Denmark: Overview
The Scandinavian Kingdom of Denmark where Viking times’ prints are kept is the smallest and more southern Nordic country. Its continental frontier is sahred by Germany and -since the late 90’s- it is communicated with Sweden by the Oresund Bridge and limits to the north with Norway. Danish territory extends overseas to Greenland and the Feroe Islands.
Climate
In spite of being one of the most Nordic countries, Denmark’s climate is not extremely cold, although unstable. Winter days are cold and cloudy, with snow falls between January and March. Summer is rather hot and sunny. In Copenhagen the temperature varies among 27 ºF in winter and 72 ºF in summer. Rains are frequent during the whole year, but heavier from August to October. The best moment to visit the country is in May and June, when the landscape is in all its glory and the climate is more pleasant. Although during autumn the fields are less colorful, the climate is still good and a visit to Denmark can be pleasant.
Important information
For most western - included Australia, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, the EU, the USA and Singapore - and South American countries, the only entry requirement is a passport (effective at least 6 months from the day of arrival).
The official currency is the Danish krone (DKK). There are many ATMs and the main credit cards, especially Visa, are broadly accepted. Traveller’s checks can be easily cashed in banks and hotels; there are also several official exchanging offices that work late at night seven days a week.
Hotel and restaurants bills and taxi fares add an extra for service, so tipping is not necessary. Bellboys expect kr 5 per bag and restrooms employees get kr 1 or 2.
Concerning health, there are no particular risks for those who travel to Denmark and medical facilities are first class. Some tick-borne encephalitis cases have been reported in rural and forest areas during summer, so you should take cautions against those insects. There have also occured some cases of bird flu in wild birds; although it does not represent a serious risk for travelers, you should eat well coocked and hot any dish containing eggs or poultry. Visitors have access free emergency care in public hospitals; United Kingdom citizens in hold of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will also get free emergency treatment.
Safety conditions in Denmark are good and crime rate is low. However, during the high tourist season petty crime and robberies are frequent in crowded areas and train stations, so you must keep an eye on your belongings and do not show off valuables.
Where to go
The attractive Copenhagen, capital and biggest city of the country, has a skyline of six-stores buildings, church steeples and a couple of hotels. The main historical and cultural points of interest are located in a small circuit, while the rest of the city is decorated with beautiful gardens, fountains, squares and parks. In the oriental side of the square you can visit the amusement park Tívoli that dates from 1843; opposite the park is Rådhuspladsen, the main square. North of Nyhavn channel -linked with the main square by the world’s longest pedestrian street (Strøget street)- is Amailenborg palace, formed by 4 identical Rococo mansions and home of the royal family since 1794; there you can witness the Guard Change or visit the museum. The most outstanding churches are Vor Frue Kirke cathedral and Vor Frelsers Kirke; the last one -located in Chistianshavn area- has a bell tower to where you can ascend. Another good choice is to visit Museum of Copenhagen, famous for its Greek, Etruscan, Egyptian and Roman art collections; and the Nationalmuseet, where you can enjoy a wide collection of historical domestic objects going from the Paleolithic times to the 1840’s. A visit to this Denish city or to Denmark cannot be complete without a visit to the Marmaid statue, located in the jetty, 10 minutes north from Copenhagen.
The spectacular cliffs of Møns Klint, located in the island of Møns were formed five millennia ago and rise 128 mts. above mean sea level; one of the best Danish landscapes. You can descend to the beach in only 30 minutes, go for a walk along the coast and return crossing a leafy forest.
Ribe, the oldest Scandinavian city, dates from befote the 11th century. Some of the places worthwhile visiting there are the cathedral, which has a 27 mts bell tower from where you will enjoy a great view of the surroundings; Ribes Vikinger, the gigantic museum of medieval and Viking history; the Vikingecenter that recreates the life of the Viking communities.
The famous Legoland, located in Jutland peninsula 1 km from Billund town, is a them-park built with giant pieces of the legendary game.
Åarhus, a vibrant university city and cultural center of Jutland, houses some of the main musical and theatrical offers in Denmark. Located in the historical centre, Den Gamle By, an outdoors museum of 75 buildings, is the most important attraction of the city. There is the biggest Danish church, århus Domkirke cathedral, where you can see an original 12th century Romantic chapel; Vor Frue Kirke church, houses the country’s oldest chapel which dates from 1060’s; and Moesgård Museum which has an important collection of the Iron and Bronce ages.
Festivals
The main parties are the hundreds of musical festivals are carried out throughout the year, feauturing gospel, jazz, blue, rock, Irish music and more. The night blazes of summer solstice mark the beginning of the musical season, where the best celebrations are Roskilde Festival(end of June – beginigng of July), the biggest rock festival in northern Europe; Midtfyns Festival (jazz, rock, folk and pop music) in Ringe, (first days of July). Also, during ten days at the beginning of July, you can attend one of the world’s main jazz festivals, Copenhagen Jazz Festival, followed by Copenhagen Summer Festival (chamber and classical music) on the last week of July and the two first weeks of August. Another good presentation is Tønder Festival (end of August), one of the main folk music festivals. On the first Saturday of September the århus Festival begins and for the next 9 days the city becomes a festival scenario where you can also enjoy theatrical performances. The same festival includes fairs and a Viking Festival where archery competitions are held; you can also see some Viking ships or laugh with the buffoons while you taste some delicious traditional food.
