The joys of the Danish countryside
The real reason we were in Denmark was for the wedding celebration of friends, Mette and Clint, at Mette’s family summer home in Ordrup Naes. The area is the playground for city-dwellers, but still manages to remain peaceful and uncrowded. We rented a rustic cottage a few kilometres from the wedding site in a town called Veddinge—which I assumed meant wedding. Perhaps it would be a little too on the nose if it were true. Our two-hundred-year-old accommodations were charming and hobbit-sized, with each detail preserved in Danish white and blue romanticism.
The wedding ceremony, which took place in an open field on the sea-shore was really a brilliant sight, and we felt lucky to be among the 30 or so guests. Nature was in perfect harmony with such a small and happy group. Vows were exchanged, a few tears shed, pictures were expertly taken and then we raised our champagne glasses (which appeared as if by magic) to the glowing couple. “Skål” and “tak” Mette and Clint!
A pro wedding tip: invite no less than 3 world-class photographers (it helps to be one of them, like Clint). Some of the beautiful images of the ceremony courtesy of Phil Chung, Ryan Carter and Sylvia Razgova.
And here, a few other country detours worth road-tripping for.
1. Møns Klint: Gleaming white chalk cliffs stretching for 6km along the island of Møn, home to nesting peregrine falcons. I couldn’t believe that the chalk formed over 70 million years ago out of the shells of millions of microscopic sea creatures! If you’re in the area, don’t miss a stop at Elemelunde Church whose whitewashed geometric facade shines just as brightly against the sky. It’s believed to be built on a heathen burial ground from the bronze age, and houses intricate 15th century frescos which were hidden under layers of lime wash and restored in 1969. Their muted, ornamental style is strikingly modern. 1 hour and 45 minute drive from Copenhagen.
2. Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde: The building houses remains of five imposing viking vessels from the late 11th century excavated in the area. The boatyard surrounding the museum specializes in full-scale reconstructions of prehistoric boats that visitors can sail or even purchase. If you throw a fur over your shoulders and step onto the creaking hull, it’s pretty easy to get carried away. 30 minutes by car, 1 hour and 45 minutes by bike from Copenhagen.
3. Kronborg in Helsongor: A sturdy 16th century castle, with a view of Sweden, which modelled for Shakespeare as Hamlet’s famous dwelling, Elsinore. If you have a little extra time, stop by the nearby Maritime Museum, then grab a salmon plate at the café served with salad and a soft piece of hazelnut bread. 45 minutes by car, 2 hours and 30 minutes by bike from Copenhagen.
4. Bakken: After exploring the world's oldest amusement park with young and old Danes alike, venture out to the surrounding forest. Mette showed us the quiet spots where albino deers graze. It's an eerie sight.
