Denmark

For such a small country, Denmark has a significant history dating from the Vikings. For centuries it controlled much of Scandinavia and is, today, one of the cheaper destinations in the region. Legoland, pre-historic sites, Renaissance castles, cutting edge design and the unhurried atmosphere of Copenhagen are some of its drawcards.

Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, has a rich history as Scandanavia’s biggest city. From the sweeping Rådhuspladsen wander down the Strøget (ancient pedestrianised shopping mall) to discover the Latin Quarter, brimming with pedestrians, cafes and bookshops, as well as the Rundetårn – a 17th C observatory tower, Kultorvet plaza and 12th C Vor Frue Kirke. The colourful Nyhavn canal area (reminiscent of Amsterdam) is full of restaurants and bars, nearby is the Royal family’s modest Amalienborg Palace. Another former Royal residence is the Dutch Renaissance-styled Rosenborg Slot. Slotsholmen is seat of the government with the palatial Christiansborg Slot. Excellent museums include Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek and Nationalmuseet. Copenhagen is also famed for its magnificent Tivoli gardens, the world’s oldest amusement park, and overrated Little Mermaid statue on the waterfront near the fortifications of Kastellet. Christianshavn is a quieter adjacent suburb, pleasant to stroll around with its curious hippy community living at Christania.

Århus, on Jutland (attached to mainland Europe), is a busy commercial and cultural centre with a lively university and great entertainment scene to suit all tastes. Den Gamle By (Old Town) is delightful, with more than 75 timbered buildings purposely restored as an open-air museum, along with a windmill. The Århus Domkirke is a remarkable 12th C Romanesque chapel, and the stately Vor Frue Kirke even older. The Moesgård museum is also worth visiting.