Denmark, cute and compact, is a harmonious blend of old and new. Ancient castles and Viking ring forts exist side-by-side with lively cities and the sleekest modern design you'll ever see. Over a millennium ago Danish Vikings brought the country to the world's attention when they took to the seas and ravaged half of Europe, but these days the Danes have filed down their horns and forged a society that stands as a benchmark for civilisation, with progressive policies, widespread tolerance and a liberal social attitude.

Best time to visit

May and June or AD 900 if pillaging is your poison.

Essential experiences

Knocking back a Carlsberg whilst enjoying a summer jaunt along Nyhavn canal; letting your hair down at northern Europe's largest rock festival, Roskilde; experiencing the cobbled streets and charms of Denmark's oldest town, Ribe; build and destroy your own mini-empire at Legoland; cycling along the flat landscape; exploring the Viking legacy at Trelleborg.

In a few words

Denmark is Butter, Lego, 'The Little Mermaid', Bang & Olufsen stereos, beer, fairytales, Georg Jensen jewellery, Arne Jacobsen's egg chair and Danish pastries.

Did you know

Denmark has no downhill skiing because its highest peak is only 147 metres and not all Danes are blonde with blue eyes.