Denmark is the southern most Scandinavian country and consists of the Jutland Peninsula and over 400 islands, some of which are linked to the mainland by bridge. The country is relatively flat and everywhere you go you will see windmills and traditional thatched cottages. Denmark is a relaxed country, and despite its small size, has a great deal of history. Below we look at the countries three best cities to visit on a trip to Denmark.
Copenhagen
A thousand years of living history awaits you in the wonderful Danish capital. There are pretty medieval cobbled streets, 17th century canals, stunning modernist architecture, and the city is home to Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytale ‘Little Mermaid’. A bronze statue of the mermaid is perched on a rock overlooking the port and attracts more than a million visitors each year. Copenhagen never stands still, yet always has plenty of time to appreciate its remarkable past.
Helsingor
This picturesque harbour town is known internationally as the setting of William Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’, in which it was spelt Elsinore. The area in and around Helsingor has been called ‘The North’s Riviera’ since the beginning of the last century and toasts beautiful sandy beaches. The Palace Gardens are popular and cover approximately 120 hectares and are some of the largest and best preserved in Denmark. Kronborg Castle, built in the Dutch Renaissance style, is worth a visit and an ariel view shows the defenses form the shape of a crown.
Aalborg
Situated in the north of Denmark, Aalborg is the third largest city in the country in terms of population. Despite its size, Aalborg isn’t that well known to tourists and so it keeps hold of much of its traditional charm. Filled with cobbled streets, traditional homes and quaint shops the city offers a relaxing atmosphere for tourists. However, if you visit the city during the famous Aalborg carnival it will definitely be a little livelier! The carnival is usually held on the last weekend of May and features thousands of people all dressed up in fancy outfits, lots of music and dancing and a grand firework display.
If you are considering a holiday in Denmark or any part of Scandinavia this year then why not check out our full selection of Scandinavian tours on our website.
Images courtesy of flickr users Christoffer Mørch and Kevin Burkett