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and : Route along the Scandinavian Coast, tailor­made by car

Explore the fascinating North Sea coastline and discover the essence of Denmark and Sweden

Connected by road since 1 July 2000 thanks to the eight kilometres of the Øresund (or Öresund) Bridge, the cities of and Malmö have not only strengthened their centuries­old ties but have also united Denmark with its neighbour Sweden, and the Nordic countries to the European continent. Thanks to this road trip, you'll explore the stunning and fascinating North Sea coast without getting out of the car, a coastline 'shared' by and Swedes where you'll marvel at breathtaking scenery and discover historical episodes that date back to the Viking era and beyond. An itinerary that will take you across the islands of Fyn and Sjælland and the peninsula in Denmark, where cities such as Copenhagen, , and add an avant­garde twist to a dynamic culture that has its roots in romantic places such as or Jelling. or Malmö await you in Sweden, two cities that underline the spirit of another Scandinavian culture where the traditional and the modern fuse together in a truly special way. And between them, off­the­beaten­track roads that criss­cross spectacular landscapes and towns brimming with history. Discover the North Sea coastline on one of the most exciting road trips in existence.

Departures: from January 2021 till December 2021

Destinations:

Copenhagen, Hillerød, Roskilde, Odense, , , Billund, Arhus, Aalborg, Frederikshavn, Gothenburg, Varberg, Halmstad, Helsingborg and Malmo.

Categories:

Nature.

Day 1: City of origin ­ Copenhagen

Flight departure from the city of origin to Copenhagen. Arrival and rental car pick­up at the airport. You'll instantly see that the Danish capital is a very manageable city both on foot and by car. It's a modern and dynamic place, but with strong roots in its fascinating past, populated by welcoming and cheerful people... and packed with attractions waiting to be discovered. Copenhagen's top three must­see landmarks are: Gardens, one of the oldest and best­known amusement parks in the world; the wonderful statue of the Little Mermaid; and the so­called , the alternative neighbourhood of the Danish capital with a strong "" vibe. Ever since Tivoli Gardens opened its doors in 1843, it has been attracting personalities such as the writer Hans Christian Andersen or the filmmaker Walt Disney, keen to enjoy its varied attractions and beautiful gardens. Today it's practically a national treasure, a magical place that intersperses the 'old' emotions of a rollercoaster dating from 1914 with cutting­edge attractions that delight all audiences. At night, the experience reaches another level with the intricate light shows that adorn the attractions. (Note: Check the websites for prices and schedules. Admission not included). Very close to the park is the famous Little Mermaid (in Danish, Den Lille Havfrue: "The Little Lady of the Sea"), one of the most famous sculptures in the whole world. Based on Andersen's novel and built in cast bronze by Edgar Eriksen, the statue has watched over the harbour since 1913. Also nearby is Freetown Christiania, a bohemian neighbourhood with unique houses, craft workshops, art galleries, concert venues and, above all, an atmosphere of freedom and respect very difficult to find beyond its imaginary and fascinating borders. The residents themselves organise guided tours for tourists. But a city that dates back to 1043, and which is the meeting point of Scandinavia with the continent, has much more to offer. Perched on the islet of , in the heart of Copenhagen, Christiansborg stands majestically as the only building in the world that houses the three powers of country's government, as well as being the stage for major events and receptions led by the Danish monarchy. At the end of Strøget Street, a popular pedestrian thoroughfare lined with shops, is Kongens (literally, 'King's New Square'), a lovely cobblestoned and landscaped square built in 1670 and inspired by the Parisian city planning of the time, and which houses important buildings such as the , the Thott Palace and the (Det Kongelige Teater). South of the theatre is one of the city's most photogenic gems, the port district, which is a mix of waterfront promenade, urban canals and seventeenth­century entertainment area, currently dotted with bars, coffee shops and restaurants. On the outskirts of the capital is the Royal Palace of , the current residence of the Danish royal family, and the , where the Danish crown jewels are displayed. (Note: Check the websites for prices and schedules. Admission

17/01/2021 1 Denmark and Sweden: Route along the Scandinavian Coast, tailor­made by car royal family, and the Rosenborg Castle, where the Danish crown jewels are displayed. (Note: Check the websites for prices and schedules. Admission not included). Aside from Nyhavn, the largest concentration of coffee shops and restaurants in Copenhagen is in the districts of , Østerbro and Vesterbro.What's more, several of the city's restaurants are among the best in the world. Copenhagen's nightlife is also centred around Indre By and Vesterbro, as well as the Nørrebro district. Overnight stay in Copenhagen.

Day 2: Copenhagen ­ Helsingør ­ Hillerød ­ Roskilde ­ Odense

Set off early today as there's a full day ahead of incredible emotions and panoramas. Head towards the northern region of the island of Sjælland along the E47 motorway and, about fifty kilometres away, you'll reach the town of Helsingør and its famous Castle, also known as "Hamlet's Castle". This spectacular must­see Renaissance fortress has dominated the coastline around the city ever since it was built in 1585.And thanks to William Shakespeare, it achieved worldwide fame when he used it as the setting for his legendary story. (Note: Check the websites for prices and schedules. Not included). Continue west on Route 6 to visit the famous Frederiksborg Palace (Frederiksborg Slot in Danish), a masterpiece of the Danish Renaissance with the signature of its leading exponent, the architect and sculptor Hans van Steenwinckel "the Elder". Built between 1560 and 1630 in the heart of the city, this palatial complex is the largest in the whole country and since 1878 has housed the National History Museum, which showcases a priceless collection of portraits, paintings, furniture and other objects that sum up the past 500 years of the country's history, from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. Another attraction is the Hillerød Culture and Knowledge Park (Hillerød Viden­og Kulturpark), a meeting point of the town that includes a library with cultural and recreational workshops. (Note: Check the websites for prices and schedules. Not included). In the centre of Hillerød, head to one of its many bars, taverns and restaurants to taste the famous "smørrebrød", which literally translates to 'bread with butter', one of the most typical dishes of Danish cuisine and consisting of a slice of rye bread with butter and various cold ingredients, such as fish, cheese, sausages, meat or eggs. When you're ready, take Route 6 southwards and after forty kilometres you'll get to your next destination, Roskilde, one of Denmark's most famous and most visited towns, located at the end of the fjord of the same name. In Roskilde, you can discover two of the country's main tourist attractions: the Cathedral (Roskilde Domkirke), which is a pantheon of the Danish royal family and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and the Viking Ship Museum (Vikingeskibsmuseet), which showcases five ninth­century vessels rebuilt from the remains found in the fjord. .Now it's time to leave Sjælland Island to head to Fyn Island, the second largest in Denmark, crossing the Great Belt (Storebælt) strait over the "Storebæltsbroen", the third longest suspension bridge in the world with sixteen kilometres between both ends. (Note: The toll for the bridge is 240 Danish crowns. Not included). To get there, take the E20 motorway westwards in Roskilde and drive the 134 kilometres that will take you to Odense, the third largest city after Copenhagen and Aarhus. The streets around Skt.Knuds Platz, the historic centre of the town, are home to the vast majority of Odense's restaurants, both international and local, with standout dishes such as "stegt flæsk med persillesovs" (fried pork with parsley sauce and potatoes); "frikadeller" (famous pork and veal meatballs mixed with egg, flour and spices); and "rødgrød" (red berry compote). Mouthwatering! Overnight stay in Odense.

Day 3: Odense ­ Kolding ­ Vejle

Take advantage of the morning to visit the beautiful and picturesque city of Odense, where the old meets the new. The name of the town comes from ancient Scandinavian mythology, when this region was known as "Odins Vi" or "Sanctuary of Odin". But above all, Odense is the birthplace of the world­ famous Danish writer and poet, Hans Christian Andersen, author of timeless tales such as "The Ugly Duckling", "The Little Mermaid" or "The Steadfast Tin Soldier", among many others. The house where he was born is in a beautiful redeveloped neighbourhood dating from the nineteenth century and stands on the corner of Hans Jensens Stræde and Bangs Boder streets.Since 1908, his home has played host to a museum full of manuscripts and sketches dedicated to his figure. Following Thomas B.Thriges Gd.Avenue to the south is Skt.Knuds Platz and the beautiful Gothic­style St.Canute's Cathedral (Sankt Knuds Kirke, in Danish), built in brick between the 14th and 15th centuries, as well as HC Andersen Haven, a stunning park that commands the best views of the cathedral. Other attractions in Odense are St. Alban's Church (St. Albani), Odense Castle (Odense Slot), the Village (Den Fynske Landsby), a rural village with buildings and houses from the 18th and 19th century, and Odense Zoo, one of the most important in the whole country. For lunch we recommend a plate of "pølser", red Danish sausages served boiled and accompanied by pickle, onions and "remoulade sauce". When you're ready to leave, take the E20 motorway eastbound and, after driving for about 70 kilometres, you'll reach Kolding, leaving behind Fyn Island and entering the Jutland peninsula on the mainland. Here you'll find the imposing Castle, which since its construction in the thirteenth century has been everything from a military fortress to a royal residence and a museum, as well as being the site for the signing of countless peace treaties throughout history. Adventure fanatics will love the Funky Monkey Park, where you can do fun activities such as zip­lining, wall climbing and rock climbing, etc. A whole rush of adrenaline in a stunning natural setting. (Note: Check the websites for prices and schedules. Not included). About thirty kilometres north on the E45 motorway is your next destination, the town of Vejle, located on the east coast of the Jutland peninsula (Jylland, in Danish) and where you'll be spending the night. In the centre and the neighbourhoods of Bredballe (to the east) and Grejsdalen (to the north), there are dozens of options for dining. Make sure you try "karrysild" (herring in curry sauce), "kartoffelsuppe" (potato and leek soup) and "gravlax" or "graved kaks" (thin slices of salmon served on crusty bread), all of them very traditional Danish dishes. Overnight stay in Vejle.

Day 4: Vejle ­ Jelling ­ Billund ­ Århus

There are few things that can be compared to waking up overlooking the fjord that bears the same name as the city of Velje. This region is known for its natural charisma, a wonderful combination of verdant landscapes, extensive forests and sandy beaches that cherish a good part of the country's historical legacy. But the city stands out from its surroundings with a maritime facade full of modern and iconic buildings, including "The Wave" (Bølgen), shaped like waves that reflect on the sea creates a surprising effect, and "Fjordenhus", located on the bed of the fjord itself and with a ground floor featuring works by the designer of the building, the famous artist Olafur Eliasson. Just twelve kilometres to the northeast of Vejle lies the city of Jelling, the historic capital of the Viking Kingdom that cherishes some of the most important treasures of Denmark's past: the runestones erected by "Gorm the Old" and Harald Blåtand in the tenth century, known as the country's "birth certificate"; the Bronze Age tomb of the Egtved Girl; and the Ravning Bridge from the Viking era. A real voyage through time! Onward to Billund, located about thirty­nine kilometres east on Route 442, one of the most popular towns in the country thanks to the Legoland theme park, which opened in 1968. Sixty million pieces were needed for its construction (enough to cover the distance between Barcelona and Amsterdam!) and the King's Castle alone covers an area of 2,500 m2, the equivalent of about twenty houses. Absolutely stunning! (Note: Check the websites for prices and schedules. Not included). The typical Billund cuisine includes various soups and many dishes made with fish. The most used is herring, followed by cod, salmon, mackerel and tuna. Make sure you taste "stegt sild" (fried herring) and "gule ærter" (pea soup with pork, leek and carrot seasoned with thyme and vinegar, and literally translated as yellow peas). Continue your journey northeast until you reach Aarhus, one hundred kilometres away, the largest city in Jutland and the second most important in Denmark. It's home to the "Den Gamle By" (aka "The Old Town") which is one of the first open­air museums in the world, dating back to 1914, and is dedicated to local culture and

17/01/2021 2 Denmark and Sweden: Route along the Scandinavian Coast, tailor­made by car traditions from the 16th century to the present day. It features almost one hundred historical buildings brought piece by piece from twenty or so towns and cities across the country, some of them housing fascinating attractions such as the Danish Clock Museum, the Toy Museum or the Textile Museum. (Note: Check the websites for prices and schedules. Not included). Overnight stay in Aarhus.

Day 5: Århus ­ Aalborg ­ Frederikshavn

Aarhus is known throughout Denmark as "the City of Smiles" (da Smilets By, in Danish). What began as a slogan to boost its image quickly caught on and has been the city's nickname ever since. In Aarhus, the beautiful cathedral dedicated to St. Clement (Århus Domkirke) is a major landmark.Its construction in a Romanesque style ended in the 14th century and boasts several superlatives, such as being Denmark's longest (93 metres) and tallest (96 metre) temple, the country's oldest brick church, and the one with the most frescoes and the largest organ. Not to mention that its triptych is one of the greatest medieval treasures in the country. (Note: There are guided tours and you can climb up the tower by booking in advance at the Tourist Office. Not included). The lovely Aarhus Botanical Garden is located near the old town on a low hill that commands stunning views of the city. This is one of the largest and oldest parks in the city, a meeting point for locals to enjoy typical Danish picnics. Another must­see is the "ARoS" Museum of Contemporary Art, the largest art gallery in the Aarhus and one of the biggest in northern Europe. The collections are very interesting and the building is spectacular, as at several points it has a panoramic roof and a quirky rainbow viewpoint to observe the city in various colours. (Note: Check the websites for prices and schedules. Not included). Aarhus is also known as the "City of Cafés", as there are hundreds of taverns, bars, coffee shops and restaurants scattered across town. You can try traditional Danish dishes such as "æbleflæsk", pork with apple, or "gammeldags kylling", a recipe of pot­ roast chicken with cucumber salad, rhubarb compote, potatoes and sauce. Your next stop of the day is about 118 kilometres north on the E45 motorway and is none other than the city of Aalborg (also spelled Ålborg), a vibrant city in constant growth with some very original art and architecture. One of the treasures of this city, founded by the Vikings and located on the south side of the Limfjorden (Denmark's longest fjord), is the ultra­modern Utzon Centre on the waterfront, the last building to be designed by Jørn Utzon and with hints of Sydney Opera House about it. Other attractions are: Aalborg Castle ( Slot), the Aalborgtårnet tripod tower, the House of Music () or the modern art galleries of KUNSTEN. The last part of today's journey will take you to Frederikshavn, the so­called "little big city", a very popular holiday destination for Danes located sixty­four kilometres north on the E45 motorway from Aalborg. Attractions include the old fishing district of Fiskerklyngen, with its traditional houses; the Cloos observation tower, which soars 160 metres above sea level; the Gunpowder Tower (Krudttårnet) and the two museums in the area of Bangsbo, dedicated mainly to the Second World War era. (Note: Check the websites for prices and schedules. Not included). Overnight stay in Frederikshavn.

Day 6: Frederikshavn ­ () ­ Gothenburg (Sweden)

Departure to the port of Frederikshavn at a reasonable time to board a ferry to Gothenburg across the Kattegat Strait and the Swedish border, a crossing of about three hours. (Note: Ferry trip not included). One of the best ways to discover the many allures of Gothenburg is to stroll along Kungsportsavenyn, known simply as Avenyn (Avenue), the main artery that leads to Götaplatsen Square, the true cultural treasure of the city. Some two kilometres long, Avenyn boasts the largest concentration of bars and restaurants in Gothenburg, as well as the Stora Theatre (Grand Theatre) and the Municipal Library. Götaplatsen Square is also home to the Konstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts) and its spectacular exhibitions that cover from the 15th century to the present day; the Göteborgs Konserthus (Gothenburg Concert House) and its neo­classical architecture; and the Göteborgsoperan (Gothenburg Opera House) located on the banks of the Göta Canal, the latest major cultural investment in the region and completed in 1994. (Note: Check the websites for prices and schedules. Not included). And also the sculpture of Poseidon, one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city, where taking a photograph with the god of the seas is a must. In Gothenburg, enjoy what the Swedish call "fika", the traditional coffee break which is said to be the secret of the country's productivity. If you have the chance, pop to the famous Husaren coffee shop (Haga Nygata, 24), the place to try the best "kanellångd", typical (and delicious) cinnamon rolls. You can spend the rest of the afternoon exploring this city with its own personality that sets it apart from the rest of the country.One great idea is a stroll through Haga, a neighbourhood brimming with picturesque stone and wood houses and where there's no lack of craft shops and vintage stores. Or you can go to the Liseberg amusement park, which with more than 2.8 million visitors per year is the most popular tourist attraction in Sweden thanks to its forty­plus attractions, including ferris wheels, roller coasters or the tallest drop tower in Europe, the exhilarating "AtmosFear". (Note: Check the websites for prices and schedules. Not included). As for nightlife, we recommend the fantastic bohemian and chic atmosphere of the Linné district (between Långgatorna and Linnégatan Streets), which is the trendiest district in town with all kinds of restaurants, cafes and bars. Overnight stay in Gothenburg.

Day 7: Gothenburg ­ Varberg ­ Grimeton ­ Halmstad ­ Helsingborg ­ Malmö

Take advantage of the morning to visit any attractions in Gothenburg left to see, and then set off southbound along the western coast of Sweden (E20 motorway) until you reach Varberg, seventy­seven kilometres away. There's a toll in Kungsbackaleden of 22 Swedish crowns. (Note: Not included). Varberg boasts the unofficial title of the leading spa town in Sweden thanks to its famous cold water resort called Varbergs Kallbadhus, which dates back to 1903. The stunning building is supported on pillars in the sea and is accessed by a footbridge from the waterfront. From the spa you'll have an excellent view of Varberg Fortress (Varbergs Fästning, in Swedish) built in 1280 by Count Jacob Nielsen and which has a moat said to be inhabited by a small "lake monster"... The fortress also houses the Halland Cultural History Museum (Hallands Kulturhistoriska Museum), where one of the most famous inhabitants of Sweden lives, the so­called Bocksten Man, a mummified corpse from the fourteenth century found in a peat bog close to the medieval road known as "Via Regia". (Note: Check the websites for prices and schedules. Not included). Just twelve kilometres east of Varberg is the pocket­sized town of Grimeton, which is home to one of Sweden's main tourist attractions, the Varberg Redio Station, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 as the final example of major radio transmission stations based on techniques prior to the electronic era. Then take the E20 motorway southbound to reach your next destination of the day, the charismatic town of Helsingborg, located 143 kilometres along the coast, passing through the town of Halmstad and its popular beach. In Helsingborg you'll find St. Mary's Church (Sankta Maria Kyrka), built in the 14th century; the Gothic­style town hall and, of course, the medieval Kärnan Tower, the only remains of a Danish castle also from the 14th century and an excellent viewing point of the city and its surroundings. And the final stretch of the day entails sixty­five kilometres southbound on the E20 down to Malmö, where you'll be spending the night. The first thing that you'll notice about this city perched halfway between Denmark and Sweden is the contrast between its elegant 16th­century historic quarter and modern buildings such as the "Turning Torso" skyscraper by Santiago Calatrava, completed in 2005 and which at 190 metres is the tallest building in Scandinavia. The main historic landmarks are found in three squares right in the heart of Malmö: Gustav Adolfs (Gustav Adolfs Torg), the "big square" (Stortorget) and the "little square" (lilla torg), with many of the city's dining options found in the latter. The centre is also home to the statue of King Charles X Gustav of Sweden, who took the city from the Danes; the ornate town hall dating from 1546; and Kockska Huset, the home of Jörgen Kock, a German immigrant who became of Malmö and amassed a huge fortune. Very close to Gustav Adolfs Square

17/01/2021 3 Denmark and Sweden: Route along the Scandinavian Coast, tailor­made by car is Slottsparken, a beautiful park that surrounds Malmöhus, the castle of the town that was built in 1437 by Erik of Pomerania and later used as a prison until 1914. By the way, the inhabitants of Malmö themselves sometimes refer to their city as "Falafelstaden" or "the city of falafel", due to the huge number of street vendors of this Middle Eastern delight, mainly in Bergsgatan and Möllevångstorget. Overnight stay in Malmö.

Day 8: Malmö ­ Copenhagen ­ City of origin

Malmö (Sweden) and Copenhagen (Denmark) are separated by just forty­two kilometres, including the eight kilometres of Øresund Bridge (Øresundsbroen), a toll bridge (on the Swedish side) that costs 365 Danish crowns or 480 Swedish crowns (€50). Arrival at the airport with enough time to drop off your rental car and flight back to the city of origin. Arrival. End of the trip and our services.

Services included in the trip

Return flight. Stay in selected hotel in Copenhagen. Selected meal plan in Copenhagen. Stay in selected hotel in Odense. Selected meal plan in Odense. Stay in selected hotel in Vejle. Selected meal plan in Vejle. Stay in selected hotel in Arhus. Selected meal plan in Arhus. Stay in selected hotel in Frederikshavn. Selected meal plan in Frederikshavn. Stay in selected hotel in Gothenburg. Selected meal plan in Gothenburg. Stay in selected hotel in Malmo. Selected meal plan in Malmo. Rent­a­car. Insolvency protection.

Services NOT included

Possible toll charges. Ferry Frederikshavn­Gothenburg. Admission tickets to parks.

Important remarks

­ Driving in Denmark: 1. It's compulsory to drive with headlights on at all times, even on the brightest summer's day. 2. Speed limits. 2.1 Urban centres up to 50 km/h. 2.2 Roads up to 80 km/h. 2.3 Dual carriageways and motorways up to 130 km/h. 3. A red warning triangle and a reflective yellow vest must always be carried in the car in the event of breakdown or accident. Emergency telephone numbers: Falck (+45 70 10 20 30) / Dansk Autohjælp (+45 70 10 80 90) 4. Alcohol consumption. The legal limit is 5 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. There are severe penalties for drivers who exceed the allowed limit. 5. There are no tolls in Denmark, except for the two major bridges: the Storebæltbroen (linking the islands of Fyn and Sjælland) and the Øresundbroen (connecting Copenhagen and Malmö). All drivers, regardless of nationality, have to pay these Danish tolls.. ­ ­ Triple rooms in Europe are generally rooms with twin beds or a double, in which a folding bed is installed to accommodate the third person. Due to the inconvenience this causes, we advise against using this option as far the possible.. ­ ­ Driving in Sweden: 1. It is mandatory for vehicles to drive with headlights on at all times, even on the brightest day of summer. 2. Speed limits on the road. 2.1 Residential areas up to 30 km / h. 2.2 Urban centers up to 50 km / h. 2.3 Roads up to 70 km / h. 2.4 Dual carriageway (highways) and motorways up to 110 km / h. 3. Winter tyres with or without spikes, chains or similar must be used between 1 December and 1 April. 4. You have to carry in the car a red warning triangle and a reflective yellow vest to use in case of breakdown or accident. For emergency repairs you must call the Assistancekåren service. The toll­free number in Sweden is +46 20 912 912. 5. Alcohol consumption. The legal limit is 20 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. There are severe penalties for drivers that exceed the allowed limit. 6. There are few tolls in Sweden, almost all are automatic. All drivers, regardless of nationality, have to pay at the Swedish tolls.. ­ ­ The proposed excursions and tours for each day are purely suggestions, as you can tailor the trip to suit your times, tastes and needs.. ­ ­ A credit card is considered a guarantee, so sometimes you will need one for check­in at hotels.. ­ ­ Hotels usually have cots available. Otherwise, babies will have to share a bed with an adult.. ­ ­ To pick up your rental car, you'll need a credit (not debit) card in the name of the person who made the booking, who must also be the named driver of the vehicle.. ­ ­ We recommend you buy the ferry tickets in advance when purchasing your self­drive tour, as they're not included in the trip and, depending on the time of year, your vehicle and your ferry preferences, the trip will be longer or will have set dates. To ease the planning of your trip, please consult schedules and rates on the ferry companies' websites before choosing your start date. Check out the website for the ferry crossing between Frederikshavn (Denmark) and Gothenburg (Sweden) (https://www.stenaline.nl/).. ­ ­ You must give notice that you are going to cross the border while collecting the vehicle. Authorisation may be required to drive through certain countries or areas/states (as is the case in the US and Canada). Depending on the conditions set out in the rental contract and the company hired, you might be charged a surcharge payable at the destination office.. ­ ­ Since 4 January 2016, the Swedish Government has required a valid identification document to board any ferry, train or bus departing from Denmark to Sweden. Citizens from outside the EU must carry their passport. Make sure you have all your ID in order..

17/01/2021 4 Denmark and Sweden: Route along the Scandinavian Coast, tailor­made by car

­ ­ Tolls are not included..

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