenhagen, Nimb, Republic of Fritz Hansen, One
Collection, HAY store, the National Museum of Denmark,
DUITSLAND
Rønne
Swinoujscie
Content developed by: CopenhagenEditors.com
r
Gedse
ck
Rosto
220-230VAC/50Hz. Sockets support standard two-
R
Sa ønn
ss
e
ni
tz
4 Funen
Rø
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Pu byha
ttg
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en
6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and 9 hours
Baan, Cees van Roeden, Ditte Isager, Stine Avnbøl, Ribe
Leue, Nicolai Godvin, Bjarne Bergius Hermansen, Christian
Nielsen, Bent Næsby, Denmark Media Center, Copenhagen
Media Center, CopenhagenEditors.com
5 East Denmark
An archipelago with rolling farmlands.
Visit Denmark accepts no liability for printing errors.
All information is subject to change.
DENMARK 2013
31
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