It’s Joso here, your favourite travel blogger. Today, I’m excited to share my latest escapade: a deep dive into the charming country of Denmark.
Denmark, beautifully ensconced in Northern Europe, is the southernmost of the Scandinavian countries. A country where modern architecture beautifully intertwines with historical castles and cathedrals. The Danes, widely known as some of the happiest people on the planet, exude a friendly and welcoming vibe that makes every visitor feel at home. Denmark’s cuisine, best known for its world-class pastries, smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), and fresh seafood, leaves every palate satiated. Predominantly a Christian country, Denmark boasts some of the most beautiful churches, with the Evangelical Lutheran Church being the most popular.
Introduction of interesting attractions in Denmark
Our adventure begins with a ‘Dinish Food’ group tour, led by the acclaimed travel agency, known for their immersive Scandinavian tours. When I read their mission statement – “Experience Denmark like a Dane” – I was hooked.
Our journey begins with a pleasant flight into the charming city of Copenhagen. Upon arrival, we were greeted by our enthusiastic guide, Ingrid. With her extensive knowledge and love of her country, Ingrid becomes our key to unlocking the secrets of Denmark.
- Day 1 was all about getting used to the dynamic rhythms of Copenhagen. We walked on the bustling streets of the city and marveled at the blend of modern and classical architecture. The highlight of the day was the colorful Nyhavn Harbour, where we got our first taste of Danish smørrebrød and glimpsed the city’s maritime history.
- Day 2 we visited the famous Tivoli Gardens, the second oldest operating amusement park in the world. Filled with excitement and laughter, it was a day to remember. Afterwards, we took a leisurely walk to see the iconic statue of The Little Mermaid, a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale.
- The next day we ventured out to the stunning cliffs of Møns Klint, where we took a guided nature walk. We were immersed in the mesmerizing view of the Baltic Sea from these white chalk cliffs, a sight that captivated us all.
- Day 4 took us to Ribe, a medieval town known as the oldest town in Denmark. We travel back in time, walking cobbled streets, admiring half-timbered houses and visiting Ribe Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Denmark.
- Our next stop on day 5 is Billund, the birthplace of LEGO. A day full of fun and excitement as we explored the LEGO House’s interactive exhibits and let our creativity flow.
- On the sixth day, we headed to the city of Odense. Here, we visited the Hans Christian Andersen Museum to immerse ourselves in the world of the famous writer.
- The seventh day, we headed to Aarhus, the City of Smiles. Here, we delve into Denmark’s Viking history at the Moesgaard Museum and explore the fascinating open-air museum Den Gamle By.
- On day 8 we head to the island of Bornholm. Here we visit charming coastal villages, explore the iconic round church and sample the island’s famous smoked herring.
Hotel recommendation and booking platform in Denmark
We’re not just visiting Denmark – we’re living it. Accommodation is arranged in a boutique hotel known for its unique Danish architecture and exquisite service. In Copenhagen we stayed at Hotel SP34, a stylish boutique hotel in the Latin Quarter. Its proximity to the city’s popular landmarks and its cozy atmosphere make it the perfect place to stay. Websites like Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Agoda offer a wide range of options, from budget to luxury accommodations. These platforms provide detailed descriptions, customer reviews, and often have flexible booking and cancellation policies.
- In Odense, we stayed at the First Hotel Grand in the city centre. We dined at Den Gamle Kro for authentic Danish food in a well preserved 17th century building. The Fynsk Forår dessert is a personal highlight – a delicious mix of local spring ingredients.
- On arrival in Aarhus, we checked into a stylish Provençal villa, a little oasis in the heart of the city. Aarhus gave us the experience of the Aarhus Street Food Market where we sampled a variety of global and local dishes from food trucks.
- In Billund, we checked into the Legoland themed hotel, Legoland, which brought out the inner child in all of us. Had a unique dining experience at Restaurant Billund, we tried their special – pan fried white fish with sauerkraut and herbs.
- In Bornholm we stayed at the charming Gudjem Hotel. Here we sampled the local delicacy of Sol Over Gudhjem (House of the Sun Shining on God) – a smoked herring dish with raw egg yolk, radish and chives. A delightful meal to end a remarkable journey.
How to travel in Denmark
- Bikes: Cycling is one of my favorite parts of traveling. Denmark, especially Copenhagen, is known for its bicycle culture, with well-developed cycle lanes and bicycle-friendly traffic laws. It was exhilarating to ride alongside the Danes, feel the wind in my hair and feel the pulse of the city at my fingertips. Cycling offers us the perfect balance of speed, freedom and contact with our surroundings. It’s eco-friendly and a great way to stay healthy for the holidays. On the other hand, for those who are not used to cycling regularly, it can be somewhat physically challenging.
- Coaches: For intercity travel, we travel in spacious air-conditioned coaches, ensuring comfort on long journeys. Reclining seats, ample legroom and onboard toilets make for a pleasant ride, and large windows offer beautiful views of the Danish countryside. The convenience of not having to worry about luggage or navigating your way is a big plus. However, bus schedules lack the flexibility that private cars might offer.
- Ferry: Taking the ferry to the island of Bornholm is an unforgettable experience. The calm rhythm of the waves, the cool sea breeze and the panoramic view of the Baltic Sea are absolutely mesmerizing. It’s a peaceful break from busy city travel. Onboard amenities such as a cafeteria and observation deck add to the level of comfort. However, those prone to seasickness may find it a bit challenging.
- Public transport: We also tried Denmark’s excellent public transport system, including metros, buses and trams. On time, clean and efficient, these vehicles make getting around easy and hassle-free. Digital screens and announcements in English are helpful for non-Danish speakers. However, during peak hours, it can get crowded, and learning about the different zones and ticketing systems can be confusing for first-time visitors.
Each mode of transport offers a unique perspective on Denmark. The variety made the trip exciting and allowed us to appreciate the country’s laudable commitment to efficient and sustainable transport.
What delicious food in Denmark
- Our Danish culinary journey begins at Noma in Copenhagen, regularly voted one of the best restaurants in the world. The culinary experience is extraordinary. We have launched a seasonal selection of tasting menus, showcasing a delightful array of dishes, each combining local ingredients with cutting-edge techniques. The standout is the sea urchin and cabbage dish – a fusion of flavors that embodies Noma’s innovative spirit. It wasn’t just a meal, it was a culinary story that resonated with us long after we left the restaurant.
- We visited the foodie paradise Torvehallerne market. From artisan cheeses, organic bakeries, fresh fruit to specialty coffees, this bustling market is a delight for the senses. We tasted flødeboller, a Danish dessert consisting of marshmallow-like foam on a biscuit base and covered in a smooth layer of chocolate. It was a happy ending to our day.
- We had dinner at Den Gamle Kro, a charming old inn serving traditional Danish food. I had stegt flæsk, a classic Danish dish of crispy pork belly with a parsley sauce, and finished with Fynsk Æblekage, a traditional apple muffin from the region.
- We are obsessed with street food at Aarhus Street Food Market. From Danish sausages to pho, this market is a haven for global cuisine. We especially love the aebleskiver, a Danish version of pancake puffs served warm with powdered sugar and strawberry jam.
- In Bornholm, the culinary highlight is Sol Over Gudhjem (the sun shines on the house of God). The signature dish named after the town itself consists of smoked herring, chives, radishes and raw egg yolk. Served with rye bread, it’s an easy and satisfying treat that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the island.
Every meal, every bite in Denmark became a memory, a story, adding to the icing on the cake of our journey. The country’s culinary landscape is as varied and beautiful as its geography, reflecting the Danes’ love of simplicity, quality and innovation.
Every day with travel agency was meticulously planned and executed, with a perfect balance between explorations, culinary adventures, rest, and personal leisure. Every new place came with its unique flavour and memories to cherish, making Denmark a country that touched not only our minds but also our hearts and palates.
Throughout the journey, the travel agency provided a comfortable and hassle-free experience. Each day is carefully planned to strike the right balance between sightseeing, leisure time and food adventure. Ingrid made the trip truly memorable with her lively personality and vast knowledge.
From the cosmopolitan energy of Copenhagen to the medieval charm of Ribe, from Legoland in Billund to the tranquil island life of Bornholm, every day in Denmark is a unique adventure. Through the “Danish Delights” trip, I fell in love with this wonderful country and its friendly, happy people.