Travel and Tourism Information

Travel - International

AIR

The national airlines are SAS (SK) (website: www.flysas.com) and Sterling Airlines (SA) (formerly Maersk Air) (website: www.sterlingticket.com). The major carriers are British Airways and SAS.

International Airports

Copenhagen (CPH) (Kastrup) (website: www.cph.dk) is 8km (5 miles) southeast of the city (travel time – 15 to 30 minutes). To/from airport: A rail link connects the airport and main railway station in Copenhagen (travel time – 12 minutes). There are also high-speed Intercity trains to Funen (travel time – 1 hour) and Jutland (travel time – 2 hours) with additional connections to Malmø (Sweden) on a 30-minute journey via the Øresund link. There are also regular bus services from the airport departing every 10 to 20 minutes (travel time – 20 minutes). Facilities: An outgoing duty free shop, a wide range of car hire firms, bank/bureau de change, and several restaurants and bars.
Arhus (AAR) (Tirstrup) (website: www.aar.dk) is 44km (27 miles) from the city.To/from the airport: Buses connect with flight arrivals; taxis are also available. Facilities: Duty free shop, a wide range of car hire firms, bank/bureau de change, a post office and a restaurant.
Billund Airport (BLL) (Billund) (website: www.billund-airport.dk) is approximately 2km (1.3 miles) from Legoland.

SEA

The Main ports: Copenhagen (website: www.cmport.com), Esbjerg (website: www.port-of-esbjerg.dk), Frederikshavn (website: www.frederikshavn.dk), Hanstholm (website: www.hanstholmshavn.dk) and Hirtshals. There are regular ferries to and from the Faroe Islands, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the UK. DFDS Seaways (website: www.dfdsseaways.co.uk) is one of the main operators. North Jutland is connected to the Faroes, Iceland, Norway and Scotland during the summer by ferries. There are no departure taxes when leaving Denmark by sea. Several major cruise lines call at Copenhagen.

RAIL

Copenhagen is connected by rail to all other major European cities, and typical express journey times from Copenhagen are: to London 24 hours; to Hamburg four hours 30 minutes; to Berlin 11 hours 25 minutes. All international trains connect with ferries where applicable.
ROAD All the major road networks of Europe connect with ferry services to Copenhagen; it is advisable to book ferries in advance. The completion of the 18km- (11 mile-) long toll Great Belt bridge and tunnel, linking Copenhagen (which is situated on the island of Sjælland) with the island of Funen, now provides the first seamless surface connection from the European continent to Copenhagen. It includes the world’s second-longest suspension bridge at 6.5km (4 miles) long. A second bridge and tunnel, the Øresund connection, links Copenhagen with Malmø in Sweden. This consists of an 8km (5 mile) bridge and an 8km (5 mile) tunnel linked by an artificial island. Tolls are applicable for both bridges. Eurolines, departing from Victoria Coach Station in London, serves destinations in Denmark. For further information, contact Eurolines, 4 Cardiff Road, Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 1PP, UK (tel: (08705) 143 219; website: www.eurolines.com or www.nationalexpress.com).
See Travel – Internal for information on documentation and traffic regulations.

Travel - Internal

AIR

The network of scheduled services radiates from Copenhagen (Kastrup). Other airports well served by domestic airlines include Ålborg, Århus, Billund, Esbjerg, Karup, Rønne, Skrydstrup, Sønderborg and Thisted. Domestic airports are generally situated between two or more cities which are within easy reach of each other. Domestic flights are usually of no more than 30 minutes’ duration. Limousines are often available. Discounts are available on certain tickets bought inside Denmark. Family, children and young person’s discounts are also available.

SEA

There are frequent ferry sailings from Kalundborg to Århus, Ebeltoft to Sjællands Odde and Rønne to Copenhagen. The larger ferries usually have restaurants or cafes and may have TV, video and cinema lounges, shops, play areas for children and sleeping rooms. Local car ferries link most islands to the road network.

RAIL

The main cities on all islands are connected to the rail network: Ålborg, Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Herning, Horsens, Odense and Randers. Danish State Railways (DSB) (tel: 7013 1418; website: www.dsb.dk) operates a number of express trains called Lyntogs which provide long-distance, non-stop travel; it is often possible to purchase newspapers, magazines and snacks onboard these trains. Payphones are also available. Intercity IC3 trains are faster and more direct. Seat reservations are compulsory. Children under 10 years old travel free. There are also price reductions for persons over 65 and groups of eight people or more. The Englænderen boat-train runs between Esbjerg and Copenhagen and connects with ferries from the UK. DSB passenger fares are based on a zonal system. The cost depends on the distance travelled; the cost per kilometre is reduced the longer the journey. The Scanrail Pass allows unlimited travel within Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Standard-class prices for adults are approximately £266 for 21 days and £171 for five days in two months. As elsewhere in Europe, Inter-Rail passes are valid in Denmark. Bus and ferry and, of course, rail tickets may be purchased at all railway stations.

ROAD

The road system in the Danish archipelago makes frequent use of ferries. Country buses operate where there are no railways, but there are few private long-distance coaches. Motorways are not subject to toll duty. Emergency telephones are available on motorways and there is a national breakdown called Falck, which can be called out 24 hours a day. There are petrol stations on motorways, generally with other services such as restaurants. Many petrol stations are automatic. A maximum of 10 litres of petrol is allowed to be kept as a reserve in suitably safe containers. The Danish Motoring Organisation is Forenede Danske Motorejere (FDM), Firskovvej 32, PO Box 500, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby (tel: 7013 3040; website: www.fdm.dk). Speed limits are 110kph (68mph) on motorways, 80kph (50mph) on other roads and 50kph (30mph) in built-up areas (signified by white plates with town silhouettes). Speed laws are strictly enforced, and heavy fines are levied on the spot; the car is impounded if payment is not made
Cycling: There are cycle lanes along many roads and, in the countryside, many miles of scenic cycle track. Bikes can easily be taken on ferries, trains, buses and domestic air services.
Car hire: Available to drivers over the age of 20, and can be reserved through travel agents or airlines. However, many car rental firms will only hire vehicles out to drivers over 25 years of age.
Regulations: The minimum driving age is 18. Traffic drives on the right. The wearing of seat belts is compulsory. Motorcyclists must wear helmets and drive with dipped headlights at all times. Headlamps on all vehicles should be adjusted for right-hand driving. All driving signs are international. Children under 12 years old need to travel in the rear of the car.
Documentation: A national driving licence is acceptable. EU nationals taking their own cars to Denmark are strongly advised to obtain a Green Card. Without it, insurance cover is limited to the minimum legal cover in Denmark; the Green Card tops this up to the level of cover provided by the car owner’s domestic policy.

URBAN

Car repair is often available at petrol stations; costs include 25 per cent VAT on labour and materials, which is not refunded when you leave the country.
Parking: Parking in cities is largely governed by parking discs, available from petrol stations, post offices, tourist offices, banks and some police stations. These allow up to three hours parking in car parks (one hour in Copenhagen). Kerbside parking is allowed for one hour Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0900-1300 unless stated otherwise. The hand of the disc should point to the quarter hour following time of arrival. The disc is to be placed on the side of the screen nearest the kerb. Where discs do not apply, parking meters regulate parking. Parking on a metered space is limited to three hours Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1300. Meter charges differ according to the area of the city.

Resorts & Excursions

Introduction

Denmark has an abundance of picturesque villages and towns, historic castles and monuments, and a coastline which varies delightfully from broad sandy beaches to small coves and gentle fjords. Throughout the country, rolling hills and gentle valleys provide a constant succession of attractive views; there are cool and shady forests of beech trees, extensive areas of heathland, a beautiful lake district, sand dunes and white cliffs resembling those of Dover; nor should one forget the Danish islands, each of which has its own unique attractions. Though there are few holiday resorts of the kind found in, say, France or Spain (the nearest equivalent being the 'Holiday Centre' (HC), a purpose-built coastal resort), the Danes, who are taking strong measures to keep their coastline clean and tidy, are keen for visitors to sample the many unspoilt beaches.
There are now various Sommerlands in locations all over Denmark; these are activity parks where a flat entrance fee covers the visitor for use of all the many and varied facilities inside.
Copenhagen The largest urban centre in Scandinavia, Copenhagen is a city of copper roofs and spires, founded in 1167. It has many old buildings, fountains, statues and squares, as well as the singular attraction of the Little Mermaid at the harbour entrance. The Copenhagen Card gives unlimited travel on buses and trains and free entry to a large number of museums and places of interest.
A number of organised tours are available, taking in most of the famous sights. These include the Vikingland tour to the Viking Ship Museum; a Royal tour to the Christianborg Palace (the seat of Parliament), Rosenborg Castle and Amalienborg Palace; a coach tour to old-world Bondebyen and its open-air museum; and even a brewery tour, which takes in the famous Carlsberg brewery, including an exhibition on the history of brewing and on this particular brewery. Tivoli, Copenhagen's world-famous amusement park, is open from late April to mid-September. Bakken (in the deer park north of Copenhagen) and the Charlottenlund Aquarium are both worth a visit

Jutland

This area comprises the greater part of Denmark, extending 400km (250 miles) from the German border to its northernmost tip. Jutland's west coast has superb sandy beaches but bathing there is, however, often unsafe, due to the changing winds and tides. Care should be exercised, and any advice or notices issued by local authorities should be heeded. Also in Jutland is the major port of Esbjerg, which receives daily ferries from the UK.
Main towns & resorts: Aalborg, Holstebro, Århus, Vejle, Esbjerg, Frederikshavn, Randers, Viborg, Kolding, Silkeborg.
Excursions & sightseeing: Aalborg contains the largest Viking burial ground, as well as a cathedral, monastery and castle. The largest Renaissance buildings in Denmark are in Aalborg. Århus has a collection of over 60 17th- and 18th-century buildings - houses, shops, workshops and so on from all over the country re-erected on a spacious landscaped site; as well as Marselisborg Castle and a museum of prehistory. Esbjerg and Fanø are also historically interesting and have a number of fine beaches. Rosenholm, Clausholm and Vœrgard castles are all worth a visit, while Legoland (Billund), which is open from April to October, provides good entertainment for children

Fyn (Funen)

Known as the 'Garden of Denmark', Fyn (Funen) has some of Denmark's most picturesque and historic castles and manor houses, set in age-old parks and gardens. Odense is famous as the birthplace of the great fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875). Fyn (Funen) is connected to Jutland by bridges.
Main towns & resorts: Odense, Nyborg, Svendborg, Middelfart, Bogense.
Excursions & sightseeing: Castles and churches are the main attraction in Fyn (Funen). Egeskov Castle is a superb moated Renaissance castle which is fairytale in every detail. Other castles in the area include Nyborg (seat of the former National Assembly) and Valdemar, which houses a naval museum. There are also a number of beautiful beaches, particularly on the southern islands of Langeland, Tåsinge and Ærø. Odense has a festival every July and August celebrating the life and works of Hans Christian Andersen. Visitors can see the Hans Christian Andersen Museum and his childhood home. Other museums include a major railway museum and Fyn Village, a major cultural centre. Also in Odense is the Brandts Klaedefabrik, a major cultural centre

Lolland, Falster, Møn & Bornholm

Lolland is generally flat, Falster less so, while Møn is a haven of small hills and valleys, with the Møn Klint chalk cliffs a breathtaking sight. Bornholm is set apart from the rest, 150km (90 miles) east of the Danish mainland, and is made up of fertile farmland, white beaches and rocky coastlines.
Main towns & resorts: Nysted, Nykobing, Nakskov, Stege, Sakskøbing, Rønne, Svaneke.
Excursions & sightseeing: Knuthenborg Park on Lolland is Denmark's largest, with 500 species of trees, flowers and plants; it also contains a safari park. Corselitse and the Pederstrup Museum are also worth a visit. Bornholm contains Hammershus, Denmark's largest castle ruin (built in 1260), as well as many fine churches. The small town of Svaneke was awarded the European Gold Medal in Architectural Heritage Year (1975).

Zealand (Sjælland)

Denmark's capital, Copenhagen, is on Zealand (Sjælland) and thus there is much commercial activity on the island. But there are also fine beaches, lakes, forests and royal palaces.
Main towns & resorts: Copenhagen (see separate entry), Helsingør (Elsinore), Slagelse, Nastved, Roskilde, Hillerød, Frederikssund.
Excursions & sightseeing: At Helsingør (Elsinore) can be found the old fortress of Kronborg, famed not only as the most imposing edifice in Scandinavia, but also as the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet. Frederiksborg Castle, equally as impressive, is to be seen at Hillerød, which houses the National History Museum. The 12th-century cathedral at Roskilde and the Viking Museum are both worth a visit, while at Skjoldenasholm there is a fine Tram Museum. Excellent beaches can be found in Sjælland, particularly in the north of the island