Copenhagen

The oldest amusement park in the world and one of Denmark's favourites, Bakken Amusement Park has delighted countless visitors since it first opened in 1583 and now features 34 thrilling rides. Despite its age, the park and its amenities are modern and safe. There are also lots of games, activities, and gambling facilities. Bakken has about 40 restaurants and bars where exhausted families can relax and refuel. Just outside the amusement park gates is the beautiful woodland area of Dyrehaven which offsets the artificial glories of the park with natural charm. The woods are a lovely place to stroll and are home to thousands of free-ranging deer.

Address : Dyrehavevej 62

Website : www.bakken.dk

Opening times : Opening times vary depending on the day and month - check the calendar on the official website for details.

Admission : Entry is free. Wristbands allowing access to rides cost DKK 269 for adults, and DKK 189 for small children.

Sometimes referred to as the Pearl of the Baltic, Bornholm is wildly popular as a holiday destination for people from Sweden, Poland, and Germany. Often overlooked by visitors from the US and UK, tourists enjoy the island's sunny beaches and natural beauty. It's loved for activities like sailing, fishing, camping, and hiking. The Almindingen Forest is among the largest in Denmark, while Dueodde boasts some of the best sandy beaches in the Baltic. Numerous small towns have their own attractions, including Gudhjem's sunrises and charming winding streets, the jazz festival at Allinge, and the bustling markets and local beers of Svaneke. The biggest town on Bornholm is Rønne, which is where most ferries disembark, and features pretty 19th-century architecture and a collection of museums, shops, and restaurants.

Website : www.visitdenmark.com/bornholm/nature

When sightseeing in Denmark, the Christiansborg Palace is a gem for lovers of architecture and history. A winter snowfall adds to its romantic fairytale appearance. This major attraction's appeal is further enhanced by the presence of ruins dating as far back as 1167 AD, when it existed as Absalon's Castle. The complex consists of several different buildings, centred round a Neo-Baroque core and is home to important institutions: the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister's Office, and the Supreme Court. The royal family uses the palace church, the Royal Reception Rooms, and the Riding Ground Complex. From the front steps of the main castle there are also some stunning churches within easy viewing distance. This attraction embodies the essence of Danish history, architecture, and royalty. It is best to do a guided tour of Christiansborg Palace as, although the state rooms and everything else are very impressive, there is not much information available. A guide will enrich the visit by explaining the historical, cultural, and political significance of what visitors are seeing. Tours are usually conducted twice a day and there is no extra charge.

Address : Prins Jørgens Gård 1, 1218 København

Website : www.christiansborgslot.dk

Transport : Busses: 1A, 2A, 26, 40, 66, 350S; and Metro line: Kongens Nytorv Station or Nørreport Station

Opening times : Most of the palace is open daily between 10am to 5pm; between October and April it is closed on Mondays. It is always possible that the palace might be closed for special events.

Admission : Royal Reception Rooms, adults DKK 90 and children DKK 45; the Ruins, adults DKK 50 and children DKK 25; combined ticket for several attractions, adults DKK 150 and children DKK 75.

From the age of Vikings through to the World War II resistance, the rich history of Denmark is encapsulated in fascinating collections of artefacts housed in a series of museums in and around Copenhagen. The Prince's Palace in the city centre houses the National Museum, covering Danish history in general with its international antiquities. A few miles north of the city, the open air museum makes for a fascinating excursion. Spread over 86 acres, its 100 or so historic buildings are built to illustrate and represent regions and time periods across Denmark. Visitors can get up to date on the history of the city itself at the Museum of Copenhagen.Visitors should note that the exhibitions at the Museum of Copenhagen are closed until 2019 when the museum reopens in the city centre.

Address : The Museum of Copenhagen, Vesterbrogade 59. The National Museum, Ny Vestergade 10. Open Air Museum, Kongevejen 100

Website : www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/sightseeing/10-stunning-history-museums

Opening times : Copenhagen City Museum: 10am to 5pm daily. National Museum: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm. Open Air Museum: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm (May to October).

Admission : Copenhagen City Museum: DKK 20 (adults), children under 18 free; Fridays free for all. National Museum: DKK 95. Open Air Museum: Free.

Boasting more than 300 species of marine life from across the globe, the Denmark Aquarium features more than 70 tanks with the largest containing 85,000 litres of water. There is also a biological museum with interactive themed exhibits for children and a touch pool for the little ones to enjoy. Other facilities include a café where visitors can take a break and get meals, treats or hot drinks, with lovely views. A good time to visit the aquarium is during feeding times: check the official website listed below to find the various times. The Denmark Aquarium is not large compared to other huge aquariums in Europe but it is well-maintained and a wonderful attraction for the whole family; kids lap will up a few hours spent in this magical underwater world, making for a good break from traditional sightseeing in Copenhagen.

Address : Kavalergården 1

Website : www.akvarium.dk

Opening times : Open daily: 10am - 9pm (Monday); 10am - 5pm (Tuesday to Sunday).

Admission : DKK 170 (adults); DKK 95 (children aged 3 - 11).

Esbjerg grew up around its harbour, which was established by the state in 1868 to serve as a strategic North Sea port. It has become a popular holiday town with its lovely beaches, attractive shops, thriving café society, and jolly nightlife. Art is everywhere, from major galleries to small, private studios. Not surprisingly, most of Esbjerg's tourist attractions are nautical by nature, including the Sealarium at the Fisheries and Maritime Museum. A boat trip round the harbour is a must, and for the more active the city offers a wonderful swimming stadium, angling, golf, and windsurfing. Being a city with a large youthful population, there's always a fair share of dancing and music in its bars and clubs. The best thing about the city is its proximity to the scenic Jutland Peninsula coastline, with wide windswept sand dunes and popular family attractions like Legoland at Billund (about an hour's drive away) and the picturesque medieval town of Ribe. Denmark's favourite offshore vacation islands of Romo and Fano are within easy reach by ferry.

Legoland Billund, the original Legoland Park, is a holiday must for children visiting Denmark. Opened in 1968, it plays host to numerous visitors from all over the world and is conveniently situated next to the original Lego factory. The features are divided into 'Worlds', including Denmark's iconic Miniland as well as Duplo Land, Imagination Zone, Legoredo Town, Pirate Land, Polar Land, and the Knights' Kingdom. With a legendary selection of rides, shops, and eateries, Legoland Billund has something to offer everyone in the family and is a must-do for families on holiday in Copenhagen. Some rides, like Pirate Water Falls, are closed when temperatures drop below a certain point. The admission costs vary because there are so many different ticket options, including season passes, family tickets, multiple pre-booked online ticket options, as well as ordinary gate prices. Check the website for these details to work out the best deal for your group as the costs given below are just a guideline.

Address : Nordmarksvej 9, 7190 Billund

Website : www.legoland.dk

Transport : The train stations in Vejle, Kolding, Fredericia will connect you to Legoland with a bus connections to Billund. Buses stop right outside Legoland.

Opening times : Seasonal, open April to October. Check the website for specific dates as opening times vary month to month and sometimes even more frequently.

Admission : Adults DKK 359

The picturesque and historic Nyhavn Canal dates from 1673 when it was built to connect the inner city to the sea. Today, it's jokingly referred to as the longest bar in Scandinavia because of the numerous restaurants, pubs, and cafes fronting the pretty pastel-painted townhouses. The canal itself is crammed with old wooden sailing ships which only add to the atmosphere. The area is strongly associated with fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen, who occupied three houses in the district throughout his life. The house at number 20 is open to visitors. Visitors can take one of the many boat trips on offer to explore the canal and familiarise themselves with the area. The Nyhavn Canal is a must-see for tourists visiting Denmark and it never fails to charm. But it can get very crowded and visitors must stay vigilant with their belongings as it is a popular pickpocket haunt. The eateries can be pretty expensive but just strolling around this vibrant and visually exciting area will delight visitors, and there are plenty of great photo opportunities.

Address : Nyhavn 1-71, 1051 København K

Website : www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/nyhavn-gdk474735

60 miles (96km) west of Copenhagen and located on the island of Funen, Odense is Denmark's third largest city and a vibrant centre of commerce and nightlife. In this busy harbour city, the quaint streets of the Old Town offer interesting shops, cafes, and restaurants buzzing with activity. Odense has a long history going back thousands of years, with archaeological finds dating to the Viking era. Birthplace of famed storyteller Hans Christian Andersen, there's a strong affinity between the city and the writer: numerous shops and restaurants are dedicated to him. The town has several beautiful castles, cathedrals, and museums. The music and nightlife in the city is among the best in Denmark, with symphonies, theatre, live music and a non-stop parade of outdoor festivities in the idyllic summer months. There is always something happening, and visitors to the city will never be at a loss for things to do.

The attractive Dutch Renaissance-style Rosenborg Castle was designed by King Christian IV and served as his home until he died in 1648. Today, the castle is an important cultural institution and acts as a public museum detailing the history of Denmark's royal family. It also acts as a repository for the Danish Crown Jewels and royal regalia, which are kept in the castle cellars and can be viewed by the public. The castle's treasures are arranged chronologically by era, allowing some insight into the history of the monarchy. Although opulent, the castle also feels surprisingly personal and intimate for a royal residence. The magnificent castle gardens are a welcome retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. The Rosenborg Castle will delight anybody interested in the royal family or the history of Denmark.

Address : Øster Voldgade 4

Website : www.kongernessamling.dk/rosenborg/

Transport : Bus routes: 14, 42, 43, 184, 185, 5A, 6A, 173E, 150S, 350S.

Opening times : January to May: 10am to 2pm. June to August: 9am to 5pm. September to October: 10am to 4pm. November to December: 10am to 2pm Tuesday to Sunday. Times can vary month to month and at certain times the castle is closed on Mondays so be sure to consult the website for specific dates.

Admission : Entry to the gardens is free. The castle: DKK 110 (adults); children under 17 free.

The Little Mermaid sits on a rock at the Langelinie Harbour and is one of Copenhagen's biggest tourist attractions. The sculpture was built in 1913 and enchants over a million people visitors every year. At only about four feet (1.25m) high, she is small and seems to be in her true element when the waves crash against her rock. The sculptor Edvard Eriksen modelled the head after ballerina Ellen Price. The statue is beautifully executed and fits so well into its natural surroundings that it may take a moment to notice it. Of course, Hans Christian Andersen's story of 'The Little Mermaid' is beloved the world over which goes some way to explaining the popularity of this wistful artwork.

Address : Langelinie Harbour

Website : www.copenhagenet.dk/cph-map/cph-mermaid.asp

Copenhagen's world-renowned Tivoli Gardens are ever so much more than just a central city park. The relatively small area in the heart of the city is actually one of the world's most thrilling entertainment complexes, drawing about three million visitors during its five-month summer open season each year. Tivoli dates back to 1843 when Copenhagen was still a fortified city surrounded by tall ramparts and a deep moat. Today, the Tivoli Lake is all that remains of the moat, which now reflects the incredible trademark fireworks displays that light the sky over the gardens twice a week. Tivoli is split in two, one section housing the beautiful miniature gardens where more than 100,000 flowers bloom, and the other has the theme park, with game arcades and thrill rides. Tivoli also boasts a concert hall and open-air stages where dozens of concerts, pantomimes, and circus shows. Many of these are free and offered during the season.

Address : Vesterbrogade 3

Website : www.tivoli.dk

Opening times : Open 6 April until 25 September. Open daily at 11am; closing times vary according to season, but usually between 11pm and 12am. See website for details.

Admission : General Admission: DKK 110 (adults and children over 8); children under 8 years free. There are multiple ticket options and attractions like rides cost extra so be sure to consult the website for specific pricing details.