Travel Destination: Denmark
About Denmark
If your country is ranked the happiest place in the world, what do you have that others don’t? Ask the Danes! It has the highest level of income equality, one of the least corrupt countries and its economy is one of the most competitive in the world. That’s not hard to figure out, is it?
Everything else just falls into place, like the modern and developed transportation system, especially in Copenhagen. The S-train (traditional suburban train) links Copenhagen’s city centre to its suburbs while the Copenhagen Metro (automated driverless rail rapid system) serves Copenhagen and Frederiksberg. If you know how to ride a bike, you can take advantage of the free “city bikes” located in the downtown area of Copenhagen during summer. Just ride one then leave it on the next bike spot to let other people use it too. Biking is highly encouraged throughout the country and there are regional and national routes so anyone can safely bike ride just about anywhere.
Since going around wouldn’t be a problem, tourists have more time on their hands to experience the rich culture of this country. Visit royal castles, manors and fortresses. Enjoy ballet, fine arts, Danish Theatres and music from rock to opera. There are 711 museums to explore too. Denmark is an artist’s dreamland. There are hefty funding and generous grants for arts and culture projects.
The mid-20th century was a special time for Danish designers hence the term “Danish Design.” This distinct style translated into furniture, household objects and industrial design. You can view samples at The Danish Museum of Art & Design, New York’s Museum of Modern Art where there’s a large collection of such designs and The Danish Design Centre. The Sydney Opera House, by the way, was designed by a Danish architect Jørn Utzon who was born in Copenhagen.
Copenhagen is a scenic city with all the cosmopolitan conveniences. Denmark’s capital and largest city is also the most liveable city in the world. Copenhagen has 36% of home-to-work commutes by bicycle. Feel free to bike ride or capture the city’s soul by going around by foot. The inner city will reveal charming cobbled streets, medieval remembrances, theatres, museums and art galleries. For shopping opportunities, follow the Stroget Street, Europe’s longest city pedestrian street. Aside from sight seeing, you’ll also find interesting Danish design, food, fashion and knick knacks.
The second largest city and a principal port in Denmark is Arhus. Its quiet charm is its main attraction. Head to the Old Town to marvel at the 75 historical buildings from 20 townships collected around the country. Old Town is an open-air village museum showcasing a collection of half-timbered structures from 1550 to 1800s. These materials were organized to form a village that include a customs office, a post office, a school, shops, a theatre and five historical gardens. There are also diners and cafes where visitors can enjoy the village life. Other sites in the city include Arhus Domkirke (13th century and tallest cathedral in Denmark), Arhus City Hall which has a unique architecture, Botanick Have, the Tivoli Friheden (an amusement park), and Marselisborg Palace, the royal family’s summer residence.
Odense, Denmark’s third largest city, was named “bicycle city of the year.” That goes without saying that you are welcome to bike ride around the city. It has an open-air museum, the Funen Village, which together with Odense Zoo, Danish Railways Museum and the Hans Christian Andersen’s House are the most visited attractions in the city.
They have a progressive culture, they’re well taken care of, they love the arts and most especially they nurture their identity. No wonder Denmark is a very happy place.