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What Americans need for a Denmark Road Trip

Leave a Comment / Denmark | Articles, Nature Attractions, Outdoor Activities, Scandinavia / True Scandinavia

A Denmark Road trip An amazing Experience

To steal a line from the poet John Donne: there are few feelings better than the splendor of riding into a new place with your best friends. The road trip is as American as it gets. It is predicated on the idea that getting out and moving is good for the soul. There is so much to do in a road trip across Scandinavia. It can be hard to know where to go or what you should see. Especially if your travel time is limited. In response to this problem, here’s an itinerary for a Denmark road trip across those glorious Scandinavian plains. A valid passport If you plan to visit Denmark for an extended period or have other travel plans in Europe, you must have a valid passport. Danish authorities will not grant entry to anyone without one. If you do have one make sure you do not lose it. It’s not guaranteed that your visa will be extended or your travels will go smoothly if you lose your passport while abroad.The validity requirements are pretty straightforward: the passport must be valid for at least three months after your intended date of departure from Denmark. It must be valid for the entire period of your intended stay in Denmark. It also has to have been issued within the past 10 years—no exceptions! A valid driving license You won’t need much to drive in Denmark. If you are a US citizen, the only document you need for a Denmark road trip is a valid driving license. However, as we all know, this does not ensure that your trip will be safe or enjoyable. What does Denmark need from its drivers? First and foremost, an international driving license. This type of license is required for non-EU citizens driving in Denmark. If you already have an international driving license from the US or Canada (or another country), then no additional action is needed on your part. While your state-issued license is good enough to verify that you can drive legally within the US, it is not recognized by other countries—including those in Europe—unless it has been validated by a few formalities with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Your state DMV can give you details on how to get one. Danish phone number or SIM card with data If you are looking to hop in the car and explore the Danish countryside, you’ll probably want a way to stay connected. While you can access WiFi on your phone when you’re out and about, it is important to note that some regions don’t have good coverage. Plus, using your data abroad will cost extra. To avoid being hit with an unexpected bill, it’s common sense to get a local SIM card or a Danish phone number for your trip. Before heading to Denmark, be sure to contact your cell phone provider at home. Ask them about getting a new or temporary SIM card from a Danish network provider. That way all of your calls and texts will be billed in krone (DKK). If they are unable or unwilling to help, look into getting one from a kiosk in Copenhagen Airport or any convenience store throughout the country. Credit card to pay tolls and gas You can drive in Denmark without a credit card and still avoid paying tolls. But if you want to pay for gas, get out of a traffic jam or pass through one of Denmark’s road tolls, you’ll need one. And even if you’re not driving in Denmark, it is a good idea to have a credit card from one of the major networks — Visa or MasterCard — just in case anything breaks down. You might also want to take along an American Express card as well. Some hotels and restaurants prefer AmEx over Visa or Mastercard (but they do charge a higher fee). Snacks In Denmark, most gas stations have vending machines with candy and chips available for purchase. But what if you’re driving late at night? Or on a Sunday? Or on a weekday when all the nearby shops are closed? Healthy snacks like nuts and dried fruit are great for munching on while driving. They’re also good sources of protein and fiber, which will keep your energy levels up throughout the day. Danish krone Denmark is a lovely country in northern Europe with a rich history, beautiful countryside, and a plethora of cultural activities. However, traveling here from other countries can be confusing in terms of currency. Denmark is not part of the Eurozone and therefore uses its currency, the Danish krone (DKK). Exchanging US dollars or other currencies for their equivalent in DKK before arriving in Denmark is imperative to budgeting well. The exchange rate of the DKK to other currencies changes depending on the day. But it tends to stay within a certain range. First aid kit It’s a good idea to pack a first aid kit for your road trip to Denmark. Roads are safe there. But it’s better to be prepared for everything. This will help you in case of an accident, or if someone gets sick or injured. The following is a list of items that you should consider including in your first aid kit: Painkillers and anti-inflammatories (e.g., aspirin, paracetamol), antihistamines (for hay fever and allergies), bandages and dressings, adhesive tape, and scissors. Accessories When preparing for a day trip or weekend excursion, many travelers will automatically think of packing clothes, shoes, and toiletries. But for those planning a Denmark road trip, there are some items that you may want to consider bringing along on your journey as well. These are some of the things that you will need: Decide your Denmark road trip destinations When making a long trip to Denmark, it is always nice to know where the main tourist attractions are. By familiarizing yourself with these points of interest, you can better plan your trip and decide what you want to see. If your travels include

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What to pack for summer in Scandinavia

1 Comment / Denmark | Articles, Norway | Articles, Scandinavia, Sweden | Articles / True Scandinavia

Visiting Scandinavia during summer is exciting: lots of outdoor adventures, breathtaking landscapes to explore, amazing things to see, and beautiful people to meet. The list of things to do and places to discover are our biggest priorities until we have to start packing for vacation. Then, we all have a mental bullet list with us – some have actual lists – of things that we must take with us. But do you know what to pack for summer in Scandinavia? If it’s your first time going to Sweden, Denmark, or Norway, we suggest that you read this humble guide, as you may be missing something important that will be needed when arriving there. If you are a veteran, however, keep reading as well. Maybe you will discover something you didn’t know before. Either way, people may be surprised about some of the things on this list, others may think we missed something. One thing’s for sure, you should be well prepared. You cannot count on a typical warm sunny summer trip. In Scandinavia, all types of weather are possible between June and September. What will you be doing there? The Scandinavian summer is ideal for hiking, mountain climbing, biking, bird watching, sightseeing, swimming, the list goes on and on. So, what will you be doing on your trip there? It’s an important question to ask yourself before you begin picking your clothes. Let’s list a few things based on your activities there: Prepare for the weather Summer in Scandinavia can get really warm, but also a bit chilly at times. Always check the weather before going on a holiday there. In Scandinavian countries, it rains, and when it does, it will get chilly for sure. So: The midnight sun During summer, the sun is out for a long time in Scandinavia. The sun can stay up there for 20 hours, and in some places, it will not set until the summer is over. Keep that in mind when deciding what to pack for summer in Scandinavia. Needed accessories If you enjoy photography, then you already know this, but accessories are important when traveling. When packing for your vacation to your holiday in Scandinavia, remember to take your camera, for sure, but also: Where will you be staying? If staying at a hotel, don’t worry about this paragraph. But if staying at hostels, then don’t forget to pack: Extra things to consider Some of the things above will depend on your personal preference. They are not necessary to pack with you. But others, like bug spray, are indeed a must. On the same note, sunscreen is really important, as the sun can be harsh all day in some places. Make your life easier and take some of those with you. Additionally, consider what kind of bag you are taking with you and where you will be staying while in Scandinavia. For instance, if you are going on a camping trip, hard shell suitcases are inappropriate for this purpose. The recommendation is a carry-on backpack or a duffel bag, but make sure they are water-resistant: this way, you will be fine in most situations. Finally, do consider adopting a lifestyle that is about living every day with mindfulness and awareness, as it can make traveling an even more deep and more beautiful experience. A good introduction to this way of life is the 10 Ways to Start Consciously Living post by Maia Conscious living. So, what do you think? Did we miss anything? Are you getting some bug spray and sunscreen right now? Let us know in the comments.

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9 Places to Visit for a Viking Experience in Denmark

3 Comments / Art & Culture, Denmark | Articles / True Scandinavia

Are you visiting Denmark? Do you want to learn more about Viking history? As you probably know already, the Vikings originated from the Scandinavian countries, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. While all countries have their unique beauty, for Viking culture enthusiasts, it’s easy to miss out on the numerous Viking sites to visit. Denmark, however, stands out as a hub of Viking culture, with plenty of historic and culturally significant sites to explore. Here, we’ve compiled a list of our top favorite Viking sites in Denmark that are worth a visit. It is far from a comprehensive list of everything accessible, but it is an excellent place to start if you want to have a Viking experience in Denmark. Concerning the Danish Vikings The Vikings were skilled merchants, explorers, and seafarers who traveled as far as North Africa and the Caspian Sea. Their legacy has left a lasting impact on Denmark, with many visible examples scattered throughout the country. The Viking period spanned several centuries, starting in AD 793 when Vikings raided the Lindisfarne Monastery in northern England. As the Vikings assimilated and settled in new territories, the frequency of warfare and raiding decreased, leading to the end of the Viking age in 1066 after their defeat at the Battle of Stamford. The Most Popular Attractions to Visit in Denmark for a Viking Experience Jelling, Denmark: The Jelling Runes (UNESCO World Heritage Site) The village of Jelling in Denmark is home to the impressive Jelling Runes, which are considered one of the finest Viking monuments in Europe. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it attracts over 150,000 tourists annually. Two impressive burial mounds and two massive rune stones were constructed by Kings Gorm the Old and Harald Blatand (Bluetooth) in Jelling. The earliest inscription that mentions Denmark as a nation can be found on one of the rune stones. The Kongernes Jelling – Home of the Viking Kings- is an experience center. It is located right adjacent to the monuments and the Jelling church. The Kongernes Jelling is a museum that provides extensive information about King Gorm and Harald Bluetooth. The National Museum of Denmark is responsible for maintaining it Roskilde, Denmark: The Viking Ship Museum In the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, you can see a nice collection of boats. You can also see a boatyard where Viking ships are rebuilt. It is an operating museum, so you can see artisans working and participating in marine crafts. Once a year, a fleet of museum ships sail, offering an opportunity to learn about the art of sailing. Online records and tracking of the ships’ movements are available. Roskilde is the ideal destination to gain insight into how Vikings travelled to various locations. Trelleborg, Denmark: The Trelleborg Viking Fortress The first rediscovered Viking ring fortress was the Trelleborg Viking Fortress (translated as “the fortress created by slaves”). Trelleborg Viking Fortress is a circular fortress built by the Vikings. It has roadways and gates pointing in four directions. It probably is the most well-preserved Viking ring fortress you can visit today. Close by is a Viking fortress that is more than 1,000 years old and was built in 980 AD. Many tourists also visit the nearby Trelleborg Museum, which is worth making time for. Ribe, Denmark: The Ribe Vikinge Center In recent years, new archaeological discoveries have been made in Ribe, confirming its importance during the Viking Age. The Ribe Viking Center brings Viking history to life through various innovative initiatives, such as Viking role-playing, the Viking International Market, and important academic events. The Ribe Viking Center is famous for its dedicated team of forty students who work hard to maintain the site. It is also a pioneer in communication and reconstruction, continuously adding new activities and surroundings to keep the experience fresh and engaging. Aggersborg, Denmark: The Aggersborg Viking Fortress The Aggersborg Viking Fortress, constructed by Harald Blatand in 981, is the largest ancient Viking ring fortress in Denmark and a significant archaeological site. The fortress has a circular barrier with four main pathways that lead to the center of the castle. Inside the old fortress were about 50 houses and dwellings. The Aggersborg Viking Fortress you can visit now is a reconstructed version that is 30 years old and smaller than the original fortress. Nevertheless, it is a significant site since it was a base for Viking expeditions to other parts of Scandinavia and England. Fyrkat, Denmark: The Fyrkat Viking Center The Fyrkat Viking Center is a historical fortress and also a Viking farm. The region consists of nine recreated cottages made of wood and mud walls, forming a significant part of Viking land. The Fyrkat Fortress was constructed around 980 during the reign of the Viking King Harald Blatand (Bluetooth). You can participate in various Viking activities on the farm, such as wool spinning, forging, and bread-making. You can also educate yourself about Viking clothing. Ladby, Denmark: The Ladby Viking Museum The Ladby Viking Museum in Denmark boasts of the only Viking ship still in its original location for over a thousand years. Discovered in 1935 with eleven other burials and treasures from the king’s ship grave, visitors can view the burial site and the accompanying riches. The museum offers more exhibits, including the Ladby Tapestry, the Viking Ladby Dragon, and the Dead Ship. The rich history of the Viking culture and their seafaring ways come to life at this museum, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Viking history and artifacts. Ringkøbing Fjord, Denmark:The Ringkøbing-Skjern Museum and The Bork Viking Harbor The Bork Viking Harbor replicates a Danish Viking Harbor town that dates back to 700-950 AD. When visiting during summer, you’ll learn about Viking life and see their work. The area has a lagoon that served as a sailing point for Vikings and also provided shelter during bad weather. Adults and children can enjoy outdoor activities and guided tours. Pets are welcome too! The Bork Viking Harbor is part of The Ringkøbing-Skjern Museum, featuring 15 culturally

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5 reasons to visit Scandinavia this summer

2 Comments / Denmark | Articles, Nature Attractions, Norway | Articles, Scandinavia, Sweden | Articles / True Scandinavia

With winter finally gone and spring already kicking, it’s time to start thinking about summer. There’s no better time in the year to take a good vacation and relax after all of the craziness of the last year. Things are still hectic out there, but not in Scandinavia. The summer is coming, and it is going to be short and sweet: not the time for worries or stress. It is the time to visit Scandinavia this summer. It is the time for a summer holiday in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, some of the most beautiful countries in the world. If you wish to visit Scandinavia in 2022, there’s no better time than June, July, and August. Summer in Scandinavia is mild, with temperatures ranging from 12 °C (55 °F) to 26 °C (80 °F). People would say that it’s a very balmy summer, relaxing and warm, but not searing hot. With a warmer climate, travelers have started to come out in the open, and nature is flourishing again. That being said, you can imagine that there are many, many reasons for visiting the Scandinavian countries this summer. To make your life easier, we handcrafted a list of the top 5 reasons why you should have your summer holiday in Scandinavia: 1) Incredible nature to explore We start off with the obvious: nature is at its most beautiful during summer. The wildlife is already booming again. That means the forests and the mountains are full of life and activity. If you enjoy watching or want to be in contact with the wild, summer is the best time. Adventure into the wilderness is easy to reach with trails, and once there, camping is perfect. More on this topic later. During the summer months in Scandinavia, you can experience something truly unique: the Polar Day (the Midnight Sun or Aurora Borealis). This is the phenomenon when the sun never sets, staying up for 24 hours straight, and it happens around June 21 st . The rest of the summer months are very sunny most of the day, and nights are very short. So, you can go watch the incredible Scandinavian fauna for 18 hours non-stop if you want. Not only that, but here you will find the very famous Fjords. Fjords are beautiful landscape formations. Summer is the time to visit them if you want more to see than snow and ice. Speaking of ice, some of the most wanted places to visit during summer are the glaciers, guaranteed to blow your mind if you ever go there. 2) Easy to plan and organize your vacation So, a big part of the summer holiday is getting ready for your trip. Some people will be obsessed with planning, organizing, and getting everything right before even getting on a plane. If you’re one of those, here is some great news: visiting Scandinavia is a very straightforward and practical experience. At least on what planning your trip is concerned, you will not have any trouble getting visas or finding transportation (everything can be done online on very user-friendly platforms). The Scandinavian countries have some of the most advanced infrastructures in Europe. They are all very inter-connected with each other. First, you can visit Norway, then visit Denmark, finishing up with a visit to Sweden. You will never once worry about having an internet connection or all the modern comforts we got so used to. Also, most people in Scandinavia speak English, so your trip can be even easier to organize once there. It’s the perfect destination for travelers who want to set up every vacation detail beforehand and see them come true. Sweden, Denmark, and Norway are also ideal destinations for those that don’t want to plan or organize much. You won’t waste your time with details because it’s so easy to arrange your trip there. 3) Very safe to visit with family or alone The Scandinavian countries are generally safe places to visit, with low crime rates and without a lot of turmoil. While common sense is always recommended for any traveler, especially when traveling abroad, Scandinavia is highly regarded as a prime destination for solo travelers because of how safe it is. It’s not uncommon to find people traveling alone or backpacking the countries without worrying about safety. That being said, Scandinavia is the ideal place for families, especially those with children. There are plenty of incredible things to do and see, with tours and excursions for all age groups. Cities and towns are safe and clean, and the people are always friendly and happy to help. Great infrastructure means that you can go camping or hiking in the beautiful wilderness and help is not far away if you need it. But usually, the most dangerous thing that can happen during your summer trip there will be the fact that you can have some trouble sleeping with the long days, or if you forget to take bug spray with you. If feeling safe is a big thing for you, Scandinavia is a good fit for your summer vacation. 4) Great city destinations and cultures People tend to mix up all of the Scandinavian countries into just one entity. But in reality, there are 3 different countries with many unique cities, towns, and scenic places. Different cultures, cuisines, nightlife, architecture, art, and history are waiting for you to discover. There are a lot of great museums, restaurants, and trendy boutiques in every city that you visit, with a vibrant nightlife unique to this part of the world. Even if you have never thought about going to Scandinavia, we’re sure that you’ve heard about their cities before. Take Norway for example. Oslo is highly regarded as a gorgeous place, with an architecture combining the old and the new in one, while Bergen is also known as “The City of the Seven Mountains” and the Fjord capital of Norway. In Denmark, we have Copenhagen: one of the most luxurious places on earth and a major tourist

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The Best Beaches in and near Copenhagen

1 Comment / Denmark | Articles, Outdoor Activities, Scandinavia / True Scandinavia

When it comes to finding the perfect summer escape, few Scandinavian cities provide the options as those found along the coastlines of Denmark. Maybe you are looking for something a little more low-key or the opportunity to experience some of the world’s most breathtaking views. There is a beach for everyone. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best beaches in and near Copenhagen. Along with an overview of what you can expect when visiting these picturesque locales. Amager Beach park Amager Beach Park is a wonderful beach if you love sand and water sports. The seaside restaurants have a good selection, especially for those who love seafood. There is an outdoor gym that overlooks the sea. It is fun to work out while looking at the waves washing onto the shore. The park also has many grassy areas where you can relax in the sun or run around with your dog. If you like volleyball, there are nets set up so you can play with friends or strangers. Kiteboarding is popular here during the summer months. Kastrup Søbad This beach is a little gem if you’re looking for a cheap, beautiful place to spend a lazy afternoon. It is located in the northern part of Copenhagen. Kastrup Søbad is surrounded by lush green trees and grassy areas—a stark contrast to the busy city life in the area. The sandy shoreline makes it easy to walk or sit on your towel and relax while watching kids play in the water or people flying kites up and down the coast. One of the favorite things about this beach is that they have showers and toilets, so you can make it an all-day sort of thing. You can pack lunch from town (e.g., good sandwiches at Lumskebugten) and take some time to enjoy yourself before heading back into town for dinner. And what’s even better than enjoying nature with all its great amenities? Nothing! Charlottenlund Beach Park This public park has plenty of facilities and amenities. You can find restaurants, changing rooms, toilets, as well as picnic areas, grassy fields, and a playground for the kids. The main attraction here is the impressive selection of outdoor activities—both on land and on the water—that you can enjoy all year round. Special swimming areas are available for children, as well as a jetty that extends into the sea. Swimmers have easy access to these areas from designated entry points along both sides of the beach. The shallow waters make it ideal for families with little ones learning to swim. However, be aware that waves can become high during stormy weather. Once you have enough sun, head back to the land where there is plenty more to do. There is an amusement park with rides like roller coasters and bumper cars; tennis courts; sprawling lawns where visitors can play badminton or volleyball; basketball hoops. There are also public barbecue grills and snack bars with food trucks serving everything from hot dogs to laksa noodles. You will often find live street performers such as stilt walkers entertaining visitors on summer evenings. Just visit Main Beach Road right by the water edge. Nordhavn Beach Park It is the best beach in Copenhagen for several reasons. First, it’s an easy train ride from most parts of the city. Not only that, but it also has a station that gets you right to the entrance of the park. Second, there are so many things to do! There is a pool, which comes in handy when you need to cool off on a hot summer day. There are plenty of spots to relax with friends and maybe even bring your dog along. If you are looking for something more active to do, you can always grab a volleyball and challenge someone else on the beach. Alternatively, you can go running along with one of the three scenic paths that wind through the coastal forest. You can also take a dip in Lake Nordhavn after working up a sweat at the sports facilities. Or simply enjoy a family picnic in one of seven different picnic areas scattered across twenty-six acres. Islands Brygge Located in the center of Copenhagen, Islands Brygge is home to many of the city’s most popular attractions. It’s also just a short walk from the National Gallery, which houses some of the world’s most famous paintings and sculptures. You will find plenty to do on your visit to this area: you can watch the sunset over the water or enjoy dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. If you are looking for something different, try walking along Christianshavn Canal instead! This canal runs right through Christianshavn, which is one of Copenhagen’s oldest neighborhoods. You’ll find plenty of interesting sights along the way. Bellevue beach Bellevue beach has a lot of things going for it: safe swimming, toilets and changing rooms, volleyball nets, nearby parking, and a train station. It’s also close to Bellevue town center. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the sun while you watch swimmers and surfers practice their skills. You can also take advantage of all the activities offered at Bellevue Botanical Garden and Gardens Amalienborg. Such as biking and jogging paths, playgrounds for children, tennis courts, picnic areas, and an outdoor cafe where you can eat lunch or dinner overlooking the water. Svanemøllen Strand It’s relatively large and tends to be busy during summer afternoons. You can also see some ship traffic on the water. The beach has a big grassy area surrounding, great for picnicking and lounging. Also, there are a lot of trees, which can make this place feel more like an enclosed garden than a beach park. Surrounding areas have some nice restaurants if you get hungry or thirsty while there — check out Bella Sky Hotel if you’d like to stay in the area for dinner! If you’re visiting in late spring or fall, be aware that the water temperature is likely to still be

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