Denmark Travel Guide E-Book

Captivating Travels

• Herausgeber: Captivating Travels
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 173

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Escape to the Vikings' land as you explore the magical sights and sounds of Denmark!  Have you ever wanted to visit Denmark– but don't know where to begin? Looking for more than just a list of popular tourist spots in Denmark? Imagine cycling the tourist routes surrounded by nature, eating amazing Danish cuisine, and visiting museums and castles overflowing with culture and history!   This book is not just a list of popular tourist attractions in Denmark; it's your one-way ticket right to the heart of everything that makes Denmark such a memorable destination.   Here's a sneak peek at what awaits inside:  - Culture and History  - Get to know Denmark, including its culture and history.  - Airport ins and Outs  - Learn how to navigate to and from Denmark's airports, including the main ones, Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup (CPH), and all the small ones from where you can get to diverse regions.  - Copenhagen's Wonder  - Gain a comprehensive insight into Copenhagen's rich history and get to know its districts.  - All Around Hovedstaden  - Learn to navigate Hovedstaden, also known as Denmark's Capital Region.  - A Journey through Zealand  - Explore the beautiful region of Zealand through a general overview of its history and importance to Danish culture.  - Exploring  Midtjylland  - Take a journey through Midtjylland, or Central Jutland, and its districts — moving from dense forests and heathlands to bustling urban centers.  - Syddanmark  Heritage  - Take a peek into Syddanmark, Denmark's southernmost region's rich culture and heritage.  - A Peek into   Nordjylland  - Explore the municipalities of Nordjylland, the northernmost region of Jutland.  - The Perfect Programs  - Gain access to thematic or traveler-oriented itineraries and programs across Denmark.  - The Language of the Danes  - Learn useful survival phrases in Danish and learn when to use them.  Whether you are visiting Denmark for the first time or are a frequent visitor looking for new spots, this is your perfect companion. Pack your bags and grab your passports – we're headed to Denmark! So what are you waiting for?  Click on the "Add to Cart" button now and fully immerse yourself in the Danish way of life.

Leseprobe

​Denmark Travel Guide

Captivating Adventures through Must-See Places, Local Culture, Danish Landmarks, Hidden Gems, and More

Table of Contents

Title Page

Denmark Travel Guide

Introduction

Chapter 1: Get to Know Denmark

Chapter 2: To and From the Airport

Chapter 3: Copenhagen and Its Districts

Chapter 4: Hovedstaden

Chapter 5: Sjælland (Zealand)

Chapter 6: Midtjylland

Chapter 7: Syddanmark

Chapter 8: Nordjylland

Chapter 9: Itineraries and Programs

Bonus Chapter: Useful Survival Phrases

Appendix

Conclusion

References

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​Introduction

Enjoy your captivating journey through Denmark’s fairy-tale landscapes and dynamic cities with this meticulously curated travel guide. Whether you’re dipping your toes into international travel for the first time or you’re a seasoned explorer, this guide is your golden ticket to an unforgettable Danish adventure. Designed with an effortless flair, this guide can be your plan to explore the Nordic gem that is Denmark. From the iconic landmarks of Copenhagen to the breathtaking wonders of Jutland, every page will lead you to a new region to explore. It doesn’t just spoon-feed information but crafts an experience, ensuring you savor every moment of your Danish escapade, make the most of your time, and enjoy what you love.

The map below shows the areas covered in this book. The numbers indicate the chapter numbers.

The guide’s user-friendly design caters to keen planners and spontaneous wanderers alike. Its language is kept simple yet includes everything you may want to know, making it a delightful companion for every type of traveler. For those making their inaugural entry into Denmark, this guide is a sage, offering a seamless introduction to the country’s culture, traditions, customs, and vibrant etiquette.

Within these pages, you’ll discover the best ways to explore the magic of Denmark and everything related to the region. It will include the main attractions to visit, transportation routes, and various experiences you cannot miss. You’ll also be provided information regarding accommodation and food, so you already have an overview of the region’s delicacies and accommodation when staying for longer periods. Consider this guide your seasoned travel confidant, ensuring your journey through Denmark is as smooth and enjoyable as a leisurely bike ride along Copenhagen’s cobblestone streets.

What sets this guide leagues apart is not merely its encyclopedic coverage but its unwavering dedication to uncovering the authentic heartbeat of Denmark. Beyond the tourist troves, it ventures into hidden alcoves and local sanctuaries, capturing the true essence of the country. From cozy corner cafes dishing out delectable pastries to off-the-beaten-path attractions steeped in history, this guide ensures you dance to the rhythm of Denmark’s beating heart.

Adding an extra layer of allure, the guide goes beyond typical recommendations. It peeks into the magic of local events, vibrant festivals, and seasonal highlights, ensuring you’re not just a spectator but an active participant in Denmark’s cultural kaleidoscope. As a cherry on this Danish sundae, this guide includes practical advice on sustainable and eco-friendly travel options. Aligning with Denmark’s commitment to environmental consciousness, it lets you explore the country responsibly, leaving nothing but footprints and taking home beautiful memories.

Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a nature lover, or a history nerd, this Denmark travel guide promises to be your knowledgeable companion. Immerse yourself in the spellbinding magic of Denmark, and let this guide be the maestro orchestrating your traveling endeavors.

Chapter 1: Get to Know Denmark

Denmark may remind kids about LEGOs, whereas adults may start savoring Danish pastry in their mind’s eye. However, the country is about much more than just toys and desserts. Denmark has a lot to explore, from the magical Tivoli Gardens to the rich Viking culture, the colorful architecture, and the “hygge” way of life. Then there are the people themselves, warm and friendly and, at the same time, frank and straightforward.

Did you know it is one of the happiest countries in the world? Its 1,400+ islands are pristine, and its salty licorice candy is to die for. You may often find more bikers on the streets than vehicles or even pedestrians. And contrary to popular belief, you will find more Danes munching on carrots than pastries. Before diving into its additional eccentricities, it’s important to understand the basic geography of Denmark.

Denmark is a large landmass (Jutland) in Northern Europe, surrounded by a vast collection of smaller islands.

No machine-readable author provided. Per Palmkvist Knudsen assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 2.5 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5>, via Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dannebrog.jpg

​Geographical Location and Regions

Denmark is a large landmass (Jutland) in Northern Europe, surrounded by a vast collection of smaller islands. It is a Scandinavian country with Viking roots. Strangely, its capital isn’t located on the mainland peninsula. Copenhagen, the country’s capital and most populous city, is situated in a far corner of the island of Zealand. It is the largest of the islands surrounding Jutland and is a popular tourist destination.

Germany flanks the country to the south, Sweden to the east, and Norway northward. It shares a land border with Germany and maritime borders with Sweden and Norway. Interestingly, nearly half the distance from Sweden to Denmark can be covered over the Øresund Bridge by car or train. It runs for around five miles from the Swedish coast to Peberholm, an artificial island in Denmark.

Peberholm is just one of the 1,419 named islands that are a part of the country. The Kingdom of Denmark is larger. It includes Greenland and the Faroe Islands, raising the total island count to a little more than 1400. Of these, only around 78 islands have human settlements, making the rest excellent spots for those looking to have an adventure.

Vast rolling plains define the terrain of metropolitan Denmark without any steep upward inclines. Mountains are nowhere to be found in Denmark. The highest terrestrial point is Møllehøj, a small hill on the central part of Jutland, no more than 561 feet high. It is said that you’re never too far from the coast in the country. Even if you are standing at the center of its largest landmass, Jutland, the coast will only be an hour’s drive away.

The largest of all Denmark’s islands is Zealand. It also contains the highest population in the country. Other relatively large islands include Funen and Amager. One island stands apart from the rest, literally. Bornholm is located beyond Sweden’s southern tip to the far east. Still, it is part of Denmark. The country’s northernmost area is called the Skagen Point, and the Gedser Point marks its southernmost tip. The westernmost point lies in Jutland itself, named Blåvandshuk. The Blåvand Lighthouse near the coast marks the tip.

Denmark used to be 24 counties, but in 2007 five primary regions were established - the North Denmark Region, Central Denmark Region, the Region of Southern Denmark, Region Zealand, and the Capital Region of Denmark. Greenland and the Faroe Islands are self-governed, but they send two representatives each during Denmark's parliament meetings.

​Climate

Denmark’s climate is rarely extreme.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Climate_chart_of_Copenhagen.svg

Denmark’s climate is rarely extreme. It falls in the temperate regions, so its climate is certainly bearable. A little over 34℉ in winter and anywhere between 60-65℉ in the summer, it’s like a warm vacation destination for other Scandinavians up north. However, rain can be expected throughout the year, with the wettest seasons being the summer and fall. Daylight varies greatly in the country because a major part of it is in the north. Sometimes, it may last for 18 hours and, at other times, for no more than 6-7 hours.

​The Founding of Denmark

Unlike America, Denmark wasn’t discovered out of the blue. People in Europe probably knew of its existence, but they didn’t begin migrating to the region until after the Ice Age (circa 10,000 BCE). They exploited the untouched land of plenty for close to 7000 years, after which farming was introduced to the region. The Bronze Age may have come a little late to the region because they initially used stone farming tools.

Back then, people had simply settled in the region, making it their own. They began trading with the Romans sometime during the Iron Age. However, Denmark didn’t emerge as a kingdom until the 8th century, when the age of Vikings began, and the region’s name was coined.

​Background History

The 7th century was the age of great progress for the Danish. The first townlike settlement in the region, Ribe, was founded in 700 CE. The classic Danevirke defense, a series of defensive fortifications, reached its peak in 737 CE. New runes that would go on to define the Viking era, Younger Futhark, were first developed early in the 7th century. However, Denmark’s true transformation didn’t arise until the 8th century, when the Vikings in the region started raiding many parts of Europe.

The raiders eventually settled in England and France, setting up small kingdoms called Danelaw and Normandy. Sweyn Forkbeard is the best-known king of Denmark because he also presided over Norway, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and some parts of Sweden and England.

Apart from raiding every town their ships could take them to, including many places in Russia and North America, the Vikings were also known to trade wherever they settled. Their reign over many parts of Europe, Asia, and North America lasted for over 250 years. By 1066, all the Scandinavian countries, including Denmark, were Christianized, thus marking the end of the Viking era and the absorption of their culture into European Christianity.

Internal strife between Scandinavians continued, especially between Denmark and Sweden. The countries saw an age of relative peace in 1397 with the Kalmar Union when Queen Margrethe ruled over Denmark, Sweden, and Norway (along with other small Scandinavian territories). It didn’t last long, however, with Sweden breaking the Union as its battles with Denmark escalated. This led to the scattered Danish regions that are so apparent today, with Skane, Halland, and Blekinge won by the Swedes.

The defeat hurt the Danes so much that absolute monarchy reigned for a few good years after. Until the 1700s, the system worked wonders for progressing the various aspects of Danish civilization. However, when they tried to extend their power over Germany, the resulting battles eventually led to a defeat in 1864. They had to relinquish their hold on three of their duchies, but the defeat of the Germans in World War I later helped them bring a part of Schleswig back into the fold. A small number of Germans reside in that region to this day, and both the German and Danish governments support them.

Denmark remained neutral throughout World War I, and they also intended to repeat that feat in WWII. Unfortunately, when the Germans invaded their territory in 1940, they were forced to resist and fight with the Allied troops. The country became increasingly prosperous post-WWII, mostly thanks to its furniture and agricultural exports. Later, it became a part of the European Union (EU) and helped found the United Nations (UN).

​Relations with Other Scandinavian Countries

Scandinavian countries technically refer to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, but Finland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands are often included in the nomenclature.

User: Rowanwindwhistler, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Swedish_Empire_Map-hu.svg

Scandinavian countries technically refer to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, but Finland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands are often included in the nomenclature. Over the past centuries, the shared history, culture, and language have defined Scandinavia, especially its common Viking heritage. However, these countries haven’t always worked together. Notably, the animosity between them after their Christianism and the independence of Sweden from the Kalmar Union stands out.

In 1814, Sweden and Norway were successfully brought under a single monarch again, but the union ended in less than a hundred years. Today, their shared legacies have made Denmark, Norway, and Sweden among the strongest countries in Europe, with Iceland and Finland often basking in their glory. Their welfare systems are top-notch, and the “Nordic model” comprises economic and social policies for which other countries can only aim.

​The Danes in General

Typically, every Dane differs from the other, but many can be generalized owing to their culture and traditions.

Hygge

When Danes are the topic of discussion, you cannot help but start off with “hygge.” In simple words, it is the act of hanging out together in a cozy, positive atmosphere that brings out a feeling of contentment among the people. The concept may seem strange to people from other countries, but it is part of why Denmark is consistently ranked among the top three in the World Happiness Report.

Essentially, hygge is about taking a break with the family from the fast-paced life of modern times. It could be anything from sipping a hot cup of coffee together to snuggling in bed with a good book. If they are away from their family, they make sure to relax all by themselves, taking time out of their schedule to improve their own well-being.

Trustworthiness

Another quality that may contribute to Danish happiness is their trusting nature. Danes are able to trust each other with their lives if the need arises. Unless someone gives them a reason for distrust, they are quick to trust people on the first meeting. The wonders of this trust can be especially seen among people holding positions of power. The citizens trust their government officials to serve the country, and the latter do everything in their power to not break that trust. Indeed, it is one of the least corrupt countries in the world.

Birthday Cakes for Themselves

In most other parts of the world, friends and family bring the cake for someone’s birthday. In Denmark, however, the person whose birthday it is brings the cake for everyone else. It probably has something to do with their happiness index. They feel like spreading the cheer to stay cheerful on their birthday.

The New Year Jumps

If you spend the New Year in Denmark, don’t be surprised if people start jumping off chairs around you when the clock strikes the midnight hour. They believe that jumping into the New Year will bring them good luck. Not doing so will bring bad luck instead. Either way, it’s so much fun to greet the New Year with a jump!

The Rush to Marry Before Turning 25

Danes usually marry before turning 25, but not always because they have found the perfect partner. If they are single on their 25th birthday, their friends will make them stand in the middle of the street and throw cinnamon powder at them. It’s just one of their quirky traditions - nothing personal!

Kissing the Newlyweds

Marrying a Dane? You won’t be the only one kissing your spouse on the wedding day. Soon after you leave their side, many of the guests will flock to get a kiss. Take heart in the fact that you, too, will be kissed by the guests in turn.

​Culture and Cuisine

While hygge forms an important part of Danish culture, it doesn’t incorporate all of it. It is a land where the architecture is often similar to what is described in fairy tales. In fact, the prolific author of popular tales like “The Little Mermaid” and “The Ugly Duckling,” Hans Christian Andersen, hails from Denmark. It is recognized for its philosophy with the likes of Søren Kierkegaard and Piet Hein.

Movies have been made and lauded in the country (and beyond) for generations. Classics such as “Ordet (1955)” and “Vampyr (1932)” made the Danish filmmaker Carl Theodor Dreyer one of the greatest of all time. Academics marvel at its rich contributions to physics and astronomy. The brilliant theories of Niels Bohr and Tycho Brahe are part of the academic curriculum to this day. And who could forget distinguished artists like Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg and Bertel Thorvaldsen?

Danish theater’s origins can be traced as far back as the early 1700s when Ludvig Holberg began making satirical comedies. Since then, many geniuses have been in the field, from Adam Oehlenschläger, who focused on romanticism, to Astrid Saalbach, who recently won the Nordic Drama Award. The Danes aren’t too far behind in music, either. Carl Nielsen made waves in the world music industry with his six trademark symphonies, and the Copenhagen Jazz Festival is world-famous today.

Probably the most prominent modern-day cultural transformation of Denmark came when it became the first country to grant legal representation of same-sex marriages in 1989. The Copenhagen Pride Parade is an annual event famous all over the world! Also, the World Outgames (involving gay sportspersons) was hosted in Copenhagen in 2009.

Cuisine

Most Danes prefer to have an open sandwich for lunch.

Nillerdk, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sm%C3%B8rrebr%C3%B8d_4.jpg

Contrary to popular belief, traditional Danish cuisine doesn’t feature any pastries. In fact, the Danish pastry didn’t originate in Denmark. The recipe was brought to the country by Austrian bakers sometime in 1850. The most popular dessert in Denmark is served during Christmas. It is called æbleskiver, an oval-shaped delicacy fried in butter, sometimes with pieces of apple in the center.

Most Danes prefer to have an open sandwich for lunch. This smørrebrød is essentially a sandwich with a single slice of bread. The ingredients are added as toppings, making it an open sandwich. A full meal often consists of seafood like, followed by fried pork pieces called stegt flæsk, accompanied by meatballs or roasted beef. To wash it down, they usually have beer or schnapps (a shot of alcohol).

In the evening, it’s much the same, with hot dishes including pot roast and pork chops, but recently, steaks have also become popular.

​Popular Sports

The sports scene in Denmark is vastly different from the United States. It’s more in sync with European sports culture. Football (soccer) is the most played sport in the country. They may have played competitively for nearly a century but rose to prominence in the 1980s. That was when the “Danish Dynamite” football team made a lasting impact on the national stage. Apart from gathering a cult following, they probably also inspired the Danes to win the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) championship, the biggest football tournament in Europe, in 1992.

Denmark’s national handball team (men) since 2002 is considered the best to arise from Europe since the dawn of the sport. They won the gold medal in the Rio Olympics of 2016, along with five more medals in European championships over the course of a decade. Motorcycle speedway is another sport where Denmark has gained world recognition by winning the Speedway World Cup in 2006 and 2008. Danish Rugby is one of the oldest sports in the country. It has been played since the 1930s, and their Rugby Union was established in 1950.

The Danish have always been good at lawn tennis, but they didn’t win a Grand Slam Championship until Caroline Wozniacki won the Australian Open in 2018. Since the Danes are never too far from the coast, they have dabbled in various water and beach sports, including kayaking and canoeing.