Best known for its large dogs and Viking warriors, Denmark is a small, prosperous and highly functional kingdom in northern Europe that is often overlooked by travellers on their “grand tour”, although it has one of the highest standards of living in the world and plenty of charming experiences to offer visitors.

It is almost totally surrounded by water, consisting as it does of the Jutland Peninsula and 482 islands. Its only land border is with Germany. The country’s capital city, lovely and lively Copenhagen, occupies the biggest of the offshore islands. With all the water it is not surprising that Denmark is very reliant on shipping and fishing; the country also has an important agricultural sector, though, and is famed in particular for its dairy products. Lovers of butter and cheese will enjoy a taste of Denmark!

Denmark boasts small green farms, blue lakes and white coastal beaches, the rural areas sprinkled with thatched cottages, castles and windmills across a gentle landscape which lends itself well to cycle touring. The cities are modern and bustling, but an air of medieval charm has been preserved in old sections of colourful buildings and cobblestone streets. The country boasts 280 museums, most of the important ones in Copenhagen, including the Viking Ship Museum that is devoted to honouring Denmark’s bold ancient mariners.

Other special attractions include the annual summer music festival in Roskilde, which is one of the largest in Europe; the Tivoli Gardens amusement park which has entertained crowds in Copenhagen since 1843; and one of the world’s longest bridges, which spans 10 miles (16km), joining Denmark to Sweden.

The country is compact with an excellent road and rail transport system, and numerous ferry connections to the myriad offshore islands. It all adds up to a very civilised destination, as sweet and tempting as the rich, flaky pastry treats that the world has come to know as the ‘Danish’.

COPENHAGEN:
The waterside city of Copenhagen is packed with old-world fairytale charm alongside some of the world’s most avante garde architecture. It is a vibrant, modern city with a long and fascinating history, having been the capital of Denmark for close on 600 years and home to the oldest resident monarchy in the world.

The biggest city in Scandinavia, Copenhagen occupies a pleasant and strategic spot on the Baltic east coast of Denmark’s largest island, Zealand, its harbour overlooked by the world-famous statue of the ‘Little Mermaid’.

One of the first impressions that strike visitors to this busy, dynamic capital is the cleanliness and orderliness that prevails in its narrow medieval cobbled central city streets and along the picturesque canals in Christianshavn. Most of the myriad attractions for visitors are situated within about one square mile (3 sq km) of flat terrain in the centre, making it easy to explore on foot (or bicycle, which is the vehicle of choice for locals).

Five streets in the heart of the city have been merged to provide the world’s longest pedestrian mall, running between Rådhuspladsen and Kongens Nytorv, which are packed with historic gabled buildings, dynamic department stores, stunning shops, restaurants, pavement cafes, theatres, and world-class museums and galleries.

Despite the condensed city centre, Copenhagen is not short on green lungs: parks, like the ever-popular Tivoli Gardens, abound in this city, which prides itself on its strict anti-pollution laws and lack of glass and chrome skyscrapers.

The family-friendly city that spawned Hans Christian Andersen is, indeed, a modern fairy-tale: one of Europe’s finest capitals that retains a provincial charm and sense of history along with its cutting-edge efficiency, offering its justifiably proud citizens an extremely high standard of living.

TIVOLI GARDEN:

Copenhagen’s world-renowned Tivoli Gardens are ever so much more than just a central city park. The relatively small area in the heart of the city is actually one of the world’s most thrilling entertainment complexes, drawing about three million visitors during its five-month summer open season each year. Tivoli dates back to 1843 when Copenhagen was still a fortified city surrounded by tall ramparts and a deep moat. Today the Tivoli Lake is all that remains of the moat, which now reflects the incredible trademark fireworks displays that light the sky over the gardens twice a week. Tivoli is split in two, one section housing the beautiful miniature gardens where more than 100,000 flowers bloom, and the other the theme park with game arcades and thrill rides. Tivoli also boasts a concert hall and open-air stages where dozens of concerts, pantomimes and circus shows, many of them free, are offered during the season.

Address: Vesterbrogade 3; Telephone: 3315 1001; Website: www.tivoli.dk; Opening time: Open daily 11am to midnight, and until 1am Friday and Saturday (18 June to 15 August); Sunday to Wednesday 11am to 11pm, Thursday and Saturday 11am to midnight and until 1am on Saturdays (16 April to 17 June and 16 August to 19 September); Admission: General admission DKr 68 (adults), DKr35 (children 3-13); from 18 June to 15 August children pay DKr40. Ride tickets DK15 (1 to 4 tickets required per ride); special ride passes are available

HISTORICAL MUSEUMS:
The rich history of Denmark, from Viking days through to the Second World War resistance movement, is encapsulated in fascinating collections of artefacts housed in a series of museums in and around Copenhagen. The Prince's Palace in the city centre houses the National Museum (www.natmus.dk) covering Danish history in general and a collection of international antiquities. The open air museum a few miles north of the city makes for a fascinating excursion with its 100 or so buildings, most relocated from elsewhere in the country, set out to illustrate what life was like in rural Denmark in days of yore. Visitors can get up to date on the history of the city itself in the Copenhagen City Museum (www.bymuseum.dk), housed in the Royal Shooting Society's palace dating from 1787.

Address: The Copenhagen City Museum: Vesterbrogade 59; The National Museum: Ny Vestergade 10; Open Air Museum: Kongevejen 100; Telephone: Open Air Museum and National Museum: 33 134 411. Copenhagen City Museum: 33 210 772; Opening time: Copenhagen City Museum: Daily except Tuesdays 10am to 4pm (May to September), until 9pm on Wednesdays; 1pm to 4pm (October to April). National Museum: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm. Open Air Museum: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm (3 April and 30 September). Rest of the year Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm (until 9pm on Thursdays throughout July); Admission: Copenhagen City Museum: DKr20 (adults), DKr10 (concessions), children under 14 free; Fridays free for all. National Museum: DKr50 (adults), children under 16 free; free on Wednesdays. Open Air Museum: DKr25

NYHAVN CANAL:

The picturesque historic Nyhavn Canal, dating from 1673 when it was built to connect the inner city to the sea, is today colloquially known as the ‘longest bar in Scandinavia’. This is because the pretty pastel-painted old townhouses that line the canal are fronted with numerous restaurants, pubs and cafes, full of action and entertainment 24 hours a day. The canal itself is crammed with old wooden sailing ships, adding to the atmosphere. Tourists enjoy not only the hospitality establishments along the canal but also visit the house at No.20 Nyhavn, home of famous fairy-tale writer Hans Christian Andersen, who wrote his first stories here between 1834 and 1838. Andersen later occupied two other houses in Nyhavn.


ROSENBORG CASTLE:

The attractive Dutch Renaissance style Rosenborg Castle was designed by King Christian IV and served as his home until he died in 1648. Today the Castle is an important cultural institution, acting as a public museum detailing the history of Denmark’s royal family as well as acting as repository for the Crown Jewels and royal regalia, which are kept in the castle cellars and can be viewed by the public. The magnificent castle gardens are a welcome retreat from the city hustle and bustle.

Address: Øster Voldgade 4; Telephone: 3315 3286; Website: www.rosenborg-slot.dk; Opening time: Open daily from 10am to 4pm during the summer season, and from 11am to 3pm during the winter months. Closed 18-26 December; Admission: Entry to the gardens is free. The castle: DKr65 (adults); DKr20 (children 5-14 years); DKr40 (concessions). Photos DKr20

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Time:
GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. European-style, round, two-pin plugs are standard.
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Language:
Danish is the official language, but English is understood and widely used.

Health:
There are no specific health risks in Denmark, and medical facilities are first class. There is a small risk of tick-borne encephalitis in forested or rural areas during summer, and insect protection is advised. Free emergency treatment is available to all foreign visitors at public hospitals, and due to a reciprocal health agreement UK passport holders receive free medical and hospital treatment. To make use of this service, UK national should carry a a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).


Tipping:
Restaurant and hotel bills are inclusive of service charges, as are taxi fares.

Safety:
Most visits to Denmark are trouble-free, and crime levels are low. During the tourist season, however, muggers, pickpockets and bag-snatchers become active especially in crowded areas and on the train station in Copenhagen. Visitors should take precautions to keep personal belongings safe.

Communications:
The international country code for Denmark is +45. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). There are no city codes and all phones are eight digits. There are several GSM mobile telephone networks, which have roaming agreements with most international mobile phone companies. Public phones are widely available for both local and international calls and accept coins and prepaid cards. Internet cafes are available in most urban areas.

Airports: Copenhagen International Airport (CPH)
Copenhagen Airport is sited five miles (8km) southeast of Copenhagen city centre. Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to the Saturday before the last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +45 3231 3231. Transfer between terminals: A free shuttle bus runs between Terminal 3, Terminal 2 (International) and Terminal 1 (domestic). Transfer to the city: Buses, trains and taxis provide transport to Copenhagen city centre. Taxis can be hired from outside all arrival areas; fares include VAT and tips, and can normally be paid for by credit card. Train tickets are available from the ticket office above the railway station in Terminal 3.

Facilities: All terminals have banks, bars, restaurants, meeting rooms and Internet access. There are a wide variety of shops in the Copenhagen Airport Shopping Centre, including 48 'specialty' shops and 16 duty-free shops. There is a VAT refund desk for non-EU residents who are travelling to a non-EU destination. Disabled facilities are good, and children and those with special needs can make use of the Passenger Escort Service. Parking: There is plenty of long and short term parking at the airport; fees depend on how far the parking is from the terminal. Parking is free in all car parks for up to 15 minutes. Departure tax: None. website: www.cph.dk

Currency:
Money: Danish currency is the Krone (DKr), made up of 100 øre. ATMs are liberally sprinkled throughout the country, and all major credit cards are widely accepted. Travellers cheques are welcome at banks and hotels, and most restaurants and shops. Most banks are not open at weekends, however Copenhagen has several bureaux de change which stay open late at night, seven days a week.

Visa & Passport Requirements:
Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must have a valid passport . No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British nationals must have a passport. No visa is required for stays of up to three months if the passport is endorsed British Citizen or British Overseas Territories Citizen or British National (Overseas) issued in Hong Kong or 'holder has the right of abode in the UK', or 'holder is entitled to re-admission to the UK'. In all other cases, a visa is required. Visitors are also required to have adequate health insurance.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South African citizens must hold a valid passport and require a visa for entry to Denmark.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a passport. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.

Passport/Visa Note: All visitors must hold tickets and documents for return or onward travel. Visitors should also have at least US$30 per day to fund their visit, unless a Danish citizen meets them at the airport and officially vouches for them. Denmark is a signatory to the Schengen agreement, which also includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that, in principal, allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

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