Kiel - Hamburg Small getaway, great experiences

An idyllic picture-postcard setting characterises the atmosphere of Gudhjem, officially Denmark’s smallest town with around 730 inhabitants. Red-tiled roofs, steep alleyways and the spectacular location on the cliffs of Bornholm’s north coast will bring out the explorer in you. The smoke stacks visible everywhere tell of the island’s great fishing history. Even today, you can still enjoy authentic seafood specialities, such as a serving of Sol over Gudhjem (“sun over Gudhjem”) – fresh rye bread with smoked herring, chives and raw egg yolk. The beautiful beaches along the coast near Gudhjem promise perfect relaxation, while the four famous round churches further inland are well worth a visit.

With its mix of world-famous landmarks and modern charm, Copenhagen appeals to every visitor. The Little Mermaid at Langelinie is the city’s most famous attraction. The colourful waterfront at Nyhavn with its lively cafes is a great place to while away some time, while Amalienborg Palace and the Tivoli amusement park will take you on a journey through the past and present of the Danish capital. In its majestic setting amidst well-kept rose gardens, Rosenborg Castle is home to the Danish Crown Jewels. As well as its historic sites, Copenhagen is a paradise for design fans: the cubist Royal Library and the Royal Opera House are outstanding examples of modern Scandinavian architecture.

The Kiel Canal is like a ribbon cutting through the landscapes of Schleswig-Holstein and linking the North Sea to the Baltic Sea between Brunsbuttel and Kiel. At just under 100 km (62 mi.) long, the canal is the busiest man-made waterway in the world and cuts up to 900 km (560 mi.) off shipping routes around Denmark. Opened in 1895 and originally known as the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal, the canal makes its way past little villages, idyllic meadows and extensive pasture land. The two locks are masterpieces of engineering and have also been in operation since 1895, protecting the canal from changing water levels caused by the tides or by the winds off the North Sea and Baltic Sea.