A 4 day road-trip around viking Denmark to visit some stunning archaeological sites, museums and reconstructions. If you're interested in learning about the vikings in Denmark, this would be 4 days well spent - although you'll also need to add an additional day to return on Day 4. A car would be the best way between the sites - as there are significant distances to cover. You'll also need to book accommodation along the route. I was inspired to write this itinerary after reading a superb book which introduced me to a number of the sites: Vikings - A History by Neil Oliver. Check it out if you can. Photo Credits: Image by Gary Chambers from Pixabay

2 Days in Copenhagen is best spent around the central locations. There's loads to see in this friendly city. I've been living here (and loving it!) for the last 10 years, and this is the tour I give to visiting friends. Photo credits: Nyhavn - Chris Lawton, unsplash.com

Beat the crowds and start early in the north of the city. Check out the classic Little Mermaid statue and her genetically modified sister, before heading into the city centre via the Royal Palace and the Marble Church. Enjoy a lunch of Danish classics at the cafe of the Design Museum, before discovering everything there is to know about the history of legendary Danish design.

Around the northern half of Roskilde Fjord in Denmark, this scenic circular cycle route requires a restful but short ferry ride over the strait at its northern tip. The route goes around the fjord, and back south to Frederikssund - and then you need to cycle back over the bridge to reach your starting point again. On the western half of the route - before you get to the ferry - you'll be cycling through mixed woodlands. The route is not suitable for racing bikes with thin tyres - but hybrid bikes should be fine in fair weather. You'll also be cycling through military land (it's well signed, and permitted) - so stick to the track. There's an ice cream shop and cafe at the southern ferry stop, if you need refreshments. Most (if not all) of the way you'll be following cycle route 40 "Fjordstien" - which is marked with blue signs. I deviated off a few times - but picked up the trail again - and my route here reflects that. I stopped for about an hour at Frederiksværk for lunch - and to get lost looking to pick Cycle Route 40 up again - so take that into account when looking at the times. I have done this route twice. If you're of average fitness, you'll be pretty tired at the end of this route - so bring snacks and plenty of water. It's a really rewarding ride through lush greenery in the spring and summer time.

SUMMARY: 15 minutes outside central Copenhagen is a stunning 1000 acre deer park. This hidden gem contains beautiful walking paths through a dense oak forest, a multitude of lakes, and sweeping fields filled with 2000 wild deer. Choose to walk, cycle, or even ride around the park in a horse and carriage. This is a perfect spot for nature photographers to get up close to herds of roaming deer or to do some birdwatching. And keep an eye out for rutting stags, although you are likely to hear them before you see them! The main paths are mostly gravel with some of the smaller routes muddy after rain. So appropriate footwear is recommended in poor weather. This is an excellent spot to visit all year round. During the summer and spring, you can enjoy picnics in the sunshine. Then in autumn experience the changing of the leaves on the oak trees, and in winter go for a bracing stroll on a frosty morning. DON'T MISS: The Hermitage Hunting Lodge at the centre of the park. This should be the main highlight of every visit to Dyrehave. The magnificent building dates back to the 18th century. As it was used by the Danish royal family to host hunting parties and luxurious banquets. The lodge is positioned on top of a hill with a view of the surrounding fields. On a clear day, you might catch a glimpse of the Swedish coastline across the water! HOW TO GET THERE: You need to get to Klampenborg train station then follow the signs to the entrance of the park. When you exit the train walk forwards, past some public toilets (make sure to use these before starting a long walk!). After, take a left over a bridge and up ahead you will see a red gate signalling the entrance. Catch the number 029 train from Copenhagen Central Station (20 minutes) or the same train from Nørreport (15 minutes).

Arken - or The Ark - has since its construction back in 1996 been housing modern and contemporary art-works, both Danish and international. Inspired by the Biblical story and the maritime spirit, it is rising up from the white sands of Ishøj Beach Park, right in the middle of Køge Bay - and just 20 km South from Copenhagen city centre. Besides the museum’s permanent collection, which consist of more than 400 artworks, Arken continuously hosts temporary exhibitions of world-famous masters like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Frida Kahlo, Van Gogh and many others. The visitors can look forward not only to the museums’ artworks and architecture, but also to exploring Arken’s sculpture park and taking a walk along the sandy beach and the marina. The beach cafe offers a pleasant wrap-up to the tour with delicious coffee, cakes and small-bites. An outdoor playground by its side will secure active entertainment for the kids and a few quiet moments for the parents. Located off the beaten tourist track Arken offers a relaxing break from the city rush with an organic combination of art and architecture delights, as well as natural beauties.

Coffee Industry Sweden is a coffee chain with rustic interiors and a great selection of freshly made produce. Similar in concept to Starbucks, I prefer the interiors, which have a visibly Scandinavian influence. The cafe at Nørreport in Copenhagen is spacious, and has a good selection of tables for meetings or a sit down with friends. There's also a good selection of cakes, cookies and sandwiches if you're hungry.

Denmark is famous for its design, and many people around the world aim to emanate the Danes’ sleek, functional style in their homes and interiors. To learn more about the history and importance of Danish design, take a trip to the Designmuseum Danmark. Conveniently located in the centre of the city, the Designmuseum Danmark presents a fascinating journey through the 20th and 21st centuries, where you can learn about the design of everything from furniture to fashion to bicycles. One of the highlights has to be the permanent exhibition called 'The Danish Chair: An International Affair', which tells the story of how Danish chairs became international exports and put Denmark on the map as a world design powerhouse. Marvel at Arne Jacoben’s iconic ‘Swan’ and ‘Egg’ chairs and learn about the importance of this seemingly simple piece of furniture. After you’ve had your fill of design, you can refuel at the museums’s cafe, which serves coffee, snacks and full meals, including lots of Danish classics. There's also a small garden to enjoy some fresh air with your refreshments.

Munkholm Skov 15 min drive West of Roskilde one can enjoy a picturesque spot for a relaxing family picnic by the shallow waters of Bramsnæs Bugt, as well as take a walk among the mixed woods of Munkholm forest. The forest path is a 4km loop that starts from (and ends at) a parking lot by the seasonal kiosk. It is broad and well trodden, which makes it suitable for an easy walk (also with a larger wheeled pram), comfortable cycling or trekk-running. Facilities: A kiosk offering ice-cream, coffee, snacks and refreshments. Closed during the winter months A public toilet seasonally available, following the kiosk opening hours 2 kids swings Multiple tables and benches Information stand about the area

Vestre Kirkegård was created in 1870 as Copenhagen’s main burial ground, and at 54 hectares it’s the largest cemetery in Denmark, and one of the largest in Scandinavia. The cemetery is divided into sections according to country, and the graves of many Danes who have made a significant contribution to society can be found in Section A. Given its size, it’s easiest to get around by bicycle, in order to cover the most ground! If looking at graves isn’t your thing, Vestre Kirkegård is also used as a public park, with people walking, running and cycling when the weather permits. Conveniently located next to the districts of Vesterbro and Carlsberg, it’s a tranquil place to relax on a sunny Sunday morning. Wander down the wide avenues flanked by majestic trees and pause for a break on one of the many sun-facing benches, before heading back into the city for brunch or lunch.

‘Glyptoteket’ comes from Greek, meaning ‘sculpture museum’, and it does what it says on the tin. A stone’s throw away from both Tivoli Gardens and Copenhagen Central Station, it couldn’t be easier to fit in a visit to this cultural institution. The Ny Carlsberg Glyptoteket was originally built to house the private art collection of Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of Carlsberg beer, J.C. Jacobsen. He was an avid art collector, and he later opened the doors of the Glyptoteket to the public. The museum boasts an impressive collection of sculpture from ancient Mediterranean cultures including Greece, Egypt and Rome, as well as more modern works from France and Norway. There is also a large collection of paintings in the Glyptoteket, most notably from the French impressionists, Post-impressionists and the Danish Golden Age. Even if you don’t look at a single work of art, the Glyptoteket is worth visiting for the building alone. In the centre of the museum, joining the four separate wings is the Winter Garden, with fountains, palm trees and a huge dome made from copper and wrought iron. It’s the perfect place to take a break in your tour of the museum, and there’s even a cafe serving Danish classics and coffee. The Ny Carlsberg Glyptoteket is open from 10am to 5pm from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 9pm every Thursday, and it's free to enter every Tuesday!

Imagine a part of Paris in the middle of Copenhagen. With places like Les Trois Cochons, Le Gourmand or Lycée Français Prins Henrik it’s easy to feel the Parisian vibe, making Værnedamsvej a popular sanctuary to many locals. This small street is located on the border of Copenhagen and Frederiksberg, offering a variety of local shops, specialties and cafes. The sidewalk is very narrow making pedestrians compete with benches and small tables. This naturally leads one to walk on the street but watch for bicycles. And cars that occasionally passes through. Well, it’s Copenhagen, so please look out for bikes anywhere and everywhere. During the summer, different events take place at Værnedamsvej – e.g. FRBDAGE (Frederiksberg Days) or Copenhagen Cooking – and offers days full of food, music and art. Værnedamsvej is closed for traffic on these days, tables are put out along the street and several shops and cafes move out on the sidewalk. The atmosphere is cozy but vibrant and makes for a good Sunday stroll. It’s great for families, foodies and fellow Francophiles. Where: Værnedamsvej, Frederiksberg, Copenhagen It’s a 10-minute walk from Vesterport Station, or you can get there by bus 26, 7A or 31.

SUMMARY: just south of central Copenhagen is a small subsection of the harbour that harbours a secret (pardon the pun). During winter there may be a few people walking dogs in the park or running along the waterfront but little activity otherwise. Then, summer rolls around… and out rush the locals. Splashing into the “baths” (don’t be fooled by this term, the water is freezing) with surprising zeal. Everyone eager to shake off their cabin fever after a long and bitter Nordic winter. And what better way to freshen up than with a bracing swim in the harbour! WHEN TO VISIT: on a warm day it is especially beautiful with the sparkling water and blue skies. In the late spring and throughout summer the area gets very busy, particularly on weekends and public holidays. Open 15th of May to 15th September. DON'T MISS: the high-board jump. If you are looking for your bit of adventure this is it. The top board is five meters high, with two smaller boards at three and one meters high. Climb the slippery staircase – past the smirking teenagers goading each other to jump – and get a great view from the top before plunging into the water below. HOW TO GET THERE: there are multiple ways to find Islands Brygge. A popular route is to walk from the city centre along the waterfront and across the Lille Langebro bridge, which takes 20-25 minutes depending on where you’re coming from. Or you can get the M1 subway line and get off at the Islands Brygge stop. You can also catch the 5C bus (get off at Klaksvigsgade (Amager Boulevard)) or the 68 bus line (get off at Weidekampsgade (Klaksvigsgade)). I recommend walking to take in the harbour views. NOTE: You must stay inside the designated bathing zone. No point straying out into the harbour and risking getting run over by a boat in the active waterway!

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is just a short journey from Copenhagen. Jump on the train at Copenhagen Central Station, and within an hour you'll be wandering around this waterside art lovers' paradise. The museum is made up of different wings, which house both the permanent collections and special exhibitions, featuring work by artists from all over the world. Make sure you take a map from the reception desk to make sure you cover everything, as it can be easy to accidentally skip a whole wing without realizing! Wandering through the museum is a feast for the eyes, and sometimes the ears and hands, too, as the different collections make use of different media. There are videos, music, lights, and interactive exhibits to discover, so you’re sure to find something to entertain you, no matter what your taste. Louisiana is not only worth visiting for its collections. In the outside area of the museum you will find a sculpture garden where you can stroll at your leisure and admire the many different kinds of sculpture which are scattered around every inch of the beautiful space. Then, stop for a break at the cafe, which serves Danish classics, coffee, pastries, wine and beer. The cafe has indoor and outdoor seating - opt for outdoors if the weather permits, to gaze out at the calm waters of the sound between Denmark and Sweden. Getting there: From Copenhagen, take train 29 to Humblebæk. From here, it’s a well-signposted 10 minute walk to Louisiana.

The overnight mini-cruise that runs from Copenhagen to Oslo is a relaxing way to get between Nordic capitals. The DFDS car ferry that makes the journey is equipped with multiple restaurants, bars and even a night club, to entertain travellers on their journey over. There is even a small swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna below deck. There are rooms of several different class - all ensuite - from bunk beds to double beds to Commodore Class with a balcony. Departure from Copenhagen is late afternoon - around 16:00, and arrival in Oslo is breakfast time the following day. The buffet breakfast gives travellers a good start for the day. Upon arrival in the centre of Oslo, you can either spend the day exploring on foot, or opt for one of the recommendable bus tours that provides visits to the ski-jump and famous sculpture park. Oslo is very pedestrian friendly for those wishing to explore the harbour front, shops and royal palace. The boat departs again in the late afternoon and arrives in Copenhagen the next day at breakfast time. The cost of the trip can vary greatly depending on cabin class and time of year. Out of season winter travels can be extremely affordable. During the summer months, the cruise from Copenhagen and past Sweden can be highly enjoyable - especially with the outdoor seating, bars on deck, and the fact that it can be light until past 23:00.

SUMMARY: nestled inside an enormous warehouse on the edge of Copenhagen's harbour is one of the largest indoor climbing centres in Scandinavia. If you are looking to get your inner-city adventure kicks, this is it. Blocks & Walls flexes a huge selection of facilities including multiple high-wall climbing routes, a bouldering section, a gym, changing rooms, and a cosy café. There is a wide selection of courses and classes on offer to improve your climbing abilities. Alternatively, take an introductory lesson with an instructor to learn the ropes - so to speak - or, if you already know what you are doing then you can use the facilities independently (proof of certificates required). WHEN TO VISIT: Opening hours are as follows: Monday-Friday: 10:00-23:00; Saturday & Holy Days: 10:00-20:00; Sunday: 10:00-22:00. It gets very busy after work on weekdays (18:00-20:00) and weekends, so aim for off-peak times if your schedule allows it. DON'T MISS: the other selection of actives nearby in Refshaleøen. Only a few minutes walk is a paintball centre, high-ropes course, skatepark, and bungee jump. If you're hungry, the brilliant street food-market Reffen is also a stones throw away with an amazing selection of food and bars from around the world along with the famous Danish craft brewery Mikkeller. HOW TO GET THERE: It is a little out the way with no metro station nearby so it is recommended to take a bus. First, get the M1/M2 line to Christianshavn St. (Metro), then change to bus 2A. The bus stop Christianshavn St. (Torvegade) is right by the station and easy to find. The bus ride will take around ten minutes, get off at Refshaleøen (Refshalevej) which is the final stop. It is a short walk to Blocks & Walls from there. NOTE: Climbing shoes are required for all facilities, you can bring your own or hire a pair for 40dkk. For the high walls, an equipment set can be hired for 90dkk. Equipment requirement varies across courses and activities with different prices for members - more details on their website.

Open during the warmer months (from April), Reffen Copenhagen Street Food is a district that could have been designed for hungry hipsters. Its "streets" are constructed from stacked shipping containers and wooden huts, each housing one of the 41 food stalls and bars. Set on the water in Copenhagen, its location is a little distance from the city centre - in an old industrial area - and it is perhaps best reached by bicycle (rent if needed). There really is food for everyone here - with most international cuisines represented. A visit for lunch or dinner on a warm summer's day is real treat. Also, check out the Mikkeller brewery next door, which is also open to the public.

Trylleskoven (The Magic Forest), is an area of woodland along the coast near Solrød Strand - a small town 32km south of Copenhagen. So called because of some of the strange shapes that the trees make, the woods make for a pleasant walk combining a white sandy beach with pine trees and a closed off area with access to some tame sheep that kids can pet. There's plenty of parking, as well as a large picnic area where visitors can create fires or barbecues in the dedicated areas. In the summer, the beach is nice for bathing, and there's a small wooden pier for access to deeper water.

SUMMARY: in a bid to become the first carbon-neutral capital city by 2025, Copenhagen has come up with some fantastically innovative ideas for how to reach this goal. By expanding their extraordinary network of bike lanes, delivering recycling initiatives that actually work, and ensuring that a great deal of their food produce is fresh/organic/vegan means they are well on their way to achieving green living. Now comes their ingenious waste management system that designers and engineers have managed to double up as a recreational centre. The Amager Ressource Center (known as ARC) turns waste into electrical energy lighting buildings and heating homes. It is also known as CopenHill, which boasts a dry ski slope, hiking route, and a massive 85m climbing wall. If you want to save yourself from aching legs there is an elevator open to public use; the fantastic view from the top is not to be missed. WHEN TO VISIT: opening hours are 12:00-20:00 Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri; Wednesdays 12:00-22:00; Saturdays 10:00-20:00; Sundays 10:00-18:00. DON’T MISS: the café/bar at the bottom of the slope which serves up a selection of hot snacks and chilled drinks. Thursday and Saturday are the designated party evenings so aim for then if you want to sample the after-ski! It would hardly be a ski trip without an après bar, would it? HOW TO GET THERE: First, get the M1/M2 line to Christianshavn St. (Metro), then change to bus 2A. The bus stop Christianshavn St. (Torvegade) is right by the station and easy to find. Get off at Lynetten (Refshalevej) which is the second to last stop. It is then a ten-minute walk from Lynetten bus stop. If you are staying near Vesterport or in Frederiksberg you can take the bus line 37 and get off at Amagerværket which is the final stop. NOTE: To go on the climbing wall you must be certified. For the ski slope, you can rent equipment (package price starting from 150dkk) or bring your own - lessons are also on offer. There are membership options available, check out their website for more details.

Torverhallerne is an open market place located at Nørreport, in central Copenhagen. Opened in 2011, there are 2 adjacent halls with a small outdoor market between them. The outdoor market sells a glorious array of fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables. The halls themselves house over 50 small businesses, including wine bars and small boutique shops selling varied food to eat both in house, and for takeaway. There are shops selling breads, olives, cakes, cheese, fresh fish and meats, wines, chocolates and speciality alcoholic drinks, amongst other things. In the warmer months, there is outside seating for drinking and eating all of the delicious wares. For locals or visitors, Torvehallerne is a great place to visit to unwind with friends, or purchase some interesting produce to indulge yourself with. Photo credits: Photo by Alex Motoc on Unsplash Photos by Thomas Martinsen on Unsplash

This little coffee bar is placed in the original home to the Copenhagen meat packing industry - known locally as Kødbyen. It has a beautiful cozy environment which combines the past with the modern using minimalist decoration. Opening Hours Monday to Friday: 07:00 - 18:00 Saturday and Sunday 09:00 - 18:00

From January 25 till September 27 2020 this amazing exhibition inside the Design Museum shows all about night culture. You will enjoy the history of the different night clubs around the world with some of the most iconic examples feauturing films, vintages photographs, and lights and music installations. An exhibition by the Vitra Design Museum and ADAM – Brussels Design Museum.

Bastard Cafe is the perfect place to spend a fun Saturday evening, or while away a rainy Sunday afternoon. Smack in the centre of the city, it is Copenhagen’s number one board game cafe, boasting a collection of hundreds of games, from classic favourites to lesser-known gems to discover. The cafe is set around a courtyard, with one main space and a basement overflow, each with their own display of games and bar. The games are arranged into ‘free to play’ and ‘pay to play’, with the ‘pay to play’ games costing 25 dkk per person for the entire day, so you can play as many as you want. Alternatively, if you’re in Copenhagen for a longer time, an annual membership costs 150 dkk per person, and gets you unlimited access to all games for you and a friend, as well as the opportunity to reserve tables free of charge (usually 80-100 dkk per person). Reserving tables is a good idea, as the ever-popular cafe is always packed at the weekend! The bar serves snacks to fuel your gaming strategy such as sandwiches, fries, nachos and cakes, as well as a wide range of coffees and alcoholic drinks. Game on!

The Circus Museum combines 2 interesting concepts: a main museum housing a shop and 2 floors of exhibits showing the history of circuses, and a building across the square containing a hall where you can try out all the acrobatics for yourself (Cirkusleg / Circus Play). This latter hall is open only on Sundays. The main museum contains a mixture of multi-media displays (videos, sound and interactive touch screens), props from real-world circus use, and interactive elements for kids, such as dressing up gear. There's plenty of history regarding circuses in Denmark over the last 150 years, as well as more general information, such as on the use of animals in circuses. The Cirkusleg (Circus Play) is a really interesting concept and allows anyone (kids are especially welcomed) to try trapeze swings, juggling, plate spinning, rope walking and many other circus-related physical activities. This element is included in the main museum entry price. The Circus Museum is set in a quiet part of Hvidovre and access is probably best via car or bicycle.

The most visited theme park in Scandinavia, and the fifth most visited in Europe. Copenhageners are right to be proud of this bustling family fun-hub in the centre of their city. It’s called Tivoli Gardens with good reason: the gardens themselves are stunning - with immaculately tendered flowers, shrubs and trees, lakes laden with fish and wandering peacocks and other birds, it can (if it's a quiet day!) feel like you are in the gardens of a stately home. With rides for the very young and also the most daring, Tivoli is continuously modernizing it’s arsenal of rides. Throughout summer, the evenings end with a spectacular fireworks shown over the lake, enhanced with synchrnoised music. Tivoli really excels when it comes to its seasonal decorations: Halloween and Christmas in particular are spectacular with lights and markets, speciality seasonal foods and added atmosphere. Tivoli is well stocked with restaurants and cafes, from family themed to the acclaimed Nimb restaurant. Rides must be paid for in addition to the entrance fee either via a wrist band or individual tickets.

If you would like a birds eye view of Copenhagen, the Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke), is one of the few places you will get an overview of this beautiful city. It's located in the Christianshavn quarter of the city. The climb to the top is not for the faint of heart, nor for anyone who might suffer either claustrophobia or vertigo. The passage way leading up is narrow and steep, and when there are other tourists present, there can be quite a few waits for others to come down while you want to go up. The reward, however, is worth it. Along the way up, you'll pass the old workings for the church clock and see in intricate detail how the nearly 400 year old building is held together. When nearly at the top, the last climb is outside, along a narrow path with an iron rail giving an incredible view across the city and over to Sweden. At the very top of the spire, one finds the gilded globe, which is a point of reference in this part of town. I would highly recommend going only in dry weather due to this last section of the climb. I would not recommend the climb to those with small children, nor to anyone not strong enough for the 400 step steep ascent.

The majestic Black Diamond Library sits on the waterfront of Copenhagen’s main canal. Opened in 1999 as an extension of The Royal Library, it was designed by Danish architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen and the exterior is clad in black granite from Zimbabwe. The building got its nickname from the way it seems to sparkle when the sun reflects off the water below. The Black Diamond is not only impressive from the outside. Inside, contemporary meets traditional as the wide, open atrium leads into the old Royal Library. Wander from new to old, admiring the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows on your way. Inside the Black Diamond are two exhibition spaces and two permanent museums - the National Museum of Cartoon Art and the National Museum of Photography. The 600-seat auditorium regularly hosts classical and jazz concerts, so keep an eye on their website for the latest events. So, the Black Diamond is a true cultural hub and much more than just a library. But, if you’re simply looking for a place to grab a coffee and get some work or studying done, you won’t be disappointed. Choose from seats in the canal-facing cafe, the group work section and the silent Old Reading Room and let yourself be inspired by the magnificent architecture and calm atmosphere.

Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? This green haven in the centre of Copenhagen is the perfect place to relax. King’s Garden (Kongens Have in Danish) was laid out by King Christian IV in the early 1600s, making it Denmark’s oldest royal garden. The garden belongs to Rosenborg Castle, which was the aforementioned King Christian’s city summerhouse, and now houses the Danish crown jewels, so you can easily spend an afternoon exploring both outside and inside. In the summer, the sprawling flowerbeds bloom and locals lounge on the grass, soaking up the sun and sipping on Carlsberg or Tuborg beer. Even in the winter, the sun-loving Danes flock to the park as soon as the clouds part, turning their faces towards the light and soaking up some much-needed vitamin D. There is a small cafe selling coffee and ice creams in the south corner of the park, as well as lots of bars, restaurants and supermarkets nearby.

The Kastrup Sea Bath, or Kastrup Søbad, is located in the sea of the Øresund Sound and connected to the beach via a long wooden bridge. From the baths, there are views of Sweden and Saltholm island. It's a striking architectural accomplishment, built from wood, and designed to protect swimmers from the winds. There are changing facilities, places to jump in from, and steps and ladders to get out of the sea. The water is deep, so non-swimmers might want to use the adjacent beach for enjoyment instead. Even if you don't plan on bathing, the Sea Bath is well worth a visit for its striking imagery, and pleasant walk out into the sea.