The Dane Attraction

By Chris Ryall

Ride the wave to family fun and adventure in Denmark

Family vacations present golden opportunities in forging more meaningful relationships and creating fond lifelong memories. Things however can go south quickly without planning (your knowledgeable travel advisor can help) and input from all family members so it doesn’t result in the wrong kind of holiday fireworks.

My two children presented such challenges. My daughter, Caitlyn, gravitated towards art and cultural activities while my son, Scott, relished getting his heart rate up and engaging in sports and all kinds of physical activities.

Caitlyn, a long-time fan of Danish design, sought out a university internship in Copenhagen. Her Canadian boyfriend moved there as well. After Caitlyn’s graduation, they decided to make the city home. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting a few times with other family members and getting to know Denmark.

As I have discovered during those visits, the country offers activities the whole family enjoys without kids retreating to their smartphone universe. Here is a range of activities and attractions sure to entertain and engage while showcasing Danish culture.

SURF’S UP IN “COLD HAWAII”

There’s no lei upon arrival on Denmark’s northwest coast, known as “Cold Hawaii,” an area with 31 registered surf spots. Waves of the cooler kind will greet you. Klitmøller is the capital of Cold Hawaii and northern Europe’s biggest surf destination. Families can sign up at Cold Hawaii Surf Camp, learn proper technique, don a wetsuit and get stoked surfing the waves. Soak up the surf culture while enjoying a taste of village life in towns along the coast. Warning – embarrassing photos or videos of parents falling off the surfboard may be taken and later be seen on your child’s Instagram or TikTok account.

SURFING LESSON IN LØKKEN

© VISIT DENMARK

EXPERIENCE YOUR OWN FAIRY TALE WITH HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN

Hans Christian Andersen’s presence in Denmark continues to live on through many books, poems and fairy tales, such as The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling. Create your own story following in Andersen’s footsteps and visit the recently opened Hans Christian Andersen House in the 18th-century town of Odense where he spent his childhood. The property also features an underground museum and Magical Garden.

HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN MUSEUM IN ODENSE

© VISIT DENMARK

You can visit the same castles he did, including the 450-year-old Egeskov Castle with its garden mazes and the Kronborg Castle where you can explore underneath the creepy cellars and come upon a sleepy Andersen statue. Strike a pose in front of The Little Mermaid, the country’s most famous statue.

EGESKOV CASTLE

© VISIT DENMARK

FAMILY AMUSEMENT AT LEGOLAND & TIVOLI GARDENS

Where can you find architecture, design, creativity and fun all in one place? Visit the original LEGOLAND in Billund and be mesmerized by more than 20 million LEGO bricks in Miniland, featuring well-known world landmarks. In Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens has been an international attraction for all ages since 1843. The fairy tale-style architecture, lush gardens, light shows and rides, including its 1914 roller coaster, are sure to entertain everyone. Tivoli Gardens and LEGOLAND provide the picturesque setting and building blocks for family fun and adventure.

LEGOLAND ENTRANCE

© JESPER GRØNNEMARK

COPENHAGEN’S CANAL PLEASURES

Copenhagen doesn’t take a backseat to Venice when it comes to canals or scenery. Rent a GoBoat, a solar-powered motorboat with a built-in picnic table. Buy sandwiches, pastries and drinks beforehand and bring them on board while exploring the Nyhavn canal and old port district, featuring 17 th - and early 18 th -century townhouses and numerous cafés, restaurants and ice cream shops, too.

KIDS ENJOYING NYHAVN AND THE CANAL

© VISIT COPENHAGEN

For something completely different, rent a hot tub boat with CopenHot and melt away your stresses while enjoying the harbour views or have a family swim at one of the harbour’s bathing spots.

SWIM AT ONE OF THE HARBOUR’S BATHING SPOTS

© VISIT COPENHAGEN

FRIENDLY FOREST GIANTS

Who doesn’t like a treasure hunt? There is no buried treasure but the challenge is there – finding six Forgotten Giants scattered around Copenhagen’s forests and meadows. Forests aren’t just home to giants. They’re home to Denmark’s newest landmark, the Forest Tower at Camp Adventure. The 45-metre-tall spiral tower offers incredibly scenic views across South Zealand. Camp Adventure’s climbing park, with tree-top courses of varying levels and Denmark’s longest cable car ride, is family and forest-friendly.

FOREST TOWER AT CAMP ADVENTURE

© DANIEL VILLADSEN

THIS SNAKE DOESN’T BITE

You can’t visit Denmark without hopping on a bike. Cyclists rule the road here. Combine a family outing while experiencing Denmark’s culture. Copenhagen’s iconic cycle bridge, the Bicycle Snake, winds its way across the harbour and connects the city on its scenic path. Throughout the country, paths lead you to seaside vistas, countryside forests, coastal fishing villages and city streets.

LILLE LANGEBRO CYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

© VISIT COPENHAGEN

Finish the trip on H.C. Andersens Boulevard in Copenhagen and make it a perfect storybook ending to a family vacation.