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Family Adventure in West Denmark

Sail down the beautiful rivers

Western Denmark offers travelers the opportunity to explore cities and nature, all within short drives. The lively cities of Aarhus and Aalborg offer a mix of history and contemporary vibes, while the smaller cities of Ribe and Odense will charm visitors with their cobblestone streets and history-from the Viking Age to Hans Christian Andersen. Explore the coastline line for its UNESCO National parks, plenty of beaches and its delightful seafood! And be sure to visit LEGOland-this is home to the original Legos!

The following is just a suggested daily touring schedule focusing family travel in west Denmark.

For custom luxury travel and tours to Copenhagen, Denmark or Scandinavia, please contact one of our travel experts

PRICING FROM

Billund |

Arrive to Billund on your KLM flight. Pick up your rental car and head to the Legoland hotel.

Billund is home to the Original Legoland. Lego, short for Leg godt is Danish for “play well.” This amusement park has been entertaining children and adults alike since its opening back in the 1960’s right next to the original factory.

Legoland hotel offers a variety of themed rooms. In addition to the amusement park, the children can explore Legoland Holiday village offering a large playground, petting zoos, restaurants and shops. It is located right next door to the hotel.

Hotel

LegoLand

Billund-Ribe |

Today depart for the historic town Ribe. Ribe’s history dates back to the 700’s when it was a trade town for the Vikings. Your guide will take you through the cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses.

Step into the cathedral and climb up the 248 stairs to the top for a wonderful view of the city.

Ribe is the hometown of Jacob Riis, author of the book “How the Other Half Lives”, documenting the poor in New York City in the late 1800’s. Follow the life of Riis from Denmark to New York and learn how he brought to life the tragic details of the New York Slums earning him respect from President Roosevelt.

Be sure to check out the Viking Center which has recreated a Viking village. See traditional Viking buildings, learn their trades and sample their food.

During the summer months be sure to take the Watchman’s tour in the evening. In the past, the Watchman’s job was to patrol the streets making sure they were safe and no fires were breaking out. Stroll the streets with the watchman and hear his tales of the city’s history.

Hotel

Hotel Dagmar

Wadden Sea |

Today head out to the Wadden Sea. Head to the Island of Fanø is the most northern, of the Danish Wadden Sea Islands. Go hunt for trolls or treasures. Enjoy the beach, and while you’re there, go try Blokarting, a beach cruiser, driven by a sail. Head into the National Park, an UNESCO World Heritage site, to go on a seal-safari, eagle safari or wolf safari.

In the island of Mandø, you can board a tractor bus to experience the world’s largest tidal area.

If you visit during the spring or fall, you could see the Black Sun. This phenomenon is when thousands of starlings fly and circle synchronized, turning the sky black.

Afterwards, head back Ribe for an overnight.

Hotel

Hotel Dagmar

Ribe-Odense |

This morning, make the drive to Odense, on the island of Funen, also known as Denmark’s Garden Isle. Travel time is about 1.5 hours.

This afternoon, stroll the historic cobblestone streets of Old Town lined with charming cottages and shops. Be sure to try an old fashion ice cream waffle cone with guf on top!

Everyone who loves fairytales must pay a visit to the Hans Christian Andersen Childhood Home. In addition to mementos, furniture, letters and other bits and pieces from the author’s colorful life, you’ll find samples of his work as a collage artist and some of the charming paper silhouettes he cut to illustrate his stories.

Continue onto the brand-new Hans Christian Anderson Museum. This spectacular new museum features cutting-edge design and takes you into the author’s fairy tales, to become part of the story. Children will love stepping into the stories.

Hotel

Hotel Odeon

Odense-Aarhus |

Today depart for Aarhus. There are numerous places along your drive we suggest visiting:

In Middelfart, for anyone loving to get bird’s eye views, then we suggest the Bridge walking experience. After strapping into a safety harness, begin your climb up the bridge to the summit at 200 feet. The bridge is active with car and train crossings and the vehicles rumbling below add to the excitement!

For those that prefer to have their feet on the ground, stop in the Hindsgavl Nature Reserve. This Park has plenty of trails for walking, biking or even horseback riding.

Another option is the area is to go on a whale watching safari. You may be surprised to hear that there are whales off the coast of Denmark! They are one of the world’s smallest whales and resemble porpoises. Head out into the water to see the whales in action.

If the children want to check out a castle-make a stop a Koldinghus. Kids will love to dress up in Imperial costumes as they tour the 750-year-old castle.

For more Viking history, you may choose to stop at Kongernes Jelling Viking Center. The museum’s Monument Area features runestones, dating back to 950AD, erected by kings Gorm the Old and Harold Bluetooth (also learn why our modern-day technology is named after a Danish king). This UNESCO site is the founding spot of Denmark and the first place the name Denmark is noted. You can also see markings of three Viking long houses are showcased here. The Experience Center lets you further dive into the Viking’s history with many sensory exhibits.

Hotel

Hotel Royal

Aarhus |

Today explore the charming city of Aarhus. Den Gamle By is an open air museum taking guests through three centuries of Danish history. Step into the homes and business of the past from the 1800s to 1920s and onto the 1970s. The 75+ historic buildings were relocated here from all over Denmark.

The Viking Museum is a small underground museum located on the former grounds of the city’s Viking origins. Artifacts were discovered in the 1960’s when the ground was dug for new buildings. In addition to the artifacts displays, you can see how Aarhus was developed over the past 1200 years.

The Latin Quarter is the oldest part of the city, dating back to the 14^th century when the Viking fortifications were demolished. The pedestrian only cobblestone streets are lined with shops and cafes. The colorful buildings only add to the charm.

Step into the ARos, the Aarhus Art Museum, features Danish art from the past 300 years, highlighting the Danish Golden Age and Modernism. Be sure not to miss the rooftop exhibit created by Olafur Eliasson. Children will love the rainbow panorama is a circular walkway which provides great views of the city all in different hues of the rainbow.

Åboulevarden is the city’s canal district with restaurant and shops along the riverfront.

Hotel

Hotel Royal