Travelling in Denmark
 

I will be travelling in Denmark this summer. Would appreciate info on accommodation - B&B, or reasonably priced hotels. Car rental? Is it necessary or would trains and buses be adequate. Will be doing genealogy research. Where are good places to begin? Any thoughts on the country appreciated. Thanks

Dear Marg: I've traveled a good bit in Denmark both by public transportation and by private car. The trains there are particularly good--clean and fast with staff that speaks English. In the smaller towns most older Danes do too--but young ones--though they study English in school--are not as reliable. Though my Irish family name means that I'm descended from the Danish invaders of Ireland in the 9th century, I've never tried to do genealogical research in Denmark. As a historian, however, I'd suggest you start in Copenhagen and--depending on how much time you have--move on to Aarhus (on Jutland--about three hours by train from Copenhagen)
There are universities with libraries and English-speaking staff in both places. The Danish Tourist Bureau (which I think has a site on the Internet) can advise you about housing. They maintain a list of Danish equivalents of B&Bs. I suggest you contact them. I don't know how the costs run--I've stayed with a friend on each of my last dozen visits to Denmark; but I know the Tourist Bureau is very good at this sort of thing. As we say in dansk (which I learned to speak a little)--god rejse! Joan

For car rental, Rick Steve's Scandinavia in 2-22 Days recommends Rafco Car Rental in Copenhagen (e-mail: [email protected]) as by far the cheapest and gives discounts to Rick Steves readers if they mention his name. He also rents motorhomes. For Danish root-tracing, contact the Danes' Worldwide Archives in Aalborg. e-mail: [email protected]
Also the Danish immigrant Museum in Elkhorn, Iowa. Tel. (712) 764-7225. I got this and other useful info from a nice booklet called Royal Denmark that I got from the Danish Tourist Board. (212) 885-9700.
I'm taking my three kids there in June. Hope you find your roots.

Thanks for your info. I have been waiting "patiently" for information from the Danish Tourist Board. I tried the Canadian phone, & fax but got no where with that. Then faxed the Danish Embassy in Ottawa and they apparently forwarded my inquiry to the U.S. Office. Still haven't heard anything from them. Not impressed!

I know the tourist information in Denmark has a bunch of brochures you can order. Try this website:

http://www.visitdenmark.com/index.html

The trains and buses in Denmark are excellent. Gas is very expensive in Europe, and you can pretty much get anywhere with their public transportation. Also, Denmark is a great country for bicycling, even in Copenhagen. I generally avoid car rental when traveling in Europe.

Hej Marg,
I am Danish and can tell you, that the trains in Denmark are very good for transportation cheap and easily. You can bring bicycles with you on trains for an extra fee.
If wish, I could find you some E-mail adresses and localities for genealogical studies in Denmark.
Then write to me, what you know about your familys name.
Thanks