Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Five Great Reasons to Visit Denmark

By Isabella Olsen

Denmark is a Scandinavian country with a rich history and cultural heritage and a number of world-class attractions. If you want a clearer picture, though, here are the reasons why tourists visit Denmark - the very same reasons why you should, too.

1. The Happiest Nation on Earth

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. Freetown Christiana

If you want to see the other side of Denmark, there is no better place to go than Christiana, the anarchist district of Copenhagen. Although most famous (or infamous) for its Pusher Street, where drugs like hash and skunk weed are sold openly, Christiana's charm lies in its unique culture - its atmosphere heavy with the sentiments of the hippie movement, and progressive ideals. It is also a great place to go if you're a health buff, because of its yoga centres, organic markets and vegetarian restaurants.

3. Danish Design

Simple, stylish and functional - these are three words which best describe Danish design, which you will easily see and admire in architectural gems like the Danish Royal Library, fashion labels like Bang & Ofulsen, and furniture like the chairs in the rooms of the SAS Royal Hotel - the world's first designer hotel, or those displayed at the Danish Design Centre and the Danish Museum of Art and Design. Danish crafts, like glassware and ceramics, are known worldwide, too, and you can learn more about them when visiting Middelfart and Ebeltoft.

4. Gastronomy

Whether you love eating meat, seafood or vegetables, you're sure to find something to make your mouth water and sate your appetite when you visit Denmark. Meat dishes include roast pork and millionbof (tiny beef bits with gravy poured over pasta or mashed potatoes), though seafood dishes like cod, eel and herring are more popular. Vegetable salads are popular, too, most of which are made with organic vegetables, though not as popular as the Smorrebrod (pork, beef, fish or vegetables on rye bread topped with herbs) which you will find almost everywhere. For gourmet dining, reserve a table at one of Denmark's Michelin-starred restaurants like Formel B or Restaurant Herman.

For drinks, you will find Mead, the drink of the Vikings, in Danish pubs, as well as champagne and fruit wines served in Danish restaurants, although Denmark remains a beer country, with nearly a hundred micro breweries. Famous breweries include those in Herslev, Refsvindinge and Bogedal, where beer brewing is considered an art and done the traditional way - with human hands or old-fashioned technology - which make them worthy attractions when you visit Denmark. You will also find Glogg or hot punch all around during Christmas, which is best enjoyed with the roast goose or special rice porridge that comes with the Julefrokost or Christmas feast.

5. Fun for Children

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.

There are also many parks where you can take your children when you visit Denmark - both fun amusement parks like Bon Bon Land and the original Legoland in Billund - where all the exciting rides and everything else is made out of Lego blocks - and children's parks and playgrounds like Remiseparken, Valbyparken and Faelledparken. You can let your children participate in the treasure hunt at Selso Castle, too. In fact, there are endless options for fun for entire families in Denmark.

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