Denmark

A tiny nation with a big personality, Denmark packs in plenty of culture, culinary delights and coastline. A millennia ago, the Vikings set sail for Europe as raiders, explorers, traders and colonisers and left their mark on the world. Today, five of their mighty ships can be viewed at the Viking Ship Museum, rescued from the depths of Roskilde Fjord. A different historic era can be seen at Frederiksborg Castle, where Dutch Renaissance influences characterise this 17th century fortress and royal palace. Explore its exquisite staterooms, admire the formal Baroque gardens and marvel at the sight of the castle’s mirror lake from your own rowboat. Culture vultures will also be able to view the country’s Museum of National History, which showcases 500 years of Danish history behind the fortress walls.

‘Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen’, as the song goes, is a well-known foodie destination. While Noma is no longer, there’s every reason go traditional at Schønnemann restaurant, an institution on the city’s culinary scene since 1877. Open for lunch, come hungry as the menu is brimming over with classic Danish smørrebrød and local specialities, washed down with signature local libations.
After dark entertainment comes in all forms but sticking with legends theme, a night out at Jazzhus Montmartre is the perfect end to a cultural day. One of Scandinavia’s best-known venues, an encyclopaedia of jazz greats have all played here from Dexter Gordon and Kenny Drew to Ben Webster.

Before taking the tender back to your own floating palace, take a detour to the city’s artistic Nyhavn canal community to visit the homes where Hans Christian Andersen penned enchanting fairytales including The Tinderbox and The Princess and the Pea, among others. Literary aficionados can also venture further afield to Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the castle that inspired Elsinore, the setting for Shakespeare’s tragic vengeful tale of Hamlet.