A Year to Remember
Last year Denmark recorded significant growth in the number of tourists from Poland, over 18 percent in comparison to 2001. In 2001, the number of Polish visitors to Denmark was also 10 percent higher than the previous year.
From January to November 2002, according to statistics from the Danish Chamber of Tourism, over 70,000 Poles stayed overnight in Denmark, most in hotels in Copenhagen (a growth of 40 percent in one year), Bornholm, vacation centers in Jutland and Zealand and camping sites near Legoland. Poles visit Denmark all year round. For example, in November the number of Polish visitors to Denmark was 60 percent higher than a year earlier.
The southern region of Zealand is particularly satisfied with its cooperation with the Polish market-the number of Polish tourists staying for a night has increased by 14 percent. These positive trends are certainly influenced by good transport connections between Denmark and Poland, especially additional SAS flights from Warsaw, the Wrocław-Copenhagen line, a new DFDS ferry connection from Gdańsk, Kołobrzeg, Ustka to Bornholm and attractively priced Scandlines, PŻB, Unity Line and Stena Line connections.
Bornholm
Bornholm island is delightful irrespective of the season. The year-round ferry connection by Scandlines makes for a fast trip from Sassnitz in the Rügen, Germany, to Rønne. Once there, visitors can conquer the Hammerhaus castle, take in the fresh air on Bornholm beaches or take a walk to the picturesque towns of Svaneke, Duedde or Neksø.
In the summer, ferry connections are provided by Kołobrzeska Żegluga Pasażerska starting in April and PŻB from June, so the island is easily accessible from spring until late fall. You can also travel via Copenhagen or Ystad, which have regular ferry connections with Bornholm. The trip lasts only three hours.
Jutland
The Jutland Peninsula, with its long, sandy beaches, is the only part of Denmark that is located on the European continent's mainland. After crossing the border with Germany, travelers enter the southern part of the peninsula and encounter Scandinavia's oldest city, Ribe, home to a 10th-century cathedral. A short trip to the north will bring you to one of the biggest attractions in Denmark-Legoland in Billund.
Legoland is a world built from over 45 million Lego building bricks and its construction is still underway. There is entertainment for everyone-rides, games, and a Lego science center. Colorful Lego bricks teach children creativity and are Denmark's the biggest contribution to the toy industry. So it is not surprising that Legoland is one of the biggest family attractions in Denmark.
Further to the north along the coast is Kolding, which boasts a magnificent medieval castle, and Århus. This is the second largest city in the country, enjoying a sophisticated university culture, excellent music and high-quality restaurants. Among its attractions is Den Gamle By, a brick medieval city including houses from different parts of the country.
Southern Zealand, Lolland island, Falster and Møn
The islands of Zealand, Lolland, Falster and Møn are holiday heaven, regardless of whether you prefer to spend them actively with golf, cycling, angling or sailing or simply relaxing.
The islands also provide ideal conditions for cycling, with tourist trails through beautiful landscapes. Clean, large beaches are excellent place for fun, particularly for younger children. Zealand, Møn and Lolland-Falster, particularly Stevns Klint and Møns Klint, offer incredible views-white limestone rocks that tower over the sea.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a metropolis that is teeming with life, numerous elegant boutiques and cultural events as well as Danish charm and magnificent atmosphere. Copenhagen is home to the Tivoli, Royal Palace, changing of the guard, a port, charming channels and over 60 museums.
Tivoli gardens are open from April 11 until Sept. 21. This charming entertainment park is also Denmark's symbol. Music, rides and fireworks are only part of the continuous fun at Tivoli. The National Art Museum in Copenhagen plans a large exhibition devoted to the relationship between French Impressionism and post-Impressionism and Scandinavian art. This will be the first such attempt to show mutual influences among artists on the basis of works from the most productive decade around 1900.
For more information on Denmark, go to www.visitdenmark.com.
COPENHAGEN CARD-NEW CONCEPT
The Copenhagen Card/City is valid for 24 hours and gives free admission to 40 museums and places of interest as well as discounts on tickets to 11 other museums and tourist attractions.
Price: 159 kroner (approximately zl.80), children aged 10-15-90 kroner (around zl.45). Children under 10 and senior citizens-for free.
The Copenhagen Card/Plus is valid for 72 hours and provides free entry to 70 museums and places of interest as well as discounts on tickets to 17 other museums and tourist sites. It also offers free rail, metro and bus travel in Copenhagen and northern Zealand.
Price: 359 kroner (around zl.180), children aged 10-15-225 kroner (around zl.113). Children under 10 and senior citizen-for free.
The card can be purchased from travel agents in Denmark, tourist information points, at train stations, the airport and the Tourist Information Center in Copenhagen, near Tivoli gardens-at Wonderful Copenhagen Tourist Information, Bernstorffsgade 1.