Why go to Denmark? The southernmost of the Scandinavian countries is not necessarily the most popular destination in the Nordic countries. Wrongly, because Denmark is a magnificent gateway for tourism to Scandinavia. Visiting Denmark requires taking your time, living to the rhythm of the Danes and appreciating their sense of hospitality.
Why go to Denmark? Wild nature!
Denmark, or Kingdom of Denmark to be exact, is the smallest country of the 4 that make up Scandinavia: Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark therefore. False ! Or almost, since, with the Faroe Islands and Greenland, two Danish autonomous regions, Denmark becomes 13th largest country in the world and largest in the EU ! However, its small population, a quarter of which live in Copenhagen, undoubtedly ranks Denmark in these countries with immense and uninhabited landscapes: another good reason to visit Denmark.
A superb coastline ...
The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen
Quite logically, it is at Copenhagen airport that the majority of international flights land. The Danish capital is a great way to start your trip to Denmark anyway. since it has many unusual neighborhoods or sites of interest. We can mention the Christianshavn canal, on which it is possible to take a boat trip, the Nationalmuseet museum and the main symbol of the city: the Little Mermaid. This statue, located on a rock in the port of Copenhagen, is a representation of the eponymous character, taken from Andersen's tale and subsequently adapted for cinema by Walt Disney.
The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen
Christiana, the free municipality of Denmark
Copenhagen also has a very special district called Christiana. It is about a "free commune", a self-managed district founded in 1971 by a group of squatters, unemployed and hippies. One of a kind, Christiana has its own currency, a very strong identity and an architecture different from the rest of the Danish capital. That reason alone should answer the question “why go to Denmark”, right?
Emblem of Copenhagen: the bicycle!
Question of purchase, the Lego has the coast
When it comes to purchasing, one of the symbols of Danish commerce is of course the Lego®. This construction toy has enjoyed international success since its inception in 1932. So why not take advantage of a trip to Denmark to take a tour of the toy stores in Copenhagen and treat yourself to a few unseen Lego boxes that are sure to be all the rage the following Christmas!
Walk in Viking country
Outside of Copenhagen, Denmark's most visited region is North Sealand. In this land that once belonged to the Vikings, wide open spaces and water are masters. Now is the perfect time to visit Roskild and its Viking Ship Museum, Klampenborg Deer Park or the charming market town of Fredensborg where the summer apartments of the Danish royal family are housed, led by Queen Margreth II. Depending on how much time you have to visit Denmark, Jutland, the part of the country attached to the European continent, is a territory worth a visit.
A cruise between the fjords and the islands
Finally, in a country which is bathed on all sides by the sea, the Baltic and the North Sea, a cruise to discover the islands or the fjords is an essential point of passage ! Two places in Denmark are suitable: the Funen Islands and Sealand. The Fionennes are located in the heart of the country, between Jutland in the west and the main island, Sjælland, in the east, which notably hosts Copenhagen.
Fjord in denmark
Cheap hotels ... on the Internet
The only downside to this picture for the idyllic moment, Denmark is a country where life is quite expensive, especially with regard to accommodation. Finding a hotel in Denmark can be expensive, unless you don't do it at the last minute. In fact, by booking a hotel over the Internet a few weeks before departure, it is possible to find inexpensive rooms, even in Copenhagen where hotel prices are very high.
Dining in Denmark
These high prices also apply to food. However, there is no question of avoiding restaurants, since they offer a very original and typical cuisine. For lunch, the national dish is smørrebrød - no need to try to pronounce it! These are slices of buttered rye bread topped with herring, smoked meats or lump eggs.
When it comes to sweets, Danes are crazy about wienerbrød, pastries made with puff pastry, marzipan, cinnamon, cardamom ... And to top it all off, restaurants in Denmark of course offer the two Danish national drinks: beer and aquavit.
Pratical information
- Saint-Martin Tourist Office : visit the official website of the Danish tourist office
- Passport and Visa : for nationals of the European Union, a passport or an identity card is sufficient to enter Danish territory.
- Money and Change : the Danish currency is the crown (Dk).
Transport
- Getting to Denmark : Copenhagen receives most of the international flights. Its airport is located on the outskirts of the city, shuttles and taxis then connect to the center of Copenhagen.
- Move : With often long distances between different regions, renting a car can be a very good solution. Even if it is a bit expensive, a vehicle allows you to be free of your movements and to enjoy every moment of your trip to Denmark.
