Copenhagen

Copenhagen Travel Guide

The Safest Cities in Scandinavia

safest cities in Scandinavia

Scandinavia is a region brimming with excitement and adventure and is home to many big cities. The Scandinavian countries have so much to offer, from the icy Norwegian fjords to the ancient Viking history and the sloping Swedish woodlands. But which Scandinavian cities offer the most security? Most people’s first concern while traveling is, “is this destination safe?” So here we are with the list of safest cities in Scandinavia! The safest cities in Norway Tromsø, Norway The small town of Tromsø is one of the safest cities in Norway, with a population of about 77,000. It is one of the safest cities in Scandinavia and the most popular destination for travelers searching for the northern lights. The “city that doesn’t sleep” is a name given to this northern Norwegian city for a good reason. Since the Arctic Circle is above it, the sun never sets during summer. As a result, Tromsø, also known as the Arctic capital, becomes a playground every day of the week! Tromsø is one of the best spots in Scandinavia to see the magnificent Northern Lights in the winter when there is constant darkness. The midnight sun in the summer will astound you and give you an excellent reason to stay outside all night. Tromsø gives a distinctive experience whenever you travel there, regardless of the season. Some of this little fishing town’s top attractions include the Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden, the Polaria aquarium, and Tromsø Ice Domes. Geiranger, Norway The tiny town of Geiranger is located at the mouth of the mysterious Geirangerfjord. Big cruise ships have docked in Geiranger since 1869 to let passengers enjoy an afternoon off the boat. Moreover, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site making it a must-visit town. When you arrive at Geiranger, security will be your last concern. When in Geiranger, you can go shopping, rent a boat, or stroll along the Waterfall Walk. In addition, you will see 327 stairs leading from the town center to the Norwegian Fjord Center, which has picturesque views. It is an amazing experience to wander along Storfossen’s raging waters. The small, close-knit village of Geiranger, has about 200 residents. Even though you are protected from crime, the outdoors can be harsh. Exercise caution when out and about, especially when the sun sets. Kristiansand, Norway For several years, Kristiansand has earned a reputation as one of Norway’s safest major cities. The amount of crime was initially low, but in the last three years, it has increased to slightly over moderate. More specifically, police indicate that a rise in drunk driving is mostly to blame, even though this increase does alter the statistics. Moreover, there is much to do and see in Kristiansand, a reputable tourist destination. You can take a variety of cruises, have meals in nice restaurants, explore the shoreline, visit a modern art museum, and a lot more. Outdoor theaters with music and dancing, and souvenir shops are also available. The safest cities in Sweden Visby, Sweden One of the safest cities in Scandinavia is Visby which has incredibly low crime rates. Visby should be at the top of your list if you love exploring history and culture. It is positioned on the western coast of Gotland and has a long history. Specifically, Visby belonged to the Hanseatic League, a medieval trading association in northern Europe. Tourists can still admire medieval artifacts all across the city. Visby received the prestigious recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of these conserved artifacts. And this area offers more than just its heritage. It is renowned for housing some of the top farm-to-table restaurants in the country. A lot of tourists visit the city during summer to participate in the vibrant nightlife and art culture. Uppsala, Sweden With 150,000 residents, Uppsala is the fourth-largest city in Sweden. Since 1164, Sweden has had this location as its religious hub. The greatest Scandinavian cathedral is located there, and up to the 1800s, Swedish emperors were crowned there. Uppsala is a relatively safe city to live in. However, muggers are rife during the season with tourists, as they are everywhere else in the world. Compared to other cities of its size, Uppsala is indeed safer. Uppsala University, where students have studied since the Middle Ages, is also located there. The city is renowned for its extensive outdoor open spaces and is situated along the Fyris river in an ideal location. Uppsala is a city where many different cultures coexist, which has contributed to the city’s lively yet laid-back feel. Tourists are invited to participate in the town’s lively nightlife and explore all this secure Scandinavian city has to offer. The safest cities in Denmark Copenhagen, Denmark The capital of Denmark is one of the safest cities in Scandinavia for tourists. Denmark’s eccentric, design-focused capital is well known for its insanely high prices. However, traveling to one of the safest cities in the world comes with a cost. Copenhagen is probably the safest city in Scandinavia, and few people ever have to deal with crime there. The crime rates are incredibly low everywhere around the city. Concerning practically everything, including car theft, bribery, and police misconduct, Copenhagen is a low-risk tourism destination! Besides being the safest city, Copenhagen is also a stunning tourist destination. The Indre By’s massive medieval towers in the city’s old center are accessible to visitors during the day. By night, they enjoy the timeless jazz in Nyhavn’s laid-back outdoor bars. Copenhagen’s urban beaches are just as appealing as the city’s UNESCO sites and diverse neighborhoods, filled with savory falafel shops and coffee shops. Aarhus, Denmark Very close to Copenhagen, Aarhus, is the second-largest city in Denmark. Additionally, it is one of the safest cities in Scandinavia due to the extremely low crime rate. Most crimes you’ll probably run into involve either drug dealing or vandalism. You can go outside at any time of day or night to experience the city’s attractions, which include outdoor museums, gardens, and more. The city was

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The Perfect Road Trip to Denmark and Sweden

best road trip in Denmark and Sweden

A few trips are as exciting and invigorating as a road trip to Scandinavia. The impressive landscapes, the idyllic villages, and the enchanting nature are just a few of the reasons that make such a trip unique. But a road trip through the whole of Scandinavia takes time. Only a few days are not enough to get to know this beautiful place in depth. That’s why a road trip to Denmark and Sweden is the ideal choice for anyone looking to experience Scandinavia in just a few days. One week is enough for a Denmark and Sweden road trip! Not to see everything you want, but certainly, enough to get a good taste of these two beautiful Scandinavian countries. It mainly requires a passion for adventure, good planning, and some tips. So let’s get started! Things to prepare before your road trip to Denmark and Sweden The ideal starting point for a road trip to Denmark and Sweden is Copenhagen. With that in mind, you’ll need to take care of the following: Rent your car There are numerous car rental companies in Copenhagen. All are reliable and surprisingly offer quite low prices. You can pick up the car of your choice, either from the airport or from the city center. The road network of Denmark and Sweden is among the best in Europe. Therefore, choose your rental car based on the number of people who will accompany you on your trip. Pack your luggage Do not overpack! Take only the essentials with you. You will definitely need some comfortable clothes for driving. Also, don’t forget to pack some warm clothes, even if you’re planning a summer road trip. One of the destinations is Swedish Lapland, where the temperature can drop to 0 degrees in the summer months! Prepare some car-friendly activities You will need to spend more than 50 hours in the car for a road trip to Denmark and Sweden. The view will compensate you, but there will definitely come times when you will feel tired or bored. So make sure you spend your time pleasantly and productively. Think of some games you can play in the car and download your favorite audiobooks. Check the weather The weather will not affect your route, but you will definitely need to check it before forming your program, in the beginning, and during the road trip. You can avoid some stops or choose others, depending on whether it’s raining or shining. Your one-week road trip to Denmark and Sweden Itinerary Based on our experience, the ideal road trip follows a circular route so you can enjoy the most out of Scandinavia in one week. Unfortunately, time is enough for just a taste of Denmark, but a much larger trip through Sweden. Day One: Copenhagen The first day of the road trip involves little to no driving! You can spend it exploring the capital of Denmark. Copenhagen is a relatively small city that you can walk around in a day. There are many things to do in Copenhagen for free or at a small cost. You can drink your coffee in the most beautiful area of the city, Nyhavn. Then walk to Kastellet Park and see the famous statue of the Little Mermaid, next to the park. Then you can visit the magnificent Christiansborg Palace and the Copenhagen Cathedral. There is enough time to visit the National Museum of Denmark or one of Copenhagen’s many free museums. You should definitely try the famous Danish pastries and have a drink in one of the picturesque bars of the city. But don’t stay up all night because the next day will be much more tiring! Day Two: Helsingør, Helsingborg, Sodertalje The next morning, starting from Copenhagen and crossing the east coast of Denmark, you will reach Helsingør in less than an hour. You can spend a couple of hours exploring this cute little seaside town. The most popular tourist destination is Kronborg Castle, the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet! From Helsingør, the ferry will take you to Helsingborg, Sweden, in less than 30 minutes! There are routes every 20 minutes, and you don’t need to book your ticket in advance. It’s a pleasant little trip with great views of the Danish and Swedish coasts. The price is €33 for the car and €12 for each adult. Helsingborg is a lovely small town, and it is perfect for a stop for lunch and sightseeing. Park your car in the free parking lot outside the port and spend a few hours seeing the Sofiero Palace and Gardens, the Kärnan Tower, and having a seaside lunch with a view. Everything is in the city center, so you won’t have to wander around for too long. The rest of the day involves a lot of driving! You will need to drive for 5.5 hours to arrive in Sodertalje, a small quiet town, just outside Stockholm. The highway is safe and easy to drive on. So you can cover this part of your road trip when it gets dark. Choose one of the comfy hotels in Sodertalje to rest after a full and exhausting day. Day Three: Stockholm After having breakfast in Sodertalje and admiring the city in the daylight, head to Stockholm. The journey will take approximately 20 minutes. Check into your hotel and then start exploring the capital of Sweden. Spend a leisurely day, with no driving at all, but with plenty of walking. Stockholm is bigger than Copenhagen, but you can see its main attractions in one day. Start with a walk through the picturesque alleys of Gamla Stan (Old Town). Gamla Stan is the best-preserved medieval area in Scandinavia. Apart from its unique architecture, you will also love its cute little shops and traditional cafes. Then visit the historical buildings in the city center next to Gamla Stan. The most important are the House of Nobility, the Royal Palace, and the Stockholm Cathedral. You can also choose one of Stockholm’s many free museums to visit. If

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The 10 Best Free Things to Do in Copenhagen

free things in Copenhagen

Copenhagen free attractions | Things to do in Copenhagen for free Being the modern European capital that it is, Copenhagen is a city of amazing culture and history, that attracts millions of tourists every year. However, many travelers are afraid that Copenhagen is an expensive destination, not suited to their budget. Indeed, Copenhagen is rather expensive. Be that as it may, Copenhagen can be rather cheap too! In a city like this, there are many opportunities to engage in totally free activities, so you can keep your expenses at a minimum. Here are our top 10 suggestions on the best free things to do in Copenhagen: Visit the Little Mermaid Appearing in every “best things to see in Copenhagen” list that you are likely to come across on the internet, it is almost certain that you already know about the Little Mermaid. This small bronze statue is the landmark of Copenhagen. Commissioned by brewer Carl Jacobsen and created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen, the Little Mermaid draws inspiration from the fairy tale of the same name. Hans Christian Andersen, the writer, first published the iconic tale in 1837. In 1909, Carl Jacobsen, mesmerized by a ballet performance of the fairy tale that he attended at the Royal Theater in Copenhagen, commissioned Edvard Eriksen to create a Little Mermaid statue. The soon-to-be-famous mermaid statue was unveiled in 1913. It is not overly impressive by any means, but it does have a certain charm. However, the Little Mermaid statue demands a visit considering its importance as a Danish national symbol. With that in mind, it is easily one of the best free Copenhagen sights that you can go and see. It can often be quite crowded as it is a must-see attraction, however, tourists don’t stay there long. The average visiting time is probably the same amount of time that one needs to take a couple of pictures, so do not let the noisy crowds discourage you. After all, taking a stroll along the Langelinie promenade in order to get there is hardly a bad idea! Visit Kastellet Close to the Little Mermaid statue is an exceptionally preserved fortress and a visit there is certainly one of the best free things to do in Copenhagen. Kastellet means Citadel in Danish and it is exactly that. A 17th-century fortification whose five bastions form the shape of a pentagonal star. The park inside the fortress is ideal for a pleasant stroll and the beautiful 19th-century Kastellet windmill (Kastelsmøllen) that stands on Kongens Bastion is certainly worth seeing. Kastelskirken, the Citadel church, is also worth your time. Finally, the ramparts offer wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. Kastellet offers relaxing walks and views and a visit there deserves a place among the best free things to do in Copenhagen! Visit Christiansborg Palace Christiansborg Castle is located on the island of Slottsholmen in central Copenhagen and is today the seat of the Danish Parliament. This magnificent palace used to be the royal family’s residence and, although this is no longer the case, it is still the formal address of the royal family. Part of the Christiansborg palace is the Christiansborg tower, the tallest tower in the city at 106 meters. Going to the top of Christiansborg Tower is completely free and you can even use an elevator. From up there you can see the whole city and, to the east, you can also see the Öresund Bridge if the weather is good. On Sundays, free tours of Christiansborg palace’s parliament rooms are offered in Danish and English. You have to register online beforehand and the tour lasts for about 45 minutes. Do not forget to book your free Christiansborg visit here! Watch the Changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace The changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace is considered a must-see by most visitors. It takes place every day at noon and anyone is free to watch it. The palace is still owned by the Danish royal family. When Margrethe II is at home, the Danish flag flies above the castle during the changing of the guard. The soldiers wear their traditional uniforms and characteristic bearskin hats, which makes this experience unique and fascinating. Visit Copenhagen Cathedral (Vor Frue Kirke) The Church of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirke) or Copenhagen Cathedral ( Københavns domkirke ), is the main church of the diocese of Copenhagen. It was designed by the architect Christian Frederik Hansen. In 1817 King Friedrich VI laid the cornerstone and at Pentecost 1829 the building was handed over to its intended purpose. The cathedral continues to serve as the site of religious ceremonies. This also includes the church celebrations of the royal family. Crown Prince Frederik and Mary Elizabeth Donaldson were married here on May 14, 2004. The magnificent marble statues of the twelve apostles along the walls of the nave and the figure of resurrected Jesus Christ (Christus) were created by the great Bertel Thorvaldsen. Christus will probably look familiar since it was one of the most copied statues in Europe during the 19th century. Visit free Copenhagen museums Most Copenhagen museums have free admission days, or are free all the time! In our Top 10 Best Free Museums in Copenhagen guide, you can get all the information you need to visit as many free museums as you can, during your stay in Denmark’s capital. Getting to see spectacular pieces of art and visiting beautiful museum buildings for free, could not possibly be omitted from any “Best free things to do in Copenhagen” list! Copenhagen Free Walking Tours On Copenhagen Free Walking Tours, real Copenhageners take you through their city, tell anecdotes and show you their favorite places. This way, you can also gain insights and get useful advice on what else to do in Copenhagen. And best of all: everything is completely free – or at least there is no set price. Of course, the guides would be happy about a small tip at the end of the tour. Another nice thing about the Free Walking Tour is that you usually get tips on where you can eat cheaper.  Book your spot here! Visit

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The 10 Best Free Museums in Copenhagen

free museums in Copenhagen

The free museums in Copenhagen are often the product of local history. There is little to no admission fee for most museums in Copenhagen. Some museums are free or have minimal costs. Many have free guided tours. In any case, it’s easy to admire fine artwork in the capital of Denmark with a minimum or no budget at all! Additionally, Copenhagen is pretty well endowed, with buildings built to the highest standards of architecture. Perhaps this is because its older buildings were often torn down and replaced with new ones of more outstanding architectural merit. In any case, there are stacks of castle ruins and churches, cathedrals and abbeys, warships and bridges, army barracks, and public baths – both art nouveau and art deco – which you can also visit for free. But let’s focus on all the types of museums in Copenhagen that have no admission fees. Here is our guide to the best cheap or free museums in Copenhagen. What are the Best Free Museums In Copenhagen? Here are the best cheap or free museums in Copenhagen, Denmark: The Museum of Copenhagen The Museum of Copenhagen is one of the best museums in Copenhagen for history lovers. With a free entrance every Wednesday, the museum of Copenhagen is considered to be the official museum of the capital of Denmark. It offers a fantastic collection of archeological finds, ceramics, glassware, textiles, and industrial design from the Viking age to today. Not only that, but the museum is also full of surprises. Some items you can find in this museum are the skeleton of a Viking, a sedan from the 17th century, and some wooden bikes! Entrance: Free on Wednesdays, 90 DKK dailyWebsite: https://cphmuseum.kk.dk/en Magasin du Nord Museum This small but beautiful museum is an old department store that often organizes free guided tours for large groups of people. Although Magasin du Nord Museum is a tiny room, its collection is larger than any other retail store in Denmark. More specifically, it consists of numerous objects, such as books, paintings, clothes, and an impressive photo collection. Today, Magasin du Nord is a department store franchise with branches spread all over Denmark. However, entrance to the museum is free for everybody, and visitors can admire its unique collection at no cost. Entrance: FreeWebsite: https://magasinmuseum.dk/visit-magasin-du-nord-museum/ The Bank and Savings Museum The Bank and Savings Museum is a free museum in Copenhagen about the banking system of Denmark in the 1800s. It is located in an old building and has a fully operating bank branch as well. The Bank and Savings Museum has an extensive collection of maps and objects related to the Scandinavian and Danish banking systems. It is a journey through the history of the banking industry of Denmark and Scandinavia, and it’s free! Entrance: FreeWebsite: https://www.bankogsparekassemuseet.dk/ The David Collection The David Collection in Copenhagen is a free, private museum, founded and owned by C.L. David. The main building is a short distance from Rejseplanen in the center of Copenhagen. It contains exhibits from around the world, from China to Denmark. Moreover, it shows how people lived during different periods in time and gives information about their work and culture. The David Collection keeps changing its exhibitions, so there is always something new to see each time you visit it. Entrance: FreeWebsite: http://www.davidmus.dk/en/ The Black Diamond The Black Diamond is a library dedicated to the works of Hans Christian Andersen and Carl Linnaeus. The museum is in a public square in central Copenhagen, Denmark. It was initially built in 1999 to operate as a library but has now been expanded with new exhibition spaces and other facilities. Its name comes from the black polished building that hosts the museum. Entrance: FreeWebsite: https://www.kb.dk/en Møsting’s House (Møstings Hus) This is one of the most popular Copenhagen tourist attractions because it is so beautiful. Møstings Hus is a country house, built in 1800, but it has been renovated many times. Now it houses an impressive collection of paintings and drawings by Danish artists. You will find a gallery with the artwork of many famous artists at this museum. There are also six annual exhibitions where you can see everything from modern art to book presentations! Finally, this is an excellent place to visit if you are looking for quiet for an hour or two! Entrance: FreeWebsite: https://frederiksbergmuseerne.dk/en/mostings/ DieselHouse Instead of visiting another art gallery or history museum, you could take the chance and see something different in Copenhagen. In this regard, DieselHouse is one of the few diesel technologies museums that you can visit in Denmark or Scandinavia. Not only that, but DieselHouse is also one of the Copenhagen museums that you can visit for free! DieselHouse dates back to 1850, and it hosts one of the largest diesel engines in the world. Finally, once per month, this engine is turned on and operates. So look at the museum’s website and pick the date to visit. Entrance: FreeWebsite: https://dieselhouse.dk Københavns Domkirke (Copenhagen Cathedral) The Copenhagen Catherdral of Denmark or Københavns Domkirke hosts a tiny free-entrance museum. It displays an extensive collection of Danish and foreign paintings, sculptures, and drawings. It has a permanent collection, as well as temporary exhibitions featuring art from around the world. Finally, entrance to the Cathedral is also free of charge. So you can visit one of the finest examples of Brick Gothic architecture in Northern Europe for free too! Entrance: FreeWebsite: https://www.domkirken.dk/domkirkens-museum-0 Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek museum is free if you visit on a Tuesday. It is one of the best museums in Copenhagen, specializing in sculptures, decorative arts, and paintings. Located in the center of Copenhagen, very close to many tourist attractions, this is one of the best museums in Copenhagen that you can visit for free. The exhibition includes works by Auguste Rodin and Constantin Brancusi and French impressionists such as Monet, Pissarro, and Renoir. The museum also has a collection of Danish designs from the 18th century to the present date. Entrance:

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The Best Beaches in and near Copenhagen

The best beaches in and near copenhagen

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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