Visit Denmark – Five Reasons Why You Should
Denmark is most known for being the birthplace of the popular children’s toy, Lego, and master storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. However, Denmark has much more to offer like the following, which are all great reasons to visit Denmark.
1. The Happiest Country in the World
Among its many accolades and awards, Denmark has earned the distinction for being the happiest plcae on earth, and you’ll find this easy to understand once you visit Denmark. In its capital city, Copenhagen, alone, you will find Danes smiling while shopping along Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, having a family picnic in the Tivoli Gardens or simply enjoying a carefree stroll in the gardens of the Amalienborg Palace, particularly during the country’s seemingly endless summer days. Even in winter when the sun rarely shines, recreational activities abound, while there are festivals scattered throughout the year, like the three-day Carnival of Copenhagen, the equally colorful Aalborg Carnival, the Odense International Days of Blues and the Holmsboe Festival in Horsens. Indeed, if you were a Dane, you would be happy, too.
2. Christiana
One of the most interesting places in Denmark is Freetown Christiana, a neighborhood in Copenhagen infamous for its own liberated set of rules. Here, you will find anarchism rampant, the hippie movement more alive than ever, yoga as the most popular pastime, a limited number of private cars allowed, a thriving Gay House and both academics and jobless people taking sanctuary – which makes it a completely different world of its own. You can even find hash and skunk weed openly sold in many shops along Pusher Street, although this is something Denmark is trying to ratify.
3. Danish Design
Danish design is known throughout the world for its trendy combination of sophistication and simplicity, as evident in its furniture, crafts and architecture. Indeed, you will see many cafes and coffee bars in Denmark which appear like effortless works of art. You can even spend the night in the world’s first designer hotel – the SAS Royal Hotel, which exudes style to the very smallest details. To learn more about Danish design, drop by the Danish Design Centre or the Danish Museum of Art and Design or learn about specific Danish crafts at the Museum for International Contemporary Glass and the Museum for International Ceramic Art.
4. Danish Food
Smorrebrod or open-faced sandwiches may be the trademark of Danish cuisine, but there are many other excellent traditional dishes for you to enjoy, like beef hash, roast duck and Millionbof (tiny pieces of beef with gravy on mashed potatoes or pasta), as well as new and innovative dishes – both of which you can sample in restaurants all over the country, particularly the Michelin-starred ones like Formel B and Restaurant Herman. You will also find specialties in each region like pan-fried plaice with wild berries in Skagen and Gudhjemmadyppa (bacon and codfish with sweet and sour sauce) in Bornholm.
As for drinks, Danish beer tops the charts, particularly the pilsner type or those that are hand-brewed, although you will also find Mead, bitters and fruit wines in various pubs and restaurants in Denmark. During the Christmas season, Glogg or hot punch takes over the reins, though, and is the perfect drink to accompany the Julekofrost or Christmas feast.
5. Zoos, Parks and Other Children’s Attractions
Do you want to bring your children with you when you visit Denmark? By all means, do so, since there are definitely plenty of fun opportunities for children of all ages that await them. These include zoos like the Copenhagen Zoo, Odense Zoo and Aalborg Zoo where they can learn more about wild animals like elephants, giant turtles and chimpanzees, and even get to interact with them. They can also learn about the cultural heritage of Denmark by visiting the Viking Ship Museum, the Hans Christian Andersen Museum and the J.F. Willumsen’s Junior Museum or see toys from all over the world at the Skuldelev Toy Museum.
Regardless of their age or interest, kids are also sure to love spending a day at Bon Bon Land and the original Legoland in Billund so take your children there when you visit Denmark. There are also many playgrounds in parks throughout the country, like those in Remiseparken, Valbyparken and Faelledparken, while the Selso Castle offers a treasure hunt for those who want to explore.
Isabella Olsen is a writer for various travel magazines who has been to global tourist destinations like Denmark. To book your Denmark car rental or learn more about cheap car hire worldwide, visit Zencarhire.com.
