Overview: Best known for its large dogs and Viking warriors, Denmark is a
small, prosperous and highly functional kingdom in northern Europe
that is often overlooked by travellers on their 'grand tour',
although it has one of the highest standards of living in the world
and plenty of charming experiences to offer visitors. It is almost totally surrounded by water, consisting as it does
of the Jutland Peninsula and 482 islands. Its only land border is
with Germany. The country's capital city, lovely and lively
Copenhagen, occupies the biggest of the offshore islands. With all
the water it is not surprising that Denmark is very reliant on
shipping and fishing; the country also has an important
agricultural sector, though, and is famed in particular for its
dairy products. Lovers of butter and cheese will enjoy a taste of
Denmark! Denmark boasts small green farms, blue lakes and white coastal
beaches, the rural areas sprinkled with thatched cottages, castles
and windmills across a gentle landscape which lends itself well to
cycle touring. The cities are modern and bustling, but an air of
medieval charm has been preserved in old sections of colourful
buildings and cobblestone streets. The country boasts 280 museums,
most of the important ones in Copenhagen, as well as the Viking
Ship Museum in Roskilde that is devoted to honouring Denmark's bold
ancient mariners. Other special attractions include the annual summer music
festival in Roskilde, which is one of the largest in Europe; the
Tivoli Gardens amusement park which has entertained crowds in
Copenhagen since 1843; and one of the world's longest bridges,
which spans 10 miles (16km), joining Denmark to Sweden. The country is compact with an excellent road and rail transport
system, and numerous ferry connections to the myriad offshore
islands. It all adds up to a very civilised destination, as sweet
and tempting as the rich, flaky pastry treats that the world has
come to know as the 'Danish'.
|