Denmark Overview ‘Bridge to Scandinavia’ The Jutland peninsula and 400 surrounding islands that form one of Europe’s smallest countries once spawned a seafaring race of people feared throughout northwestern Europe. Today, visitors to Denmark find a country that is peaceful, introspective, neutral and egalitarian. This is the epitome of a modern, civilised society, one especially noted for its progressive policies, widespread tolerance and a liberal social welfare system. Inland from the 4800km (3000 miles) of white-sand beaches and unspoiled islands, you’ll find a landscape eminently suitable for cycling. Sleepy villages clustered around whitewashed churches occupy a landscape of heather moors, rolling hills and rich farmland dotted with windmills and thatched farmhouses. Ferries ply between the mainland and the islands, competing with awesome bridges like the 16km (10 miles) Øresund link to Sweden. The nation that produced the great story-teller, Hans Christian Andersen, continues to have as its hallmarks good taste, world-class design and uniformly high standards that apply equally to its cuisine, accommodation and transport. Add to this a people both amiable and helpful, with a facility for languages, and the result is an overwhelming sense of welcome. From the spirited nightlife and lively cafe and music scene of its capital, Copenhagen, home to world-renowned museums and cultural activities (not least the splendour of the Tivoli Gardens), to a countryside that abounds in Renaissance churches, medieval castles and 18th-century fishing villages, Denmark is a synergy of harmonious relationships. Terry Marsh General Information Area: 43,096 sq km (16,640 sq miles). Population: 5,330,020 (official estimate 2000). Population Density: 123.7 per sq km. Capital: Copenhagen. Population: 1,075,851 (2000). GEOGRAPHY: Denmark is the smallest Scandinavian country, consisting of the Jutland peninsula, north of Germany, and over 400 islands of various sizes, some inhabited and linked to the mainland by ferry or bridge. The landscape consists mainly of low-lying, fertile countryside broken by beech woods, small lakes and fjords. Greenland and the Faroe Islands are also under the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark, although both have home rule. The Faroe Islands are a group of 18 islands in the north Atlantic inhabited by a population of 43,382 (1995) whose history dates back to the Viking period. Fishing and sheep farming are the two most important occupations. Tórshavn (population 15,272), the capital of the Faroes, is served by direct flights from Copenhagen. During the summer months, there are direct flights from Aberdeen and Glasgow. Government: Constitutional monarchy. Head of State: Queen Margrethe II since 1972. Head of Government: Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen since 2001. Language: The official language is Danish. Many Danes also speak English, German and French. Religion: Predominantly Evangelical Lutheran with a small Roman Catholic minority. Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Continental two-pin plugs are standard. On many campsites, 110-volt power plugs are also available. Telephone Full IDD is available. Country code: 45. Outgoing international code: 00. There are no area codes. Mobile Telephone GSM 1800 and 900 networks. Network operators include Sonofon (website: www.sonofon.dk) and TeleDanmark (website: www.teledanmark.dk) and Mobilix (website: www.mobilix.dk ). Fax Available from many main post offices and from major hotels. Internet ISPs include Telepassport (website: www.telepassport.dk) and Business Net Danmark. Internet cafes are available in most urban areas. Telegram The Copenhagen Central Telegraph Office is open 24 hours a day. Telegrams can also be sent by phone; dial 122. Post All telephone and postal rates are printed at the post offices. All post offices offer Poste Restante facilities. Post offices are open Mon-Fri 0900-1730, and some are open Sat 0900-1200. Press Newspapers are largely regional; the main papers in the capital include Berlingske Tidende, Ekstra Bladet, Politiken and Aktuelt. English-language newspapers and magazines are also available. BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change. BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice): MHz 15.57 12.10 9.410 6.195 Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov): MHz 15.21 11.82 9.760 1.197 Passport/Visa   Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British 1/2 No/3 No Australian Yes No Yes Canadian Yes No Yes USA 2 No Yes OtherEU 1/2 No No Japanese Yes No Yes Note: Denmark is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. For further details about passport/visa regulations within the Schengen area see the introductory section How to Use this Guide. PASSPORTS: Passport valid for three months after the last day of stay required by all except the following: (a)1. nationals of Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden in possession of identification papers (eg driver’s licence or identity card) provided travelling entirely within Scandinavia; (b) 1. nationals of other EU countries holding a valid national ID card and holders of a Gibraltar Identity Card issued to British Citizens or British Dependent Citizens for tourist visits of up to three months. Note: 2. For nationals of EU countries and the USA, passports need to be valid for duration of stay. VISAS: Required by all except the following for stays of up to three months: (a) nationals of countries referred to in the chart above; (b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bermuda (provided holding a British Dependent Territories passport), Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong King (SAR), Hungary, Israel, Korea (Rep), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macau (SAR), Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela. Note: 3. (a) Holders of the following also do not require a visa: ‘British Citizen’ passports with the endorsement ‘Holder has the right to re-admission' or ‘Holder is entitled to re-admission to the United Kingdom’ or ‘Holder has the right to abode in the United Kingdom’, provided holders of such passports have not stayed outside the UK for more than two years (including the expected stay in Denmark); ‘British Dependent Territories Citizen’ passports issued to persons with the right of abode in Gibraltar. (b) Holders of the following do require a visa: ‘British Protected Persons’ passports or passports endorsed ‘holder is subject to control under the Immigration Act 1971’. Airport transit: Passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours may not require a transit visa, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport. Nationals of the following countries always need a visa, even if transiting by the same aircraft: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Congo (Dem Rep), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, India (not required for Indian nationals in possession of a valid visa to an EU or EEA country, USA or Canada or residents in possession of the above, with permission to return at least three months after transiting Denmark), Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka (the above list is subject to changes; please check with the Embassy or Consular section at Embassy). Types of visa and cost: Tourist, Business, Transit and Airport Transit. A uniform type of visa, the Schengen visa, is issued for tourist, business and private visits. Visa fees are payable in cash (exact money only) or cheque supported by a cheque card. All visas cost between £15 and £32 depending on type of visa and length of stay. Visa fees are non-refundable and payable on submission of the visa application. Note: (a) Prices change with the prevalent exchange rate, so visitors are advised to check the exact price before applying. (b) Spouses and children of EU nationals (providing spouse’s passport and the original marriage certificate are produced), and nationals of some other countries, receive their visas free of charge. Contact the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) for details; see Contact Addresses section. Validity: Validity depends on type of visa, nationality and purpose of visit. For further information, contact the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section. Transit visas are valid for 24 hours. Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section. Applications should be made in person. Travellers visiting just one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of that country; travellers visiting more than one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of the country chosen as the main destination or the country they will enter first (if they have no main destination). Application requirements: (a) Valid passport. (b) One completed application form. (c) One passport-size colour photograph. (d) Fee. (e) Proof of purpose of visit, whether a letter from relatives or a hotel reservation (e-mails not accepted). (f) For business trips, the original confirmation from the business contact in Denmark. (g) Evidence of sufficient funds for duration of stay. (h) A prepaid and self-addressed envelope if the visa is to be returned by post. Working days required: Normally same day for UK residents; two weeks for postal applications and six to eight weeks for others. Applicants are, however, advised to allow plenty of time. Temporary residence: Persons wishing to stay in Denmark for more than three months should make their application in their home country well in advance of their intended date of departure. Money Currency: Danish Krone (DKr) = 100 øre. Notes are in denominations of DKr1000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of DKr20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50 and 25 øre. Currency exchange: There are plenty of ATMs. Personal cheques cannot be used by visitors to Denmark. Some banks may refuse to exchange large foreign bank notes. Credit & debit cards: MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are widely accepted, as well as Eurocheque cards. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Travellers cheques: Can be cashed by banks and hotels, and can be used at most restaurants and shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars. Currency restrictions: No limitations on the import of either local or foreign currencies, although declarations should be made for large amounts. Export of local currency over DKr50,000 is allowed if it can be proved that the amount was declared on import, or acquired by the conversion of foreign currency. There is no limit on the export of foreign currency. Exchange rate indicators The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Danish Krone against Sterling and the US Dollar: Date May ’02 Aug ’02 Nov ’02 Feb ’03 £1.00= 11.74 11.61 11.76 10.94 $1.00= 8.06 7.63 7.43 6.87 Banking hours: Mon-Wed and Fri 0930-1600; Thurs 0930-1800. Some banks in Copenhagen are open Mon-Fri 0930-1700. Some bureaux de change are open until midnight. Duty Free The following goods may be imported into Denmark without incurring customs duty by: (a) Non-Danish residents arriving from an EU country with duty-paid goods purchased in an EU country: 1.5l of spirits or 20l of wine (over 22 per cent); 90l of table wine; 300 cigarettes or 150 cigarillos or 75 cigars or 400g of tobacco; other commodities, including beer: no limit. (b) Residents of non-EU countries entering from outside the EU (excluding Greenland) with goods purchased in non-EU countries: 1l of spirits or 2l of sparkling wine (maximum 22 per cent); 2l of table wine; 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extracts; 100g of tea or 40g of tea extracts; 50g of perfume; 250ml of eau de toilette; other articles, including beer: DKr700. Note: Alcohol and tobacco allowances are for those aged 17 or over only, coffee and coffee extracts allowances are for those aged 15 or over. It is forbidden to import fresh foods into Denmark unless vacuum packed. Abolition of Duty-free Goods within the EU: On 30 June 1999, the sale of duty-free alcohol and tobacco at airports and at sea was abolished in all 15 EU member states. Although there is now no legal limit on the quantities of these goods travellers may import into most EU countries (provided they are for personal use only), Denmark, Finland and Sweden will still be imposing limits until 2004. Public Holidays Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Apr 17 Maundy Thursday. Apr 18 Good Friday. Apr 21 Easter Monday. May 16 General Prayer Day. May 29 Ascension. Jun 5 Constitution Day. Jun 9 Whit Monday. Dec 24-26 Christmas. Dec 31 New Year’s Eve. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Apr 8 Maundy Thursday. Apr 9 Good Friday. Apr 12 Easter Monday. May 7 General Prayer Day. May 20 Ascension. May 31 Whit Monday. Jun 5 Constitution Day. Dec 24-26 Christmas. Dec 31 New Year’s Eve. Health   Special Precautions Certificate Required Yellow Fever No No Cholera No No Typhoid and Polio No No Malaria No No Note: Diabetic diets are catered for at many restaurants. See Food & Drink in the Social Profile section. Health care: Medical facilities in Denmark are excellent. The telephone number for emergencies is 112. Local tourist offices will tell visitors where to contact a doctor or dentist. Copenhagen has an emergency dental service outside office hours; fees are paid in cash. Only medicine prescribed by Danish or other Scandinavian doctors can be dispensed at a chemist (Apotek). Many medicines that can be bought over the counter in the UK can only be obtained with prescriptions in Denmark. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. In addition to the free emergency treatment at hospitals and casualty departments allowed to all foreign visitors, this allows UK citizens on presentation of a UK passport (form E111 is not strictly necessary) free hospital treatment if referred by a doctor, and free medical treatment given by a doctor registered with the Danish Public Health Service. It may occasionally be necessary to pay at the time of treatment; if this is so, receipts should be kept to facilitate refunds. The Agreement does not apply in the Faroe Islands. To obtain refunds, UK citizens should apply (with receipts) to the Kommunens Social og Sundhedsforvaltning before leaving Denmark. Travel - International AIR: The national airlines are SAS (SK) and Mærsk Air (DM). The major carriers are SAS and British Airways. Approximate flight times: From Copenhagen to London is 1 hour 45 minutes (from Århus to London is 1 hour 40 minutes), to Los Angeles is 11 hours 15 minutes, to New York is 8 hours 50 minutes, to Singapore is 15 hours 5 minutes and to Sydney is 22 hours 50 minutes. International airports: Copenhagen (CPH) (Kastrup) (website: www.cph.dk) is 8km (5 miles) southeast of the city (travel time – 20-30 minutes). A new rail link between the airport and main railway station in Copenhagen has facilitated travel to the city (travel time – 12 minutes). There are also high-speed Intercity trains to Funen (travel time – 1 hour) and Jutland (travel time – 2 hours) with additional connections to Malmø (Sweden) on a 30-minute journey via the Øresund link. There are also regular bus services from the airport departing every 15 minutes (travel time – 20 minutes). Airport facilities include an outgoing duty-free shop (0600-2300), a wide range of car hire firms (Mon-Fri 0730-2200, Sat 0700-1800 and Sun 1400-2200), bank/bureau de change (0630-2200), and several restaurants and bars (at least one of which will be open between 0600 and 2400). Direct scheduled flights to Copenhagen operate from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Aberdeen, Birmingham, Dublin, Manchester and Newcastle. Århus (AAR) (Tirstrup) is 44km (27 miles) from the city. Buses connect with flight arrivals; taxis are also available. Airport facilities include a duty-free shop (open when flights depart), a wide range of car hire firms (Mon-Wed and Fri 0830-1500, Thurs 0830-1800), bank/bureau de change (0800-1500), a post office and a restaurant (open for arrival and departures of flights). Direct scheduled flights to Århus operate from London Heathrow. Billund Airport (BLL) (Billund) is approximately 2km (1.3 miles) from Legoland. Direct scheduled flights to Billund operate from London Gatwick and Manchester. Departure Tax: None. SEA: Denmark’s major ports are Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Frederikshavn, Hirtshals and Hanstholm. There are regular ferries to and from the UK, Norway, Sweden, Poland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Germany. DFDS Seaways sail from Harwich to Esbjerg three to four times a week all year round. They also operate services between Copenhagen and Oslo and Copenhagen and Gothenburg. The major ferry operators from Norway, Sweden and Germany are Scandlines, Flyvebådene, Color Line and Stena Line. North Jutland is connected to Iceland, the Faroes, Scotland and Norway during the summer by ferries sailing once a week. There are no departure taxes when leaving Denmark by sea. Cruise lines calling at Copenhagen include Royal Viking, TVI Lines, Lindblad Travel, Lauro, CTC, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Norwegian American. RAIL: Copenhagen is connected by rail to all other major European cities, and typical express journey times from Copenhagen are: to London 26 hours; to Hamburg 5 hours; to Berlin 11 hours 25 minutes. All international trains connect with ferries where applicable. ROAD: All the major road networks of Europe connect with ferry services to Copenhagen; it is advisable to book ferries in advance. The completion of the new 18km (11 mile-long) toll Great Belt bridge and tunnel, linking Copenhagen (which is situated on the island of Sjælland) with the island of Funen, now provides the first seamless surface connection from the European continent to Copenhagen. It includes the world’s second largest suspension bridge at 6.5km (4 miles) long. A second bridge and tunnel, the Øresund connection, opened in July 2000, links Copenhagen with Malmø in Sweden. This consists of an 8km (5 mile) bridge and an 8km (5 mile) tunnel linked by an artificial island. Tolls are applicable. Eurolines, departing from Victoria Coach Station in London, serves destinations in Denmark. For further information, contact Eurolines (4 Cardiff Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, L41 1PP; tel: (08705) 143 219; fax: (01582) 400 694; website: www.eurolines.com or www.gobycoach.com). See Travel – Internal for information on documentation and traffic regulations. Travel - Internal AIR: The network of scheduled services radiates from Copenhagen (Kastrup). Other airports well served by domestic airlines include Rønne, Billund, Esbjerg, Karup, Skrydstrup, Sønderborg, Thisted, Ålborg and Århus. Domestic airports are generally situated between two or more cities which are within easy reach of each other. Domestic flights are usually of no more than 30 minutes’ duration. Limousines are often available. Discounts are available on certain tickets bought inside Denmark. Family, children and young person’s discounts are also available. SEA: There are frequent ferry sailings from Kalundborg to Århus, Ebeltoft to Sjællands Odde and Rønne to Copenhagen. The larger ferries usually have restaurants or cafeterias and may have TV, video and cinema lounges, shops, play areas for children and sleeping rooms. Local car ferries link most islands to the road network. RAIL: The main cities on all islands are connected to the rail network: Copenhagen, Odense, Esbjerg, Horsens, Randers, Herning and Ålborg. Danish State Railways (DSB) operates a number of express trains called Lyntogs which provide long-distance, non-stop travel; it is often possible to purchase newspapers, magazines and snacks on board these trains. Payphones are also available. There is also a new type of intercity train called the IC3 which is even faster and more direct. Seat reservations are compulsory. Children under ten years old travel free. There are also price reductions for persons over 65 and groups of eight people or more. The Englænderen boat-train runs between Esbjerg and Copenhagen and connects with ferries from the UK. DSB passenger fares are based on a zonal system. The cost depends on the distance travelled; the cost per kilometre is reduced the longer the journey. The Scanrail Pass allows unlimited travel within Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. First-class prices for adults are approximately £297 for 21 days and £167 for five days out of 15. As elsewhere in Europe, Inter-Rail passes are valid in Denmark. Bus and ferry and, of course, rail tickets may be purchased at all railway stations. ROAD: The road system in the Danish archipelago makes frequent use of ferries. Country buses operate where there are no railways, but there are few private long-distance coaches. Motorways are not subject to toll duty. Emergency telephones are available on motorways and there is a national breakdown network similar to the AA in Britain called Falck, which can be called out 24 hours a day. There are petrol stations on motorways, generally with other services such as restaurants. Many petrol stations are automatic. A maximum of 10l of petrol is allowed to be kept as a reserve in suitably safe containers. The Danish Motoring Organisation is Forenede Danske Motorejere (FDM), PO Box 500, Firskovvej 32, DK-2800 Lyngby (tel: 7013 3040; fax: 4527 0993; e-mail: fdm@fdm.dk; website: www.fdm.dk). Speed limits are 110kph (66mph) on motorways, 80kph (48mph) on other roads and 50kph (30mph) in built-up areas (signified by white plates with town silhouettes). Speed laws are strictly enforced, and heavy fines are levied on the spot; the car is impounded if payment is not made. Cycling: There are cycle lanes along many roads and, in the countryside, many miles of scenic cycle track. Bikes can easily be taken on ferries, trains, buses and domestic air services. Car hire: Available to drivers over the age of 20, and can be reserved through travel agents or airlines. Regulations: Traffic drives on the right. The wearing of seat belts is compulsory. Motorcyclists must wear helmets and drive with dipped headlights at all times. Headlamps on all vehicles should be adjusted for right-hand driving. All driving signs are international. Documentation: A national driving licence is acceptable. EU nationals taking their own cars to Denmark are strongly advised to obtain a Green Card. Without it, insurance cover is limited to the minimum legal cover in Denmark; the Green Card tops this up to the level of cover provided by the car owner’s domestic policy. URBAN: Car repair is often available at petrol stations; costs include 25 per cent VAT on labour and materials, which is not refunded when you leave the country. Parking discs: Parking in cities is largely governed by parking discs, available from petrol stations, post offices, tourist offices, banks and some police stations. These allow up to three hours parking in car parks. Kerbside parking is allowed for one hour Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0900-1300 unless stated otherwise. The hand of the disc should point to the quarter hour following time of arrival. The disc is to be placed on the side of the screen nearest the kerb. Parking meters: Where discs do not apply, parking meters regulate parking. Parking on a metered space is limited to three hours Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1300. Meter charges differ according to the area of the city. TRAVEL TIMES: The following chart gives approximate travel times from Copenhagen (in hours and minutes) to other major cities/towns in Denmark.   Air Road Rail Ålborg 0.45 6.00 4.30 Århus 0.30 4.30 3.08 Billund 0.50 5.00 - Esbjerg 1.00 5.00 3.12 Odense 0.35 3.00 1.45 Sønderborg 0.30 5.30 3.45 Accommodation Contact the Danish Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section) for information on booking hotels and for details of the savings from the use of a Scandinavian Bonus Pass (which must be applied for in advance) or Inn Cheques. HOTELS: Travellers without reservations can book at one of the provincial tourist offices. Denmark’s fine beaches attract many visitors, and there are hotels and pensions in all major seaside resorts. For more information or a list of hotels, contact HORESTA (Association of the Danish Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Industry) Vodroffsvej 46, DK-1900 Frederiksberg C (tel: 3524 8080; fax: 3524 8086; e-mail: miljoe@horesta.dk; website: www.danishhotels.dk) or the Danish Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section). Grading: Hotels are graded with 1-5 stars. Approximately 470 hotels and holiday centres (some 85 per cent of Denmark’s total hotel capacity) that are members of HORESTA are taking part in the grading scheme. The Danish Tourist Board publishes an annual list of about 1000 establishments, describing facilities and tariffs; quoted prices are inclusive of MOMS (VAT). Green Key certificates: A number of hotels and hostels in Denmark are also participating in a grading scheme based on environmental concerns. To receive an eco-friendly certificate (a so-called ‘Green Key’), participating establishments have to fulfil 55 strict ecological criteria. For further details and a list of Green Key hotels and hostels, contact The Green Key (see HORESTA address above; website: www.dengroennenoegle.dk). INNS: Excellent inns are to be found all over the country. Some are small and only cater for local custom, but others are tailored for the tourist and have established high culinary reputations for both international dishes and local specialities. For further details, contact the Danish Tourist Board. BED AND BREAKFAST: There are private rooms to let, usually for one night, all over Denmark. Signs along the highway with Zimmer frei or Vårelse on them indicate availability of accommodation; those who call in and enquire will find that arrangements are easily made. In Copenhagen rooms can be booked in person through the Tourist Information Department for a small fee. Local tourist offices may be contacted, either by writing or in person. SELF-CATERING: Chalets are available in various parts of the country. CAMPING/CARAVANNING: Campers must purchase a camping carnet, available at campsites. Over 500 campsites are officially recognised and graded for facilities and shelter. Prices vary greatly; half price for children under four years. Grading: 1-5 stars controlled by the Danish Camping Board, approved sites carry the sign of a pyramid-shaped tent. 5-star sites: Fulfil the highest requirements. 3-star sites: Showers, razor points, shops, laundry facilities, kitchen facilities. 1-star sites: Fulfil minimum requirements for sanitary installations, drinking water etc. For more information and a list of campsites contact the Danish Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section). YOUTH AND FAMILY HOSTELS: There are 100 Youth and Family Hostels scattered around the country, all of which take members of affiliated organisations. A membership card from the National Youth Hostel Association is required. Hostels are classified from 1-5 stars. For a list of youth and family hostels contact Danhostel, Vesterbrogade 39, DK-1620 Copenhagen V, Denmark (tel: 3331 3612; fax: 3331 3626; e-mail: ldv@danhostel.dk; website: www.danhostel.dk); or the Danish Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section). FARMHOUSE HOLIDAYS: Rooms are often available for rent in farmhouses. Visitors stay as paying guests of the family and, although it is not expected, are welcome to help with the daily chores of the farm. Alternatively, in some cases separate apartments are available close to the main farmhouse. Many farms have their own fishing streams. All holiday homes and farmhouses are inspected and approved by the local tourist office. HOME EXCHANGE: Introductions between families interested in home exchange for short periods can be arranged. The major expense for participants is travel plus a fee of DKr500. The best period (because of school holidays) is from late June to early August. The following organisation can provide further information: HomeLink Denmark, Dansk Bolig Bytte, PO Box 53, Bernstorffsvej 71A, DK-2900 Hellerup (tel: 3961 0405; fax: 3961 0525; e-mail: bed@bbdk.dk; website: www.bbdk.dk). Introduction Denmark has an abundance of picturesque villages and towns, historic castles and monuments, and a coastline which varies delightfully from broad sandy beaches to small coves and gentle fjords. Throughout the country, rolling hills and gentle valleys provide a constant succession of attractive views; there are cool and shady forests of beech trees, extensive areas of heathland, a beautiful lake district, sand dunes and white cliffs resembling those of Dover; nor should one forget the Danish islands, each of which has its own unique attractions. Though there are few holiday resorts of the kind found in, say, France or Spain (the nearest equivalent being the ‘Holiday Centre’ (HC), a purpose-built coastal resort), the Danes, who are taking strong measures to keep their coastline clean and tidy, are keen for visitors to sample the many unspoilt beaches. There are now various Sommerlands in locations all over Denmark; these are activity parks where a flat entrance fee covers the visitor for use of all the many and varied facilities inside. Copenhagen The largest urban centre in Scandinavia, Copenhagen is a city of copper roofs and spires, founded in 1167. It has many old buildings, fountains, statues and squares, as well as the singular attraction of the Little Mermaid at the harbour entrance. The Copenhagen Card gives unlimited travel on buses and trains and free entry to a large number of museums and places of interest. A number of organised tours are available, taking in most of the famous sights. These include the Vikingland tour to the Viking Ship Museum; a Royal tour to the Christianborg Palace (the seat of Parliament), Rosenborg Castle and Amalienborg Palace; a coach tour to old-world Bondebyen and its open-air museum; and even a brewery tour, which takes in the famous Carlsberg brewery, including an exhibition on the history of brewing and on this particular brewery. Tivoli, Copenhagen’s world-famous amusement park, is open from late April to mid September. Bakken (in the deer park north of Copenhagen) and the Charlottenlund Aquarium are both worth a visit. Jutland This area comprises the greater part of Denmark, extending 400km (250 miles) from the German border to its northernmost tip. Jutland’s west coast has superb sandy beaches but bathing there is, however, often unsafe, due to the changing winds and tides. Care should be exercised, and any advice or notices issued by local authorities should be heeded. Also in Jutland is the major port of Esbjerg, which receives daily ferries from the UK. Main towns and resorts include Aalborg, Holstebro, Århus, Vejle, Esbjerg, Frederikshavn, Randers, Viborg, Kolding and Silkeborg. Excursions & sightseeing: Aalborg contains the largest Viking burial ground, as well as a cathedral, monastery and castle. The largest Renaissance buildings in Denmark are in Aalborg. Århus has a collection of more than 60 17th- and 18th-century buildings – houses, shops, workshops and so on from all over the country re-erected on a spacious landscaped site; as well as Marselisborg Castle and a museum of prehistory. Esbjerg and Fanø are also historically interesting and have a number of fine beaches. Rosenholm, Clausholm and Vœrgard castles are all worth a visit, while Legoland (Billund), which is open from April to October, provides good entertainment for children. Fyn (Funen) Known as the ‘Garden of Denmark’, Fyn (Funen) has some of Denmark’s most picturesque and historic castles and manor houses, set in age-old parks and gardens. Odense is famous as the birthplace of the great fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875). Fyn (Funen) is connected to Jutland by bridges. Main towns and resorts include Odense, Nyborg, Svendborg, Middelfart and Bogense. Excursions & sightseeing: Castles and churches are the main attraction in Fyn (Funen). Egeskov Castle is a superb moated Renaissance castle which is fairytale in every detail. Other castles in the area include Nyborg (seat of the former National Assembly) and Valdemar, which houses a naval museum. There are also a number of beautiful beaches, particularly on the southern islands of Langeland, Tåsinge and Ærø. Odense has a festival every July and August celebrating the life and works of Hans Christian Andersen. Visitors can see the Hans Christian Andersen Museum and his childhood home. Other museums include a major railway museum and Fyn Village, a major cultural centre. Also in Odense is the Brandts Klaedefabrik, a major cultural centre. Lolland, Falster, Møn & Bornholm Lolland is generally flat, Falster less so, while Møn is a haven of small hills and valleys, with the Møn Klint chalk cliffs a breathtaking sight. Bornholm is set apart from the rest, 150km (90 miles) east of the Danish mainland, and is made up of fertile farmland, white beaches and rocky coastlines. Other towns worth visiting include Nysted, Nykobing, Nakskov, Stege, Sakskøbing and Rønne. Excursions & sightseeing: Knuthenborg Park on Lolland is Denmark’s largest, with 500 species of trees, flowers and plants; it also contains a safari park. Corselitse and the Pederstrup Museum are also worth a visit. Bornholm contains Hammershus, Denmark’s largest castle ruin (built in 1260), as well as many fine churches. The small town of Svaneke was awarded the European Gold Medal in Architectural Heritage Year (1975). Zealand (Sjælland) Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, is on Zealand (Sjælland) and thus there is much commercial activity on the island. But there are also fine beaches, lakes, forests and royal palaces. Other towns worth visiting include Slagelse, Nastved and Frederikssund. Excursions & sightseeing: At Helsingør (Elsinore) can be found the old fortress of Kronborg, famed not only as the most imposing edifice in Scandinavia, but also as the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Frederiksborg Castle, equally as impressive, is to be seen at Hillerød, which houses the National History Museum. The 12th-century cathedral at Roskilde and the Viking Museum are both worth a visit, while at Skjoldenasholm there is a fine Tram Museum. Excellent beaches can be found in Sjælland, particularly in the north of the island. Sport & Activities Cycling: Many local tourist offices offer all-inclusive cycling trips, with everything (including bicycle rental, detailed route descriptions, maps, ferry tickets and accommodation) arranged in advance. Prices are lower for those bringing their own bicycles. The routes are laid out by local experts. For independent cyclists, a wide range of detailed cycling maps is available. Bicycles can be hired from local tourist offices or bicycle shops. Bicycles are allowed on all Danish ferries and several small passengers boats (in most cases against payment), most trains (InterCity trains require prior reservation and reservations are not possible on Interregional trains), buses (which have room for up to four bicycles, although prams have priority) and aeroplanes (special packing requirements apply). For details, contact the Danish Cyclists’ Association (Dansk Cyklist Forbund), Rømersgade 5-7, DK-1362 Copenhagen K (tel: 3332 3121; fax: 3332 7683; e-mail: dcf@dcf.dk; website: www.dcf.dk). Horseriding: It is possible to hire horses at riding schools and centres almost everywhere in Denmark. Many riding schools offer riding holidays with half or full board. Golf: Denmark has around 130 golf courses. Foreign visitors are welcome, on presentation of a valid membership card from their home club. For further information, contact the Danish Golf Union (Dansk Golf Union), Idrættens Hus, Brøndby Stadion 20, DK-2605 Brøndby (tel: 4326 2700; fax: 4326 2701; e-mail: info@dgu-golf.dk; website: www.dgu-golf.dk). Health resorts: These are widespread throughout Denmark. Some offer medical and physiotherapeutic treatment, others simply recreation in beautiful and quiet surroundings. Fishing: Denmark has excellent facilities for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Sea fishing tours can be arranged with local fishermen at many Danish harbours (for instance in Copenhagen, Elsinore or Frederikshavn); large groups may charter a boat for themselves. Fishing off the shores of Denmark’s 7500km (5000 mile) long coastline is widely available. Anglers must not take up position within 50m (164ft) of a dwelling place. Fishing rights in lakes and streams are usually privately-owned but are often let to local societies which issue day- or week-cards. A fishing licence is required in all cases and can be obtained from Danish post offices, local tourist offices and angling shops. Special licences for tourists (valid from one day to one week) are available. Anglers are obliged to inform themselves about fishing restrictions and closed seasons. For further information and addresses of angling societies, contact the Danish Sports Fishing Association (Danmarks Sportsfiskerforbund), Worsåesgade 1, DK-7100 Vejle (tel: 7582 0699; fax: 7582 0209; e-mail: post@sportsfiskerforbundet.dk; website: www.sportsfiskeren.dk). Nude bathing: This is quite common at Danish seaside resorts. At beaches where nude bathing is not officially permitted, bathers are requested to show consideration and follow the directions of the local guards. The only beaches where it is actually prohibited are Henne Strand and Holmsland Klit (both on Jutland’s western coast). At Bellevue Beach in the metropolitan area, walking in the nude is prohibited while bathing or sunbathing in the nude is not. Watersports: The long inlets and protected shores on the Danish coast offer easy conditions for windsurfing (and are thus particularly suitable for beginners). Facilities for sailing are excellent: over 500 yachting harbours can be found along the coast and anchorage is allowed at a further 500 islands. Boat hire facilities are widespread. Detailed handbooks and marine charts are available from the Danish Yachting Association (Dansk Sejlunion) (tel/fax: 4326 2182; e-mail: ds@sailing.dk; website: www.sejlsport.dk) or the National Survey and Cadastre (Kort & Matrikelstyrelsen) (tel: 3587 5050; e-mail: kms@kms.dk; website: www.kms.dk); charts are available for direct download from the KMS Internet site. Note: All waterscooter traffic is under general prohibition within the Danish sea territory. Social Profile Food & Drink: Smørrebrød is a highly popular traditional Danish dish which is often eaten for lunch. It consists of a slice of dark bread with butter, topped with slices of meat, fish or cheese and generously garnished. It bears no resemblance to traditional sandwiches and needs to be eaten sitting down with a knife and fork. Buffet-style lunch (the koldt bord) is also popular with a variety of fish, meats, hot dishes, cheese and sweets, usually on a self-service basis. Danes do not mix the various dishes on their plates but have them in strict order. A normal Danish breakfast or morgen-complet consists of coffee or tea and an assortment of breads, rolls, jam and cheese, often also sliced meats, boiled eggs and warm Danish pastries. Given its geographical position it is not surprising that shellfish also forms an important part of Danish cuisine. Apart from traditional dishes, French or international cuisine is the order of the day. In Copenhagen, superb gourmet restaurants can be found, whilst Ålborg is noted for its impressive number of restaurants. Most towns have ‘fast food’ outlets for hamburgers and pizzas, and the sausage stalls on most street corners, selling hot sausages, hamburgers, soft drinks and beer, are popular. Danish coffee is delicious. Denmark also has many varieties of beer, famous breweries being Carlsberg and Tuborg. Most popular is pilsner (a lager) but there are also darker beers. The other national drink is akvavit, popularly known as snaps, which is neither an aperitif, cocktail nor liqueur and is meant to be drunk with food, preferably with a beer chaser. It is served ice cold and only accompanies cold food. There are no licensing hours. Note: The Danish Hotel and Restaurant Association is displaying signs indicating restaurants where the needs of diabetics are given special attention. It consists of the words ‘Diabetes mad – sund mad for alle’ (‘Food for Diabetics – healthy food for everyone’) encircling a chef’s head. Nightlife: There is a wide selection of nightlife, particularly in Copenhagen, where the first morning restaurants open to coincide with closing time at 0500. Jazz and dance clubs in the capital city are top quality and world-famous performers appear regularly. There are numerous beer gardens. Shopping: Copenhagen has excellent shopping facilities. Special purchases include Bing & Grøndal and Royal Copenhagen porcelain, Holmegård glass, Bornholm ceramics, handmade woollens from the Faroe Islands and Lego toys. Visitors from outside the EU can often claim back on some of the MOMS (VAT) on goods purchased that are sent straight to their home country from the shop in Denmark. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1730; Sat 0900-1700. Supermarkets are often open Mon-Fri 0900-2000. Opening hours vary from town to town since shops can regulate their own hours. At some holiday resorts, shops are open Sunday and public holidays. Special Events: Festivals take place throughout the summer in nearly every town in Denmark, featuring street festivities and performing artists. For a complete list of festivals and cultural events in the different regions for 2003 (published in several languages) contact the Danish Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section) or view their comprehensive listings online (website: www.dtb.dt.dk). Social Conventions: Normal courtesies should be observed. Guests should refrain from drinking until the host toasts his or her health. Casual dress is suitable for most places but formal wear is required at more exclusive dining rooms and social functions. Smoking is restricted on public transport and in some public buildings. Tipping: Hotels and restaurants quote fully inclusive prices and tipping is not necessary. Taxi fares include tips. Railway porters and washroom attendants receive tips. Business Profile Economy: The standard of living is generally high, with annual GDP per capita well over US$30,000. Compared to most industrialised countries, Denmark retains a large and important agricultural sector, two-thirds of whose produce is exported. Danish manufacturing depends on imports of raw materials and components. Iron, steel and the production of other metals are the most important industries, followed by electronics, chemicals and biotechnology, paper and printing, textiles, furniture and cement. Food-processing and drinks also make a significant contribution. Since the discovery of offshore oil and gas reserves in the 1980s, production has gradually increased to the point where the country can meet all its domestic energy needs. Most of Denmark’s trade is conducted within the EU, of which it is a member although it has proved reluctant (in rather the same manner as the UK) to adopt measures which are perceived as threatening its sovereignty. It has thus refused so far to join the single European currency zone. Recent economic performance has been steady: inflation (two per cent) and unemployment (five per cent) are near the EU average, although current annual growth is sluggish at under one per cent. Germany is substantially the largest trading partner followed by Sweden and the UK; outside the EU, Norway and the USA are important trading partners. Denmark is a member of the Nordic Union: its links with Scandinavia will be further enhanced by the new road and rail system linking it to Sweden across the Øresund Strait. Business: English is widely used for all aspects of business. Local business people expect visitors to be punctual and the approach to business is often direct and straightforward. Avoid business visits from mid-June to mid-August which are prime holiday periods. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800/0900-1600/1700. Commercial Information: The following organisations can offer advice: Handelskskammeret (Danish Chamber of Commerce), Børsen, DK-1217 Copenhagen K (tel: 3395 0500; fax: 3332 5216; e-mail: handelskammeret@commerce.dk; website: www.commerce.dk). Conferences/Conventions: For information and brochures regarding conference facilities, contact Wonderful Copenhagen Convention & Visitors Bureau or the Danish Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section). Climate Summer extends from June to August. Winter is from December to March, wet with long periods of frost. February is the coldest month. Spring and autumn are generally mild. The Faroe Islands are under the influence of the warm current of the Gulf Stream, and they enjoy a very mild climate for the latitude. Winters are warm, but the islands are cloudy, windy and wet throughout the year. Summers are cool, but with little sunshine. Required clothing: Lightweight for summer and heavyweight for winter snows. History and Government History: The Roman Empire had little contact with people as far north as Denmark. Consequently, the written record from that time is patchy and unreliable. The northward movement of the Franks in the eighth and ninth centuries forced the local rulers to resist external aggression and led to the rise of Denmark as a significant power in the region. A successful series of raids on England in the 11th century led to the creation of an Anglo-Danish kingdom. Among its rulers was Canute (Knud), later famous for his confrontation with the sea. Denmark’s power reached its zenith in the early 13th century, by which time Canute’s successors had taken control of Scandinavia, parts of modern-day Germany (Holstein, Pomerania and Mecklenburg) and Estonia. This empire rapidly disintegrated over the next 50 years, although Denmark, Norway and Sweden were reunited in the 14th century through blood ties between the various ruling families. The Kalmar Union, as it was known (named after a town in southern Sweden) was considered a vital component of Danish strategy, as it guaranteed control of the Baltic. However, the rise of Sweden as a power in its own right, during the mid and late 15th century, forced Denmark to take a more aggressive posture. (Norway was still firmly allied to the Danes.) This enjoyed most success under King Christian IV, considered to be the greatest of Danish monarchs, who ruled between 1588 and 1648 and did much to establish the country as a modern nation and an influential European state. In truth, its relative power was waning, undermined from within by a backward semi-feudal economy and constant friction between the monarchy and the nobility – and from without by the rise of other powers, notably England and France. Denmark-Norway was allied to France during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, which prompted a series of attacks by the English, during the course of which the entire Danish fleet was destroyed or stolen (in the infamous ‘fleet robbery’ of 1807). The fall of Napoleon and renewed pressure on the Danes from Sweden forced Denmark to relinquish control over Norway at the 1814 Treaty of Kiel – although it retained the old Norwegian dependencies of Iceland, the Faroes and Greenland. In 1848, amid political upheaval across Europe, the Danes introduced a new constitution, abolishing absolute monarchy and establishing the country’s first constituent assembly. Full parliamentary democracy, with universal adult suffrage, came into being in 1901. By this time, Denmark had suffered its final territorial defeat, when the province of Schleswig-Holstein was recovered by Germany at the 1864 Treaty of Vienna (although part of Schleswig was later awarded to Denmark by the 1918 Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I). Denmark was occupied by Nazi Germany during most of World War II. In the post-war era, Denmark joined NATO, while at home a new constitution, introduced in 1953, imposed a system of proportional representation, which has made coalition administrations a standard feature of Danish politics. Centre-left government led by the Social Democrats – invariably the country’s largest party – dominated from the 1950s until the 1980s, when, in line with the rise of the centre-right throughout Europe, the Conservatives were able to form a series of governments led by Poul Schulter – the most prominent Conservative leader of his generation. The Social Democrats, however, recovered their position at the 1993 election, under the leadership of Poul Nyrup Rasmussen and retained control at the 1998 poll, by forging an alliance with the small Social Liberal Party. The dominant issue in Danish politics during the 1990s was relations with the European Union, which Denmark joined in 1973. Along with the UK, Denmark is the most ‘Eurosceptic’ nation, as became apparent when a 1992 referendum rejected Danish acceptance of the Maastricht Treaty on the future development of the EU. (A repeat plebiscite the following year secured a narrow victory.) Since then, Denmark has decided to stay out of the first wave of countries joining the single European currency. The Government, which generally favours membership, made another attempt to persuade the public prior to a referendum held in September 2000. Once again, however, they failed. Despite that critical defeat, the Social Democrats continued to enjoy a comfortable opinion-poll lead. In November 2001, the party decided to exploit this, by calling a snap election. After a closely fought campaign, which was dominated by the issue of immigration policy, the Liberal/Conservative coalition led by Anders Fogh Rasmussen supplanted his namesake’s eight-year-old Social Democrat government. Immigration has become a major political factor in Europe in the last few years and this has fuelled the growing popularity of extreme right-wing parties throughout the continent. Denmark is no exception. The anti-immigration Danish People’s Party and its leader, Pia Kjaersgaard, have, despite lacking a seat in government, already exercised considerable influence over the policy direction of the new administration. Government: Denmark is a constitutional monarchy. The constitutional charter of 1953 gives the hereditary monarch and the unicameral Parliament (Folketing) legislative power. The monarch has no personal political power. Members are elected to the parliament by proportional representation. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.