Also know as the gateway to Scandinavia, wonderful Copenhagen is much more than just the setting for the two famous TV series' The Killing' , 'Borgen' and "The Bridge". This truly magical Danish capital offers a unique and beautiful blend of clean living, style and trend whilst being grounded to its core.
With a population of just 1.4 million people, Copenhagen is a capital that manages to remain intimate and friendly despite its status as an international city with a 800 year strong history. People speak a level of English rarely found in a foreign country and are extremely happy and down to earth, perfectly imbodied in the iconic and exquisite statue of The Little Mermaid, quietly perched on her rock just off the piers of 'Langelinje', bringing to life the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen.
Copenhagen is very child friendly, has some thing for everyone and all within walking distance, but to tour the city as a native, grab a city bike and join the extensive network of cycle paths found throughout the city. Watch the changing of the guards at the royal palace, jump on one of the many canals cruises or sail across to visit one of the most modern and most expensive opera houses in the world, whilst enjoying stunning views back towards the Queen's castle, and the centre of the city itself. Then sit your self down in Nyhavn, have a well deserved Danish beer and a slice of the famous 'Smoerrebroed' whilst watching the world go by. When recovered, why not submerge your self in some of the best shopping in Europe, just a few hundred meters away.
If this isn't enough, you can even have a go at water polo (summer only!) with the locals in the clean, yes clean, harbour pool before heading off to the heart of the city, Tivoli gardens, and take a stroll through its magical 21 acre park with over 400.000 flowers, concerts, restaurants and rides for every age. For the brave, and a panoramic view of the city, try the world's tallest carousel, and lift you self and your feet 80 meters up in the air! In the winter the park transforms into a winter wonderland with stalls and winter treats.
End your day submerging your self in Copenhagens buzzing cafe and night life, or dine in one of the 13 Michelin starred restaurants, amongst which you will find 'Noma', a restaurant thrice voted best in the world, and a place where not only Nordic, but gastronomic cooking in general has been redefined.
With the vikings long retired, and the swords replaced with the Lego kind, travelling though this happy and clean country with its endless coast line, is now a safe experience, and one where you will soon come to understand why this nation time again was voted the happiest on Earth. Denmark is also proud to be one of the greenest and most eco friendly countries we have, and has a long standing tradition with clean energy. Due to its relative small size, Denmark is a country where you can manage to see a lot in a short period of time.
Setting out from Copenhagen you can head north to visit Louisiana Museum of Modern Art with its cosiderable collection of modern art, and sculpture park with panoramic views over the sea. Continue further north to Helsingor where you will find one of northern Europe's most important Renaissance castles, and the setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet, Kronborg.
South, on the beautiful island of Funen, lies Odense, a city that in 1988 celebrated its 1000 year anniversary making it the oldest in Denmark. Odense is also the birth place of one of the country's most beloved writers, Hans Christian Andersen, a man who has delighted children and adults alike the world over with his now famous fairytales. You can choose to learn more about his life in the museum or by visiting his house, idyllically situated in a small cobbled street.
In Jutland you can choose to visit the home town of the world recognized brand Lego, and maybe spend a day in the origional Legoland amusement park. Driving north to the vibrant university and costal city of Aarhus, you will find a place of art, culture and with a lively music scene and cafe life. Visit the brilliant art museum Aros, or transport you self back in time walking round the unique and hugely popular working urban museum of The Old Town. At the nothernmost point of Jutland, and the entire country, you will find Skagen, situated in a picturesque area distinguished by it's low, yellow houses, red tiled roofs and surrounded by white sand dunes. Here you can for your self witness the spectacular meeting of the North and the Baltic sea, a place of clashing waves, strong currents and many past strandings and ship wrecks. The once remote fishing and artists community with its miles of prestine beaches, is now a top summer holiday destination for Danes and foreigners alike, and what was once a modest fishing community has been transformed into one of the most popular, and most expensive, areas in the country.
Getting around is very easy, as Denmark has some of the best and most efficient public transport systems on offer, from high quality roads to extensive train, ferry and bus routes. You can choose to book your self into a hotel, B&B, visit one of the many caravan parks or for a truly Danish experience, you can go for the self catering option and rent a 'sommerhus' (summerhouse) .
What ever you choose to do, and where ever you choose to go, a little bit of your heart might just be left behind in this truly remarkable small country.