10 Nights in Denmark

About the destination: A decade ago, visitors came to Copenhagen just for its canals, cobbled squares, charming streets and pastel painted houses. Now this city is most known for its innovative design, cutting edge architecture and its top-rated restaurants. This historic city of canals has become trendy, cosmopolitan and exciting, without losing its old charms. The fairytalelike port of Nyhavn, the city’s legendary waterfront, is the most traditional sight of Copenhagen, where visitors enjoy the cobbled streets and colorful houses that contrasts with Langelinje quay, where the city’s most famous attraction, The Little Mermaid, is located. Walking along the Langelinje quay, the modern opera house appears on the horizon bringing tourists back into the 21st century. Another of the city’s new waterfront landmarks is the Black Diamond entertainment complex, an additional reason to travel beyond the tiny tourist-focussed centre. The building itself is stunning and provides a unique opportunity to lounge in a deckchair overlooking the water. Two of the coolest areas of the city are Veesterbro and Norrebro, away from the herds of tourists. These vibrant neighbourhoods will allow the most adventurous travelers to mix with the locals and experience the buzzing atmosphere of places like the Norrebro Food Hall, a covered foodie market, or the Ralea, the restaurant where local chefs go to get food after work. Copenhagen’s coolest borough of trendy bars, design stores and eateries, where visitors can experience the culinary revolution the city has to offer, it's just a metro ride from the city centre. The less-travelled island neighbourhood of Christianshavn offers a tranquil glimpse of residential life and canal-side strolls. It’s also home to the “free town” of Christiana, a colourful alternative community built by hippies in the 1970s, which shines with galleries and cafés, and has its own, strict set of rules. Copenhagen is clean, safe and easy to get to know. It is also one of Europe’s greenest cities and its public transport would make New York green with envy. Its centre is reserved for pedestrians and strict anti-pollution laws enforced. It’s an environmentally idyllic spot with plenty of green space and bicycles often outnumber cars, so be careful of stepping out into bike lanes. Wander carefree to the world-famous Tivoli amusement park and the city’s delightful botanical garden, or take to the pavement cafés and restaurants in the summer alongside the locals. Whatever you decide to do in the Danish capital, whether you dig design and dine, or wander in wonder, Copenhagen will keep calling you back like a siren.

About the destination: Welcome to Elsinore, or as it is known in its native tongue, Helsingør, a jewel of Danish heritage nestled on the northeastern coast of Zealand. Rich in history and culture, Elsinore is a destination where the past meets the present, offering travelers a captivating experience steeped in Nordic charm. Begin your journey at the iconic Kronborg Castle, the very fortress that inspired William Shakespeare's "Hamlet." This UNESCO World Heritage site stands majestically on the point where the Danish straits are narrowest, having guarded the entrance to the Baltic Sea for centuries. As you explore the castle's grand halls and dark casemates, you'll be transported back to the Renaissance era. Throughout the year, Kronborg hosts a variety of cultural events, including the renowned Shakespeare Festival, where the Bard's plays come to life against the backdrop of the castle's imposing architecture. Stroll through the cobbled streets of Elsinore's old town to experience the city's vibrant history. The area around St. Olaf's Church, with its striking red bricks and impressive spire, is particularly picturesque. Enjoy the city's museums, including the Maritime Museum of Denmark, a modern architectural wonder that delves into the country's seafaring legacy. The museum itself is a sight to behold, ingeniously integrated into an old dry dock. After immersing yourself in the town's history and culture, take a moment to relax at one of Elsinore's cozy cafes or restaurants, sampling local Danish cuisine. The harbor area, with its mix of old warehouses and modern buildings, offers a scenic spot to enjoy a meal with views of the sea. If you're visiting during the summer months, you might encounter various festivals and outdoor concerts, adding a lively pulse to the serenity of this seaside town. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of the arts, or simply in search of a tranquil escape, Elsinore is a destination that promises an unforgettable journey.

About the destination: Aarhus is the cultural and student centre of Jutland and the second largest city of Denmark. It is also called Denmark's youngest city because every fifth of its inhabitants is a student at one of the city’s 25 educational and research institutions. The city has a huge waterfront and therefore has a big and beautiful harbour. Aarhus offers an elegant mix of cosmopolitan city and quaint small town charm, with wonderful pubs, restaurants and romantic places. The delightful Gamble By, the old town, is a unique cultural history museum with more than 60 original buildings from the 16th through the 19th centuries arranged into a believable village. Want to behold eternity? Don’t miss the expression on the face of Grauballemanden, who was sacrificed and cast into a tarpit two millennia ago; his current residence is the Moesgard Museum. When you are finished with the museum, head to the Prehistoric Trackway, an open-air museum of re-created prehistoric settings that lead through the Moesgard behind the museum all the way down to the excellent sand beach. Aarhus Domkirke dominates the city’s skyline. Its tower measuring 96 meters is the tallest in Denmark. Århus Teater is the town's architectural pride and joy. Designed in art nouveau style, it opened in 1900 and has been the venue for many critically acclaimed productions. Aarhus is loaded with student bars and cafes. Music, art and cafes flourish here. Aarhus is a laid out city where you can get a touch of beach, forest or village and get to know some delightful and interesting people.

About the destination: Odense, located at Funen, Denmark’s garden island, is the third largest city in the country. Birthplace of Hans Christian Anderson, Odense will inspire you to write fairy tales of your own. Tiny thatched-roof houses line cobblestone streets, and swans do swim in green waterways among weeping willows. At Hans Christian Andersen Hus you can listen to recordings of his stories. The museum includes a library of Andersen’s works and manuscripts, paper cuttings and drawings from his travels. Odense’s old town has a lot of gorgeous and interesting half-timbered houses beautifully restored. It is a delight to stroll around this part of town. Saint Knuds Kirke, or Odense Domkirke is the oldest and biggest church in Odense. The cathedral is mainly build in Gothic style. One of the curiosities of the cathedral is the crypt where you can see on display the skeleton of King Canute and also his brother Benedict. Den Fynske Landsby is an interesting open-air-museum consisting of about 30 traditional buildings of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Egeskov, one of Europe's best preserved Renaissance water castles, looks like a fairy-tale-castle, built on an island in a small lake about 40 km south of Odense. The castle is still inhabited but the wide park of Egeskov is open to the public. Inside the park you’ll find the veteran auto museum, the toy museum, the deer-park, a huge tree-house and a baroque garden-labyrinth. Odense is a charming little town with a rich concentration of galleries and museums and an engaging cultural scene. With its medieval allure and lively atmosphere, Odense has become one of Denmark’s most enchanting destinations.