We’ll let you in on a secret: Denmark isn’t just Copenhagen! The beauty of this “little big” country can be discovered by following various itineraries, some of which are very simple, but dotted with unique treasures. Denmark is also lush green forests, national parks, enchanting coasts and beaches… and colorful houses built with Lego! Yes, the famous “Lego bricks” were invented here by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, in 1932. We’ll take you on a journey of just 2 hours by car (35 hours on foot, for the sporty people!), from coast to coast, passing through the city of Lego.
Esbjerg
The journey begins in Esbjerg, a city of 70,000 inhabitants located on the west coast of Denmark. Until 1864, this was just a fishermen village, which suddenly became a crucial center of trade thanks to the arrival of the railway.
Famous today for Sædding Beach, home to the “Man Meets the Sea” monument (enormous white statues built in 1995 by sculptor Svend Wiig Hansen), Esbjerg is known as the “young city” for its vibrant culture and tourism. The Art Museum—an interactive and ever-changing space—is well worth a visit, as are the Viking Museum, the Red Cathedral, and the Esbjerg Lighthouse.
Once you’re on the road, the second stop on the itinerary will be Grindsted, a 45-minute drive from here.
Grindsted and Billund
The beauty to admire in Grindsted is… Grindsted itself! This town of 17,000 inhabitants preserves the architecture of the ancient farming village it once was. Strolling through the clean streets of this delightful town, you’ll rediscover the flavor of Denmark’s past. Although Grindsted is now an industrial and commercial hub, it still retains some small 19th-century churches and a museum, and shares with nearby Billund the historical evidence of the birth of Lego toys.
The twin town Billund, is a 15-minute drive from Grindsted. More modern and dynamic, Billund also has a very important airport for tourism; Billund Airport (BLL) receives numerous flights from all over Europe, often organized as charters specifically to bring groups of children (and adults!) to discover the “City of Lego.” Between Billund and Grindsted, you can visit: the Legoland theme park, the Lego Haus museum, the Lalandia Aquadome water park and the Givskud Zoo. In downtown Billund, the main attractions are the Town Hall, the Lions House, and the historic Billund Kro Inn.
Horsens
In a one-hour drive from Billund there you are, at Horsens, on the Danish east coast. This city has an artistic spirit that blends with the wonder of its surrounding nature. In town, you can visit Bygholm Park, the Museum of Iron, and the ancient fortress-prison of Fængslet. Just outside the center go visit the lakes formed by the Bygholm River just before reaching its mouth and the Horsens Fjord, with its islands and peninsulas decorating the landscape.
Aarhus
The final destination, concluding this “diagonal” itinerary through Denmark, is Aarhus (sometimes also spelled Århus), a city born around the mouth of a river… and that, in fact, is its name’s meaning. Today, it is Denmark’s second largest city, after the capital Copenhagen, and boasts without false modesty its ancient Viking origins.
People come to Aarhus to admire “Denmark’s largest cathedral,” Marselisborg Royal Palace, the University, and the old Town Hall. Don’t miss the open-air museum of Den Gamle By, which recreates an ancient medieval village. Aarhus is also a popular seaside resort: its beaches are long stretches of golden sand perfect for all types of swimmers; among the most popular are Moesgaard, Ballehage, and Studstrup.
Not far from Aarhus is Mols Bjerge National Park, overlooking the splendid bay of Kalø Vig. Aarhus is also served by a large local airport ( Aarhus Airport – AAR ), which helps Copenhagen handle tourist flights traffic.
