Summer in Denmark | July 13-19

13-19 July 2012

SUMMER IN DENMARK

Simply sustainable Samsø Discover central Jutland

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Neighbourhood safari | Østerbro

Summer in Denmark: 13-19 July 2012

More than just a quiet façade

By Elise Beacom

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DISTRICT more suitable for feeding the ducks than satisfying your urge to party, Østerbro sits pretty on the edge of the city centre. With a long-established reputation as Copenhagen’s upper-class neighbourhood, Østerbro is more commonly associated with being liveable rather than hip or cool. And being a typically wealthy area, a chance encounter with a Danish celebrity is not uncommon. But look past the uniform apartment buildings, wide boulevards and quiet residential streets, and you’ll see that this area has more to offer than simple everyday conveniences. Fælledparken, the large central park, is a happening hub for sporting events and festivals alike. Situated close by is Parken, a sports stadium that doubles as a stage for some of the biggest musical acts to visit Copenhagen. Indeed, parks and lakes decorate much of Østerbro, from the green slopes of Kastellet to the vast expanse of city lakes that form the chosen route for hundreds of joggers every day. With good cafés and restaurants, health-food shops and organic-produce signs plastered everywhere, it’s clear that many people who live in this area like to take care of themselves. They relish life in their tranquil neighbourhood and are perfectly happy to seek action further afield. After all, the noisier surrounding districts, like Nørrebro and the city centre, are just a short bike ride away.

Hellerup

Østerbro Nørrebro Frederiksberg Vesterbro

AFTER DARK

DO In an area sometimes dubbed ‘the Latté District’, it’s surprising how much there is to do for free in Østerbro. Its lush green parks offer plenty of opportunities for barbecues and picnics. Kastellet is a particularly picturesque option set against a backdrop of green embankments and windmills. The slopes of the star-shaped citadel are dotted with cannons, and served a more practical purpose back in the 1600s when they protected Denmark against invading forces. A stroll down to the adjacent waterfront reveals Copenhagen Harbour and one of the city’s biggest (or smallest) tourist attractions – Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid. At Fiskerihavnen, located at the tip of Nordhavn, amateur anglers can take out small fishing boats, and there’s a kiosk for restocking fishing (and beer) supplies. For active land-dwellers, running around the city lakes or through Fælledparken is pleasant, while spectators might prefer seeing a concert or football match at the adjoining Parken.

OUR PICK!

Kastellet. A star-shaped wonderland perfect for a picnic lunch (near Østerport Station)

EAT When the sun is shining, Dag H Café and Restaurant is in the perfect position. Its guests can enjoy alfresco dining, while warming their necks and watching bicycles whizz by at the busy Lille Triangel intersection. Italian trattoria-style restaurant Hos Fischer on Victor Borges Plads, also allows patrons to spill out onto the prome- nade. The square, Bopa Plads, shows off a big playground and a number of quaint eateries like Pixie – a good place for brunch. Another popular, but hidden, brunch joint is Canteen on Nordre Frihavnsgade.

From the outside, it looks exactly as its name suggests but inside, it’s far more charming than a cafeteria. Kafferiet, near Kastellet, is a cosy coffee bar – its counter is decorated with a selection of colourful candy for sale. For something more substantial, burgerlovers rave about Halifax at Trianglen, and if you really want to splurge, try Geranium – it was named the world’s 49th best restaurant this year.

OUR PICK!

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Canteen. Book a table by the window so you can watch the world go by during brunch (Nordre Frihavnsgade 52)

Christianshavn

SHOP Though located away from Copenhagen’s main shopping hub, there are plenty of small boutiques and interesting shops to be found in Østerbro. For cutting-edge Danish design and fashion, Normann Copenhagen on Østerbrogade is a must visit – the shop changes its gorgeous window display almost daily. For women’s clothing, Berg, also on Østerbrogade, has amazing threads and shoes bursting with colour, and a short walk further north will bring you to OZ – to keep the men happy. With so many great jogging routes in the neighborhood, a host of running stores – like Marathon Sport, located at the top of the lakes – cater to active types. Nordre Frihavnsgade is also sparsely dotted with interesting stores. For pre-loved designer clothes, Greibe og Kumari is the place, a delightful wine shop, Vinobossen, is packed with boutique brews, fancy tea and liquorice, and the staff at Odin Fisk will dish up plenty of charisma with their fresh catch.

OUR PICK!

In a quiet neighbourhood like Østerbro, the selection of watering holes is limited to a range of intimate bars ideal for kicking off a night out. Summer is the time to sip cocktails, and there is a delicious range on offer at Kitjin on Århusgade. There are comfortable couches inside, and an old kitchen at the back doubles as a novel smoking room. The bar also has generous happyhour deals, with two-for-one cocktails every evening until 21:00.

Pixie transforms into a bar in the evenings, with outdoor seating and a courtyard for balmy nights. Fru Heiberg, on Rosenvængets Allé behind Trianglen, is a French- and Danish-inspired restaurant that’s open late from Thursday to Saturday – its cosy surroundings are ideal for a glass of wine. For some Mediterranean flavour on the same street, try Panzon Vinbar for wine or tapas – or both.

OUR PICK!

Kitjn. You’ll love the delicious mojitos served in glass jars (Århusgade 14)

Normann Copenhagen. This flagship store showcases Danish design at its best (Østerbrogade 70)

NEXT WEEK: VESTERBRO

Summer in Denmark: 13-19 July 2012

Kulturklik.dk – Your click to museums & experiences.

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Summer in Denmark: 13-19 July 2012

Your click to Copenhagen-area museums & experiences

where I experience art

Photo: Simon Bøcker Mørch

Europe in Copenhagen ...

My museum

Marina Torp, 37, artist

“ Feeling cooped up in Copenhagen? If you’ve got a touch of wanderlust but can’t get out of the city, why not make a grand tour of Europe in your hometown? There are plenty of places where you can experience the best of some of Europe’s great metropolises. This summer, we’ll take you to Berlin, Amsterdam, Rome and Paris – without ever leaving the Copenhagen area. Next destination: Amsterdam.

By Julie W. Tovgaard

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HETHER it’s canal tours, quaint bridges, artists who cut off their ears or coffee shops, there’s something for everyone in Amsterdam. Throw on your clogs and follow the trail to find traces of Amsterdam in Copenhagen. Danes have always been keen on the Netherlands. As far back as 1521, Dutch farmers, at the invite of King Christian II, settled on the island of Amager.

Life in the Dutch village and its foreign customs attracted artists such as Julius Exner, Friedlænder and Jens Juel. Their paintings, as well as the traditional clothing worn by the

settlers, is on display at Amager Museum.

In the Netherlands, they say Amsterdam has two types of tourists: those who visit the van Gogh Museum first, and those who visit the red-light district first. But many are also attracted to the city’s coffee shops. Unlike Amsterdam, though, Copenhagen’s cafés don’t sell hash, but at the National Museum, you can see a hash booth that once served customers in the Christiania commune.

For those whose tastes lean more towards art and nature, Nivaagaard presents a collection of landscapes by Dutch baroque artists Jan van Goyen, Salomon Ruysdael, Aert van der Neer and Jacob van Ruisdael. Nivaagaard also houses a number of portraits, including one by Rembrandt. And what’s more Dutch than a windmill? At the Gilleleje Musuem, the impressive Ramløse Mølle is still operated by a miller and his apprentice.

Back in Copenhagen, head to Nyhavn and hop on a canal-tour boat. The trip passes houseboats, elegant bridges and throngs of bikes, all accompanied by the scent of Dutch waffles. Entering the canals of Chrstianshavn, the sight is truly Dutch.

Founded in 1618 by Christian IV, the area was intended as housing for Dutch immigrants. It was built in the Dutch style in 1618 by Johan Semp. Those interested in modern architecture can stop along the canal tour at the Danish Architecture Centre, which shows the latest international trends in architecture.

End the day in the gardens of Kongens Have, in the shadow of Rosenborg Castle. When the flowers are in bloom during the spring, the tulips conjure up memories of Dutch fields. And last on the list of Dutch treats in Copenhagen is a stop at Café Amsterdam, at Cort Adelers Gade 2, behind the Royal Theatre.

There, the Heineken is always cold.

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The best way to cure your hangover after a night of partying is to head over to Malmö, grab a big brunch somewhere and then go look at art in Malmö Konsthall. That’s such a great way to see art, and Malmö Konstall is an incredible place. When you’re like that, you’ve got no urgent need to look critically at art – you can just experience it as it is. I’m not such a big fan of minimalism, but when I’m tired and I’m still a little woozy, it’s just what the doctor ordered. It’s also an experience to be able travel to another country to go to a gallery. And besides, Malmö’s a nice place.

“I’m a big fan of Statens Museum for Kunst and the things they do to bring art out of people. The last time I attended one of their alternative events, they had a punk band giving a concert. I think it’s great that they try to attract a broader range of people into the national gallery by showing that the term ‘art’ can be applied to a lot of things, including a musical performance, a poetry reading or whatever other crazy idea you can come up with. Art thrives when it’s in our midst. There’s nothing that says that visiting a museum should be something special.

“One place I’d really like to visit is the Cisterns – the Museum of Modern Glass Art – located at Søndermarken park in Frederiksberg. The museum itself is in one of the city’s old water reservoirs, and I’m told it’s quite magical. I could imagine that it would be a unique place to show art, since it’s underground and there’s no natural light. Normally, location doesn’t mean much to me – inspiration can strike anywhere – but it’s important that we make room for art, and that we open up ourselves to it. That’s why I prefer to go to museums just after they open or just before they close.”

By: Fie Krøyer Dahl

Summer in Denmark: 13-19 July 2012

Your click to Copenhagen-area museums & experiences

Events •

For Families

COPENHAGEN JAZZ FESTIVAL AT CHARLOTTENBORG Once again this year, the Charlottenborg art gallery will host a series of Copenhagen Jazz Festival concerts. Experience music performed outdoors at one of the city’s largest and most beautiful spaces for contemporary art.

June 11 and 12. More information available at jazz.dk.

Kunsthallen Charlottenborg Nyhavn 2, Copenhagen K kunsthalcharlottenborg.dk

WATER – A WORLD OF ADVENTURE A bone-dry ride through the wet element, this exhibition allows you to fight with the power of the sea. See if you can manage to save someone who has fallen overboard from a ship. The 850 sq m exhibition features over 50 thrilling activities and fascinating experiments with water.

Experimentarium Tuborg Havnevej 7, Hellerup experimentarium.dk BALANCE AND METABOLISM What do you think about your body? Using objects and images from the unique collections at the Medical Museion, the new Balance and Metabolism exhibit showcases two different understandings of the body in the history of medicine. The exhibition focuses on the therapies that arise from these different theories of the body – from emetics and bloodletting bowls to insulin injectors and hormone treatments – and the conception of the body that resulted in their development.

Medical Museion Bredgade 62, Copenhagen K museion.ku.dk

Exhibitions •

GUIDED TOURS AT THE DANISH JEWISH MUSEUM Get the inside story behind Daniel Libeskind’s design for the museum housing 400 years of Jewish history in Denmark. The tour offers highlights from the museum’s permanent collection, titled ‘Space and Spaciousness’. Tours available Fri Jul 6, Sun Jul 8 and Wed Jul 18 at 14:00.

Danish Jewish Museum Proviantspassagen 6, Copenhagen K jewmus.dk

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VISIT A VICTORIAN HOME The Victorian Home is located just a few steps from the National Museum. The flat, which was once home to the merchant Rudolph Christensen, appears precisely as it did between 1890 and 1914. The authentic interiors are well-preserved. Please sign up at the Information Desk.

The guided tour takes place on Sat Jul 14 at 14:00.

The National Museum Ny Vestergade 10, Copenhagen K natmus.dk

LEJRE – LAND OF LEGENDS Over 10,000 years of Danish history is retold at Sagnlandet Lejre in a uniquely interactive show that involves the entire family. Experience how families lived – or even try to live as a family – in the Stone Age, the Iron Age, the Viking era and the 1800s. Or watch craftsmen labour in period workshops, and Danish breeds of farm animals roam their pastures. For those more into nature than history, Lejre also offers a rolling landscape of forests, ponds and meadows.

Sagnlandet Lejre Slangealleen 2, Lejre sagnlandet.dk

German world images 1890-1930 Rare works from the National Gallery’s permanent collection tell the story of one of the most turbulent periods in the history of German art. Through the works of Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee and Emil Nolde, the exhibit depicts the German modernists’ quest to identify the national identity.

The National Gallery Sølvgade 48-50 Copenhagen K smk.dk

My name is Jørgen Leth Impassioned, intellectual, a lover of cycling and an artist fascinated by life’s richness and the body’s beauty, Jørgen Leth has long been a favourite among the cultural elite. Now in his seventies, he has attained cult status among a younger generation. His artistic focus ranges from the close at hand to the worldly, and from the mythic to the basic tenets of daily life. Experience it all at Kunstforeningen Gl. Strand.

Kunstforeningen Gl. Strand Gammel Strand 48 Copenhagen K glstrand.dk Zarah Voigt // Jean Voigt Elegant Sophienholm opens its doors for a spectacular exhibition of the works of jewellery maker Zarah Voight and her father Jean

Voigt. Discover their strange and beautiful universe of silver, black and violet.

Sophienholm Nybrovej 401 Kgs. Lyngby sophienholm.dk

Pilgrim Esrum Abby presents two emotionally moving photo exhibits that focus on pilgrimages. These special journeys trace their roots to ancient times, and are used by many religions as a either a trek from one point on the map to another, or as a spiritual voyage that explores the soul through inner reflection and an examination of

conscience.

Esrum Kloster & Møllegaard Klostergade 11 Græsted esrum.dk Flaming textiles from Uzbekistan Experience a world of colour and pattern as the David Collection presents it newly arranged collection of Uzbekistani ikat fabrics, which are normally not on display.

Ikat fabrics are created using a particularly complicated weaving method that is employed in only in a few parts of the world. In Uzbekistan, where it has been practiced for centuries, the method has been nicknamed ‘flaming yarn’.

David Collection Kronprinsessegade 30 Copenhgen K davidssamling.dk

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Circus Museum p ly ho Ju ks n or y i W d a 30 us n 2. rc Su -1 Ci ery 11 Ev

ON LOAN

www cirkusmuseum.dk .

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Masterpieces from Skagens Museum

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Open daily 11 AM - 5 PM Closed Mondays

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Island Hopping | Samsø

Summer in Denmark: 13-19 July 2012

There and back again – in just a day The island of Samsø has gained international renown for being carbon-negative. What few might realise is that it’s also perfect for a day trip

By Jason Heppenstall

H

AVE YOU ever wondered what a Samsinger is?

Could it be someone who spends Friday evenings in Sam’s Bar on Strøget, belting out karaoke numbers? Or perhaps some kind of skylark-like bird that sings its song high above the duney beaches of Jutland? No, in fact a Samsinger is someone who comes from a small Danish island found 15 kilometres off the Jutland coast – a place that is renowned the world over for something special.

I’ll get into what makes the place famous in due course, but for now all you need to know is that, in any beauty contest between Danish islands, Samsø would probably be favoured to win. When you try to imagine this small island in your mind’s eye, picture a gently undulating landscape dotted with villages of thatched cottages, orchards humming with bees and fields of strawberries. Like every other Danish isle, it’s a peaceful place best explored at a leisurely pace, preferably on foot or by bicycle.

I must admit that I had heard so many good things about Samsø that I felt somewhat ashamed that I had never visited until now. And with Denmark’s compact size, there is simply no excuse for not visiting some of its most beautiful areas. So one Saturday morning, I simply jumped in the car and drove out west towards the coast of Zealand. From Copenhagen, it’s an easy hour and a quarter to Kalundborg in time to catch the 8:45 ferry. Getting on board couldn’t be simpler. If you haven’t already pre-booked, you can just drive up to the barrier and pay as you board.

The journey takes a couple of hours, and there are two restaurants on board, as well as a kids’ games room and a TV area. The views along the way are fine, and the route sails past Vesborg Lighthouse on the southern coast before you arrive at the port of Kolby Kås. Immediately when you

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disembark, you are confronted with the sight of dozens of purple bicycles. It’s simple to hire one, and then you’re off around the island in an ecological manner.

Samsø Situated right in the middle of the sea between Zealand and Jutland, Samsø is a beautiful small island famed for the qual-

Which brings me to why Samsø is famous. In 1997, Samsingers decided that they wanted to create the first environmentally sustainable inhabited island in the world, becoming totally self-sufficient in energy. A good deal of hard work later, they have achieved that goal, and the island is now carbon-negative – this means they actually export more energy than they use. Among the sandal-footed tourists on the ferry, you might also see visiting delegations from places as far afield as Japan or Brazil, arriving on factfinding missions to learn how this small island managed to travel so far down the road to sustainability.

ity of its produce as well as its eco-conscious residents. You

Samsø might be tranquil these days, but it was exactly the opposite in Norse mythology. Some of the old sagas identify Samsø as the place where the god Odin learned Norse sorcery, and it was also the site of a legendary battle where the Swedish warrior Hjalmar fought the 12 sons of a beserker called Angrim. But things seem to have quieted down quite a bit since then, and sitting on the quay watching the fishing boats come in at Ballen, the liveliest thing you’re likely to see are a few kitesurfers taking advantage of the breeze.

it’s within easy striking distance from most places in Denmark.

In terms of geography, Samsø is long and thin, with the northern section joined to the southern by only a slender spit of land. Nowhere on the island are you more than 3.5 kilometres from the sea. The main town is Tranebjerg, which has the most shops as well as banks and a few restaurants. It’s here that you can find the informative Okømuseum (Eco-museum), which will give you an overview of Samsø through the ages as well as entry u

can easily get there from both Zealand and Jutland aboard ferries that depart several times each day. One of the best ways to explore the island is on a bicycle – you can either bring your own or rent one when you arrive at the ferry terminal. The island is also famous for its many dining and accommodation options; it is a perennial favourite with Danish holidaymakers. You can try fresh seafood and wash it down with a glass (or two) of the local wine or beer. What’s more, there is plenty to do, with golfing and sailing being particularly popular activities. Samsø offers something for everyone, and

Samsø

NEXT WEEK: FANØ

Island Hopping | Samsø

Summer in Denmark: 13-19 July 2012

u

to a nearby farmhouse that is preserved as it looked in the 19th century.

On the eastern side of the island, not far from Tranebjerg, is Ballen. This lively fishing village has a beach and a number of seafood restaurants, including a smokehouse where you can sample traditional smoked seafood. We stopped to have lunch at the excellent Skipperly Restaurant, which serves up fresh dishes and herrings galore in a cosy ‘olde-worlde’ building that pays homage to the ships of yesteryear. Nearby, you can buy locally made ice cream and perhaps sample some of the area’s wine. Yes, that’s right – Samsø might be known for its new potatoes and strawberries, but wine production is perhaps one of the more surprising growth industries here, and you can visit some of the vineyards to see for yourself.

If you want to sample more of the island’s produce, it’s a simple matter of just travelling around the back roads and stopping by local farms. Many of them have honesty boxes at the gate, and you can load up with honey, jam, strawberries, potatoes, onions and plenty more. Shops – who needs them?

For us, it was but a flying visit. We hopped on the 16:45 ferry and were back in Copenhagen in the evening. So, while it is a perfectly practical day trip, staying on the island a little longer would be the ideal choice, and Samsø has plenty of accommodation options to choose from.

With everything from swish boutique hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, campsites and holiday cottages, you’ll never be stuck for somewhere to stay.

Neither is there any shortage of things to see and do on Samsø. During your visit, you can get lost in a giant forested maze, play golf, pet animals on a farm, go sailing or diving, ride around in a horse-drawn carriage or roll down a hill in a giant plastic ball. And it goes without saying that the island has numerous art galleries and craft shops, selling ceramics, paintings and handmade cosmetics. Samsø might be small, but it definitely offers plenty to keep you entertained while you’re there.

Do Being a popular destination, Samsø has something for everyone. Real ale lovers should head down to the Samsø Brewery for a tipple (samsoe-bryghus.dk), or if you haven’t yet reached drinking age, perhaps a roll down a hill in a giant plastic ball is more appropriate (samsodownhill.dk).

Nothing beats travelling around Samsø at a leaisurely pace with the OUR PICK!

wind in your face. You can rent both regular and battery-assisted bikes at the ferry terminal and Ballen (samsocykeludlejning.dk).

Stay

Eat Samsø has many restaurants catering to a variety of tastes. All of them go in for fresh local produce with many also serving fresh seafood, such as herrings, langoustine and crab. If you want an expensive treat, head down to the Ballen Badehotel, which serves up excellent fare (ballenbadehotel. dk). At the other end of the scale – but no less of an experience – head across the harbour to Røgeriet, where various smoked delicacies are served up (rogeriet.dk).

Camping with your own tent or caravan is a popular – and cheap – way to enjoy Samsø. There are three campsites found on the island: Sælvig Bugtens Camping (saelvigbugtens-camping.dk), Strandskov Camping (strandskovscamping.dk) and Kiltgaard Camping (klitgaardcamping.dk).

If you fancy a bit of luxury, check out the OUR PICK!

Ilse Made hotel, which also has an excellent restaurant (ilsemade.dk).

Skipperly Restaurant, Ballen. Charming atmosphere with OUR PICK!

fantastic seafood dishes and an ambience that harks back to the age of salty sea dogs (skipperly.dk).

uGetting there Ferries run several times daily from Kalundborg in Zealand to Kolby Kås, and Hou in Jutland to Sælvig. Maximum crossing time is 2 hours. For more details, check out faergen.com.

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Regional | Central Jutland

Summer in Denmark: 13-19 July 2012

History and culture in the Danish heartland From the vibrancy of Denmark’s second-largest city to some of the nation’s oldest historical artefacts, central Jutland is at the crossroads of Denmark’s past and present

By Stephanie Harvey

I

n central Jutland’s northeastern corner, you’ll find Ebeltoft, a scenic town with crooked streets, local handicraft shops, half-timbered buildings and home to the 1860 Jylland, the oldest man-of-war sailing ship in Denmark. Wandering the cobblestone streets is like going back in time. Due to two centuries of economic stagnation, it remained virtually untouched. But in the 1960s, it suddenly became a tourist attraction: this town is the largest gateway to the Mols Bjerge national park, famous for its varied coastline and moraine hills formed by glaciers 14,000 years ago.

From here, you can reach Denmark’s major seaport and second-largest city, Aarhus. A vibrant hub with 40,000 students, it has many winding, colourful streets, and the canal side brims with cafés and bars. ARoS, a contemporary art museum, is visible throughout the town due to its famous rainbow panorama that crowns the city. There are a variety of bookshop cafés that offer quality coffee and cake in cosy surroundings, such as Løves Bog- og Vincafé.

Aarhus is the ideal mix of countryside and city. The park called ‘Dyrehaven’ has free-roaming and friendly deer; to the south of Aarhus lies Risskov forest, where the far-reaching sandy beach is easily accessible for a quick dip or a picnic if the weather is good. There is also ‘Den permanente’ – a historical outdoor sea bath with saunas and a sheltered beach.

Vikings settled here 1,200 years ago, and the treasures of Moesgard Museum explore this history in addition to housing the mummified Graubelle Man of 80 BC. The Silkeborg Lake District is nearby, which contains Mossø, Denmark’s largest lake, and the Labyrinthia theme park is perfect for a challenging day in the world of mazes.

Many historical sites are tucked away in unassuming villages.

Built in 1100, Veng Abbey is Denmark’s oldest monastery, and close by is Skanderborg Castle, a traditional hunting retreat for Danish kings from the 12th to 16th centuries. To the south lies the quietly important and UNESCO-protected village of Jelling, once the royal seat for King Gorm the Old, a 10th-century Viking who conquered Jutland, Funen and Zealand to establish Denmark. There are two runic stones here: the smaller and older of them has an inscription in memory of Gorm’s wife, and it is considered to be the first recorded use of the name ‘Denmark’. As in many Danish towns during summer months, history is brought to life during an immersive Viking festival in July. For thrills of a wilder kind, there is Givskud Zoo, where you can drive through the largest pride of lions in Scandinavia.

uCentral Jutland Central Jutland is home to enchanting towns, lakes and dense forests. Whether it’s the old fortress city of Fredericia in the south or Viborg, Denmark’s second-oldest provincial town, to the north, central Jutland is a varied and historic area. The west is characterised by isolated coastlines and heathertopped moors; Ringkobing Fjord is an ideal spot to watch for seals and porpoises. Western Denmark’s countryside is an abundant landscape of small hills and farms that are steeped in Viking history, while busier cities such as Aarhus and Silkeborg offer a cosmopolitan break. Regardless of whether they live in town or country, the local residents appreciate their landscape and culture. Central Jutland easily contrasts its accessible and rich countryside with cobbled and brightly painted towns that are full of museums, cafés and areas of architectural interest. Local attractions like Legoland, aquariums, elaborate mazes and scores of summer festivals means there’s always plenty to do in central Jutland.

Further north is Ringkobing Fjord, where a narrow piece of sandy land just 35 kilometres long separates the Fjord from the North Sea; it’s the perfect place for watersports, and the historic town is an idyllic vacation spot.

Central Jutland

NEXT WEEK: SOUTHERN JUTLAND

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Regional | Central Jutland

Summer in Denmark: 13-19 July 2012

Stay Depending on your preference, a variety of needs can be catered to – from one of Denmark’s 550 camping sites to luxury hotels, historic houses, hostels and even a farm holiday, where you can be immersed in Denmark’s countryside culture. In Aarhus, City Hotel Oasia is a friendly, bright, minimalist and charming hotel.

OUR PICK!

Stay a night or two in a cosy inn, many of which have retained their 18th-century rusticity. They can often be found in the open countryside, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Search for accommodation to find something that suits your location at visitdenmark.dk.

Eat

Do In Billund, visit Legoland, where detailed miniature cities and famous landmarks made from the small plastic bricks are sure to fascinate. In Vejle, take a trip to Ecolarium, a centre that aims to raise awareness about environmental issues and the potential of alternative energy. Grejsdalen valley northwest of Vejle is Denmark’s largest gorge. The area is unique, and the scenery striking with forest-covered slopes. Silkeborg offers a variety of activities, such as canoeing and hiking. Try to see the impressive view from Himmelbjerget (the Sky Mountain) near Ry. For those interested in history, the 2,400-year-old remains of the perfectly preserved Tollund Man provide a fascinating glimpse of the past, as do the other Iron Age findings at Silkeborg Museum, the city’s oldest building.

Aarhus restaurant Nordens Folkekokken presents a locally sourced, seasonal menu of Danish food. Aarhus also has a variety of restaurants that offer flavours from around the world – Gallorant Kif-Kif offers a fusion of Mediterranean and

OUR PICK!

Experience Silkeborg Hjejlen, the world’s oldest coal-burning paddle steamer. With tranquil lakes, magnificent highland areas and many inns (kroer)

Tunisian dishes at reasonable prices. If it is pizza or pasta you crave, Italia is considered the best quality and value for the money. For something livelier at night, Jacob’s barBQ offers a messy yet tasty menu as well as a piano bar and nightclub.

For a reasonably priced Eastern European lunch buffet, try Det Grønne Hjørne.

that deliver Danish hospitality with local flavours to keep you satisfied, it’s the perfect alternative to bustling towns.

OUR PICK!

Scenic Malling og Schmidt’s Nordic cuisine is pricy, but it’s frequently named as one of the best restaurants in Aarhus.

It aims to reflect the flavours of Denmark, giving guests ‘an intimate culinary view of Jutland’ (mallingschmidt.dk).

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a world of architecture & design

exhibitions CAFe booKs/shoP Visit us at the harbour front in central copenhagen

Strandgade 27 B 1401 Copenhagen www.dac.dk