The world's second oldest amusement park, Tivoli is beloved of foreigners and Danes alike. Situated in the heart of the city, it's famed for its antique wooden roller coaster, but there are several other rides on offer as well as various venues, theatres and concert houses which host performances throughout the season. Whether you come here to enjoy the beautiful gardens or experience forces of up to 4G on the giant centrifuge Aquila, a visit here is a Denmark travel 2015 must-do.
DENMARK
TRAVEL IN DENMARK
There's a lot to like about Denmark – and not just the fact that it was once home to Europe’s most feared invaders, the Danish Vikings. This is a place whose inhabitants are regularly described as the happiest people in the world, and whose capital city, Copenhagen, routinely tops the lists of world's most livable cities. Overall, this is one of the most welcoming societies on earth, famed for its laidback attitude to life and warm welcome for visitors. Oh, and the food isn’t bad either.
FAST FACTS
- Language: Danish
- Currency: Danish krone
- Electricity: 230v
- Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Denmark.
- Dialing Code: +45
- Time Zone: (GMT+01:00)
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Friendly, modern and progressive, Denmark is a country with a lot to offer. Read on for our Denmark travel picks.
TAKE IT EASY IN TIVOLI GARDENS
MARVEL AT FREDERIKSBORG SLOT
Located over three small islets in a lake in the small town of Hillerød, this Renaissance palace is the largest of its kind in Scandinavia. Originally built in the early 17th century as a residence for King Christian IV, it's one of the most magnificent buildings in Denmark. Take in its stunning architecture and stroll through its beautiful Baroque gardens, rounding off your visit with a trip to The Museum of National History.
LET LOOSE IN LEGOLAND
Get ready to embrace your inner child with a visit to Legoland Denmark, the global epicentre for all things LEGO. Since it opened in 1968, this 45-acre amusement park has been one of the biggest attractions in Denmark. Expect with LEGO replicas of famous landmarks from around the world and enough rollercoasters and water-rides to amuse even the most demanding of thrillseekers. Altogether now ‘Everything is AWESOME!’
CHILL OUT IN CHRISTIANIA
Since it was founded in 1971 the commune of Christiania has been a shining beacon for liberals and free-thinkers from around the world. Today, it occupies a former abandoned military camp in Copenhagen, and is now one of the biggest Copenhagen attractions, with its own shops, venues, eateries and even its own flag. Take a guided tour, or just show up for a drink and a chat with the locals. Anything goes here.
TAKE A DIP
As you might expect from a nation of seafarers, the Danes like to get in the water, and Islands Brygge Havnebadet is one of the best places to do it. Situated in the harbour in central Copenhagen, this outdoor swimming complex is the city's favourite. It has two kids' pools, two 50m lap pools and diving boards of various heights, as well as plenty of space to stretch out and relax in the summer sun. It's one of the most essential things to do in Copenhagen, so don’t forget your cozzy.
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TOP FESTIVALS IN DENMARK
The Danish festival scene is alive and kicking, and whatever your taste you can be sure there's an event to tickle your fancy. These are our pick of the best Danish festivals.
ROSKILDE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Roskilde is the largest and most famous Danish music festival, and also one of the biggest music festivals in Europe. Expect a genre-spanning blend of artists from the well known to the cutting edge, with big name international headliners.
AARHUS FESTIVAL
Founded in 1965, this wide-ranging cultural shindig is now an Aarhus institution. For 10-days each year, the city becomes a European hub of visual arts, theatre, music, literature and gastronomy, featuring local, national and international artists.
SKANDERBORG FESTIVAL
Better known as Smukfest, this festival is the second largest in the country after Roskilde. Its tagline is Danmarks Smukkeste Festival ('Denmark's most beautiful festival') and offers a varied lineup of rock, pop, heavy metal, electronica and folk from local Danish stars to big name international acts.
STRØM FESTIVAL
Copenhagen – Denmark's premier electronic music festival brings together a selection of the most progressive names in the genre from all over the world, with a program of free concerts and masterclasses held at various venues across the city.
COPENHAGEN COOKING
One of Europe's largest food festivals, Copenhagen Cooking is a Mecca for foodies around the world. Held over a 10-day period in August, it's a celebration of Nordic and Danish cooking culture. Events range from workshops to gourmet dinners, with everything in between.
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TOP MUSEUMS IN DENMARK
Denmark's museums and galleries are varied and numerous, meaning there's plenty of places to get your cultural fix. Here's our pick of the best.
MOESGAARD MUSEUM, AARHUS
ethnography showcases some incredible archaeological finds from Denmark's ancient past. Highlights include several incredibly well preserved people from the Bronze Age as well as Grauballe Man, the world's best-preserved bog-body who was a local here around 5000 years ago.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF DENMARK, COPENHAGEN
Denmark’s largest museum of cultural history is housed in The Prince’s Palace, a splendid 18th century mansion. It showcases 14,000 years of Danish history, from the Ice Age through the Viking Age right up to the present day.
ARKEN MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, ISHØJ
An outstanding feat of contemporary architecture, the Guggenheim museum is built alongside the Nervion River in Bilbao and houses some spectacular pieces of modern and contemporary art.
HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN MUSEUM, ODENSE
Step into the fairytale world of Denmark's best-loved author with a trip to this museum, located in his childhood home in Odense. Here you'll get a fascinating glimpse into the life and the character of the man who gave the world such timeless fables as The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling and The Emperor's New Clothes.
DANISH MUSEUM OF ART & DESIGN, COPENHAGEN
Denmark's premier museum of design is based within a former 18th century hospital. It features an impressive collection of decorative crafts and industrial design dating from the Middle Ages to the present day, including works by legendary Danish designer Kaare Klint.
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FOOD IN DENMARK
Once the culinary laughing stock of Europe, and now the home of New Nordic Cuisine and Michelin starred restaurants like NOMA, Denmark has undergone quite the culinary upheaval in recent years. High-quality local produce is the name of the game here, with chefs making use of lesser-known and underused ingredients alongside traditional processes like marinating, smoking and salting.
You can almost guarantee that meat, fish and cheese will pop up on the average Danish menu, as will dark rugbrød (Danish rye bread), a much-loved staple that makes up the backbone of every good smørrebrød.
Here's our top 5 pick of delectable Danish dishes
You can almost guarantee that meat, fish and cheese will pop up on the average Danish menu, as will dark rugbrød (Danish rye bread), a much-loved staple that makes up the backbone of every good smørrebrød.
Here's our top 5 pick of delectable Danish dishes
SMØRREBRØD
This classic Danish open sandwich comes in endless varieties, but classic toppings include leverpostej (liverpaste) and røget ål med rørægsmoked (smoked eel with scrambled eggs).
Best eaten at –Schønnemann, Hauser Plads 16, 1127 København K
Best eaten at –Schønnemann, Hauser Plads 16, 1127 København K
PØLSEVOGN
Denmark has a love affair with the hotdog, and you'll see pølsevogn (hotdog stands) on street corners throughout the country. Try the classic topping combo of pickled cucumber, crispy onions, mustard, ketchup and sweet mayonnaise.
Best eaten at –DØP Pølsevogn, Købmagergade 52, 1150 København K
Best eaten at –DØP Pølsevogn, Købmagergade 52, 1150 København K
STEGT FLÆSK
This traditional dish of fried fatty pork strips is served with potatoes, parsley sauce and red beets. It's hugely popular throughout the country – a real Denmark travel 2016 must-do!
Best eaten at –Restaurant Klubben, Enghavevej 4-6, 1674 København V
Best eaten at –Restaurant Klubben, Enghavevej 4-6, 1674 København V
WIENERBRØD
Funnily enough, the Danes don't refer to their pastries as 'Danish'. Here, it's wienerbrød ('Viennese bread'), and there’s a huge variety to choose from. Try the classic spandauer, a flaky pastry filled with almond paste and topped with custard or raspberry jam.
Best eaten at –Lagkagehuset, Strøget, Frederiksberggade 21, 1459 København K
FLØDEBOLLER
Flødeboller (loosely, 'cream balls') are chocolate covered marshmallow treats, often with marzipan or liquorice, and Denmark just can't get enough of them. These indulgent delights pair perfectly with an afternoon cup of coffee.
Best eaten at – Simply Chocolate, Østergade 52, 1001 København K
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WHAT TO PACK
A scarf - The weather in Copenhagen in December can be viciously cold. Keep warm and blend in with the locals as you go!
An adapter plug - Denmark uses the European standard 2-pin plug. Bring a transformer if you want to use appliances that run on USA voltage.
A copy of Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales - What better place to read the classic fairytales than the country where they were written?
Swimming goggles - It'd be a shame to come to Copenhagen without a dip in the Islands Brygge Havnebadet outdoor swimming pool.
An umbrella - Denmark weather is unpredictable, even in summer. Pack a brolly.
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