OUTDOOR LIFE IN

NO MATTER WHAT THE SEASON IS, DANES LOVE BEING OUTDOORS AND GETTING OUT INTO THE COUNTRYSIDE. WHETHER IT’S SUNNY OR RAINING, YOU’LL SEE DANES OUT WALKING, BIKING OR RUNNING. FORESTS DOMINATE THE COUNTRY’S VEGETATION AND USUALLY LIE WITHIN FEW KILOMETRES FROM THE CITY CENTRE. THE SAME APPLIES TO THE SEASIDE, SINCE NO PLACE IN DENMARK LIES FURTHER THAN 50 KM AWAY FROM THE COAST.

KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE ests, with free facilities such as shelters A BIKING CULTURE COUNTRYSIDE and camping areas, marked hiking trails Denmark’s world reputation as a cyclist’s Denmark has agrarian roots and this rural and parks where families can get close paradise is well deserved. The country’s character may explain the Danes’ love of to deer and other forest animals. Many flat terrain, the unspoilt landscapes and nature. In all Danish towns there are plen- families take frequent trips to the forests the short distances make cycling both safe ty of green spaces. Gardens and parks are for picnics or go to the beach to enjoy the and fun. The infrastructure for bikes is found everywhere, as well as playgrounds clean water and fine white sand. Mountain extensive and well-developed with more for children. Furthermore, many cities in biking, triathlon, fishing and hunting are than 12,000 kilometres of designated cy- Denmark are surrounded by natural for- also popular outdoor activities. cle lanes and routes around the country. Many Danes use bikes as their main means of transportation to get around, since it is environmentally friendly, economical and often faster than driving a car in the cities. Cycle holidays are naturally very common, since it allows Danes to be close to nature while exercising.

WATER SPORTS With a coastline of approximately 7,300 kilometres, water sports are practised all around Denmark, mainly during the sum- mer. Sailing and and kayaking along the coast or rivers are all typical activities for families in Denmark, providing a relax- ing way to venture into nature. There are yachting harbours in most Danish coastal areas and on the numerous islands across Foto: Thomas Køser

the country, and renting a sailing boat is widely offered. Other local favourites are windsurfing, spearfishing and kitesurfing, FACTS ABOUT THE OUTDOORS IN DENMARK: which all benefit from the long coastline \\ Denmark has 244 Blue Flag beaches and easy access to the sea. \\ Danish forests cover about 14.5% of the total land area \\ National Park, Mols Bjerge National Park, Wadden Sea National Park and HERE COMES THE SUN Skjoldungernes Land National Park are the four official national parks geographi- The climate in Denmark is typically cally spread around Denmark changeable, meaning that there are peri- \\ There are more than 400 names islands in Denmark, 17 % of which are inhabited. ods of time where both the sun and rain \\ The country’s highest point is Møllehøj, at 170.86 metres. fight for attention. As autumn and winter \\ There are approximately 500 lakes and ponds in Denmark are usually pretty wet and dark, spring and \\ If you are into surfing, make sure to check out surfer’s paradise Cold Hawaii summer is something that all Danes look – an area in northwestern Denmark, famous for its wind conditions and waves forward to and love. Whenever the sun shines, Danes head out into the streets for a picnic, a walk or a run. Many Danes own or rent a holiday home, which genereally is located near the coastal areas. Danes RELATED VIDEO: http://youtu.be/a95ngwr865I truly enjoy sunbathing in the parks and at the beach, and getting a bit of vitamin D and a tan sometimes becomes a national obsession. There are beaches in Denmark for every taste; the sea water is clean and several beaches have proper bathroom fa- cilities and lifeguards. Strong tides are not unusual, so children are never left unat- tended.

RELATED LINKS: http://www.visitdenmark.com/denmark/blue-flag-beaches \ http://www.visitdenmark.com/east-jutland/nature/denmarks-nation- al-parks \ http://www.visitdenmark.com/denmark/nature/best-beaches-denmark \ http://gst.dk/nyheder/nyhedsarkiv/2005/feb/hoejste-punkt/