Denmark

Denmark is often referred to as a country of happiness and liveability and the Danes are often ranked amongst the world’s happiest people. It encompasses the Jutland Peninsula and several islands to canals, lakes and sandy beaches for those warmer summer months. Everything is easily accessible by cycling around and between the cities. A true nature lovers retreat, tranquillity, lively culture and sustainable living all brought together with its royal history, beautiful scenery and architecture across all eras.

Its capital Copenhagen is home to both Renaissance and Baroque Royal Palaces and Castles and the colourful and vibrant Nyhavn Harbour. Copenhagen has a long list of museums and art galleries dating back to the Golden Age as well as the contemporary art of the Vikings, Tivoli Amusement Park and the iconic statue of the Little Mermaid. It is overflowing with a plethora of cafés, shops and some of the best restaurants in the whole of Scandinavia.

Situated on the island of Funen, Odense if the third largest city in Denmark. This is the birthplace of the famous Hans Christian Andersen the writer of many fairytales. Pop in to the Museum or walk the cobbled street in the centre of Odense to the tiny yellow house where he was born in 1805. You can even take a photo with the Hans Christian Andersen statue in the Fairytale Garden. Another highlight close by is the beautiful Egeskov Castle, a great destination to visit.

Aarhus is an extremely attractive place to visit with its iconic harbour, the Dokk 1 Cultural Centre and ARoS Aarhus Art Museum with its dazzling rooftop sculpture. The Iceberg is also a must see in the new Aarhus Ø district. No visit is complete without walking through the Old Town Open-Air Museum with its centuries old timbered houses. The underground Viking Museum explores local history and close by is the Aarhus Cathedral with its restored 14th and 16th Century Frescoes. Another area to take some stunning photos is the cobbled street of Møllestien with its colourful buildings. Aarhus is also the starting point to venture further afield to the unspoiled beaches, national parks and the summer home of Denmark’s Queen Marguerite. If the Queen is at home, you can watch the changing of the guards every day at noon, however if she is not you can explore the Castle’s beautiful rose gardens. Close by is the very photogenic Den Uendelige Bro (Infinite Bridge).

Aalborg is a city in the Jutland region of Denmark; it has a colourful and unique atmosphere, mixing the old cobbled streets with the new. Easy to get around some of the major places to visit are the giant street murals or the crooked houses dating back to the 1600’s. Take a wander down Hjelmerstald or visit Jens Bang’s House built in 1624. Other sites to visit while here include the Aalborg Zoo, House of Music and the 16th Century half-timbered Aalborghus Castle. Lastly a visit to Cloud City an entirely new cultural district built around a distillery, which is famous for the Aalborg Akvavit.

Denmark also has a love affair with food and a love of beer that goes back through the ages. From the Smørrebrød, a delicious open faced sandwich with fish and seafood, egg and cold cuts of meat and cheese to the plethora of Michelin starred restaurants and the new Nordic cuisine. The reality is there is something for everyone with some of the most regional and fresh ingredients on offer.