Denmark is a Scandinavian country with a rich history and cultural heritage and a number of world-class attractions. If you want a clearer picture, though, here are the reasons why tourists visit Denmark – the very same reasons why you should, too.

1. The Happiest Place on Earth

The Danes pride themselves on being the happiest and most content people in the world, which makes Denmark the happiest country on earth. After all, aside from living in the second most peaceful country in the world, having one of the least corrupt governments and enjoying excellent health standards and services, they also have many recreational activities to engage in throughout the year, even during the days when the sun does not shine, plenty of attractions to visit during the weekends and holidays, like the Tivoli Gardens and the Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen and many festivals to attend, like the Carnivals of Copenhagen and Aalborg, the International Blues Days in Odense and the classical music festival in Horsens. You’ll understand better, though, if you visit Denmark. In fact, it won’t be long until you find a smile glued to your face, too, when you visit Denmark.

2. Christiana – A World of Its Own

If you want to see the other side of Denmark, there is no better place to go than Christiana, the anarchist district of Copenhagen. Although most famous (or infamous) for its Pusher Street, where drugs like hash and skunk weed are sold openly, Christiana’s charm lies in its unique culture – its atmosphere heavy with the sentiments of the hippie movement, and progressive ideals. It is also a great place to go if you’re a health buff, because of its yoga centres, organic markets and vegetarian restaurants.

3. Danish Design

Danish design is known throughout the world for its trendy combination of sophistication and simplicity, as evident in its furniture, crafts and architecture. Indeed, you will see many cafes and coffee bars in Denmark which appear like effortless works of art. You can even spend the night in the world’s first designer hotel – the SAS Royal Hotel, which exudes style to the very smallest details. To learn more about Danish design, drop by the Danish Design Centre or the Danish Museum of Art and Design or learn about specific Danish crafts at the Museum for International Contemporary Glass and the Museum for International Ceramic Art.

4. Danish Food

Whether you love eating meat, seafood or vegetables, you’re sure to find something to make your mouth water and sate your appetite when you visit Denmark. Meat dishes include roast pork and millionbof (tiny beef bits with gravy poured over pasta or mashed potatoes), though seafood dishes like cod, eel and herring are more popular. Vegetable salads are popular, too, most of which are made with organic vegetables, though not as popular as the Smorrebrod (pork, beef, fish or vegetables on rye bread topped with herbs) which you will find almost everywhere. For gourmet dining, reserve a table at one of Denmark’s Michelin-starred restaurants like Formel B or Restaurant Herman.

For drinks, you will find Mead, the drink of the Vikings, in Danish pubs, as well as champagne and fruit wines served in Danish restaurants, although Denmark remains a beer country, with nearly a hundred micro breweries. Famous breweries include those in Herslev, Refsvindinge and Bogedal, where beer brewing is considered an art and done the traditional way – with human hands or old-fashioned technology – which make them worthy attractions when you visit Denmark. You will also find Glogg or hot punch all around during Christmas, which is best enjoyed with the roast goose or special rice porridge that comes with the Julefrokost or Christmas feast.

5. Zoos, Parks and Other Children’s Attractions

Denmark is also a great place to bring your children, with renowned zoos such as Copenhagen Zoo, Odense Zoo and Aalborg Zoo, and museums such as the Viking Ship Museum, the Hans Christian Andersen Museum and the J.F. Willumsen’s Junior Museum, which will help them learn more about the history and culture of Denmark. The Skuldelev Museum is a must-see attraction for kids who visit Denmark, too, with its collection of dolls and different toys from various decades.

There are also many parks where you can take your children when you visit Denmark – both fun amusement parks like Bon Bon Land and the original Legoland in Billund – where all the exciting rides and everything else is made out of Lego blocks – and children’s parks and playgrounds like Remiseparken, Valbyparken and Faelledparken. You can let your children participate in the treasure hunt at Selso Castle, too. In fact, there are endless options for fun for entire families in Denmark.

Isabella Olsen is a writer for various travel magazines who has been to global tourist destinations like Denmark. To book your Denmark car rental or learn more about car hire worldwide, visit Zencarhire.com.

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