Denmark / What to See

An Introduction to Denmark

What To See in Denmark:

Selected Regions:

JUTLAND | FUNEN and the ISLANDS | BORNHOLM

Copenhagen and North Sealand

Copenhagen is the modern metropolis that never forgot its history. A captivating, friendly city where your senses can roam and where there's always something wonderful around the next corner - to see, smell, taste, feel or listen to. You can start with the charming, narrow streets of the old city; each winding street is lined with unique, beautifully preserved old houses.

And then there are the royal castles, the parks, the squares and the plazas. And not least, like a precious pearl, Nyhavn, the New Harbour. Archaeological finds bear witness of settlement here as far back as 5,000 - 6,000 B.C. The actual founding of the city, though, dates to 1167 A.D., when Bishop Absalon built a fortress on Slotsholmen. Christianborg Castle, housing the nation's parliament, is still there.

The arts are thriving and waiting to be enjoyed at the city's many museums, galleries and theaters. At the Tycho Brache Planetarium, you can experience breath-taking natural phenomena, or you can take the kids to the family-friendly Experimentarium with its many exciting interactive exhibits. Moreover, the whole world is on the menu in the hundreds of restaurants and cafes, and Tivoli Gardens unfolds its fairy tale world for you with amusements, concert performances and myriad of flowers.

Year round, there's always something going on in Copenhagen, and all within easy walking distance. Copenhagen is not a city to rush through. There are too many details to be enjoyed. And it helps to be curious. Enjoy the many little ornaments and curlicues of architecture, and the old-style signs hanging in front of stores that tell you from far away what's being sold inside. Even the humble manhole covers are designed and beautifully ornamented. Take time to get into the details.

When you set out to experience Copenhagen it's a good idea to invest first in a Copenhagen Card. This card will be your ticket to more than 60 museums and attractions, including Tivoli Gardens and the Zoo, as well as unlimited fare for all buses and trains in the metropolitan area. Along with the card, you will receive a handy guidebook with a thorough description of the sights and attractions and a map of the city, so you'll never lack inspiration. The Copenhagen Card can be purchased at all major train stations, at tourist bureaus, and at Copenhagen Tourist Information.

Attractions:

TIVOLI IN COPENHAGEN. Founded in 1843, and since then visited by 270 million. No plastic is allowed, nor is neon lighting permitted in Copenhagen's beloved fairy tale Garden. Music rides and the colorful Tivoli Boys Guard are part of the entertainment. Add to that myriad restaurants and the Tivoli Museum, with three floors of posters, photographs, carousel animals, and other memorabilia. Twice a week, the final event of the evening is a splendid fireworks. Season : May 1-September 15 and late November-December 22.

AMALIENBORG PALACE, ROYAL RESIDENCE, COPENHAGEN. A number of rooms with the original interiors of private chambers and a fine display of precious objects belonging to the Royal Family are open to the public.

LOUISIANA MUSEUM of MODERN ART, HUMLEBÆK, North of COPENHAGEN. Set in a beautiful park overlooking the Sound and dotted with splendid sculptures. The interiors hold large exhibition rooms besides a concert hall and a stage. The exhibitions at Louisiana are always of extremely high quality, featuring top names in art of today and yesterday.

FREDERIKSBORG CASTLE, HILLERØD. Built in the 17th century, Frederiksborg Castle is a magnificent Renaissance castle which today serves as the home of the Museum of National History.

ROSENBORG PALACE, COPENHAGEN. Built in the 17th century by the "builder King," Christian IV, Rosenborg Palace today houses the Danish Crown Jewels.

KRONBORG CASTLE, HELSINGØR (ELSINORE). The Castle that Shakespeare used as a setting for his great drama Hamlet. In the "Sounds Toll Days" (15th century), Kronborg held a strategic position at the entrance to the sound to secure payment of the Sound Toll. Besides huge halls and casemates (dungeons), the castle also houses the Danish Mercantile and Maritime Museum.

VIKING SHIP MUSEUM, ROSKILDE. Thirty years ago five Viking ships from the 11th century were found in Roskilde Fjord. They had been sunk to prevent hostile pirates from attacking Roskilde. Their well-preserved remains are on view at the museum.

GREAT BELT EXHIBITION CENTER, HALSSKOV, near KORSØR. One of the largest construction projects in the world featured in a monumental exhibition offering visitors a great insight in all the aspects of the permanent link across the Great Belt, designed to replace the present 11.2 mile ferry crossing. At present, the bridge and tunnel are expected to be finished in 1997.