Summer in Denmark | July 20-26

20-26 July 2012

SUMMER IN DENMARK

Vibrant Vesterbro Find Rome, here at home

Fanø, fantastic island Discover southern Jutland

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Neighbourhood safari | Vesterbro

Summer in Denmark: 20-26 July 2012

The heart of cool

By Elise Beacom

T

HE SEEDY red lights draw an eclectic crowd to this up-and-coming district. The central avenue, Istedgade, is particularly pulsating, with sex shops and topless bars lining the way to Central Station. Located on the brink of the city centre, Vesterbro was originally the workers’ district, and that hustle and bustle remains. On any given morning, you might see greengrocers unloading their trucks, commuters descending upon the train station on their way to work and partiers slinking off home after one too many. While ladies of the night and addicts are two of the groups more commonly associated with this area, an increased police presence has cleaned up Vesterbro over recent years. Nowadays, it’s becoming increasingly trendy – especially around the meatpacking district, Kødbyen, where a number of niche bars have sprung up. Once an area reserved for butchers, the establishment of art studios and alternative restaurants now attract a fashionable and artsy crowd. On balmy summer nights, the area is often lit up with a bonfire – drawing the night owls like moths to a flame. But even on cooler nights, the warm glow emanating from the cosy bars and eateries along Halmtorvet is attraction enough.

Hellerup

Nørrebro

Østerbro

Frederiksberg Christianshavn Vesterbro

DO Carlsberg Brewery is worth a visit. Wander through the multimedia exhibition to learn the back-story about this successful beer brand, sniff some key ingredients in the aroma room and wander through the stables to see the impressive Clydesdale horses. The old brewery is open daily except Mondays and the 70kr entrance fee includes two drinks – a choice of beer or soft drink. If you prefer cocktails by the pool, Copencabana, open from June to August, is an artificial beach that serves as one of the city’s most popular harbour swimming pools. Located behind the shopping centre Fisketorvet, the palm trees and Moroccan atmosphere are complemented

by North African-inspired food. DGI-Byen has indoor swimming and diving for the sportier types, and if you don’t want to get wet, you can see big musicals at the beautiful Det Ny Teater on Gammel Kongevej or take in a film at The Imperial Cinema on Ved Vesterport.

OUR PICK!

Carlsberg Visitors’ Centre. Gain some insight into ‘probably the world’s best beer’ (Gamle Carlsberg Vej 11).

EAT The meatpacking district wouldn’t seem the first port of call for good seafood, but Fiskebar is outstanding for fabulous fresh seafood without the pomp. The nearby Nose2Tail will delight carnivores and make cheap off cuts taste fantastic. Also in Kødbyen, Mother’s sourdough pizzas are done in the Italian way – with an impossibly thin base. But if an ice cream is all you can fit in, Sicilian Is on Skydebanegade sells flavourful whole-milk ice cream made from Sicilian ingredients. Francophiles will love the flaky, buttery croissants found at the rustic French patisserie and café, Det Franske Konditori on Ohlenschlægersgade, or there’s Les Trois Cochons on Værndemsvej for a competitively priced set menu of French fare.

For something more exotic, LêLê nhà hàng on Vesterbrogade serves modern Vietnamese cuisine and has a lively atmosphere.

If all you need is a caffeine hit, the coffee is consistently good at Kaffe on Istedgade, where a small upstairs room is decorated like a courtyard garden – complete with a synthetic lawn.

OUR PICK!

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Mother. For delicious Napoli-style wood-fired pizzas in a cosy setting (Høkerboderne 9-15).

SHOP Looking past the blaringly obvious sex shops lining Istedgade, the shopping scene in Vesterbro offers an interesting combination of independent boutiques and one-stop shopping centres. Vesterbrogade is a decent place to start if you’re after mid-range clothes and shoes. Designer Zoo, also on Vesterbrogade, is a great launching pad for local designers. Along similar lines, ArtRebels in the meatpacking district is the flagship store of an online art collective by the same name. This special shop features artwork, fashion, jewellery and other nifty products conceived by the country’s newest designers.

Where Vesterbro and neighbouring district Frederiksberg meet, Værndemsvej is also dotted with cool clothes shops and food outlets. If you prefer to do all your shopping in one place, Fisketorvet (aka Copenhagen Mall) is the destination. And when the shopping gets tiresome, you can seek

AFTER DARK

Formerly Copenhagen’s red-light district, Vesterbro has long been famous for its nightlife. Though seedy bars are still in abundance around Istedgade, the meatpacking district has a myriad of hip and happening drinking and dancing spots.

Classy nightclub Karriere Bar has tasty cocktails, and its over23 rule keeps out the teenagers. For live music, you can’t do better than Vega on Enghavevej. The venue has two different spaces – Store Vega and Lille Vega – and hosts both local and international bands. A popular choice for the concert afterparty is the attached Ideal Bar, which has no door charge and a pumping dance floor. For a quieter night, Lola’s Café on Sønder Boulevard is a good pick for watching high-profile sporting matches. And serious beer drinkers should hop over to the classy Mikkeller on Viktoriagade to taste some of the 20 beers on tap. The microbrewery has decidedly delicious beers, and the friendly bar staff will help guide your selections.

OUR PICK!

Mikkeller. The sophisticated interior of this cool beer bar sets it apart from the dregs (Viktoriagade 8B-C).

refuge in the cinema located in the same complex.

OUR PICK!

ArtRebels. Support local talent and pick up something truly unique (Kødboderne 18).

NEXT WEEK: FREDERIKSBERG

Summer in Denmark: 20-26 July 2012

Kulturklik.dk – Your click to museums & experiences.

Enjoy summer at Copenhagen area museums.

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ROkOkO- mania Rococo-mania is an unconventional museum experience that explores rococo as a phenomenon of the past as well as the present.

NikoliNe liv ANderseN “The dANce of The deAf ANd dumb eye” PhoTo: Nicky de silvA

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CONTEMPORARY ART AND DESIGN IN DIALOGUE WITH CRAFTS FROM THE 1700’S

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Summer in Denmark: 20-26 July 2012

Your click to Copenhagen area museums & experiences

where I experience art

Photo: Simon Bøcker Mørch

Europe in Copenhagen ...

My museum

Steen Bocian, 41, chief economist, Danske Bank

“ 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: Rome.

By Julie W. Tovgaard

T

HEY SAY that all roads lead to Rome, and that includes Copenhagen’s H. C. Andersen Boulevard – where the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is located – as well as Gammel Strandvej in the village of Nivå, which is home to Nivaagaard Museum.

Looking to spend a Roman holiday without leaving Denmark?

Start at Thorvaldsens Musuem in Copenhagen, which houses the works of sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1844). Thorvaldsen lived in Rome for more than 40 years, becoming one the most renowned artists of his day. The museum’s classic architecture style accentuates the sculptures, and the richly decorated galleries are worth experiencing in their own right.

Thorvaldsen took his artistic inspiration from Greek and Roman mythology, and he was commissioned to carve busts and other sculptures; most of this work was requested by his contemporaries, including members of the clergy and royalty.

Not far from Thorvaldsen’s is The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek.

Take a step back into ancient Rome and enjoy Scandinavia’s largest collection of art objects from antiquity, which provide visitors with insight into Mediterranean culture during the classical period. The museum’s café, decorated with palms, will inspire you to think about the Colosseum and the Vatican as you enjoy a slice of Italian-inspired cake.

If you’re truly into Italy, you won’t want to miss the Royal Cast Collection at the National Gallery. The display consists of casts of some of the most important works from antiquity up through the Renaissance, and allows you to get close to mythological animals, Greek gods, Roman emperors and lithe athletes. The works – which include a cast of Michelangelo’s Pietá from St Peter’s Basilica in Rome – are made of plaster, and some of them are in better condition than the original works.

Lovers of Italian painting should visit the Nivaagaard Museum, which houses works by Giovanni Bellini, Lorenzo Lotto, Bernadino Luini and other Italian masters.

For those into more modern Italian creations, check out Designmuseum Denmark. There, you’ll find works by the Memphis group, famous in the 1980s for creating furniture that often incorporated unexpected material combinations.

As your day roaming Copenhagen for Italian inspiration draws to a close, drop into a Ricco’s café for a cup of cappuccino. If you’re looking to put together your own Italian meal, stop in at Supermarco on Fiskerihavnsgade 3 in the Sydhavn district.

There, you’ll find a veritable paradiso of pasta, wine, cheese and any other Italian delicacy you can imagine.

My girlfriend is from Hungary, and when she’s in Denmark, she wants to see Danish art. Being in Copenhagen with her is always an experience because, as a foreigner, she looks at things from a totally different perspective. Recently, she took me to the Hirschsprung Collection, and even though I generally prefer more modern and abstract art to works done by the Skagen Painters, I enjoyed being there. I like the way that art provides a sort of diversity that you don’t always find in the otherwise monotonous world I live in. One of the nice things about museums like the Hirschsprung is that it’s on a human scale. When a museum gets too big, you can’t really appreciate what you’re seeing.

“When I was a kid, my mother often took me to Sophienholm when she wanted to do something special with me. That’s something I now do with my own children. In the summer, we like to ride out to the museum and to enjoy not just the art, but also the park and the view of Bagsværd Lake. It’s a safe bet if you are looking for something to do with children. It’s small and, when you’re done, you can sit outside at the café while the kids roll down the hill. I don’t usually visit museums for their exhibitions – I’m more interested in their location and the overall experience of being there, which is why Sophienholm is nice. You can enjoy both nature and art while you’re there.

“I’ve never felt any sort of obligation to go to museums.

It needs to be something that amuses you, even adults.

Arken [in Sydhavn] is the kind of place where the architecture accentuates the natural surroundings, especially on dreary winter days. Art is something that’s living, and I don’t find it necessary to be lectured about what I’m seeing. I want the art itself to be the experience. It’s refreshing that Arken is located in a part of Greater Copenhagen that isn’t normally associated with art or culture.”

By: Fie Krøyer Dahl

FRENCH MASTERPIECES

Dantes plads 7 • 1556 Copenhagen • www.glyptoteket.com

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Summer in Denmark: 20-26 July 2012

Your click to Copenhagen area museums & experiences

For Families

Events

items to provide inspiration and entertainment for the whole family. And because it’s mounted on wheels, it’s easy to take around the museum and use to learn more about the works on display.

J. F. Willumsen Musuem Jenriksvej 4, Frederiksund jfwillumsensmuseum.dk

• PERFORMANCE: ABSTRACTIONS ON FILM ON BODY Experience the Lasse Barkfors performance ‘Abstractions on film on body’ at the Nikolaj Contemporary Art Centre.

A part of the Afgang 2012 exhibit featuring the next generation of contemporary artists, the performance will be held on Sun Jul 22 at 15:00.

Nikolaj Contemporary Art Centre Nikolaj Plads 10 Copenhagen K kunsthallennikolaj.dk/en

HUNTING AND FORESTRY MUSEUM If you are interested in learning about the connection between humans and nature, the best way to do it is by using all your senses. At the Hunting and Forestry Museum, you are allowed to touch many of the items on display and experience for yourself the difference between fox and badger fur, rabbit and deer feet or seal and deer teeth.

Hunting and Fishing Museum Folehavevej 15-17, Hørsholm

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 save someone who has fallen overboard from a ship. The 850 sq m exhibition features over 50 thrilling activities and fascinating experiments with water for you to dive into.

Experimentarium Tuborg Havnevej 7, Hellerup experimentarium.dk

jagtskov.dk VÆRKBOKSEN VÆRKboksen is the J. F. Willumsen Museum’s three-dimensional, interactive offering for families interested in exploring art. VÆRKboksen is stocked with activities and other art

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 20, Sun Jul 22 and Wed Jul 25 at 14:00.

Danish Jewish Museum Proviantspassagen 6 Copenhagen K jewmus.dk

• WHO ARE THE DANES – AMBER, GOLD AND VIKINGS By looking at a selection of particularly fine and unique artifacts, this guided tour takes you through the different periods of Danish prehistory, from the Stone Age to the Vikings. Free admission – just sign up at the Information Desk to attend. The guided tour takes place on Tue Jul 24 at 11:00.

The National Museum Ny Vestergade 10 Copenhagen K natmus.dk

Mary Coble: Maneuvering In this solo exhibition, Mary Coble links video and audio pieces with a new installation and a live performance.

While each of her pieces engages with different approaches to performance, all of the work is marked by a physicality that ultimately gives way to an opportunity for discovery among the audience.

Overgaden – Institute of Contemporary Art Overgaden Neden Vandet 17 Copenhagen K overgaden.org

In praise of power High politics and the art of propaganda take centre stage when Thorvaldsens Museum opens its doors to the exhibition ‘In Praise of Power’. Featuring works by Thorvaldsen, graphic prints and paintings from 19thcentury Rome and France and with a plaster copy of Napoleon Bonaparte’s death mask, the exhibition provides visitors with ample opportunity to examine the worlds of Napoleon, Alexander the Great and Thorvaldsen.

Thorvaldsens Museum Thorvaldsens Plads 2 Copenhagen K thorvaldsensmuseum.dk

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.

National Gallery Sølvgade 48-50 Copenhagen K smk.dk

German world images, 1890-1930 Rare works from the national gallery’s permanent collection tell the story of one of

On loan Some of the Skagens Museum’s finest pieces – by, among others, Michael and Anna Ancher, Viggo Jo-

hansen, Christian Krohg and Oscar Björck – are in Copenhagen this summer. They will be shown along with the Hirschsprung’s own Skagen paintings.

The Hirschsprung Collection Stockholmsgade 20 Copenahgen Ø hirschsprung.dk Rococo Mania Designmuseum Danmark invites its guests to reflect on the connection between the past and the present.

The past is illustrated by select pieces of 18th-century clothing from the museum’s permanent collection, while the present is represented by works from four contemporary artists.

Designmuseum Denmark Bredgade 68 Copenhagen K designmuseum.dk

The

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 .

Hovedporten 6 ● Hvidovre ● Sun-Thursday 11-15

Masterpieces from Skagens Museum

4 May - 3 September 2012 SCULPTURE • ARCHITECTUR • PAINTINGS BERTEL THORVALDSENS PLADS 2, COPENHAGEN K OPEN TUESDAY-SUNDAY 10-17 WWW.THORVALDSENSMUSEUM.DK

www.hirschsprung.dk

Open daily 11 AM - 5 PM Closed Mondays

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Island hopping | Fanø

Summer in Denmark: 20-26 July 2012

Culture, nature and seclusion At Denmark’s western edge, residents of Fanø find that clinging to traditions of the past is the key to their future survival

By Rachel Payne

Y

OU’VE HOPPED on the train at Copenhagen’s Central Station and travelled west across the country almost as far as you can go, reaching the port city of Esbjerg. Heading over to the ferry port, you’re now faced with two signs: ‘England’ and ‘Fanø’. If you’ve missed the boat to Harwich or don’t fancy the 18-hour voyage, you’re likely to choose a trip to the peaceful Danish island that is only a 12-minute ride away by ferry.

An array of festivals, outdoor activities and concerts bring Fanø to life during the summer months, and its summerhouses and camping sites are popular among Danish and international visitors alike. But Fanø is not just a holiday island or an extension of Esbjerg, Denmark’s fifth-largest city. It has its own distinct history, cultural traditions, food, architecture, natural landscapes and political structure.

More than 2,600 of Fanø’s residents live in Nordby and, because it lies north-east, it is the first part of the island that visitors encounter after they leave Esbjerg’s industrial port, cross the Wadden Sea by ferry and suddenly find themselves surrounded by heritage-listed houses and beautiful gardens.

Sønderho, in the south, is home to almost 300 peole, and even fewer live in the third-largest town, Rindby, which extends out to the island’s biggest summerhouse area and the beach – a beach so broad and solid on some stretches that cars are allowed to drive on it.

This relatively small community in western Denmark welcomes approximately 125,000 tourists each year, but it maintains such a natural and cultural charm that visiting the island can feel like a step back in time, especially when the island’s traditional events are in full swing.

An island of its own Fanø was documented as land of the Danish crown from as early as the 13th century, but its community strived for greater independence. In 1741, they finally won an auction for the island and bought it from King Christian IV. A copy of the original charter is still proudly on display at the local bank.

Fanø’s residents confirmed the island’s strong identity in 2005 when they voted to preserve Fanø’s status as an independent municipality (Denmark’s second smallest) during the country’s municipal reform. The island only has 3,247 inhabitants in all, but a special ‘island agreement’ has made it

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possible for Fanø to co-operate with Esbjerg without losing its independent status.

Gaining more autonomy in the 18th century allowed the island to switch its main industry from fishing to ship construction, navigation and trade. Fanø’s sailing-ship era took off during the 1760s and boomed in the late 1800s, the island’s ‘golden age’. Its first navigation school was established in Sønderho in 1800.

national Kite Fliers Meeting, Art Week and the Fanø knitting festival – has meant that, per capita, Fanø now ranks among the top ten Danish councils that invest money in cultural events. Claus Winther, manager of the brewery Fanø

u Fanø Located 5 kilometres west of Esbjerg, Fanø is the northernmost of a string of islands that line the coast of south-

A signature of Fanø’s history that can be seen all year round is its houses, originally built by sailors and farmers. About 100 are protected, and stand more or less as they did when they were reconstructed with bricks and mortar around 1800.

The best-preserved houses are in Sønderho and parts of Nordby; there, residents must strictly adhere to the original style (including their distinctive green, white and black trimmings) and materials when they maintain them.

Visitors who sail over to Fanø for Sønderho Day or to enjoy the ‘Fanniker’ weekend celebrations in July will get to experience the complete package of architecture, folk music, dances, costumes and other traditions that reflect an era that is cemented in the island’s identity.

western Jutland and northern Germany between the North Sea and the Wadden Sea. The island, formed by wind, sand and sea, offers all of the usual ingredients for a relaxing summer holiday: broad beaches, picturesque towns, outdoor sports, local food and beverages, music and nature trekking. But its unique blend of tangible history and folk traditions plus new attractions like ‘blokarting’ and contemporary art makes Fanø more than your average family-holiday island. Its appeal stretches far wider and caters to a range of tastes and interests. The choice of accommodation alone – from camping and recreational resorts to cosy cottages and inns – makes almost any holiday a possibility. And all of this is squeezed

“We have developed a special type of music and dance on the island that was inspired by the sailors who went to Holland, Belgium and further out,” says Poul Therkelsen, Fanø’s director of tourism. “We put a lot of effort into trying to maintain it – not only as a museum piece, but as a living part of our identity and our culture.”

Contemporary Fanø Fanø’s tourism industry, which has surpassed shipping as the island’s primary industry, now reflects a blend of old-world charm, modern innovation and local produce. As Therkelsen points out, it is a clear case of “old culture meeting new culture” and sharing inspiration.

quite comfortably, and leisurely, into Fanø’s slender 56 sq km frame.

Fanø

“We have a number of artists living here and that, of course, is inspiring the old culture. Some of the people who are maintaining the old traditional dances and music are also mixing it with modern electronic music, rock and jazz,” he says.

Fanø’s diverse music festivals and concerts are a clear example of the island’s emphasis on culture, and the inauguration of several new events in recent decades – such as the Inter-

NEXT WEEK: ÆRØ

Island hopping | Fanø

u Bryghus, believes the quality and variety of the island’s

Summer in Denmark: 20-26 July 2012

Stay

Eat

produce is also playing a big part in increasing the island’s appeal: “The brewery is a good example of something that thrives here; we have a fantastic butcher, we have Fanø smoked salmon and we have lots of good artists.”

One of Fanø’s newer personalities is Winther’s colleague, American brewer Ryan Witter-Merithew; he moved to the island three years ago to help Winther re-open the microbrewery. Although he was easily recognisable at first for his long, red beard, Witter-Merithew didn’t expect to become a well-known face in the community.

“I would say that there are a lot of people who know me on Fanø but who I do not know myself,” he says. “I do get noticed a fair bit on the island, which is strange for me because I’m not used to that.”

Best of both worlds?

The island’s residents have decided not to increase tourist traffic by building a bridge or causeway to the mainland, as neighbouring island Rømø has done. Witter-Merithew recognises that it is a modern-day challenge for Fanø to promote the island’s specialities while preserving its peaceful atmosphere and natural landscape, which is now widely protected as part of the Wadden Sea National Park.

Even though summer is the most popular time to visit Fanø, it’s possible to stay in one of the island’s summerhouses, hotels, B&Bs, inns – and even at its campsites – all year round. There are 2,500 summerhouses available for rent, and around half of these can be booked online. As a cosy compromise between the more traditional summerhouse and the all-weather camping experience, quaint cottages with kitchen facilities and electric heating are also offered at Camping Klitten, one of Fanø’s seven campsites, located in Sønderho. Those looking to pamper themselves with a more luxurious getaway can retreat to Kellers Badehotel or the historical Sønderho Kro.

OUR PICK!

Summerhouse. Why not go for the authentic Danish summer holiday experience and rent your own summerhouse by the sea?

It’s a versatile option for families with chil-

“The people who live here and generate their living on the island – such as me and the people I work with – are always interested in ways we can build Fanø as a tourist destination.

But the people who live here and don’t earn any money from the island aren’t as interested in that stuff because they like the fact that Fanø is a secluded place where they can just enjoy themselves,” he says.

While Fanø continues to offer a vibrant combination of culture, nature and seclusion, there’s certainly no reason why visitors can’t enjoy the best of both worlds.

dren, groups of friends or couples.

Getting there The Fanø ferry (FanøFærgen) departs from the Port of Esbjerg (Esbjerg Havn) every 20 minutes between 9:00 and 20:00 daily in the summertime. The crossing takes 12 minutes. More timetable information and ticket prices can be found at faergen.com.

Do

OUR PICK!

Seal safari. From late spring, junior and senior ‘nature detectives’ should keep an eye out for seals on the sandbanks by Nordby Havn, or you can take a guided boat or walking tour to Grådyb or Galgerevet. Learn more at færgen.com, in the events section of the website.

Whether you decide to dine out, entertain family and friends at your summerhouse or bring a bag of delicacies back across the sea, there is something for the gourmet or gourmand on Fanø.

Sønderho Kro, Restaurant Ambassaden and Sylvesters offer stylish set menus featuring local produce, and Nana’s Stue and Fajancen in Sønderho combine traditionally-inspired fare with a taste of history in their café/restaurant galleries. There are also plenty of family-friendly options, like Nørby Kro and Hans & Grethe Creperie. Fanø’s culinary specialities have become a brand in themselves, and you’re likely to come across ‘the original’ Fanø skinke (cured ham) or other products from Nordby’s gourmet butcher on restaurant menus in Copenhagen. Bakskuld (salted, smoked dab) is a southern Jutland delicacy that has its roots in Fanø – it is a must-try for adventurous seafood lovers.

OUR PICK!

Sønderho Kro. Founded in 1722, the inn is one of Denmark’s historical treasures and showcases local specialities, including its own home-smoked fish and meats (sonderhokro.dk/english).

Fanø’s outdoor activities are plentiful in the summertime. There’s lots for children to do, whether it’s swimming, mini-golfing, playing ‘nature detective’ or joining in the fun at Pælebjerget’s forest playground. The more adventurous kids and adults can try blokarting – sand sailing – or kayaking along the Wadden Sea. Or you can simply take a leisurely bike ride or walk through the picturesque sand dune meadows, or even explore the landscape on horseback. Golfers can try out Fanø’s 18-hole Golf Links, and fishing enthusiasts can try their luck at the beach in Sønderho or the fishing lake in Nordby – but you’ll need to pay a fee before you can cast your line into the water. The island’s cultural days, street-theatre performances, storytelling and folk-music festivals bring the main towns to life during July and August, and weekly classical-music and guitar concerts run until late August. You will need to wait until June 2013 to see the skies burst into full colour at the Fanø International Kite Fliers Meeting, but a junior version from August 1-5 this year invites families to bring their own kites to the beach in Rindby or join in kite-making workshops.

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Regional | Southern Jutland

Summer in Denmark: 20-26 July 2012

At the crossroads of history, a great place to unwind Bordering Germany, southern Jutland offers great beaches and an up-close look at Denmark’s past

By Desirae Rasmussen

I

T IS no surprise that the southern Jutland region is the royals’ destination of choice for the summer holidays. Being so close to the mainland of Europe means stable warm weather during the summer months: it is never too hot and rarely cold or wet. This makes the region ideal for summer days spent outside enjoying the local natural areas, be it forests on the island of Als or beaches on the west coast.

Speaking of beaches, southern Denmark is the place to go if you are looking for a holiday that involves a lot of beach time. On the west coast, the soft-sanded beaches of Blåvand offer plenty of space and the chance to do some windsurfing.

To the east lies the Flensburg Fjord, where the calm waters are perfect for the entire family to go swimming. And be sure to check out Kægnæs on Als, where some of the region’s best beaches are located.

But the area is about more than just good weather and great beaches. It is also filled with culture and history, which changes the further south you travel. Starting in the north near Jelling, you can experience the roots of Danish history

with Europe’s finest Viking-Age monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moving south, the history is not as old and the culture becomes more flavoured by German influences. But don’t assume that this makes the region any less Danish. Important parts of Danish history happened here, including the signing of a peace treaty with Germany following the Battle of Dybbøl. To learn more about this and the other wars that took place in the region, be sure to visit the town of Sønderborg, where there are numerous historical attractions.

No trip to southern Jutland would be complete without a trip across the border to do some shopping – prices in Germany are cheaper. Stock up on beer, soda and sweets, but make sure to devote an entire afternoon because the shops are very busy at this time of year. Want to avoid the long lines? Plan a day-trip to the German city of Flensburg, take in some local sights and shop at one of the larger shopping centres in the evening on your way home.

Looking for a family-friendly holiday? This is easy in southern Jutland. Located on the island of Als, Danfoss Universe is a science centre that is sure to fascinate the entire family.

Looking for a theme park? Check out Sommerland Syd in Tinglev. And don’t forget Legoland in Billund, which is sure to keep everyone entertained on a warm summer day. Both Sommerland Syd and Legoland also have water parks should you tire of the rides and want to beat the heat.

No matter how you decide to spend your holiday in southern Jutland, be sure to master the word ‘mojn’, which means both ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ in the local dialect.

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Southern Jutland During your visit to southern Jutland, don’t be confused if someone says ‘goodbye’ using the same word that he greets you with. In the local dialect, ‘mojn’ means both – and the locals will be delighted to hear you give it a try. The entire region is a charming mix of friendly people, attractions, beaches, great places to eat and culture. Enjoy Danish history all the way from the Viking era up to the war of 1864, which saw the loss of significant Danish territory. This is also the area to visit if you are looking to enjoy some relaxed beaches. Both the east and west coasts provide many options. Looking to get out and explore nature? Head all the way down south to the island of Als where two large forests are situated, or head west to the Wadden Sea, an intertidal zone. Want to satisfy your need for thrills? Be sure to check out the roller-coasters at Legoland or Sommerland Syd. No matter how you choose to enjoy your holiday, southern Jutland is the place to make it a memorable one.

Southern Jutland

NEXT WEEK: FUNEN

Regional | Southern Jutland

Summer in Denmark: 20-26 July 2012

Do Don’t be fooled by the region’s calm outward appearance – there’s plenty to explore in southern Jutland. The visitors’ centre at Battlefield Centre Dybbøl Banke is well worth a visit, and throughout the summer, the region has a number of Ringriding Festivals, which look like jousting, but actually involve an individual rider trying to stick a pointy pole into increasingly smaller rings at a galloping speed.

For a few thrills of your own, head over to one of the region’s two amusement parks or Sommerland Syd in Tinglev. Looking to spend the day on the beach?

Head west to Rømø, where you can drive right out onto the beach to reach the water, and where you can also enjoy the sight of different kites being flown; many beaches offer kite rentals.

OUR PICK!

The beaches on Rømø stretch as far as the eye can see, and no matter which way you look there’s something going on, be it kite flying, land sailing or surfing. Going for a swim? Be sure to drive all the way out on the sand until you see water to avoid a long walk (read more: romo.dk).

Stay Choosing a place to stay in southern Jutland can be difficult because there are so many options. On the east coast, Gl. Ålbo is a great choice.

The area offers campsites, cabins and holiday homes. You also have some wonderful opportunities for fun there, including fishing, boating and diving. Looking for something on the west coast? Hotel Kommandørgården on Rømø is a nice place – it offers many different holiday packages that include activities like golfing and horseback riding. Want to be close to everything? Choose to stay at a summerhouse at Lalandia Billund, right in the heart of the region.

OUR PICK!

Lalandia Billund. Renting a summerhouse here also grants you free entrance to the Aqua-dome, Monky Tonky Land and various children’s entertainment. Choose to cook your own dinners, but be sure to check out one of the local restaurants while you’re there (more information available at lalandia.dk).

Eat Southern Jutland is full of great places to eat with a total of eight restaurants that have earned Gastronomy Danmarks Quality Mark.

In the town of Ribe, you’ll find the charming Kolvig Restaurant & Café, which has a terrace overlooking a river. If you’re looking for a fine-dining experience, head south and eat at either Schackenborg Slotskro or Hotel Fakkelgaarden. Perhaps you’re hungering for something a little more international. If so, be sure to stop in Sønderborg and book a table at Restaurant Dejengis Khan Mongolian Barbecue. After dinner, take a walk along the pedestrian street and get dessert at one of the ice cream or chocolate shops.

OUR PICK!

Restaurant Dejengis Khan Mongolian Barbecue. It’s an allyou-can-eat buffet with two different food options, and the prices are reasonable. The build-your-own-stir-fry option is a great choice (St. Rådhusgade 13, Sønderborg).

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ASIAN STREET PARTY SATURDAY 28 JULY FROM 11-22 AT PUMPEHUSET

Dragon Dance // Kickboxing // Vietnamese street kitchen // Magician // Ping-Pong // Henna Tattoos // DJ Sets // Learn to make spring rolls with Anh Lê // Live Music // After Party // Asian surprises & much more... // Free admission // FIND THE EVENT “ASIAN STREET PARTY” ON FACEBOOK AND READ MORE ABOUT IT. ASIAN STREET PARTY ARRANGED BY PUMPEHUSET, LÊLÊ STREET KITCHEN & TIGER BEER