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Due to its close geographic proximity, Denmark also shares a very close cultural and historical relationship with Sweden and Norway as well as with the other Nordic countries; Finland, Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. As a matter of fact, Scandinavia is often used interchangeably for the Nordic countries among speakers of the English language.
Denmark is the smallest and most southern nation among the Nordic countries and is nestled between the Baltic Sea off its east coast and the North Sea off its west coast. Sweden is northeast of Denmark , Norway is north, while Germany is at its southern border. The entire Kingdom of Denmark consists of a large peninsula called Jutland and hundreds of islands. The overall number of islands whose area is one hundred square meters or greater totals 1,419 and they are usually referred to as the Danish Archipelago. 443 islands of the Danish Archipelago have been named but only seventy six are currently inhabited. The largest and most significant of the Danish islands are Zealand, Funen, Vendsyssel-Thy, Lolland, Falster and Bornholm .
With an average elevation of thirty one meters or one hundred and two feet above sea level, Denmark is topographically flat and has but a few hills worth mentioning. At 170.86 meters or 560.56 feet above sea level, Mollehoj is Denmark 's highest natural feature. The total length of the Danish coastline is 7,314 kilometers or 4,544 miles and no location in Denmark is further than 52 kilometers or 32.3 miles from any of its coasts. Due to the fact that the seas constantly erode from and deposit to the Danish coastlines and, further, due to land reclamation projects, it is virtually impossible to determine its exact area of Denmark .
Climatically, Denmark enjoys a temperate zone. Therefore its winters are not, for the most part, very harsh nor cold. And the summers are likewise mild. Denmark has an average of 170 rainy days per year and the major rainfalls are in November. Because of Denmark 's northern location, daylight varies greatly: In the summer the sun rises at 3:30 a.m. and sets at 10:00 p.m. while in the winter the sun does not rise until 9:30 a.m. and sets as early as 4:30 p.m.
Based on standards of their health, welfare and education, Denmark has been rated as “the happiest place in the world” by an international survey taken in 2006 and again in 2007. Denmark 's national capital and its largest city located on its largest island, Zealand, is Copenhagen and in 2007 it was ranked as the third most livable city in the world by Monocle magazine.
Now that you are armed with some basic facts about Denmark , allow me to present you with a list of places to see in this beautiful country. Please keep in mind that this is but an abbreviated list:
1. Tivoli Gardens is located in the heart of Copenhagen and it is a world famous amusement park and pleasure garden that first opened in August of 1843 and is the world's second oldest amusement park that has survived unharmed all these years. Tivoli Gardens is best known for the Dragon Boat Lake , its wooden rollercoaster that was built in 1914 and the tallest carousel in the world. Tivoli also features concerts in its concert hall or in its gardens, the Hans Christian Anderson Castle and The Pantomime Theater.
2. In a forested region slightly north of Copenhagen is the world's oldest amusement park, Dyrehavsbakken which means “The Deer Park Hill" in English. Its construction began when and where a natural spring was discovered in 1583.
3. The Copenhagen Zoo is a modern facility with ideal surrounding for the animals living there and for the people visiting them. It offers a complete tropical zoo with a crocodile swamp and a rain forest environment with birds and butterflies flying freely. The zoo also houses a wooden observation tower that was built in 1905 and is one of the tallest wooden towers in the world.
4. Farup Sommerland is a national park that lies in the northern countryside and has been awarded a five star status by the Danish Tourist Authorities. With its restaurants, cafes, picnic areas, a water-park and much more, Farup Sommerland offers something enjoyable for every visitor.
5. Bon Bon Land is an all family amusement park about forty five minutes outside of Copenhagen , it is based on a favorite line of Danish candy and it features more than sixty different fun activities for the entire family. The park also offers new shows and theme entertainment every month as well as a wide variety of restaurants and cafes.
6. Louisiana Museum is in the quaint seaside village of Humlebaek which is a mere forty-minutes train ride from Copenhagen . This is a modern art museum surrounded by lush lawns, well-maintained gardens, regal trees and find sculptures. The museum's grounds provide a breathtaking view of the Swedish coastline.
7. Djurs Sommerland is the largest outdoor water park in Denmark that provides heated water for all family enjoyment even on chilly days.
8. Rundetaarn (The Round Tower) in Copenhagen was erected during the seventeenth century as part of the University of Copenhagen . This tower was intended as an observatory for astronomy students of the time. The tower also houses a student church and a library. The most unique feature of this tower is its spiraling corridor leading from the ground floor to its top which is 34.8 meters above street level.
9. Nationalmuseet will allow you to witness 14,000 years of pre-historic Denmark ; from the first reindeer hunters of the Ice Age to the adventurous sea voyages of the mighty Vikings and every era in between.
10. Den Gamle By (The Old Town) first opened in 1914 and was the world's first open-air museum. This exceptional museum is located in Aarhus and features seventy five historical buildings (built between 1550 and the 1800s) collected from about 20 different towns throughout Denmark and arrange as a typical small village.
Yes, Denmark is a small country with flat topography but its attractions for visitors of all ages are many and they are anything but flat.
Denmark is often by-passed by tourists who opt for the more well known European countries. However, the country has a charm and appeal all of its own and is a mix of forests, ancient castles, busy cities and sprawling countryside.
Denmark is the smallest of the Scandinavian countries and is bordered by the North Sea, and the Baltic Sea. Germany is its only connection to mainland Europe. It also consists of 400 named islands, 82 of which are inhabited. And do check out the best Denmark hotels we have been able to find.
Sights
The country's capital is Copenhagen that in the dim and distant past was a small Viking village. It's now a lively major metropolis with so much to see and do. There are numerous museums, art galleries and monuments. One of the most famous being the statue of the Little Mermaid. If your money's burning a hole in your pocket head to the Strøget, a pedestrian only shopping area. Also check out the Tivoli Gardens and the beautiful 17 th century Rosenborg Castle.
In Århus, the country's second largest city and cultural capital, you'll find a hive of activity centred around its many clubs, museums and galleries. There are many attractive museums including Denmark's National Open Air Museum of Urban History and Culture. It recreates a Danish Market town from the time of Hans Christian Anderson.
For lovers of the great outdoors Billund has some quant countryside with beautiful lakes and forests.
Bornholm is an interesting island to visit. It lies about 150 km southeast of Copenhagen and can be reached by ferry. Many Danish and Scandinavians holiday here for its peaceful, relaxed atmosphere, and it's a haven for cyclists, hikers and anglers.
Transport
Most of the international flights arrive at Copenhagen. There are daily bus and rail services between Germany and Denmark's Jutland peninsula. Inside the country there's a reasonable rail system and a good network of regional buses.
Climate
Demark has a temperate climate.
Australia
Visting Australia and then do look at this excellent Australia travel guide
Ski resorts
Denmark does not have a lot of skiing but close by are many great ski resorts.
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