A Break With Plenty Of Hygge In Denmark

Travemünde is a beach resort with history: The town was founded in 1187 by Count Adolf III zu Schauenburg, who recognized the strategic value of its site at junction of the River Trave and the Baltic Sea. In 1329, Lübeck bought the village and its castle, thereby securing access to the Baltic for international trade. Fishing was the village's main source of income until the late 18th Century, when tourism entered the picture. Throughout the 50s and 60s, Travermunde was to Germany, what St. Tropez was to France. Even though that is perhaps not the case anymore (you’ll see no megayachts or Russian billions here), Travermunde has retained a very charming and inviting olde-worlde appeal of beach huts, boats and barbeques. A long river of sand greets the happy traveller who disembarks here and if the gentle Baltic sea and distinctive – and very comfortable – wicker strandkörbe (hooded beach seats), are not enough to keep you busy, then exploring the attractive riverfront is a worthwhile pastime. The stroll into town provides the perfect excuse to sample some of the excellent many draft beers on tap and for these feeling a bit peckish, the fish restaurants are reputed to be some of the best in the country. Do not miss a chance to taste the local speciality of young herring served with salad and salted, boiled potatoes that have been rolled in cumin. To work off your feast, then the short hike or cycle ride (bike hire shops are found almost everywhere) to the conservation area around Brodtener Steilufer is well worthwhile, and commands spectacular views.

With its mix of world-famous landmarks and modern charm, Copenhagen appeals to every visitor. The Little Mermaid at Langelinie is the city’s most famous attraction. The colourful waterfront at Nyhavn with its lively cafes is a great place to while away some time, while Amalienborg Palace and the Tivoli amusement park will take you on a journey through the past and present of the Danish capital. In its majestic setting amidst well-kept rose gardens, Rosenborg Castle is home to the Danish Crown Jewels. As well as its historic sites, Copenhagen is a paradise for design fans: the cubist Royal Library and the Royal Opera House are outstanding examples of modern Scandinavian architecture.

By the 11th century, Copenhagen was already an important trading and fishing centre and today you will find an attractive city which, although the largest in Scandinavia, has managed to retain its low-level skyline. Discover some of the famous attractions including Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, perhaps cruise the city’s waterways, visit Rosenborg Castle or explore the medieval fishing village of Dragoer. Once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen features many reminders of its fairytale heritage and lives up to the reputation immortalised in the famous song ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’.

Aarhus, one of northern Europe’s oldest cities, combines the best of the past and the present. It offers a fascinating mix of historical and modern influences. The old town, Den Gamle By, brings the flair of centuries past back to life with its lovingly restored buildings: The city was founded by the Vikings around AD 770 and has been inhabited ever since. In the harbour, the modern Dokk1 library is a symbol of innovation and cultural change – a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike.

Århus is Denmark's second-largest city, and, with its funky arts and college community, one of the country's most pleasant. Cutting through the center of town is a canal called the Århus Å (Århus Creek). It used to run underground, but was uncovered a few years ago. Since then, an amalgam of bars, cafés, and restaurants has sprouted along its banks. At all hours of the day and night this waterfront strip is abuzz with crowds that hang out on the outdoor terraces and steps that lead down to the creek.The VisitÅrhus tourist office has information about the Århus Passport, which includes passage on buses, free or discounted admission to the 12 most popular museums and sites in the city, and tours.

The Kiel Canal is like a ribbon cutting through the landscapes of Schleswig-Holstein and linking the North Sea to the Baltic Sea between Brunsbuttel and Kiel. At just under 100 km (62 mi.) long, the canal is the busiest man-made waterway in the world and cuts up to 900 km (560 mi.) off shipping routes around Denmark. Opened in 1895 and originally known as the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal, the canal makes its way past little villages, idyllic meadows and extensive pasture land. The two locks are masterpieces of engineering and have also been in operation since 1895, protecting the canal from changing water levels caused by the tides or by the winds off the North Sea and Baltic Sea.

Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city with a history dating back to Charlemagne. A major port, this vibrant city is home to art and culture, extensive shopping facilities, Baroque buildings and waterfront vistas. With its well-known fish market, art galleries and Museums together with several beautiful parks including a botanical garden, this is a city with something for everyone. British visitors who remember the Swinging Sixties may like to visit the streets around Grosse Freiheit, where an unknown pop group called The Beatles gave their first public performances in various local clubs before achieving worldwide fame.