Explore fairytale castles, trace the footsteps of Vikings and stroll long sandy beaches-let the romance of Denmark sweep you away. Whether you crave the designer cool of Copenhagen or to escape from the crowds into rural Jutland, this guide is packed with inspirational ideas to make the best of your trip.

The world first took notice of Denmark over a millennium ago when Danish Vikings took to the seas and ravaged vast tracts of Europe. My, how things have changed! These days Denmark is the epitome of civilised society, noted for progressivism, tolerance and a liberal social-welfare system.

The smallest and southernmost of the Scandinavian countries, Denmark offers a mix of lively cities and rural countryside, medieval churches, Renaissance castles and tidy 18th-century villages. Quaint country towns are lined with half-timbered houses that feel like the sets of Hans Christian Andersen fairytales. Copenhagen, Denmark’s vibrant capital, is Scandinavia’s largest, most cosmopolitan city. The Little Mermaid basks on Copenhagen’s waterfront while the grand old 13voli amusement park enlivens the heart of the city which boasts renowned museums, a wealth of cultural activities and a spirited music scene.

Denmark is still a maritime nation, bordered by the North Sea to the west and the Balticto the east - there’s 7314km of coastline. No place in Denmark is more than an hour’s drivefrom its lovely seashore, much of it lined with splendid white-sand beaches.

Visitors are likely to find festivals pretty much whenever they visit-from jazz in Copen-hagen to contemporary music in Roskilde and Hamlet performances in a castle in Helsinger.History seekers can marvel at preserved 2000-year-old ‘bog people’, Neolithic dolmens andimpressive Viking ruins.

Whether you’re relaxing over a glass of beer at an outdoor cafe, cycling the countryside orclub-hopping the night away, this tiny country is a great escape for just about any taste.

Highlights

Getting Started

Itineraries

The Authors

Snapshot

History

The Culture

Environment

Food & Drink

Outdoor Activities

Copenhagen

North Zealand

Southern Zealand

Man, Falster & Lolland

Bornholm

Funen

Southern Jutland

Central Jutland

Northern Jutland

Directory

Transport

Health

World Time Zones

Language

Glossary

Behind the Scenes

Index

Legend