Traveling to Denmark
 

I'm taking my first trip overseas and spending some time in Copenhagen. I'm looking for some sugguestions on where to spend my 10 days and any countries close by to visit as well. Much appreciated. Thanks!

Copenhagen is great. also visit Stockholm if possible

David, <BR> You can easily spend 10 days in and around Copenhagen and still not see everything. If you could reply with some ideas about what your interests are, I would be happy to try to help you out. <BR> If for some reason that does not work, when you get to Copenhagen get a copy of "Copenhagen This Week". It is packed with info on things to see and do, maps, and lots of general information. The last time I was in Copenhagen ('99) it was free and available from the tourist office across from the main train station, tourist info at the airport, probably your hotel, and I don't know where else. <BR> I would tell you to have a wonderful trip, but you are going to Copenhagen, you will have a wonderful time. <BR> Iowa_Al

Hi David. <BR> <BR>I'm Danish living in Copenhagen myself, so maybe I'm able to help you out. <BR>It would be nice to know what your interests are, but as Iowa says you can easily spend 10 days. Obvious you'll visite Tivoli, which is one of the oldest and most charming amusement parks in the hole world. You can go visit "Christiania", which is a small "city" in the city - created some 20 - 25 years ago by people who wanted a community of their own with no taxes and laws and where they were aloud to do what pleased them. It's today more organized, but still quit unique. Then there is Louisiana, which is in a suburb outside Copenhagen and one of the most interesting modern museums in Europe. Then there is Lejre, which is a medieval town outside Copenhagen, where you can see how people lived in Denmark several hundred years ago. We have a lot of interesting places in and around Copenhagen. <BR>If you look into www.aok.dk, which is a danish webpage, you can click on the icon which convert the pages into english (can't remeber what they call it)and see many interesting things and perhaps it can bring some new aspects. Otherwise you're welcome to contact me on [email protected], if you need any answers or information.

In 10 days you could see quite a bit of the country and perhaps hop over to Sweden a bit too. Denmark is a very small and compact country where nothing is more than a few hour's drive from anything else. I am partial to the island of Fur, up north in the Limfjord, where there are large deposits of diatomaceous earth and very scenic cliffs on the northern coast. On the way you could stop in HC Andersen's home town of Odense, At Legoland in Billund (if you don't have kids, stop in there after 6PM when admission is free and see the spectacular cityscapes and scenes all created from Legos. They are incredible. You could also stop in Silkeborg and see the Tollund Man, a 2000-year old bog man. Lonely Planet Denmark and Rick Steve's Scandinavia in 2-22 days are good guides. Sweden is a quick hop by ferry after you see Kronborg castle in Helsingor. I have never been there but hope to go some day.

Thanks for the responses so far. To Iowa from Iowa (I grew up there!), I'm interested in relaxing, seeing some sights, attactions (women!), and drinking some beer. I'm staying with a friend about 10 min walk from downtown (I guess). Any pubs are welcome, places to socialize, that is if they speak english? Thanks again!

David, <BR> OK guy, here's the plan. Before you leave, sit down at your computer and check out: www.aok.dk, mentioned above, www.visitdenmark.com, and www.ctw.dk. If you have more time do a search on Copenhagen (Kobenhavn) or Denmark and see what comes up. <BR> When you get to Copenhagen go to the tourist office across from the train station and get a copy of "Copenhagen This Week" and a map of Copenhagen, both free. Ask them if the city bus information center is still by the Town Hall Square (Radhus Pladsen - on your map) in case there is something you want to see that is far enough out that a bus is better than walking. Most of the city busses leave from the Town Hall Square. <BR> Ok, now you have your info and have recovered a bit from your jet lag. Sit down and read your copy of "Copenhagen This Week". You want to see some sights in Copenhagen. They are listed in "CTW" with descriptions and directions on how to get there. See what looks interesting to you. <BR> Now for the important stuff. Beer first. The Carlsberg Brewery used to give tours of the plant. I took the tour in '94, so things may have changed. Check to see if they still give tours, the tourist office should be able to tell you. At the end of the tour in '94 there was free beer if you can handle drinking it Danish style, which is at room temperature. The bars and pubs in Copenhagen range from the Hard Rock Cafe to the small cozy places that put tables and chairs out on the sidewalk when the weather is nice. No recommendations here, but there are plenty to chose from. Be careful with the Danish beer, as it can sneak up on you in a hurry. Don't let it turn you into the "Ugly American". <BR> Now for the second important topic. Women. (At least you are honest about it.) Two really great places for girl watching are the Stroget and the Town Hall Square. The Stroget or pedestrian street starts at one side of the Town Hall Square, check your map. A stroll on the Stroget can be marvelous, esp. in good weather. Tired of walking? Find a spot on a bench on the Town Hall Square and watch from there. <BR> As an OMM (Old Married Man) I do not have any good advice about places to go to meet and socialize with the young ladies of Copenhagen. You might start by buying a beer for a young Danish gent in a pub and then ask him where to go to meet the girls. <BR> Do not worry about the language thing, most of the people in Denmark, esp. the younger generations will speak better English than you do. <BR> Couple of questions for you David. I'm curious about where in Iowa you grew up. What state you live in now? And when do you arrive in Denmark? <BR> <BR> Hope you have a great time in Copenhagen. <BR>Iowa_Al <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

David, <BR> Just re-read what I wrote last night and discovered I left a few things out. <BR> If time permits, I would suggest you go to your local library and get a travel book or two that have info on Copenhagen and Denmark. I would do this in addition to looking at the above mentioned web sites. <BR> In your original message you mentioned ideas about other countries close by. At the main train station in Copenhagen you are 35 minutes by train from Malmo, Sweden. The boat to Malmo takes 45 minutes. <BR> Last thought, I think, the weather in Copenhagen in the summer can be warm and sunny, or it can be darn cold and rainy. Go prepared for both. <BR> Have fun. <BR> Iowa_Al <BR>

Iowa, <BR> <BR>Thanks again for the information. To answer your questions; I grew up in Sigourney and moved to Keosauqua in my high school years (both located in SE Iowa). I presently live in Texas and am leaving for CPH on Thursday night. Very excited and following up on your sugguests as I type, Thanks! <BR> <BR>Dave

Dave, <BR> Glad you were able to find the info, hope it helps. Copenhagen is a fantastic, for lack of better words, experience. Unfortunately I have to wait until June to go back. (Not counting the days or anything.) <BR> Post a note here when you get back and let us know how things went. <BR> Have a great trip. <BR>Iowa_Al