With Copenhagen in the news this week, I feel compelled to write about my travels there. I brought my whole family for a family travel show I hosted on the Travel Channel, so my perspective is that from a mom traveling with kids. I realize Copenhagen may not top the list of family vacation places, largely because there are desirable destinations closer to home for us here in the U.S. However, this post may inspire you, or just kick back and arm chair travel :)
Let me say from the get go, and I am sure this is obvious, you need to visit in the summer. In the winter, Copenhagen has perpetually grey skies - with some days seeing only one hour of sunlight a day. Heading into spring, there's more like 5-8 hours of sunlight - but still! This can have an impact on one's mood. We met families there who leave Copanhagen in the winter for another place to live.
One of my interesting observations that probably differs from other travel guides has to do with the Danes' general mood. The lack of sunlight certainly contributes... but after talking to locals, and walking the streets, there is not the "rush" or energy you get from visiting other larege European or American cities. It may have to do with the fact that there are extensive government welfare measures and some of the highest taxation in it's citizens in the world. This may reduce motivation to move upward in life, expalining the kick back, and somewhat resigned, attitude. Just a thought - but at the same time the Danes do appreciate all of the social services.
Sure there are plenty of things to do in Copenhagen for familes - Tivoli Gardens being the most well-known, and one of my kids' favorites. I love visiting foreign parks - they offer so many different things than here in the States. You can read all about Tivoli here www.tivoligardens.com
But what I want to share with you are two places that were HUGE hits with my family, that involve traveling a bit outside Copenhagen. I always try to add a couple of days extra to a trip to explore the greater area...who knows when you'll be in that region ever again? So explore to the fullest we did.
Egeskov Castle is in Odense, on Funen Island west of Copenhagen is more than 400 years old. You can take a train and it takes a little more than an hour, then catch a cab to Egeskov. We rented a car and drove. Not bad.
Once you get there plan on spending about 4 hours..there is so much to do and see on this 40 acre playground. Once a home for defense purposes, the castle is built with a lake around it, and it's only access was a drawbridge. Now the castle is open to the public for tours.
But it is what's outside the castle on the grounds that really captured my kids' attention. Four life size mazes to race through - and get lost in.
Treetop walking is also fun - walking along paths form tree to tree about 33 feet up from the ground.
Eight different playgrounds - mostly for younger children - but let them play and you can sit and rest for a moment.
The car museum has approximately 50 beautifully restored cards from the end of the 19th century to the present.
There are many other museums on the property as well - pick and choose your favorites. Egeskov is only open April -October... for more information visit www.egeskov.dk/en/node/378
The other location outside Copenhagen worth visiting is the Roskilde Viking Museum. Roskilde is about 20 miles outside Copenhagen, and accessible by train. This is an exccellent place to learn about Viking history and expose your children to a fun learning environment.
On exhibit at the museum are five Viking ships from the 11th century that were excavated in 1962 from the bottom of Roskilde Fjord. There are many ships to see right on the waterfront of the museum, and depending on when you visit you can take a boat trip on one of them - the kids even got to row.
The best part for the kids is the children's museum located inside. They can dress up in Viking clothes..and climb aboard some Viking ship replicas, letting their imaginations soar. Outside, there are sometimes demonstrations of Viking workmanship and crafts. When we were there the kids got to make their own Viking shields and other items to take home. It kept them busy and happy.
For more information visit www.vikingeskibsmuseet.dk/index/php
Happy Travels!
