Denmark’s always been on my ‘to go’ list. Of all the Scandinavian countries, it’s the one I probably know most about (thanks, Hans Christian Anderson) – I’ve always wanted to see the iconic Nyhavn harbour, plus the Little Mermaid statue obviously. But what else is there to do? If I took the family for a stay on Denmark, what could we do (beyond a lot of cycling, of course)?
Turns out, lots…
(and we prodded our friends at NOVASOL, who dug up a perfect holiday home for you while you’re visiting each of our favourite spots)
1 – Original LEGOLAND in Billund
You have kids – therefore you have LEGO. It’s not even a question, is it? And if you have kids, you’ll also have kids who’ll love LEGOLAND. So why not visit the original, back where it all began? Coincidentally, both LEGOLAND and NOVASOL celebrate their 50th birthday this year; it’s the perfect time to take the family for a visit!
where to stay…
Kvie Sø
Just 20 minutes from Billund, and 5 minutes walk from Lake Kvie this luxurious Danish holiday home is luxuriously finished, and even has a small hot tub for two. Sleeping 8 in four bedrooms, it’s big enough to take the whole family – and maybe grandparents too!
A week’s stay at this lodge in Kvie Sø in August costs just £539
2 – Visit last year’s European Capital of Culture in Aarhus and see the rooftops through a rainbow at the ARoS Art Museum
Children go free to the brilliant art museum of Aarhus, and it’s an amazing place to get them involved and absorbed in art. In 2004, ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum opened a brand new modern building; 10 storeys tall it is one of the largest art museums in Northern Europe. but this is no stuffy gallery to drag the kids through – thoroughly interactive tours and activities have them involved and learning as they play. And of course they’ll just love the circular skywalk installation ‘Your rainbow panorama’ by Ólafur Elíasson.
where to stay…
Ajstrup Strand
Just a few steps from the beach, this contemporary holiday home couldn’t enjoy a more perfect location. The bright and airy property sleeps 8 in four bedrooms (one with a private balcony!), and enjoys an indoor games room too. If you happen to tire of the panoramic view of Aarhus Bay, out back there’s an established garden filled with the perfect shady spot to sit and relax with a good book.
With a gourmet restaurant within walking distance, Aarhus is just 20 minutes away by car.
A weeks’ stay at this house on the Ajstrup Strand costs £1690 for up to eight people.
3 – Clamber over the sand dunes of North Jutland and go paddling, swimming or lighthouse spotting.
North Jutland is the region of Denmark I’d most like to explore. It’s an open, wild region which is easy to get to and most of it is accessible to everybody. I read recently of someone watching the sun rise over the Kattegat and then set that evening on the west coast – on the same day!
The cities are small and family-friendly, and it’s the perfect place for an active family who love to get out and explore, and enjoy a few adventures.
where to stay…
Gammel Skagen
Isn’t it GORGEOUS? I so need to stay in this little cottage! Mind you – it’s not as tiny as it looks, sleeping 6 in three bedrooms. This beautiful property is located in one of the most fashionable holiday home areas in Denmark and is just few minutes’ walk from Solnedgangspladsen in Gammel Skagen with its cafes and restaurants.
Beautifully finished, it has fantastic terraces and no curtains; it is so privately situated that there’s no fear of being overlooked, and you are free to enjoy that beautiful coastal light.
A weeks’ stay at this cottage in Gammel Skagen costs £2804 for up to six people.
4 – Visit the home of Hans Christian Andersen in Odense including the lavish Egeskov Slot castle
Odense is the third-largest city in Denmark, and Hans Christian Andersen’s home town (you can still visit the house where Hans Christian Andersen was born, his childhood home and several other landmarks connected with the author). Packed with charming high streets, Odense has plenty for a busy family, with museums and activities, Odense Zoo, lovely green parks and so much more.
where to stay…
Brænderup
Built in 1880 this beautiful little thatched cottage is tucked into the edge of the forest, sleeping 5 in three bedrooms. There’s no hint from that traditional visage of the neat, bright and very modern interior., with it’s large and airy open plan living space. Set in a quiet and secluded grassy garden there’s bags of space for the kids to play, and yet you’re only 40 minutes form the city centre (and just over 5 minutes from the friendly beaches at Varbjerg Strand).
And a week’s stay at the cottage in Brænderup costs just £360!
5 – Have an active holiday on the Island of Bornholm, with its many hiking and cycling trails.
If you’re looking for the ‘real’ Denmark, then you just might find it on Bornholm – Denmark’s easternmost island in the Baltic sea. Long known to artists for it’s extraordinary light, it enjoys more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in the country. This is the only place in Denmark where you can find an excitingly craggy, granite coastline, and yet the tiny island is known for pure, white beaches. The quaint fishing villages all demand you explore them; follow unique cycle routes to find ancient carvings in rocks and round church fortresses, and take some time to watch the craft artisans working with glass and ceramics.
where to stay
Klemensker
This lovely holiday home sleeps six in three bedrooms, and has been beautifully renovated with an unexpectedly light and modern interior which has been designed to allow you to appreciate the views from every window. Tucked away in a quiet rural setting, the house has a magnificent large terrace, and two fabulous living spaces inside; one downstairs with comfortable furniture and a wonderful kitchen diner, and another on the upper floor with broad views and a balcony.
Centrally located on the islands interior, you’re only 20 minutes from any coast, including the fabulous beach at Boderne.
A weeks’ stay in August on Denmark’s sunshine island at this house in Klemensker costs just £759.
Visit www.novasol.co.uk for villas and apartments across Europe from just £299 per week – From spacious Spanish villas with pools to cosy countryside cottages in Scandinavia, you’re sure to find something for you (and click here for the whole range of holiday homes in Denmark!)
