Copenhagen is… mermaids relocating

The Danish capital continues to attract a huge number of foreign visitors each year - and for many good reasons. For some it’s the cool, trendy Copenhagen that’s on the agenda, for others it’s exploring the history of the oldest Monarchy in the world or the abundance of cultural experiences – or altogether! In 2010, Copenhagen’s best known landmark, the statue of The Little Mermaid at Langelinie, is off travelling to the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai (1st May- 31st Oct), but for those interested, a copy of her will be located in probably the city’s 2nd most famous location; Tivoli Gardens.

Copenhagen is… green and gay-friendly

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP15) in Copenhagen may be over, but if anyone is still in doubt, the Danish capital has ambitious plans of becoming the world’s leading environmental capital by 2015 and CO2-neutral by 2025. Already, visitors can experience how sustainable living is part of the Danes’ everyday life in a city designed for a greener future.

Not only is Copenhagen a green city, jam-packed with locals on bicycles, etc. It is also an OPEN city welcoming people and minorities from all over the world. For example, Copenhagen has a very relaxed attitude towards lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people which is celebrated at the annual Copenhagen Pride event in August.

Copenhagen is… food and fashion

These days, the Copenhagen food scene is stronger than ever! It boasts everything from a record-12 exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants, to the newest and hottest design restaurants and dozens of cosy cafés, cool bars and eco-eateries in the side streets and 'bridge quarters' – basically, there is something to suit every taste and pocket - and whereever you choose to go, you’ll probably be able to order the best lager in the world to go with it too… 

As for fashion, Danish designers working both in Copenhagen and for world famous labels in Paris, London and Milan exert a sizeable influence over the industry. In mid-February and August, the city hosts the “Copenhagen International Fashion Fair”, “Gallery Int. Fashion Fair” and “CPH VISION”. Together the three fairs belong to the most trendsetting and innovative fashion fairs in Europe (trade only). Running parallel with the trade fairs are the open-to-the public fashion events at “Copenhagen Fashion Weekend” where fashionistas and shoppers can share the Danish fashion vibe too!

Copenhagen is … art and architecture

Easily explored on foot, you will find yourself surrounded by a delightful mixture of 17th century townhouses and ultra modern creations in the city by the likes of Liebeskind, Foster, Henning Larsen and Utzon (2nd generation). The Copenhagen area also boasts several significant art museums; the National Gallery, the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Ordrupgaard, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and Arken. On top, a myriad of galleries have popped up in this creative city. One great occasion to explore its creative art scene is in September during the annual art-weekend “Copenhagen Kontemporary” which offers a wide range of free events to the art-interested public.

As for (classic) Danish design, it has enjoyed an impressive revival during the past decade; take a look at the original works of Verner Panton, Arne Jacobsen and Hans Wegner or investigate into the new young designers with international success such as Louise Campbell and HAY – and remember to pencil in the “CphADD” event in May which for the 5th time celebrates the best of the city’s impressive architecture and design, old and new.

Copenhagen is… music to your ears
If music is your thing, here are just a few examples of what could make your holiday in the Danish capital sound good: Copenhagen Distortion, Roskilde Festival, Copenhagen International Jazz Festival and STRØM. These festivals are probably the best known music festivals coming out of the Copenhagen area, but there are many more music and cultural events to choose between. Whether its rock, pop, electronic music, jazz, classical music or rather opera, ballet and theatre performances, indoors and outdoors, this city has got something for music-lovers of all ages and tastes.

Denmark is… coastline and cottages
Denmark boasts more than 7,300 kilometres of spectacular coastline with sandy beaches, blue seas and lots of fresh air. Not surprising then, that Denmark has over 6000 holiday cottages ready for anyone to rent who wishes to rediscover the joys of relaxing in unspoilt countryside, historic picturesque towns or by the sea. Hiring a cottage is a very “Danish thing to do” and the whole country is dotted with holiday cottages of all shapes and sizes: from the typical wooden Scandinavian home to luxurious villas.

Holiday centres and resorts scattered all over the country are another popular option, especially for families, as the accommodation also includes access to a huge range of family friendly facilities, mostly free of charge. They are particularly well placed for the beaches, but also provide indoor water parks and sports for children from tots to teens…

Denmark is… camping across the country
Denmark boasts over classified 500 camp sites scattered across the length and breadth of the country, some just a few metres away from the beach. And with most camp sites costing between only £5-£9 per person/per night, a camping holiday in Denmark offers great value for money too!

Denmark is… steeped in seafaring
In 2010, Denmark’s 4th largest city of Aalborg plays host to the ‘Tall Ships’ Races’ for the 3rd time. Thus, some of the world’s most impressive historic large sailing ships converge on the shores of Aalborg for four days of celebrations on 21–24th July. Located on an old trading route by the Limfjord in North Jutland and steeped in sea-faring history, Aalborg’s revived harbour is the perfect place to receive over a hundred magnificent vessels with more than one million spectators gracing the shores. 

Denmark is… aquavit and art in Aalborg
Based on Norwegian airlines’ direct daily flights from London Gatwick, Aalborg is the also latest Danish destination to enjoy an influx of UK visitors. Aalborg is not only great for nightlife - in particular the street of Jomfru Ane Gade, where music, beer, good food and inevitably the world-famous Aalborg ‘water of life’ Akvavit, are served until the early hours – the city boasts several cultural gems too including; “Kunsten” the Museum of Modern Art built by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, the new “Utzon Centre” built by Danish architect Jørn Utzon (the creator of the Sydney Opera) and the brand new multi-centre “Nordkraft” – both located at scenic waterfront of this vibrating city in North Jutland.

Denmark is… amazing North Jutland
Within easy reach of from Aalborg lies the pretty fishing village of Skagen - a favourite seaside holiday hotspot of the Danes themselves. Skagen happens to be located at the northernmost tip of continental Europe and is where the two seas of Kattegat and Skagerak meet at Grenen. It is also the place to visit to delve into the artworks of the famous Skagen Painters at the lovely Skagens Museum, to rent some of Denmark’s prettiest holiday cottages, explore the largest migrating coastal dunes in Northern Europe, taste freshly caught Danish seafood or go horseback riding along the wild west or mild east coast.

Denmark is… Ribe celebrating its 1300th anniversary
Meanwhile, at the other end of the country, in south-west Jutland, the pretty old town of Ribe celebrates one of the biggest birthdays in Denmark; its 1300 years jubilee. Ribe is, in fact, the oldest dated town of Denmark with the earliest archaeological findings traced back to 710. The local Municipality celebrates the jubilee throughout 2010 and invites all locals and foreign visitors to join the celebrations which will focus on the history, nature and culture of the Ribe area. 

Denmark is… a new national park opening: The Wadden Sea
The Wadden Sea’s official inauguration as Denmark’s 3rd National Park is scheduled to take place in early autumn 2010 in chorus with the so-called “Wadden Sea Festival” on 3-12th September. The Wadden Sea is one of the world's most important tidal flats and a large, unique nature reserve in the south-western corner of Denmark and full of life and experiences for nature-lovers of all ages. It is where you will experience still surface water and turbulent ocean, the “Black Sun” phenomenon and go searching for seals, lugworms, fresh oysters and much more.