Denmark

Denmark

• About

  The smallest and most southern country in Scandinavia, Denmark once built a formidable reputation for savagery and was intent on pillaging the rest of Europe. Now it's a model country for liberal democracy, arts, science and innovation. Denmark offers holiday-makers not only a mix of charming cosmopolitan cities but stunning rural landscapes too. Fjords, castles and ancient Viking sites lay amidst dramatic landscapes hinting at a world of elegance and romance. Popular pastimes include photography, cycling, fishing, swimming, surfing and yachting. Canoeing is another much loved activity on Denmark's numerous inland lakes. Meanwhile, the capital Copenhagen is an unforgettable experience, laid back and sophisticated, its grand buildings, galleries, museums and night life leave an indelible impression on your memory.

• Travel

  The majority of flights to Denmark head for Copenhagen International Airport. Smaller airports exist in Billund and Århus, Aalborg and Esbjerg. Regular bus and rail services go between Germany and Denmark's Jutland peninsula.

• Did You Know?

  All drivers in Denmark are required to carry a warning triangle in case of accident or emergency.

• Copenhagen

  Resting on Zealand, Denmark's largest island is Scandinavia's largest city. It's home to the world's largest pedestrian street, the world's most famous statue, the Little Mermaid, and some of the world's most cutting edge artists, musicians and film makers.

• Copenhagen Attractions

  Tivoli Gardens

  World-famous garden, amusement park, museum and outdoor theatre created in 1843. The setting for fireworks displays, food festivals and concerts.

  Amalienborg Palace

  The Danish royal family live here. This 18th Century palace is Denmark's best example of rococo architecture made up of four identical structures, and a breathtaking octagonal square.

  The Little Mermaid

  Inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen story, the Little Mermaid statue is a major symbol of Copenhagen. It's an understated figure set on a rock at the harbour entrance. It is just over a metre high.

  Rundetaarn

  The Round Tower is Europe's oldest functioning observatory. Constructed in the 17th Century, it consists of a spiralling 209 metre stairway offering panoramic views over the city. Rooms house classical concerts and art exhibitions throughout the year.

  The National Museum

  The 18th Century building houses the National Museum of Denmark. Prehistoric, medieval, Renaissance and 18th Century sections compete for your attention

  The Tycho Brahe Planetarium

  Cylindrical shaped planetarium with a permanent exhibition of astronomy and space travel. Includes an Omnimax cinema with a 1,000 square metre screen

  Free City of Christiania

  The Free City of Christiania is a 20 acre alternative quarter in the middle of Copenhagen. Set up in 1971 about 1,000 artists and counter culture types live in a former military barracks. Includes interesting restaurants, coffee bars and shops.

  Frederikskirke

  This marble church was designed to compete with St Peter's in Rome. It took over 100 years to build and has one of the largest copper domes in the world. Around the exterior are 16 statues of religious leaders such as Moses and Luther.

• Did You Know?

  There is not a single mountain in Denmark.

• Denmark Attractions

  Møns Klint

  Mystical 5000 years old chalk cliffs rising sharply 420ft from the sea creating one of the most enduring landmarks of Denmark.

  Egeskov Castle

  Renaissance castle built in 1554 on foundations of thousands of vertical oak trunks in the middle of a small lake. Includes a beautiful park, with peacocks and manicured gardens. A bamboo maze, antique car museum and art collection are some of its others attractions.

  Arken Museum of Modern Art

  Vast contemporary art museum. Includes work by leading Danish contemporary artists with emphasis on photo-based art, sculpture and installations.

• On Your Bike

  With thousands of kilometres of bike routes Denmark is ideal for cycling. Bicycles are widely available for hire. In Copenhagen you can even rent them for free. Also an ideal opportunity to get fit!

• Geography

  Denmark is a small lowland country mainly occupying the Jutland peninsula. Most of the country is flat, consisting of farmland, gently slopping hills, woodland and moorland. Its southern border of Jutland is bordered with Germany, its only land connection to Europe's mainland. To the west is the North Sea and the Baltic Sea in the East. the Skagerrak and Kattegat straits to the north act as a sea border with Norway and Sweden.

• Did You Know?

  About 400 islands belong to Denmark. Only 90 of them are inhabited.

• Key Facts

  • Country - Denmark
  • Currency -Danish Krone
  • Language - Danish
  • Religion - Lutherian
  • Time Zone - GMT 1
  • Capital - Copenhagen
  • Population-2013 5,404000