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Denmark is part of Scandinavia, located north of Europe but in easy reach from central Europe due to its geographical location on the continent. Like many Scandinavian countries, Denmark is a cosmopolitan and modern society with a proud history going back to the Viking Age, making it a fascinating holiday destination in Northern Europe.
Although it is often overlooked by tourists going to the major EU capitals, Denmark's rolling countryside and gleaming cities have much to offer holidaymakers.
Mainland Denmark is located on the Jutland Peninsula, with 482 islands including Zealand, Fyn, and Bornholm in the Baltic Sea making up the rest. The landscape is a patchwork of dairy farms, small towns, fishing villages, and verdant countryside, while gleaming cities like Copenhagen and Århus maintain an effortlessly chic style with Michelin-starred restaurants, buzzing nightlife, and world-class shopping.
Denmark's long history is evident in the 18th-century settlements, thousand-year-old churches, and Neolithic tombs scattered around the country; remnants of Viking settlements can be found in coastal towns like Roskilde. Denmark is often cited as one of the happiest countries in the world according to surveys, and it's easy to see why when you look at the clean streets, efficient public transport systems, and progressive social policies. For visitors, this relaxed, organised, and friendly attitude is just one aspect of a pleasant holiday in Denmark.
Getting there is easy by train or bus when travelling from nearby cities or doing a tour within the region.
The national airline is Scandinavian Airlines, which has its largest hub at the country's capital, Copenhagen. From here it's easy to fly from many European, American and Asian destinations. Travelling from within Europe it's also possible to reach the country with many low cost airlines which fly direct to either the capital or other secondary cities.
Airlines such as Easyjet, Ryanair or Norwegian are worth checking if you are coming direct from Europe for the cheaper fares.
It's also possible to reach Copenhagen by ship, this being a slower option. But if you like the sea and have time to spare you can travel from Germany. You can get a ferry from Rostock to Gedser, Puttgarden to Rodby or List to Havneby.
By road it offers easy option from Germany or from Sweden. The roads and motorways are secure, well developed and the traffic is always fluid so renting a car is a good idea when visiting in Denmark and travel around the country.
Denmark has a continental climate which changes from Summer to Winter quite drastically. Summer's are rather warm, with temperatures reaching easily 25C or higher. However the rest of the year, it can be quite wet and cold. Denmark has one the highest volume of rainfall in the continent, so it's definitely advised taking an umbrella. Winter's are cold, on occasion frozen with snow and cold winds from the North being quite common. Temperatures can reach -5 in January.
The best time to discover the country is from May to September, though July and August are high season and everything can be more expensive and crowded.
Given its location, it is not surprising that fish forms an important part of Danish cuisine. Around a dozen restaurants in Denmark, hold Michelin star or 'rising star' status. Most towns have fast food outlets, and sausage (pølser) stalls also offering soft drinks and beer.
Specialities in Denmark are: Smørrebrød, a traditional lunchtime Danish dish, consisting of a slice of dark bread with butter, topped with sliced meat, fish or cheese. Danish breakfast, or "morgen-complet", consists of an assortment of breads, rolls, jam and cheese, often sliced meats, boiled eggs and warm Danish pastries.
As for drinks, Scandinavian coffee is usually drunk strong and black. Beer, famous breweries being Carlsberg and Tuborg. Most popular is pilsner (lager).
Akvavit, popularly known as schnapps, is meant to be drunk with cold food or at Christmas, preferably with a beer chaser. It is served ice cold.
Denmark is a beautiful country with pretty architecture, rich history, low landscape and a calm way of life in its cities. Making it ideal to walk around and everywhere is easy to reach. Transportation is very reliable and punctual, easy to use, understand and follow, so even if you get lost people are very friendly, helpful and speak English fluently. It was a relaxing experience to visit the capital, many visitors coming just for a weekend which is just right but travelling around the country for even more peace and quiet is recommended.
