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 Denmark is the southernmost part of Scandinavia. It is the smallest of the Nordic countries if its offshore territories of Greenland and Faroe Islands are excluded and the largest if they are included. Its only land neighbor country is Germany and the Baltic and North Sea surround it. Denmark also shares maritime borders with a number of islands such as Zealand, Lolland, Falster, Funen, Bornholm and some smaller islands known as the Danish Archipelago. Denmark has a very strong economy and embraces the values of the so-called welfare state. Being in strong bonds with the other Nordic countries, both culturally and historically, the protection of the environment and the energy efficiency are among its main priorities. It is not surprising that nearly 40% of Denmark’s energy comes from alternative and environmental friendly energy sources. In a world survey of 2007, Denmark was rated as the third most peaceful country in the word and Danish people as the world’s happiest nation. Additionally, the natural beauties of Denmark make it a very appealing tourist destination. Should you visit Denmark and especially Copenhagen, you will be amazed by its unique atmosphere and style. You should not waste time and reserve a hotel in Copenhagen. The city that never sleeps is certainly the most trendy, fun and multicultural part of Scandinavia.
History
 The first report to the Danes, one of the nations from whom the modern Danish are descended, is met in 551 AD. In the early 8th century, the Christian Empire of Charlemagne had expended to the south of the Danes, triggering the cooperation of Danes with the other Scandinavians. From this century on, the Dames with the other Nordic tribes such as the Norwegians and the Geats were known as Vikings. The Danish Vikings conquered parts of England, Ireland, France and Normandy. From 1397 until 1523, Denmark was part of the Kalmar Union with Norway and Sweden. However, Sweden ’s withdrawal from the union resulted in about two centuries of Danish-Swedish wars. The Kalmar War in 1611 was the first unsuccessful Danish attempt to force Sweden return to the union. In 1657, Danish forces experienced another massive defeat from Sweden and the armies of King Charles X Gustav of Sweden conquered Jutland, Funen and parts of Zealand. However, during the Great Northern War that lasted from 1700 until 1721, Denmark managed to restore the majority of its territories. The decades that followed, the country kept a neutral status and prospered greatly. Danish neutrality continued during the Napoleonic Wars as well. However, the British considered it as a hostile act and attacked Copenhagen in 1801 and 1807, putting an end to the prosperous Danish Age. During World Was I, Denmark remained neutral too. However, during World War II, Germany occupied it. The economic cooperation between Denmark and Germany continued until 1943. Today, Denmark is one of the most prosperous countries in the world and it is member of the European Union since 1973, a date that also joined the European Economic Community.
Art and Culture
 Danish culture presents a remarkable diversity, closely related to local society and daily life, having social progressiveness as main characteristic. It is not surprising, that Denmark is the first country in the world where pornography became legal, in 1969. The intellectual Danish heritage is apparent in some of its main expressionists such as Hans Christian Andersen, known for his unprecedented moralistic fairy tales, the philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, the famous Nobel laureate Henrik Pontoppidan and the world famous filmmaker Lars von Trier. Denmark has also a long tradition of important museums many of which date back more than 100 years. Denmark today boasts more than 300 museums that highlight the development of cultural and natural history in Denmark and the rest of the world. The country’s major museum is The National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen that hosts the largest collection of antiques and art in Denmark. Ordrupgaard Collection is another state of the art museum worthy visiting, as it has a permanent collection of outstanding masterpieces by French impressionists and an exquisite Danish collection of contemporary art. Another brilliant museum is the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, which acts as Denmark’s national gallery and museum of visual arts. It also hosts a very important foreign art collection that focuses on the culture and art of Western Europe from 1300 on. Finally, some very interesting museums of natural history are the Natural History Museum in Århus and the Zoological Museum in Copenhagen with exhibitions on the animal life in Denmark and the rest of the world.
Gastronomy
 Danish kitchen presents a unique combination of international and local flavors. Thus, apart from traditional dishes, French and other international cuisines have well intergraded in local gourmets and specialties. Danish start their day with a good Continental breakfast that usually consists of coffee or tea, cheese, cold meat slices, bread and Danish pastry. Most hotels in Denmark also serve this kind of breakfast. Therefore, you could have a quite representative assessment of its quality. Lunch, is usually taken around noon and it typically consists of a sandwich, locally known as Smørrebrød, or a hot sausage, sold in the street sausage stalls. Another specialty, served during lunch, is the Koldt Bord, which is a buffet style lunch encompassing a great variety of fish, meat, cheese and some hot dishes. Dinner is the main meal of the day and is usually served between 6pm and 8pm. Diner in many restaurants includes dishes that come from produce from Danish farms. Additionally, due to its geographic location, Denmark is popular for its delicious Shellfish, which comprises an important part of local cuisine. Denmark has also many varieties of beer with the Carlsberg, Tuborg and of course Pilsner to be the most known ones. Akvavit is another popular drink, always served ice cold and usually accompanying cold food as well.
Places to visit
 Needless to say that once in Denmark you must visit Copenhagen. The Danish capital is one of the most beautiful cites in Europe, with great architecture, rhythm and lifestyle. There is really so much to see and do in Copenhagen. A city tour should start with a visit to Rosenborg Palace, a wonderful fairy tail Palace in the city centre of Copenhagen. Tivoli is another superb attraction. It is one of the oldest Theme parks in the world. Founded in 1843, Tivoli has more than 160 years of entertainment tradition, being the definite must in Copenhagen’s lifestyle. The Round Tower offers a unique experience too, as the spiral walk leads the way up to a magnificent view over the rooftops of the city. It is also suggested that you take a canal tour in the city’s splendid canals and seize the opportunity to see unique ships, traditional churches and of course, the Little Mermaid, which is the symbol of the city. Another very interesting part of Copenhagen is Christiania, an autonomous community that started 33 years ago and actually comprises a social experiment with self-government. For your shopping, the main pedestrian shopping street of Strøget has everything you are looking for. Hotels in Copenhagen offer very high quality of services and in most cases serve delicious meals, promising a pleasant and relaxed stay.
 For travelers that want to find accommodation in Copenhagen, but prefer to stay closer to nature or in a more quiet environment a suggested alternative is Kastrup. Located on the east coast of Amager, Kastrup is best known as the site of Copenhagen Airport. Should you stay in a hotel in Kastrup, you can easily reach Copenhagen’s city centre as are there is an excellent commute with buses and trains. Another beautiful suburb worthy visiting is Frederiksberg, which is located nearly in the heart of Copenhagen, only 10 minutes away from the city center. Frederiksberg is very green with beautiful parks and relaxed atmosphere. Hotels in Frederiksberg can be considered as part of Copenhagen’s accommodation facilities, as they are located just outside the center. Finally, the town of Glostrup, located approximately 10 km west of Copenhagen, is another beautiful place with easy commute to the capital. The majority of hotels in Glostrup have traditional Nordic style and very friendly atmosphere, being more family-oriented.
 However, apart from Copenhagen and its suburbs, Denmark has many other beautiful places worthy visiting. The city of Aalborg is one of them. It is located in the Limfjord, a fact that has made it during history an important commercial and industrial center. Today, the presence of University of Aalborg has infused a knowledge pool in the city, which is now known as one of the best student cities in Denmark. It is surely suggested to book a hotel in Aalborg and spend a weekend there. Its traditional style and vivid lifestyle will fascinate you. Last but not least, the city of Aarhus is another interesting travel destination. It is the second largest city of Denmark and comprises its principal port, situated on the peninsula of Jutland. This is the reason people also call Aarhus the capital of Jutland. Nice cafés, traditional restaurants and Nordic style architecture synthesize the city’s scenery. Should you decide to reserve a hotel in Aarhus, it is recommended that you book a hotel in Aarhus’ city center, as this is where the majority of events and entertainment activities take place.
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