Delicately balanced between Scandinavia proper and mainland Europe, Denmark is a difficult country to pin down. In many ways it shares the characteristics of both regions. Denmark's prices and drinking laws are broadly in line with those of the rest of Europe but its social policies and its style of government are distinctly Scandinavian; social benefits and the standard of living are high, and its politics are very much that of consensus. Denmark is the easiest Scandinavian country in which to travel, both in terms of cost and distance. Apart from a scattering of small islands, three main landmasses make up the country - the islands of Zealand and Funen and the peninsula of Jutland, which extends northwards from Germany. The vast majority of visitors make for Zealand (Sjælland), and, more specifically Copenhagen, the country's one large city and an exciting focal point, with a beautiful old centre, a good array of museums and a boisterous nightlife. Zealand's smaller neighbour, Funen (Fyn), has only one positive urban draw in Odense, and otherwise is a sedate place. Only Jutland (Jylland) is far enough away from Copenhagen to enjoy a truly individual flavour, as well as Denmark's most varied scenery, ranging from soft green hills to desolate heathlands. Århus and Aalborg are two of the liveliest cities outside the capital.
Transportation in Denmark
By Car: : Given the excellence of the Danish public transport system, the size of the country and the comparatively high price of petrol, driving isn't really economical unless you're travelling in a group. Danes drive on the right, and there's a speed limit in towns of 50kph, 80kph in open country and 110kph on motorways - speed traps lead to hefty fines. Like other Scandinavian countries, dipped headlights have to be used during daylight hours.
By Bus: : Buses often run in conjunction with the trains, some operated privately, some by DSB - on which rail cards are valid. Much of Funen and the northeast of Jutland is barely touched by trains, and you can save several hours by taking the bus. The quickest and most convenient way to travel by bus around Jutland is to take one of the X-busser. You can get information about routes and destinations by calling their office on +45 98.90.09.00.
By Rail: : Trains are easily the best way of getting around in Denmark. Danske Statsbaner (DSB) - Danish State Railways, run an exhaustive and reliable network. InterRail and Eurail passes are valid on all DSB trains, as is the ScanRail pass which gives you unlimited travel in the four main Scandinavian countries, plus large discounts on many ferry crossings and bus journeys. The newly opened Øresund Link means train travel between Denmark and Sweden is now possible.
DSB's Køreplan (free) details all train, bus and ferry services, including the S-train system in Copenhagen and all private services; smaller timetables detailing specific routes are available free at tourist offices and station booking counters.
By Ferry: : All the Danish islands are linked by ferry and there are a host of international links to Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany and England.
By Air: : Domestic air travel is quite limited, however there are frequent flights between Copenhagen and a other main cities in Denmark. Most International flights arrive at Copenhagen from around Scandinavia and Europe.
Copenhagen is Scandinavia's most vibrant and affordable capital, and one of Europe's most user-friendly cities. The city is a welcoming place where people rather than cars set the pace, evidenced by the multitude of pavement cafés. Amenable and relaxed, it also offers a range of entertainment which belies its relatively modest size. With a beckoning range of cultural attractions, including major national museums, a selection of magical art galleries, a healthy assortment of performing arts events to one of Europe's most interesting film scenes. Funen is known as "the Garden of Denmark", partly for the lawn-like neatness of its fields, partly for the immense amounts of fruit and vegetables which come from them, Funen is the smaller of the two main Danish islands. The pastoral outlook of the place and the coastline draw many visitors, but its attractions are mainly low-profile cultural sights, such as the various collections of the "Funen painters" and the birthplaces of writer Hans Christian Andersen and composer Carl Nielsen. Odense, Denmark's third city, is easily the island's main urban attraction. Close to this, the former fishing town of Kerteminde retains some faded charm, and is near the Ladby Boat, an important Viking relic. Jutland offers an unhurried lifestyle and rural for most visitors; indeed, its distance from Copenhagen makes it perhaps the most distinct and interesting area in the country. Århus - halfway up the eastern coast, is Jutland's main urban centre and Denmark's second city. Further inland, the landscape is the country's most dramatic - stark heather-clad moors, dense forests and swooping gorges. Ancient Viborg is the best base for this, from where you can head north to vibrant Aalborg , on the southern bank of the Limfjord, which cuts deep into Jutland this far north - across which the landscape reaches a crescendo of storm-lashed savagery around Skagen , on the very tip of the peninsula. Frederikshavn, on the way, is the port for boats to Norway and Sweden.
Main Attractions
The Roskilde Festival (Copenhagen)
Held on the last weekend in June, this is one of the largest open-air rock festivals in Europe, attracting more than 90,000 people and featuring many big names.
Christiania (Copenhagen)
Copenhagen's former military barracks squatted by hippies in the Sixties and declared a "free city", is still a haven for the counter-culture - it has galleries, concerts, bars and some of the best restaurants in the city.
Kronborg Castle (Helsingør)
One of the most important Renaissance castles in Northern Europe, also famous for being the setting for William Shakespeare’s play - Hamlet.
Legoland® (Billund)
Features attractions and rides built from no less than 40 million plastic LEGO blocks. Shows are performed daily by the Children’s Theatre, and there are also circus acts in high season.
Little Mermaid (Copenhagen)
Copenhagen’s most famous symbol - Edvard Eriksen’s bronze statue on Copenhagen’s waterfront.
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