Delightful Denmark – for families
Denmark is a great vacation destination for families. The Danish people we met, are some of the nicest I have come across in my travels. Our family of four spent nearly two weeks here in the summer of 2016. It is a very child friendly country. There is so much to discover in this beautiful country! We visited the island of Funen (Fyn) and Copenhagen.
Island of Funen (Fyn)
Faaborg
After flying into Copenhagen, we drove over the Oresund Bridge (connecting the islands of Zealand and Funen), through rolling green hills and through yellow and purple wildflowers that blanketed the hillside, to Faaborg. 2 ½ hours later we arrived in Faaborg, a quaint, port town located on the island of Funen. Our family of four, rented a beautiful old customs house, Feriheus Toldbolden, from the 1800’s. It was ideally located right across the street from the harbor and within walking distance to the old town. There was also a park across the street, bathing pools, burger shack, ice cream shop, sailboats to watch, and ferry to Aeroe Island. We enjoyed strolling the cobblestone streets of the old town, past gingerbread-like houses, while sampling Danish pastries along the way. We stayed in Faaborg for six nights and enjoyed exploring the island of Funen. Below is a list of excursions we did while on the island of Funen (Fyn).
For more information about the island of Funen (Fyn) visit: www.visitfyn.com
Bicycling
If you like biking you’ve come to the right place. Biking on the island of Fyn is a must! Such a quaint, pretty place for a ride. I couldn’t believe how green it was! If you don’t like the weather, wait for five minutes, and it will change.
Our family rented bicycles for the day from Faaborg Cykeludlejning. The owners, Karin and Bjarne, live just outside of Faaborg and run a small B&B. Their farm overlooks the South Funen archipelago. We rented two bicycles and a trailer for our children. Our bicycles came with a storage compartment (perfect for a lunch bag). Karin and Bjarne gave us a map of bicycle trails in the area. Our children enjoyed visiting the chickens on their farm as well.
Map in hand, part of our ride was along Route 8 – the most picturesque bicycle route on the island. We biked through a variety of landscapes: forests, cultivated fields, and rolling green hills. Past small lagoons, wildflowers, and manor houses. Through small villages with thatched roof cottages. In the charming village of Vester Aaby, we stopped for a picnic and then visited the shop Konnerup and Company. It’s a delicious shop selling homemade chocolates, jams, and ice cream. Our children enjoyed watching the chocolates being made. At the end of our bike ride we also visited Mini Faaborg. A replica village of typical Faaborg homes from the 1800’s.
For more information about bicycle rentals visit: www.faaborgcykeludlejning.dk
Aeroe Island
If staying in Faaborg, it is easy to catch the ferry to Soby on Aeroe Island. We took our rental car with us. It was a pleasant one hour ferry ride as we cruised past sailboats and islands with houses on them. It was about a 30 minute drive from the town of Soby to Voderup Klint. It is one of the most beautiful places on the island with its moraine cliffs overlooking the ocean. We ate our lunch at a picnic table while watching sailboats in the ocean. Then we walked down the flowery, grassy cliff-side to the sandy, rocky beach. Our children enjoyed playing at the beach.
Leaving Voderup Klint, we drove through small towns to Aeroskobing. This most charming town in Denmark is straight out of a storybook with its colorful gingerbread houses, parked bicycles, and cast iron lamps. Stroll the cobblestone streets down to the harbor and walk along a quaint, tree lined walkway. Watch kayaks and sailboats gliding along while birds fly past.
There is a wonderful children’s playground near to some barbeque facilities. Not only is Aeroe Island picturesque, but the people are the friendliest you’ll ever meet. After spending the day on Aereo Island, we took a car ferry, as the sun was setting, to Svendborg. Upon arriving in Svendborg it was a 30 minute drive to Faaborg. I would highly recommend a day trip, or overnight trip to lovely Aeroe Island!
For more information about Aeroe Island visit: www.aeroeisland.com
Knold Beach
Located about 30 minutes outside of Faaborg, we visited this long, wind-swept beach one afternoon. It would have been perfect for flying a kite! Instead, we brought a picnic basket and butterfly nets. Our son enjoyed exploring for bugs and following the frogs past small beach houses while looking for ‘pirate ships’ in the distance. We spotted a couple imaginary pirate ships as well as a couple sailboats. And practically had the beach to ourselves! It was a peaceful and picturesque way to spend the afternoon.
Egeskov Castle
This is unlike any other European Castle you’ve visited. The Egeskov Castle welcomes families to its grounds! And your children will love it, as will you! Located less than 30 minutes from Faaborg, this beautiful 16th century Renaissance castle is one of the best of its kind. Although the count and his family still live in the castle, visitors are welcome to check our their rooms. One of our favorite rooms inside the castle is the impressive Hunting Room. It’s adorned with prized hunting trophies of African mammals. Our other favorite room, located in the Loft of the castle, displays antique toys, such as cars, airplanes, and trains.
The exterior of the castle is surrounded by a moat, beautiful gardens, and pathways. There are picnic benches near the playground where we ate our picnic lunch. There is also food for sale.
Our family really enjoyed the extensive play area. Aside from the really nice playground equipment for children (and adults) of all ages, there was a super fun tree top walk with a nice view of the castle. The maze was fun for exploring and there are other enjoyable activities such as: tug of war and wooden go-carts. There simply is so much to see and do at the Egeskov Castle that we easily could have spent another day here!
For those who love antiques, you’ll enjoy the exhibitions with items such as cars, planes, motorcycles, clothing, and dolls, to name a few. Don’t forget to check out the toy models as well.
For more information about visiting Egeskov Castle visit: www.egeskov.dk
Legoland
Calling all LEGO fans! If you’re traveling with a LEGO fanatic – like we were – you can’t miss the oldest Legoland. Located 1.5 hours by car from Faaborg, Legoland Billund should be on your itinerary. Even if you’re not a LEGO fanatic, you will still be impressed at Miniland. The amusement park is merely a hop, skip, and jump from the Billund Airport. There is free admission 1-½ hours before closing. There are rides for kids of all ages, as well as adults.
The highlight of Legoland is Miniland. The working LEGO models in Miniland were made using approximately 20 million LEGO bricks and feature scenes such as European villages, Billund Airport, and a shipping yard. Don’t forget to checkout the LEGO shop featuring some hard to find LEGO sets. We spent three full days here with our two young children. They loved it! And we did too. Although this could be done as a day trip from Faaborg, it would be a long day with children. We stayed at a hotel located near the park.
For more information about Legoland Denmark visit: www.legoland.dk/en/
Copenhagen
Our high rise hotel overlooked the canal and Tivoli Gardens. The children enjoyed walking the boardwalk outside the hotel while watching kayaks passing in the canal.
With two young children, we utilized the hop off hop on tour bus that conveniently stopped in front of our hotel. It was a great way for us to see all the sites we were interested in without walking as much. Our first stop was Christianborg. We took a one-hour boat canal tour down narrow canals with parked sailboats, under low bridges, into the harbor past the famous Little Mermaid Statue. This tour was a highlight for us!
Along the famous pedestrian street of Strøget – world’s longest pedestrian street – you’ll find shops, cafes, and the best waffles. Try the apple and cinnamon waffles! So delicious you’ll return for another. This car free street extends from Town Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv. Musicians and entertainers also add to the ambiance. Visit the LEGO store with your children. Even if you don’t purchase a souvenir, there is a building station for them to enjoy.
Visit the Church of our Saviour, one of Denmark’s most famous churches located in the Christianshavn neighborhood. An outdoor spiral staircase, with 400 steps leads to the top for outstanding views over Copenhagen. Walk the charming canals located in this neighborhood while there.
Stop by Nyhavn for your postcard photo with colorful buildings and boats lining the canal as a backdrop. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a seat at one of the popular cafes lining the canal. Have a bite to eat, grab an ice cream cone and walk to the Amalienborg Palace. This beautiful palace is home to the Danish Royal Family. Changing of the guards takes place at noon. Don’t be late! Stop by Frederik’s Church, an Evangelical Lutheran church located near to the Palace, and marvel at its copper green dome.
There is more to see than just the Little Mermaid Statue. Ride the hop off hop on bus to the statue. There are lovely parks located near the water with pretty flowers perfect for strolling. Langelinje Park is only 10 minutes away on foot and is another great spot for a picnic or stroll.
Make sure to spend an afternoon lounging on the Rosenborg Castle grounds. Built in the 17th century by Christian IV, this castle showcases crown jewels and royal art treasures. The castle is located in a large park which is a popular place to relax. Lime tree avenues intersect near the park, known as the Lady’s Path and the Knight’s Path. Stroll through the pretty flower garden and watch the swans swimming in the moat.
We only spent three days here. I would love to return and see more. For more information about what to see and do while in Copenhagen check out www.visitcopenhagen.com.
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