Denmark

The smallest country in Scandinavia, Denmark encompasses the lumpy, northward-thrusting peninsula of Jutland and 443 named islands. • Danes have an intimate connection with the water, as none lives more than about 30 miles from the sea. • Hans Christian Andersen is known far beyond his country's shores for his fairy tales The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling. • The capital, Copenhagen, was not long ago ranked the most livable city in the world, known for its Tivoli Gardens, its grand opera house, and several classically elegant palaces.

Denmark's local sphere of influence has shrunk considerably since the days when it ruled over England and formed mighty alliances with regional neighbors Sweden and Norway. It remains, however, a remarkably industrious nation, known for both the variety and quality of its goods, as well as the adaptability of its people and economy.

 

Swiftly switching gears along with the needs of the twentieth century, Denmark weathered industrial changes well. The Danes have retained their reputation as skilled craftsmen and builders, and their business savvy has ensured they remain economically competitive throughout world and regional economic downturns. Much of the Danish pride born of their centuries as conquerors remains intact.

Despite Denmark's diminished land holdings, their language and way of life show no sign of fading away. Initially a sea-going culture, the Danish people proudly embrace their reputation for vice and foul language. Swedes and Norse may from time to time look down on their cousins in the south, but the Danes will surely continue swearing and grinningly smoking cigarettes from the age of ten.

But the Danish hardscrabble front many will quickly melt in the face of visitors excited to have some laughs and some pints, and for whatever rough spots the Danish people may show, travelers find them to be terrific company.

The people are undoubtedly Denmark's top tourist attraction, but this country nestled at the south of Northern Europe offers travelers a variety of sights and environments to take in. Tourists in search of an authentic experience must therefore not confine themselves to Denmark's beautiful cities; while Danish life remains largely unaffected by tourism, visiting cities will only reveal half the story of Denmark. Travelers should bear in mind that Denmark industrialized relatively late compared to other European nations, and that to understand this country's past--as well as its present--some time spent in the country is invaluable.

The land of Hans Christian Andersen does offer its share of fairy tale pleasures. Idyllic countryside, dustings of snow and afternoons tinged with twilight can all be found here. However beautiful the scenery, Denmark's weather can certainly be chilly. The Danes, like upstate New Yorkers, have found plenty of indoor amusement to help them through the winter months, including some of the world's best cinemas and Internet cafés. When the weather is nice, be sure to check out Ærø, a postcard from the past on which is written life in Denmark as it traditionally was. This charming island is just one of many areas in Denmark where time seems to have stood still.