Danish beaches
According to Wholevehicles, Denmark is not the most obvious choice for lovers of beach joys: Northern Europe does not indulge in the burning sun and sea at the temperature of fresh milk. But it’s still worth grabbing a swimsuit: the total length of the coastline is 7,500 km, the Baltic and North Seas are famous for their amazing cleanliness, and there are comfortable recreation areas both on the continent and on the islands.
From almost anywhere in Denmark, you can reach the coast in less than an hour.
The beach season starts in summer: it is still cool to swim in June, but by July-August the water warms up to a comfortable +22 °C. The weather is warm, but not hot, so you can bask by the sea for days on end. The most popular beaches are located in the vicinity of Copenhagen: there are not only all amenities, but also yacht clubs, water parks, restaurants and entertainment centers.
Most of the people on fine days are on the Amagersky beach, awarded the Blue Flag for well-groomedness and safety. Its northern part is covered with sand, the southern part is given over to the promenade, sports grounds and picnic areas. For children – separate shallow water areas, for adults – kayaking, diving and other sports. But it’s better to bring an umbrella and a towel with you: beach equipment rentals in Denmark are rare.
The Sonderstrand beach is one of the most spacious in Europe: the length of the sandy strip is more than 6 km.
The west coast attracts lovers of active pastime: strong winds, waves and currents create optimal conditions for yachting and windsurfing. On the eastern coast, the picture is completely different: the sea is calm, the bottom is safe, the depth is shallow, picturesque rocks protect from the winds – it is no wonder that families with children often relax here. The beaches of the islands of Funen and Falster are also focused on parents with kids: the entrance to the water is gentle, there are playgrounds and ramps for strollers.
Skiing
Denmark is unlikely to surprise fans of steep turns and dizzying heights: there are no impressive mountains in the kingdom. On the other hand, small, neat and absolutely safe hills for skiing are perfect for beginners and families with children. Most of the slopes are covered with artificial snow, so skiing is possible all year round. But the best time to visit mountain resorts is, of course, winter: the frost that burns cheeks and snowflakes flying from the sky create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation.
In the list of the most popular places for skiing is the town of Silkeborg on the Jutland peninsula. Skiers, snowboarders and lugers tack along groomed tracks equipped with lifts. For children there is a separate small hill, for experienced athletes there are red tracks of increased difficulty. You can live here: the resort has built charming houses with amenities.
The cost of a one-day ski pass in Silkeborg is 275 DKK per person, the price includes the rental of skis and ski boots.
On the island of Bornholm, there is the Osterlars resort with slopes 70-110 m high (70% are easy, the rest are more difficult). You can also enjoy active leisure in the vicinity of Copenhagen: the Hedeland Skicenter is equipped with blue and black slopes 35-80 m high, there is a ski school and areas for night skiing, a one-day ski pass costs 130 DKK for adults and 80 DKK for children. CopenHill, a year-round resort with a freestyle park, an observation deck, and trails for jogging and hiking, will open soon.
Holidays and events
Of all the Danish holidays, Christmas is the most beloved: they prepare for it in advance, decorate houses and streets, and choose gifts for loved ones. Exactly one month in advance, they put a spruce wreath with 4 candles on the table and light one a week, anticipating the coming holiday. On Christmas Eve they go to church services, and on December 25 they arrange warm family feasts.
The lights of the main Christmas tree on the Town Hall Square are personally lit by the mayor of Copenhagen.
They celebrate the New Year, almost like we do: they drink champagne to the sound of chimes, exchange gifts, launch fireworks into the sky, only the telecongratulations are read not by the president, but by the queen. Another winter holiday is Maslenitsa before a long fast: children dress up in costumes and sing songs on the streets, begging for sweets and coins in gratitude. The main state celebrations are the Day of the Battle of Dybbøl on April 18 and the Constitution Day on June 5.
Copenhagen in July is jazz, Skanderborg is rock in August, and soul and folk music is in Tönner in the last days of summer.
June 23 is the pagan Day of St. Hans with joyful festivities and dancing around the fires. The May Aalborg Carnival is a grandiose kaleidoscope of costumes and talents. On the eve of autumn, gourmets from all over the world come to the capital: the gastrofest Copenhagen Cooking is a celebration of Scandinavian cuisine. In the summer Roskilde, one of the main European rock parties rumbles, and in Frederiksssunn there is a spectacular Viking festival. By the way, fairs dedicated to the culture and customs of mighty warriors are held in many cities from Aarhus to Aalborg.
