Travel and tourism

Denmark has an extensive and fertile landscape that varies a lot and this helps to make a journey through the countryside an experience in itself.

Unspoilt historic buildings and monuments characterise Denmark’s many small charming old towns. These towns are often situated by the sea, or adjacent to lakes, fjords and streams, and their location invites visitors to enjoy a sailing or canoe trip. Generally speaking activity holidays featuring for example, fishing, golf or other sports have become extremely popular.

The Tivoli Pleasure Gardens in Copenhagen, LEGOLAND in Jutland, magnificent castles and palaces, museums of an international standard, music and culture festivals, are just some of the world renowned attractions Denmark can offer.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is filled with attractions and is a very beautiful and relaxing city to visit in the summertime. Major attractions include the large number of castles, palaces, churches and royal buildings, many of which date back to the 17th century and testify to Denmark’s long and proud history

However, the entire old centre of the city is of great interest. The many old buildings are all very well preserved and form a charming and colourful pattern of streets and alleys worth spending half a day just walking. The old city is centred around “Strøget”, the pedestrian mall with exclusive stores and boutiques, restaurants and cafés, which links Kongens Nytorv (with the Royal Theatre and Nyhavn) and Town Hall Square.

The most famous historical sights are Amalienborg Palace (residence of the Danish Royal Family), Christiansborg (home of the Danish parliament), Børsen (the old stock exchange), and Rosenborg Castle in Kongens Have. However, one should not forget the rich cultural life of Copenhagen, with more than 50 museums, many theatres and a wide variety of bars, jazz clubs and discotheques. In summer numerous open air concerts are held in the parks and squares North of Copenhagen are many more beautiful palaces and royal summer residences.

The most famous castles are Kronborg in Elsinore and Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød. But the whole of north Zealand and the coast is well worth visiting. This area has splendid rolling farmlands, lakes, coastlines and old villages, which are Denmark’s main tourist attraction.

Aarhus

Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city is the country’s musical capital. Concert, dance and opera performances are given in the city’s Concert Hall, which also houses art galleries, restaurants and several smaller stages.

Music is also a central element of the annual Aarhus Festival Week in early September, but the emphasis is on variety with theatre, dance, jazz, sports and much more. A very lively week for all concerned.

But the probably most important tourist attraction of Aarhus is the home of the Old Town. About 75 16 th to 20 th century houses from all over Denmark beautifully set in an attractive park creates a magnificent environment of pre-historic Denmark. During the summer, special exhibitions and demonstrations of old crafts and activities takes place in the Old Town.

Odense

Odense is the third-largest city in Denmark, and is situated on the island of Funen. The fairy-tale author Hans Chr. Andersen and the composer Carl Nielsen was born in the immediate neighbourhood of the city, and both are commemorated with museums.

The Funen art museum is one of the best outside Copenhagen, and in the heart of the city an old textile factory has been converted into a cultural centre, with restaurants, shops, cinemas, an art gallery, a graphic museum and a museum of photographic art.

Funen is characterised by a beautiful landscape with beaches, quiet rivers, castles and manor houses. Excursions by car into the countryside are definitely recommendable.

Aalborg

Aalborg, the fourth-largest city, is an important trade centre of northern Denmark, and today it is one of the major industrial towns. The city is known for its atmosphere and nightlife, and Jomfru Ane Gade in the centre has Denmark’s longest unbroken row of restaurants and bars.

The North Jutland Art Museum (designed by Elissa and Alvar Aalto) has an important collection of 20 th century paintings and sculptures.

The historic museum has a collection based upon local history from the Stone Age up to today. In summer the west coast of Jutland is popular with tourists coming to enjoy the scenery, white beaches and beautiful landscape. The area has a large number of summer cottages and many visitors return there year after year to spend their holiday.