Jomfru Ane Gade is maybe the most popular street in the entire country and by far the most popular street in Aalborg. The street is only 150 meters long and is located in the very center of Aalborg. It is very busy on hot summer evenings and you will find people staying in the street partying through the whole night.

Jomfru Ane Gade, Aalborg, Denmark by Nichlas Hummelsberger

If possible you should visit the street both during the day and at night. The street is filled with cafés and restaurants during daytime and by night you will find the street packet with clubs and bars. This is a real “going-out”-street. In fact, besides a 7-Eleven store, the street is occupied by nothing but clubs and restaurants. It is actually said to be the longest continuous stretch of restaurants and bars in Denmark.

During the day you will find plenty of restaurants suitable for the whole family. Most of the buildings in the street are several hundreds years old and during the summer you can enjoy the view of people walking by from the tables outside every restaurant. Around 23:00 the restaurants will transform into clubs and bars. Jomfru Ane Gade is nothing like the red light district of Amsterdam, but you should not bring small children if you plan on making a visit by night. At this time of the day, the street is literally filled with loud and drunk people of almost all ages. As a matter of fact, children under the age of 18 will be asked to leave by the police.

The city is the most monitored street in Denmark and you will see surveillance cameras almost everywhere in the street and on the rooftops. The police is also present at all times during the night. Therefore the street is quite safe despite all the people.

In Jomfru Ane Gade you will find many different clubs each famous for its own type of music. The locals usually start arriving between 23:00 and 00:00, but you will not see the true level of partying prior to one or two hours after midnight. Many people stay up the whole night and in the summer months you will see people still partying when the sun rises in the morning.

Jomfru Ane Gade is not a place to miss, so you better start looking for those cheap flights (or billige flybilletter as it’s called in Danish) to Aalborg, Denmark. Come visit this summer and get ready to party hard in Jomfru Ane Gade.

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Colosseum, Rome, Italy / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

Travelling is always fun. Even if you are visiting Europe with respect to any job related purpose you can take your family members along with you to enjoy the rest of the evening. For a group travel to Europe you have to select the travelling agency wisely. Make sure that you understand all the packages that are on offer. Just go through them in detail. This article focuses on some tips on small group travel to Europe. Read along to understand more.

Eurail pass

For the purpose of travelling or sightseeing in Europe you can get the help of a guide or you can plan it by yourself. It is always better to purchase a eurail pass for travelling. A eurail pass would allow you to travel throughout the European countries. A eurial global pass is often used for travelling in more than three or four European countries. If you want to travel between two countries to and from unlimitedly, then you can apply for a eurail select pass. If your group consists of only three or four members, then you can take “rail and drive” passes. These passes enable you for some discounts while boarding a train or driving a car.

Walking and hiking tours

For enjoying to the highest level you can resort to walking or hiking tours. These tours are normally provided with the help of a guide. For example you can travel to the French Riviera to take a leisure walk from Nice to Monte Carlo. If you are travelling to Italy then hiking is always a good option. In Italy there are many challenging trails that would give you the pleasure of hiking. There are such trails throughout Italy. For instance, you can visit Montepulciano which is regarded as a worth hiking one.

A way to Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy by Toprural

Cycling and bike tours

If you are travelling in a small group you can explore Europe by cycling or biking. Before selecting such tours make it a point to learn about the bike trail signs or else you would find the trails challenging.  Such tours are largely available between the months May and October. Between these months you have a variety of guided tours to select from. If you travel to Germany then you can take a leisure bike or cycle tour through Munich which is a tour worth taking. You can get a guide for such travels, a guide can help you in selecting the perfect cycle or biking tour package.

If you travel to Europe then it is always better if you visit more than three countries. Select the affordable package and make the trip memorable.

Author: Carlita Morandi loves to travel in Europe. She is regular contributor at the trip blog. For Cheap tickets visit CheapOair.co.uk.

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1) Zurich

The number one place to live in Europe is Zurich. Zurich has a tiny population and a wealth of bars and restaurants as well as stunning views of the Alps. Taxes are some of the lowest in Switzerland and its education and medical facilities are superb. It is however extremely expensive and property here comes with an equally big price tag.

Zürich and lake Zürich, Switzerland by MadGeographer

2) Vienna

Voted number two is Vienna in Austria. The whole of the city centre in this beautiful city has been designated a UN World Heritage Site, and the city boasts an excellent education system and superb infrastructure. It hosts around 200 balls a year, the Opera Ball being the most famous, and a regular feature of the Viennese Carnival season.

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria by Gryffindor

3) Geneva

Next up and following very closely – if not jointly tied – is Geneva in Switzerland. One of the most attractive and cultured cities in the world, this really is a stunning city and offers a fantastic quality of life. More than 40% of the population here comes from outside of Switzerland which is a testament to its huge appeal.

Brundwick Monument in Geneva, Switzerland by Zeke

4) Dusseldorf

In fourth place is Düsseldorf in Germany with a great infrastructure and international transport system. Set on the banks of the Rhine, another stunning city in which to live – and especially work. This German bastion is known as a business and financial hub, as well as for its renowned artisanal beer, and an intense rivalry with the nearby city of Cologne.

Dusseldorf, Germany by Johann H. Addicks

5) Munich

Munich is very close behind. Possibly best known for Oktoberfest, a two week festival featuring the best in beers. The Munich Biennale is another draw for tourists, and a great example of the rich operatic culture in the city. Known for its publishing houses, Munich is a popular destination for emigrating editors and writers.

Munich, Germany by Diliff

6) Frankfurt

Frankfurt is the largest financial centre in Europe, with significant commercial interests. It is also the most expensive place to live in Germany, but is very family friendly, and is known as a ‘Green City’; with over half of the area within the city limits being protected outdoor space. It also boasts 8 festivals a year and two botanical gardens.

Saint Bartholomew’s Cathedral, Frankfurt, Germany by rupp.de

7) Bern

Number 7 in our list is Bern, again in Switzerland, the world’s second safest city and excellent medical facilities. Like Vienna, the town centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to 114 significant heritage sites, making it the perfect expatriate destination for history buffs.

Bern, Switzerland by Daniel Schwen

8) Copenhagen

Number eight in our list is Copenhagen, capital of Denmark, again, an expensive city but it does boast no less than eleven Michelin Starred restaurants, the best international schools and medical facilities. The city is also known for its exquisite promenades and waterfront structures, contributing to the cultural beauty of Denmark.

Amagertorv in Copenhagen, Denmark by Furya

9) Amsterdam

Number nine sees Amsterdam step up to the mark with its liberal attitudes, network of canals and a family friendly reputation. Reliance on cycling helps make the city a healthier place to live, and the gay friendly vibe contributes to the feel good atmosphere for residents. 55% of housing is government owned, with tenants heavily favoured by law – making Amsterdam a haven for renters.

Amsterdam, Netherlands by Swimmerguy269

10)Brussels

Finally Brussels in Belgium makes it into our top ten with great schools and a thriving ex pat community. It has a mainly bilingual population, speaking both Dutch and French (making the city more accessible). In addition, 25% of the population are of Muslim background, making it a great place for Islamic expatriates.

Brussels, Belgium by Wouter Hagens

Written by Helen Shepard from Movers International, a professional ex pat with a spirit of wanderlust.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by gerry.scappaticci

One thing we are fairly certain about is that the Bard never left England. Yet it didn’t stop him mentioning foreign lands in his plays. Most of his foreign-set plays are in either Italy (Verona, Venice, Rome) or Greece, as they were the era’s cultural superpowers. France also garners a few mentions, though usually of the bloody war and deathly enemy variety.

But where else did Shakespeare dream about while penning his student-troubling plays? If this summer’s Olympics-EURO 2012-Wimbledon sports-a-thon has you reaching for the nearest book with which to cover your head and weep, then a Shakespeare inspired holiday is the perfect antidote. And don’t worry if you’re the only one that hasn’t been infected by the sports bug, solo holidays are becoming so popular that the already-annoying term ‘soliday’ has been coined. As the man himself would say, ‘To thine own self be true’.

Denmark

Hamlet is Shakespeare’s blockbuster play. The darkly atmospheric tale of murder, suicide and madness interrupted by occasional outbreaks of sanity is the most produced of his works, while the role of the stroppy, angsty Prince is the most coveted amongst actors. The setting for Hamlet is Kronborg Castle in Denmark’s Helsingør. The castle was known to Shakespeare as Elsinore and is a paragon of Renaissance architecture. It is thought that a few actor friends of Shakespeare’s were travelling around Europe and told him about it upon their return.

Summer 2012 Highlights

Every August, a theatre festival is held in the grounds of Kronborg Castle, which normally features some of Shakespeare’s plays.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Poom!

Vienna

Measure for Measure is a dark comedy set in a grimy and morally corrupt Vienna. A holier-than-thou annoyance called Angelo decides the city must be cleansed of debauchery and sentences our hero, Claudio, to death. Claudio’s crime is that he is pretty much married but technically not. See? No? Most don’t, Measure for Measure is often derided as a perplexing and unsatisfactory failure. Shakespeare’s Vienna is leagues away from the cultural paradise of today, filled with genteel coffee houses, castles, and er, Mozart memorabilia.

Summer 2012 Highlights

The Vienna Jazz festival runs from June 29 to July 9 whilst July 6 sees The Fete Imperial, a summer ball in the Spanish Riding School.

Illyria

Expect some funny looks if you say you’re sailing off to Illyria. The setting for Shakespeare’s fantastical rom-com Twelfth Night was known at the time as a real region in the Adriatic Sea, in what is modern day Albania. In Shakespeare’s day, this location was a byword for a wild and exotic land where romance and impulsivity weren’t curtailed by the British stiff upper lip. Apparently, it was also a land where people can’t distinguish between male and female twins and marrying someone of mistaken identity is a comic caper rather than a disaster. For someone who’d never been there, Shakespeare’s description was remarkably accurate; it remains largely unspoiled, with over 450km of pristine beaches and the ruggedly wild Albanian Alps.

Summer 2012 Highlights

Albania’s largest festival, the Korçë Beer Festival, runs from 15 to 18 August. Film lovers should check out the Durres International Film Festival, also in August.

Tarsus

Shakespeare revealed his understandably casual relationship with geography in Pericles, Prince of Tyre. The prince in question sails from Tyre (Lebanon), to get to Pentapolis (Libya), inexplicably stopping off in Tarsus (Turkey) along the way. He falls in love and marries Thaisa, but chucks her overboard on the way back, mistakenly thinking she died. He leaves his just-born baby daughter in Tarsus, where she later gets kidnapped by pirates. Just an average Shakespearean adventure then! The prince’s sailing route marks out an ideal yachting holiday itinerary, pinging around the south-easternmost enclave of the Mediterranean Sea whilst hopefully avoiding pirates.

Summer Highlights 2012

The Marmaris Yacht Charter Show takes place in the Turkish harbour of Marmaris in May, while those straying further west can watch the dozens of yachting races that take place all summer around Greece and Italy.

Navarre

The confusingly punctuated Love’s Labour’s Lost is set in Navarre, a region in the Pyrenees close to the France-Spain border. Basically, The King of Navarre and three of his lords vow to avoid women for three years, then promptly fall in love and change their minds. The ladies in question play what must have passed for an amusing trick at the time and depart. Love’s Labour’s Lost is thought to be the first play penned under Shakespeare’s name and proof that practice makes perfect. It’s boring. Unlike Navarre, which Shakespeare says, ‘shall be the wonder of the world’, the Pyrenees is ideal for activity holidays, with endless walking, hiking and water-sports possibilities, as well as a slew of medieval castles and monasteries.

Summer 2012 Highlights

The Festival of San Fermin runs from 6-14 July in Navarre’s capital Pamplona, with its famous running of the bulls. On June 16, the Day of the Witch festival in Zugarramurdi promises all manner of spooky events.

Biog: Laura dreaded Shakespeare at school but thinks that solo holidays to the places in his plays would have made them much more enjoyable.

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Egeskov Castle was built in 1544 on oak stilts in the middle of the water.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Rico Bergholdt Hansen

The castle is still inhabited so only few room are available to the tourists. Old family history is often completely in contrast with modern times. In addition to a painting of modern art which hangs above the old stone fireplace, but also in one of the rooms, you can find the superman costume (the original costume from the first Hollywood film) right next to grandfather’s armor. It is hard to overlook also a collection of dolls with the faces of some female members of the royal family. Among them are the first and second wife of the current landowner. Dolls have a beautiful house, which was designed by a retired soldier for his granddaughter. It took him 7 years. Everything is invented in the greatest detail.

View Egeskov Castle – the most beautiful Renaissance water castle in Europe Denmark in a larger map

The water area is surrounded by a beautiful park with a labyrinth. There is a beautiful herb garden waiting for lovers of spices and herbs. You will find a lot of museums here, café, gift shop and other traders who want to capitalize on tourism.

You can stay overnight in the camping that is just near the castle. It is only available for tents and is completely free.

Egeskov Castle is open daily from May to September (from 10:00am to 5:00pm, during the summer even longer) and basic admission is €21.

For further details see the official website of Egeskov Castle.

View Egeskov Castle – the most beautiful Renaissance water castle in Europe Denmark in a larger map

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The town of Billund is otherwise not very interesting, however it is an ideal starting point for exploring beautiful and historically important areas. From here you can get e.g. to Jelling, Ribe, Kolding or Esbjerg. Those who like flying can try the services of Billund Rundflyvning flying company and enjoy a sightseeing flight over Legoland, which costs from €30.

Further information about Aquapark Lalandia you can find on the official website here.

View Lalandia Billund – one of the biggest aquaparks in Denmark in a larger map

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The biggest attraction of Hornbæk is its local beach. It is also one of the best beaches in Scandinavia, awarded by the Blue Flag. Hornbæk Beach has fine white sand and you can enjoy here really clean air. It is a popular place of windsurfing and kitesurfing. Unfortunately there is no rent available, so you must bring your equipment yourself. In summer, the swimmers are secured by the Coast Guard. Hornbæk beach stretches on both sides of the harbor.

View The town of Hornbæk in Denmark – seaside resort called “Danish Saint-Tropez” in a larger map

Those who like walking and hiking are invited to the public forest Hornbæk Plantage, which stretches several kilometers along the coast. In the forest there are several marked routes. You can stop at one of many small parks and pick up the map of the trails at the local tourist Information Centre.

Hornbæk is also a popular place for fishing enthusiasts. Here you can rent a boat here either at the local Information Centre or in the office of Captain of the port, located on the south side of the harbor. Prices are around 600 DKK (80 EUR) per boat per day and up to 3 people.

You can stay in the local camp, which is well equipped and offers also cabins, a playground and an air trampoline for children. Or in one of the hotels. In the port you can visit the fish market.

Hornbæk is best accessible by train and car. The nearest international airport is located in Copenhagen, which is 50km away.

View The town of Hornbæk in Denmark – seaside resort called “Danish Saint-Tropez” in a larger map

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Hunter-Desportes

European E20 route passes through Öresund Bridge as well, which is important connection between Scandinavia and Central and Western Europe. But not only the bridge is interesting here. Another part of this route is a well-built tunnel under the sea that ensures better navigation and transportation network for the ships. The long tunnel permits fleets of large cargo boats, passenger ships and speed boats steer safely through this extended tunnel.

On Öresund Bridge you will pass the borders but thanks to Schengen Agreement there are usually no passport inspections.

View Öresund Bridge – the longest road and rail bridge in Europe – between Sweden and Denmark in a larger map

The Architect of the bridge is Georg Rotne who designed several important bridges throughout the world. Öresund Bridge is 7,845 meters long and up to 23.5 meters wide and today it serves to more than 17,000 road vehicles every day.

If you visit Sweden or Denmark in the future, you have to make a trip by train or car through this unique bridge and tunnel. It is really very impressive!

View Öresund Bridge – the longest road and rail bridge in Europe – between Sweden and Denmark in a larger map

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In each of these worlds, you can try a variety of attractions. Whether you ride lego train, monorail, mini boats, a number of smaller or larger roller coasters, thrill to the fairway, a ride on a pirate boat, undergo a duel with the pirate battle at water, ride on the forest racing hovercraft, compete in a fire truck or watch the acrobatic performances in the form of fairy tales in a mini castle…

Children can enjoy themselves in the pirate water world, visit buildings built from Lego bricks, watch some story in the 4D cinema or visit a mini driving school. The Legoland Billund has also a plenty of food stalls and various restaurants. You also have the opportunity to stay in the Hotel Legoland.

Tickets to Legoland Billund are for 33 EUR for children/day or 37 EUR for an adult/day. Or you can buy the Season Pass for 66 EUR /children or 73 EUR /adult.

View Legoland Billund – world built from millions of LEGO bricks in Denmark in a larger map

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The capital of Denmark is located on the island of Sjæland, which lies east of Denmark. Half a million inhabitants live here and 600,000 others live in the metropolitan area. Copenhagen Centre, which is full of sights, lies to the very shores of the Baltic Sea.

Copenhagen is a royal city and really has a royal looking. You will find the seat of kings here, gardens, parks, many ancient churches, towers, and especially beautiful harbors. In the following sections we will present the most interesting places in Copenhagen.

Botanisk Have – botanical garden
Nature lovers shouldn’t miss this large botanical garden, founded in the late 19th century, which is full of all kinds of plant (both exotic or Danish). Through the garden leads many paths. In one section there is a beautiful stream with a rock, in others the lake with wetland plants. You should visit also a large greenhouse full of plants – most interesting is a greenhouse with orchids, cacti and palm house, where you can go to the top and see the palm trees from above.
There is no admission, the access is free.

Statens Museum for Kunst – national gallery
If you are art lovers, do not miss this gallery, which contains one of the most interesting collections of European art. You will find works by such artists as Rubens, Rembrandt, Picasso and Matisse, but the works of Danish painters as well.

Rosenborg Slot – Royal Palace
The royal palace is on of the symbols of Copenhagen. Without the admission fee you can enter the walls and see the Palace from the outside, or see it from the Royal Garden (Kongens Have). If you pay the entrance (40 DKK), then you can visit the underground treasure (where are the crown jewels), a marble hall, long hall, a Chinese salon, mirrored cabinet and stair tower.

Kongens Have – Royal Garden
This garden, immediately adjacent to the Rosenborg Slot, was founded in 1606 and is thus the oldest park in Copenhagen. You can find there beautiful roses, trees, fountains, and the various statues. One of the most famous is the statue of Hans Christian Andersen.

Kastellet fortress
Another well-known sight of Copenhagen is Kastellet fortress, which was founded in the early 17th century. This building, now open to the public, is interesting for the 5-pointed star layout, with an ancient windmill in one part. In the 19th century, the building served as a prison. Kastellet is now used by Danish army – you can meet the members of army inside.

Sankt Albans Kirke (church) and fountain Gefion
Beautiful church, called St. Albans Kirke, is built in Gothic style and it is located near Kastellet fortress. The church was built in the late 19th century and is located near the impressive fountain Gefion. This fountain is one of the most important sites of Denmark, although it was built in 1908. In the middle of the fountain there is a statue of the goddess Gefion, which has four oxen hitched to have a character from the famous Scandinavian legend.

Den lille havfrue – The statue of Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid statue, which sits on a rock and staring sadly at sea is one of the most famous symbol of Copenhagen and a major tourist attraction as well. The statue sits on a rock in the Copenhagen harbor in Langelinie.

“The Little Mermaid” is a fairy tale written by the Danish poet and author Hans Christian Andersen about a young mermaid willing to give up her life in the sea and her identity as a mermaid to gain a human soul and the love of a human prince.
Originally it was written as a ballet, the tale was first published in 1837 and has been adapted to various media including musical theatre and animated film.

The statue was commissioned in 1909 by Carl Jacobsen, son of the founder of Carlsberg, after he had been fascinated by a ballet about the fairytale. The sculptor Edward Eriksen created the statue, which was unveiled on 23 August 1913. His wife, Eline Eriksen, was the model.

The statue has been moved to Expo 2010 in Shanghai for the first time ever.

Amalienborg Slot – Royal Palace
Another of the royal residences in Copenhagen is Amalienborg Slot, which is the current official residence of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. The Palace is the seat of the royal family already from the late 18th century. The palace consists of several buildings which in the middle of is the square with the statue of Frederic V. From this square you can see on one side the Amaliehaven park, which borders the sea and opposite the Marmorkirken church.

Kongens Nytorv – King’s new square
One of the most famous squares throughout Copenhagen is located in its heart. There are several interesting buildings. One is a theater – Det Kongelige Teater, where you can see drama and ballet. Then there is the Hotel d’Angleterre, which belongs to the most luxurious hotels in Scandinavia. Most interesting is Nyhavn harbor.

Nyhavn – New harbour
It is 300 meters long channel, from the 17th century, with beautiful color buildings on both sides. Nyhavn is a place where people love to meet, sit in cafes or on the channel trims and enjoy the atmosphere of this place. Many boats leaves from Nyhavn on scenic routes across the Channel and the coast (hour cost approx. 30 DKK).

Other important squares – Nytorv a Raadhuspladsen
Nytorv is another famous square, where you can see a fountain of Caritas Springvandet from the beginning of the 17th century. There is also Raadhuspladsen’s Square, which is the second largest square in Copenhagen after Kongens Nytorv. It is important because there is the so-called Raadhus Hall, built of red bricks in the early 20th century.

Tivoli – amusement park
Another frequently visited site is the Tivoli amusement park. Unfortunately, the entrance is about 100 DKK + 25 DKK per adult/trip. Park operates from April to late September, then on Halloween (which is celebrated here) and on Christmas.

Vor Frelsers Kirke – church
Other attractions of Copenhagen is the church with remarkable tower from 18th century. You can enjoy beautiful view from this tower. The total height of the tower is 90 meters and it is the second biggest view point in Copenhagen.

Christiansborg Slot – Royal Palace
Another of the castles and royal residences of Copenhagen is Christiansborg Slot, which is 90 years old.

Christiania
Do not forget the Free State of Christiania, which is a special place of this city. It was founded in 1971, when squatters occupied several local branches of the barracks and the government decided not to intervene. Today there live nearly a thousand people and is certainly a place that attracts many people. Entrance to Christiania is free, but it should be noted that you can not make pictures there.

One weekend in Copenhagen
Due to the fact that Copenhagen is full of great sites, it is impossible to list them all. Nor is it possible to walk all in one afternoon. Nevertheless, we recommend the use of offers to spend a weekend in Copenhagen, as monuments are located in close proximity and all of the above listed you certainly be able to see.

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