Visiting Denmark - Five Reasons Why You Should

By Isabella Olsen

Denmark is most known for being the birthplace of the popular children's toy, Lego, and master storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. However, Denmark has much more to offer like the following, which are all great reasons to visit Denmark.

1. The Happiest Country in the World

Aside from having an excellent business climate and one of the least corrupt governments in the world, Denmark has beaten every other country on earth for being the happiest nation. After all, the Danes are a very happy people, as you will easily discover when you visit Denmark, and how can they not be? They have many attractions to take pride in and visit during weekends and holidays, like the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen and the Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerod. They also have many activities to keep them occupied all year, whether during the very long summer days when the sun just can't stop shining or during fall and winter when the sun seems shy. There are many events in Denmark all year long, as well, like the colorful Carnivals of Copenhagen and Aalborg and the Holmsboe Festival in Horsens. If you combine these with Denmark's very high education and health standards and the fact that Denmark is the second most peaceful country in the world, you're sure to be very happy, too.

2. Freetown Christiana

One of the most interesting places in Denmark is Freetown Christiana, a neighborhood in Copenhagen infamous for its own liberated set of rules. Here, you will find anarchism rampant, the hippie movement more alive than ever, yoga as the most popular pastime, a limited number of private cars allowed, a thriving Gay House and both academics and jobless people taking sanctuary - which makes it a completely different world of its own. You can even find hash and skunk weed openly sold in many shops along Pusher Street, although this is something Denmark is trying to ratify.

3. Danish Design

Danish design is known throughout the world for its trendy combination of sophistication and simplicity, as evident in its furniture, crafts and architecture. Indeed, you will see many cafes and coffee bars in Denmark which appear like effortless works of art. You can even spend the night in the world's first designer hotel - the SAS Royal Hotel, which exudes style to the very smallest details. To learn more about Danish design, drop by the Danish Design Centre or the Danish Museum of Art and Design or learn about specific Danish crafts at the Museum for International Contemporary Glass and the Museum for International Ceramic Art.

4. Danish Cuisine

Smorrebrod or open-faced sandwiches may be the trademark of Danish cuisine, but there are many other excellent traditional dishes for you to enjoy, like beef hash, roast duck and Millionbof (tiny pieces of beef with gravy on mashed potatoes or pasta), as well as new and innovative dishes - both of which you can sample in restaurants all over the country, particularly the Michelin-starred ones like Formel B and Restaurant Herman. You will also find specialties in each region like pan-fried plaice with wild berries in Skagen and Gudhjemmadyppa (bacon and codfish with sweet and sour sauce) in Bornholm.

As for drinks, Danish beer tops the charts, particularly the pilsner type or those that are hand-brewed, although you will also find Mead, bitters and fruit wines in various pubs and restaurants in Denmark. During the Christmas season, Glogg or hot punch takes over the reins, though, and is the perfect drink to accompany the Julekofrost or Christmas feast.

5. Zoos, Parks and Other Children's Attractions

Denmark is also a great place to bring your children, with renowned zoos such as Copenhagen Zoo, Odense Zoo and Aalborg Zoo, and museums such as the Viking Ship Museum, the Hans Christian Andersen Museum and the J.F. Willumsen's Junior Museum, which will help them learn more about the history and culture of Denmark. The Skuldelev Museum is a must-see attraction for kids who visit Denmark, too, with its collection of dolls and different toys from various decades.

Regardless of their age or interest, kids are also sure to love spending a day at Bon Bon Land and the original Legoland in Billund so take your children there when you visit Denmark. There are also many playgrounds in parks throughout the country, like those in Remiseparken, Valbyparken and Faelledparken, while the Selso Castle offers a treasure hunt for those who want to explore. - 31515

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