Writer Shani Bishop explores areas off the beaten track in Denmark.
Photographs: Thomas Danbo FB Page / Vikingeborgen Trelleborg FB Page
Text: Shani Bishop
Many expats live in the main cities in Denmark or nearby. Some expats rarely venture out of the city, as Copenhagen has a lot to offer. However, if expats knew of the treasures beyond city limits, many would be tempted to travel or live there.
The Giants
When friends visited, I would encourage them to balance seeing the traditional sights in Copenhagen with 'real' Denmark. My kids and I loved finding the Hidden Giants by Thomas Dambo. We ticked them off one by one. Thomas Dambo built loads during the pandemic, so there will be one near you. Allerød has a new one called Hannah Halerød.
The usual suspects?
Many people venture north of Copenhagen to visit Louisana, which is impressive, but I'd also recommend: Kronberg castle, The Danish Museum of Science and Technology and the Maritime Museum of Denmark in Helsingør. They are all easily a day out, but food options are limited, so take your lunch with you. The Technology Museum is jam-packed with buses, planes and trains, which children love exploring. A day trip to Helsingør is always good, and it has the best open sandwiches I have ever tasted. The cheese shop is also one of my favourites. If you'd like to know more, I'd suggest you join the North Zealand community FB page or check out Visit North Zealand.
Other hidden treasures are the nature playgrounds. These are playgrounds made entirely of wood and are usually hidden away. My favourite of these is Egjhorten Naturlegeplads - read more here but know that the photos do not do it justice! You need a car to get to it, but it's worth it as it's incredible. There are wooden huts where you can have BBQs, swings, trails and sculptures. We had many happy times there as well as birthday parties.
It's also one of the sites where you can sleep overnight. You can book shelters all over Denmark, but book early as they go fast.
Crazy about the Vikings?
If you love a bit of Viking history, you'll be spoiled for choice in Denmark. I enjoyed The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, the burial ship at Vikingmuseum Ladby, the Trelleborg Viking Fortress on the way to Jutland and The Jelling Monuments in Jutland. All of these were brilliant and worth making a memorable trip for. Most of them have great children's areas where the kids can try on costumes.
Exploring pancake island
Welcome to the new family destination spot of Lolland! This beautiful part of Denmark offers outstanding countryside, walks, fun and exploration for children, and a social community with an expanding international scene.
The top four must-do's while visiting include:
A train runs on a preserved railway line on a scenic section between Maribo and Bandholm.
Marielyst Strand is a child-friendly beach with shallow, calm water and several sandbanks.
Get lost in nature and find your way. A day in the maze is entertaining for the whole family.
About 60 small and larger cultural buildings can be seen within the framework of the displayed town environment.