Blog Action Day is a global initiative which aims at raising awareness and create discussion about an important issue by inviting the whole blogging community to focus on the same topic on the same day.

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Since the 2009 edition’s topic is climate change, this week we’re sharing links to three of our favorite eco sustainability and environment-related web sites:

• “100 Places To Remember Before They Disappear” lists all the beautiful cities and natural sites in the world that you should visit before  climate change makes them too difficult, or even impossible, to access. The list includes popular tourist destinations such as Battery Park in New York, the wonderful water city of Venice, Italy and Paris, France.  In addition to splendid pictures, the web site has a section dedicated to climate solutions, alternative energy as well as water, heat and energy saving tips and ideas.

• For the fans of sustainable architecture and design, Copenhagen X  organizes guided tours around Copenhagen to get to know the different urban areas and cultural institutions of the Danish capital. Visit their very nice web site to find more information on the different walk and bike tours offered, and check out the ‘Sustainable CPH’ section presenting a series of sustainable urban development projects in Copenhagen.

• TreeHugger.com shares tips on how to reduce people’s harmful impact on the Earth. Visit the web site’s ‘Travel + Nature’ section  to find green travel ideas and information on environmental topics as for example the impact of climate change in the Alps or the top 7 green holiday destinations in Canada.

Business Travel in Turkey

A Luxury Travel Blog announces the opening of a new convention center at the luxury hotel Swissôtel Izmir, Turkey.

Copenhagen Insider Tips

Planning a trip to Copenhagen, Denmark? On BrilliantTips.com, travel industry veteran Jesper Tejsen Lykke gives 10 insider travel tips for people visiting the Danish capital.

Family-Friendly Attractions in Vegas

Travel Savvy Mom lists her family favorites in Las Vegas. Kid-friendly attractions include the arcades at Circus Circus Hotel & Casino,  excursions to Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead and Mt Charleston, as well as many free things to do on the Strip.

Great Family Travel Book

Traveling Mom reviews a new National Geographic’s travel guide entitled “The 10 Best of Everything Families“.

Flight Attendant Rapper

Watch the funny video of a Southwest Airlines flight attendant rapping on flight 90 from Las Vegas to San Francisco.

Photo courtesy of Swissotel Grand Efes, Izmir, Turkey.

Here are three of the scariest amusement parks in Europe :

1. Alton Towers in the UK

This theme park has by far the best rides for adrenaline junkies in the UK. Oblivion celebrated its 10th birthday in 2008, which is a ride that sends passengers plummeting, face-first. It was one of the newer additions to roller coaster Nemesis that leaves riders’ feet dangling in the air and a swooping air ride, which is a bit namby pamby.

One of the best times to book into this theme park in Staffordshire is in the run up to Halloween when the park puts on a whole host of events to get the hearts racing. Marked in scores from one for the kids to five for the fearless, there are mazes filled with zombies, a gloomy wood of demons to walk through and a scary performance by an evil janitor locked inside a boiler house.

There is a discount for people who book tickets online and cheaper tickets for groups. Anyone who visits Alton Towers website could even win tickets free by entering competitions that are regularly posted on the company’s website.

2. Tivoli in Copenhagen

Located in Copenhagen, Denmark, Tivoli is scary because it is an ancient amusement park. Opened for the public by the royal family in the late 1800s these rides are rickety and rustic. One push too far and something might snap off. Luckily, a large part of the park has been updated and the older rides are tested frequently to live up to stringent Danish safety standards.

A good time to visit is also in October when the theme park puts on scary events, albeit milder than Alton Towers’. The Demon is the most fearsome ride in the park dropping riders more than 20 metres in the air, there is a sky swing that spins visitors several feet up and a fling in the arms of the octopus for a mild bit of titillation.

Getting in costs 85 Denmark Kroner (£10.27, $15.27 or €11.41) for over 12s and 45DKK for visitors aged between three and 11 years. Children under three get in free. Tickets for attractions are charged in addition to admission with multi-ride passes 200DKK for over 12s and 160DKK for three to 11-year-olds.

3. Europa Park in Germany

Fly in to Germany’s Europa Park with EasyJet offering flights from London and Liverpool in the UK and Swiss providing planes from London and Manchester. The 239 ft tall roller coaster the Silver Star dwarfs the Pepsi Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in the UK, which held the title of the world’s tallest roller coaster in 1994 at 235 ft. That’s enough to send a shiver up any adrenaline junky’s spine.

Although the park is based around ideas of the stereotypes of the different nationalities in Europe, there are some adrenaline rides. There’s the Alpine Coaster, which sends riders on loop-the-loops at top speed, Atlantica SuperSplash, Europa’s version of a log flume and a water roller coaster. So you don’t get frustrated with attractions like ‘Crazy Taxi’ next to the ‘London Bus’ in the English quarter, ‘Fijord-rafting’ in the Dutch or gondoliering in the Italian area.

There are different prices in the winter and the summer at Europa, with admission at €34 in the summer for over 12s and €30 for four to 11-year-olds with under fours getting in free. This makes winter a better time to visit for travelers on a budget. From November 29th to January 11th, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day prices for over 12s adult admission is €26 with entry for four to 11-year-olds, €23. To make a visit cheaper still, evening tickets are available for entry after 16:00 (the park closes at 19:00 in the winter). The cost for children is €12 and for adults the price is €15.

Photo of roller coaster at Europa park, Germany, by beketchai

Daylight is scarce and seasonal affective disorder (or SAD) is in abundance. Coming to Copenhagen during these winter months is a pretty good way to meet up with some serious malaise. However, not all is lost. The Danes have been dealing with rather inhospitable weather since the dawn of their existence, so it’s natural to assume they’ve come up with a few good ways of combating the down time. Here are a few suggestions to get you through these dark days and maybe get a sunnier disposition.

Health Clubs in Copenhagen

Health clubs are very popular in Copenhagen, and a little bit of exercise can really bring some of that much needed adrenaline and joie-de-vivre back. The most important feature about these health clubs when it comes to winter blahs, though, is the tanning beds. Most every health club has them but there are also individual tanning salons if you don’t need any aerobics. They’re quite popular and you shouldn’t be surprised to see a rather bronzed Dane walking down the streets mid March.

Embracing the sun

Denmark is a coastal city with a lot of clouds. Rain happens frequently and winds are gusty. Sometimes, though, the sun breaks through and you feel like a bear coming out of hibernation. While you may be blinded by the sun at first, embrace it. Head to Parken or the shore and just soak in the rays for a minute. Go on a canal cruise. Yes, it’ll still be cold, but frankly just put on a coat and deal. Some vitamin D from the sun rays will help you in the long run.

The Danish Art of Hygge

Some cultural theorists say that the inhospitable weather led to the Danish phenomenon of hygge. If you don’t know what this is, consult your nearest guidebook for a more complete description. Take a cue from the experts of handling miserable days and get together with some close friends or associates in a nice, warm place (your call of hotel room, café, apartment, etc) and share a meal and conversation. Warmth sometimes comes from within, so cozy up with some comrades.

Danish drinking traditions

Finally, and this one should come as no surprise, imbibe in alcohol. This is easily the most important one. Really and truly, the Danes love a good drink, and the stuff they have does wonders to perk you up and make you feel full and happy. The beers (and there’s more than Carlsberg and Tuborg in the world, folks) are usually thick and satisfying. These aren’t like Mexican beers where you feel like you should be at a barbecue, no, these are for when you should be sitting by an open fire. Hard liquor favs like Fisk also help perk you up with their stronger and usually more mint-flavored flare. So if you can’t find tanning beds, sunshine, or friends, just head to a bar or pub and embrace the rich Danish drinking traditions.

Also, never forget spring is only so far away!

Photo of statues in Copenhagen, Denmark, originally posted by wili hybrid

Originally a Viking region, Scandinavia slowly converted to Christianity around 1000 AD. With Christianity came the celebration of Christmas. Christmas is the time for celebration and prayer, for being thankful for God’s love. But beyond all religious and noble concerns it is also the time for decorating the house and the giving of gifts. Over years the colorful boxes under the sparkling Christmas tree has become the favorite Christmas tradition of most. Gifts mean shopping and shopping needs markets!

Scandinavia’s Christmas markets are some of the most beautiful and extensive Christmas markets anywhere in Europe. The Tivoli Garden in Copenhagen, Esplanade Park in Helsinki, the annual Christmas Markets in Oslo, the numerous Christmas markets in Stockholm and Santa Claus Village in Lapland are just a few examples.

1. Tivoli Garden in Copenhagen

Christmas in Tivoli is not a one day affair. It starts off in the beginning to mid November and continues until the thirtieth of December. This winter fairytale comes alive amidst more than five thousand meters of Christmas lights. Even the wind and snow nipping at the body under layers of coats cannot stop tourists and locals from flocking to the Tivoli Gardens where the annual Christmas celebration has become a family tradition. The Christmas tree stands high in front of the concert hall like the sparkling garnet on the necklace of lights around Tivoli Lake. More than seventy vendors set up stalls here during the Christmas festival, offering everything from decorations and gifts to food and drink. This year during Christmas there will be new rides like the Swing Carousel and Chinese lantern on offer at the Tivoli Garden. The Crazy Christmas Cabaret puts on a daily evening show at the Glass Hall. Almost a million shoppers make a beeline for the Christmas market in Tivoli every year. Though the market in Tivoli garden is the most famous in Denmark, the several other Christmas markets in the country give the tourist a flavor of the authentic Danish Christmas traditions. The Hans Christian Anderson Fair that is held in the city of Odense forces every visitor to take a trip back into childhood.

2. Esplanade Park in Helsinki

The St Thomas Christmas Market is held from the eighth of December until the twenty first every year at Esplanade Park in Helsinki. Being so close to the North Pole makes Helsinki look like a town straight out of the Christmas stories and fairy tales. Add to that the more than hundred and twenty stalls selling traditional Finnish Christmas treats and other gifts and handicrafts. Everything needed to put up a grand Christmas feeling at one’s own home is also available here. Among traditional Finnish foods to be found in the market are cream pastries and fried herrings. While the latter might be somewhat of an acquired taste, the cream pastries are going to fill the mouths and hearts of every one who eats them, with pure joy. Bigger items like skis and ice skates and great hats are also available at the St Thomas Market.

3. Oslo Christmas Markets

Like most of the Christian world, Oslo decks itself up in its best in December to celebrate the birth of Christ and to welcome the greatest gift giver of them all- Santa Claus. Numerous markets all over this capital city of Norway set the mood for the festivities. The City Hall Square holds an annual Christmas Market that is perfect for an evening out for both adults and children. Arts and crafts, presents, traditional Norwegian Christmas delicacies, and even drinks are all on offer here. The tents are beautifully lit giving the whole square a carnival-like atmosphere. The largest of these events is the Annual Christmas Fair held at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. This fair not only has numerous buying options it gives a glimpse into the history of Christmas celebration traditions in Norway. Another interesting market is the Designers’ Christmas market where Norwegian designers from all over the country come together to sell their creations. Everything from clothes and accessories to home decorations are available here.

4. Christmas markets in Stockholm

The Gröna Lund Christmas Market is widely considered to be Stockholm’s Tivoli Garden. Along with shops that sell everything Christmassy, are great rides, fun carousels, and an ice skating rink. The Street Designs and Handicrafts Christmas Market is the place to go to for quirky and imaginative Christmas gifts and food delicacies that come directly from the farmers market. The Drottningholm Palace Christmas Market is a short drive west of Central Stockholm and is held just outside the residence of the Swedish Royal Family. There is also an annual Christmas market at Stockholm’s most central park, the Kungsträdgården Christmas market.

5. Santa Claus Village in Lapland

If all of the best Scandinavian Christmas Markets do not infuse you with the Christmas spirit take a visit to the Santa Claus Village in Finland. Just eight kilometers from the Rovaniemi International airport at the crossing of the magical Arctic Circle lies Santa’s little village. Though there is no official Christmas market here the whole village is like a little shop of dreams. Other than buying Christmas merchandise a tourist can go on reindeer sleigh rides or try his hand at reindeer lassoing. The local people also invite guests to sample traditional Lapp cuisine.

So welcome to Scandinavia and happy Christmas shopping to you!

Photo of Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland originally posted by Vivi___

Green Wave: Well known to be one of Europe’s best cycling cities, Copenhagen closed one of its main avenues to car traffic. Located in the Nørrebro area, Nørrebrogade will be a  bike-only street for the next 3 months.

London Gay Travel:  The History Royal Palaces deny the accusations of homophobia made by British news blogs and newspapers. HRP was accused of banning the Time Out Gay & Lesbian guide to London in bookshops at the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace,  Hampton Court Palace, Kew Palace and the Tower of London.

Hotel Gossip: NFL star Adam Jones was involved in a fight  on Tuesday night. The violent altercation between ‘Pacman Jones’ and the personal security guard he was given by the Cowboys football team took place  in a luxury Dallas hotel.

Strange Hotel: Vagabondish publishes a breathtaking picture of the ice hotel located in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden.

• The Winter Garden at Glyptoteket

The Winter Garden at Glyptoteket houses one of the most stunning collections of sculptures of Danish, French and ancient artwork. The word, “Glyptotek”, literally means collection of sculptures. Carl Jacobsen founded Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. The name Glyptotek is said to be a name chosen from his brewery named Ny Carlsberg, with the addition of “Glyptotek.” Danish architect Henning Larsen for the French paintings draws the beautiful Winter Garden. This gardens is one of Copenhagen’s’ most popular gardens to explore for its setting and tremendous art experience.

• Tivoli Gardens

Magical Tivoli Gardens located in the heart of Copenhagen, is an adventure park with roller coasters, restaurants, shops and music. This adventure location spot also feature some of the most breathtaking aspects of the gardens to explore too. The beautiful gardens are complete with a lake, a fountain and numerous flowers in all the colors in the world to make for the perfect day out spot for a picnic and day of leisure enjoyment. Take long walks through the gardens just as the sun is setting for the ultimate evening experience. Also, for an even more eventful experience catch the magical fireworks on display just as the gardens prepared to close for the night.

• Copenhagen sea forts

Copenhagen has three spectacular sea forts at the entrance to the harbour in the middle of Øresund. The famous three sea forts are named Middelgrundsfortet, Flakfortet and Trekroner. Copenhagen has the largest sea forts of its kind in the world. It is also noted as one of the best-preserved sea fort of the three. Tour guides of the forts are an experience that will take you back in time and to the history of the Danish defense system that was responsible for protecting Copenhagen from threat of attack from the sea. Tours are available on a daily basis for your convenience. Another must experience for your day out observation of sea forts will be the pleasure of dining out at the sea fort. Boats can escort you through Øresund out to the islands. Other transportation alternatives include renting your own boat or being flown by helicopter to view the war landmarks sea forts by air.

•  Copenhagen Royal Theater

The Royal Theatre makes the number fourth spot on this list, as it is an experience that just cannot be passes on. The Royal Theatre’s Old Stage, originally built in 1748, is located in a beautiful renaissance building at Kongens Nytorv square. The Royal Theatre features red velvet seats, crystal chandelier and gilt decorations to create the perfect setting and most perfect stage for an evening out at the ballet. Other featured programs at The Royal Theatre are dance, classical music, opera or theater. To ensure your place at this very special event do purchase your tickets in advance.

Photo of sculptures at Ny Carlsbeg Glyptote, Copenhagen, Denmark originally posted by Jacob Bøtter

Check out these 5 Copenhagen hotels close to Tivoli Gardens. Also conveniently located within walking distance of København H train station, these city hotels allow easy access to the most popular children-friendly attractions in and around Copenhagen, such as Denmark’s Aquarium, Zoologisk Have (Copenhagen Zoo), and Bakken Amusement Park.

1. Bertrams Hotel Guldsmeden

Part of the Guldsmeden hotel group, the Bertrams Hotel offers romantic rooms in Copenhagen, Denmark. Located in the Vesterbro area, right behind the main train station and a short walk from Tivoli Gardens, this Copenhagen hotel boasts luxury amenities including a 24-hour reception desks, a café-restaurant, meeting facilities, a shop where guests can purchase Guldsmeden beauty products such as organic shampoo and body cream, as well as a private parking at the Carlton Hotel Guldsmeden. This non-smoking hotel features a lovely inner courtyard with garden furniture, heating lamps and blankets, where guests can relax, away from the hustle and bustle of central Copenhagen.

2. Axel Hotel Guldsmeden

The Axel is another Guldsmeden luxury hotel in Copenhagen ideally located in the central Vesterbro district, just behind København H central station and a few steps from Tivoli Gardens. Ideal for a romantic getaway in Copenhagen, the Axel Hotel offers splendid guest rooms and suites blending modern art and traditional Balinese style furniture, as well as top quality amenities and services including 24-hour reception desk, fine dining restaurant, lounge bar, bike rental and fully-equipped conference and banqueting facilities. In addition, this Spa Hotel in Copenhagen features sauna, steam bath with essential oils, cold and hot tubs, and meditation and yoga area.

3. Hotel Kong Frederik

The Hotel Kong Frederik is situated in downtown Copenhagen within easy reach of the city’s finest restaurants, most popular tourist attractions and trendiest shops, bars and nightclubs. Located by Rådhuspladsen Town Hall Square, next to the main pedestrian street, Strøget, and Tivoli Gardens amusement park, this 4-star hotel offers high standard accommodation in Copenhagen and luxury hotel amenities including 24-hour front desk service, bar, meeting facilities, banqueting room, private car park, and wireless Internet access. This city hotel also boasts the award-winning restaurant Brasserie Le Coq Rouge, where hotel guests can enjoy fine French cuisine, wine and music in a chic Parisian atmosphere.

4. Hotel Danmark

The Hotel Danmark enjoys a central location in Copenhagen. Situated in a lively area filled with shops, bars and restaurants, this Copenhagen hotel offers accommodation near Tivoli entertainment park, Rådhus city hall and Glyptothek art museum, and only a 5-minute walk from the world famous Strøget (Copenhagen’s main shopping street). Owned by the Brøchner-Mortensen hotel chain, this city hotel has a trendy restaurant with terrace, where guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet and sample genuine Danish food, including classic smørrebrød sandwiches. Hotel amenities also include 24-hour front desk service, private parking area, meeting facilities, and free wireless Internet access.

5. Ascot Hotel

Ideally located close to Copenhagen Tivoli Gardens, Rådhuspladsen City Hall Square and Strøget shopping street, the Ascot Hotel is a landmark hotel boasting a unique history. Dating back to the 19th Century, this 4-star hotel was originally Copenhagen’s Bath House and its architecture creates a very special atmosphere. Hotel amenities include 24-hour reception desk, comfortable guest rooms, bar, restaurant, modern meeting facilities, wireless Internet access, solarium, fitness room, banqueting and meeting facilities, and private parking area. In addition, hotel guests can rent a car or a bike on the premises.

Michelin-starred Restaurant in Southern Italy: This week, A Luxury Travel Blog recommends having dinner at Rossellinis. Located in Ravello, a small town overlooking the wonderful Amalfi Coast, Italy, this 2-star Michelin restaurant offers delicious updated Neapolitan specialties.

Hotel News from Denmark: On The Copenhagen Post, read the story of a police raid in a Copenhagen hotel. Followed by the arrest of four criminals involved in a multi-million kroner robbery in the Brøndby neighborhood, the unexpected operation literally scared hotel guests to death.

Modern Museums: Forbes lists the world’s must-see museum makeovers including the Prado Museum in Madrid, the Guggenheim Museum in New York, the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and more History and Art museums in the United States.

New Travel Trend: On ABC News, read an article on babymooning, a last-minute holiday that future parents take before their baby’s birth.

1. Romantic Castle Excursion

Top on the list of romantic activities for you and your special someone is the must see and must do romantic castle excursion. Copenhagen has some of the world’s most divine historical castles. One especially special romantic castle visit is the Amalienborg Palace & Amaliehaven. This castle is especially romantic as it is also the winter residence of the Danish royal family. So if it is good enough for them then it has to be good enough to make this oh so romantic list.

Castle’s the world are magical places unto themselves. The fairytale history behind most castles often entail the legendary story of the prince who finds his princess creating even more heaving romanticism and notion for this romantic getaway spot. Taking long romantic walks through the castle hallways, gardens and corridors will warm even the most harden romantic free heart. Other romantic castles of Copenhagen include the Rosenborg Castle & The King’s Garden, Frederiksborg Castle & Baroque Garden and Kronborg Castle.

2. Cupid at Thorvaldsen Museum

Cupid at Thorvaldsen Museum is almost a dead give away with Cupid in the name drop for this romantic excursion out. This 1848 museum features the works of honored Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. The Cupid and Psyche sculpture will be actually what the romantic doctor ordered for your romantic Copenhagen getaway. Who can resist the glance of Cupid himself, God of erotic love and beauty with his trademark sending his arrows through people’s hearts to invoke love and romance?

3. A night at Copenhagen Opera House

A night at The Opera in Copenhagen is a quintessential romantic experience you would not want to miss even if you are not a lover of opera itself. Any opera is an experience, but a Danish opera well that is an experience in a league of its own. The opera drawn by Danish architect Henning Larsen, is an experience you will never forget. Dining out before the opera is almost a prerequisite as the local cuisine is just superb especially when you choose a restaurant with panorama view of Copenhagen. Another great aspect of our opera experience is just as darkness falls catching a glimpse of the city lights from the Opera’s balcony on the 4th floor. For this excursion be sure to get your opera tickets in advance just to ensure you do not miss out.

4. The Baroque Park at Gammel Holtegaard

The Baroque Park at Gammel Holtegaard is located in Holte just north of Copenhagen. Here you will find exhibitions of Danish and international art, ancient and modern, paintings, sculptures and photographs. The lovebirds in you will most delight in the romantic setting of the Baroque Park. In 1755, Laurids de Thurah established the park with fruit tree avenues, fountains and arcades. Summer is one of the best times to attend and experience to the fullest your romantic excursion as on every Sunday afternoon there are open-air concerts featuring jazz and classical music. Love could truly be in the air after experiencing this romantic getaway in Copenhagen things to do list.

Photo of Guard House motif, Copenhagen originally posted by Percita

San Francisco

Recommended by: Federica, 30, information architect
I just got back from San Francisco where I went on honeymoon with my husband Luca (also a Venere.com employee). San Fransisco is my favorite city because every area is so different from the next one. I especially liked Fisherman’s Wharf with its excellent sea food.
Tip: Have San Francisco clam chowder, enjoy!

Copenhagen

Recommended by: Simone, 34, software developer
I love Copenhagen! I like the fact that its landscapes are flat, I like the bicycle traffic and the absence of sky scrapers. I especially like Danish Museum of Art & Design. Copenhagen has a high quality of life and excellent food and yummy salmon.
Tip: The city center is a must-see.

Pienza, Tuscany

Recommended by: Mascha, 27, junior SEO
Pienza is a small gem, the typical Tuscan village like you would imagine when you watch pasta commercials. The little town square is lovely and Pienza has been an inspiration to film makers like Federico Fellini who regularly visited the town. It was also the setting for the successful Minghella movie The English Patient.
Tip: Visit the monastery of Sant’Anna in Camprena at 20 km outside of town. The monastery was the setting for most scenes of The English Patient.

Dublin

Recommended by: Francesco, 32, credit controller
I lived in Dublin for 3 years and although I don’t find the city itself particularly beautiful, it does have a very relaxed and joyful atmosphere and the people are open and friendly, ideal for a weekend break. It is also very suitable as a destination for tourists traveling alone, being that it is so easy to meet other people. There are several great parks for walking or cycling, such as Phoenix Park and St. Stephen’s Green Park.
Tip: The village of Howth in the suburbs of Dublin is definitely worth a visit.

Berlin

Recommended by: Rita, 31, software developer
I am an architecture enthusiast and I love visiting Berlin. Berlin is full of great works by extrovert architects that also use ecological technologies. I especially like the building of the Reichstag (where the German parliament is housed) because of its historical appearance on the outside and the modern insides of the building, including its solar panels.
Tip: order pork shanks for dinner

Ravello

Recommended by: Alex, 28, SEM Analyst
I lived in Ravello, Amalfi Coast, for 10 years and still love to return often. It’s in the heart of the Amalfi Coast but contrary to other towns in the area the historical center of the town is at 300 metres (980 feet) of altitude. It doesn’t get too hot or crowded during the summer months. There is a great annual visual arts festival from June to September that I wouldn’t miss. Also, there is a boat connection to nearby Positano, Capri and Amalfi for day trips.
Tip: Visit the Villa Cimbrona and the Villa Rufolo where festival events are being held at sunrise. For dinner go to the Ristorante Cumpa Cosimo or to the upscale restaurant of the Hotel Palumbo.

Amongst the many delights that the Danes have given the world are the sweet flaky pastry called the ‘Danish’ which is a popular breakfast favorite, wonderful magical fairy tales like the Little Match Girl and the Ugly Duckling, written by Danish author and Copenhagen native, Hans Christian Anderson in the 19th Century and Lego, the popular industrial toy which is a perennial favorite with children all over the world.

Apart from the above mentioned products the Danes, are also known the world over for their inimitable sense of style and design. The capital city of Denmark, Copenhagen is a charming and vibrant city which is full of indigenous stylish lifestyle and clothing stores which are ideal showcases for the cutting edge Danish design sensibilities and are always worth a visit for design aficionados.

Most of these stores and art galleries are located on Copenhagen’s chic Bredgade Street, a street which is also home to Denmark’s leading auction house called Bruun Rasmussen. This auction house, which was established in 1948, sells art, furniture, jewelry etc through its various live and online auctions and it’s filled to the brim show rooms are always worth a visit.

Jorgen L Dalgaard

This small store is the veritable treasure trove of Bedgrade Street which presents a smorgasbord Scandinavian style including much Danish modern furniture and art works from Sweden and Finland. It specializes in Danish porcelain, stoneware and glass.

Georg Jensen

The world famous Danish silver company which was founded in the late 19th century and has outlets all over the globe is also located here on Bredgade Street. This fine store sells a wide variety of household and personal silver products which are the embodiment of Danish style and design.

The Royal Copenhagen

This fine porcelain company has been associated with Danish Design ever since it was founded in 1775. The flagship store of the company is located in the heart of Copenhagen in Amagertorv. The store has displays of its various world renowned lines like the Blue Fluted with its blue and white patterned dinner service which is always in demand. The store also displays its new and contemporary lines like the Blue Fluted Mega which is the result of collaboration with a young ceramist called Karen Kjældgärd- Larsen and which was created to appeal to a new generation of customers. At the four storied store you can actually watch the artisans work on their delicate designs and also shop for bargains from past seasons from the factory outlet in the basement.

The Danish Design Center

This exciting display of Danish style is housed in a high tech building on Hans Christian Andersens Boulevard opposite Copenhagen’s other famous landmark, the Tivoli Gardens. The building itself has been designed by a world famous Danish architect called Professor Henning Larsen and has several changing exhibitions which display the works of eminent Danish designers like Arne Johnson, Piet Hein, Jørn Utzon and iconic Danish products from Danish companies like the stylish Hi-fi company Bang and Olufsen, Bodum and Lego. The building apart from its offices and exhibition halls also has a café called Café Dansk which retails Danish cuisine and has a store called the Danish Design Center store where you can buy books, home products and a line dedicated to traveling light called Travel Light, which consists of stylish multi use products that enable you to travel light with much oomph and style.

Copenhagen design hotel on venere.com: The Square Hotel Copenhagen

This Copenhagen hotel is centrally located on Radhuspladsen Town House square, within easy walking distance of Stroget, Tivoli Garden amusement park and Copenhagen Central Station. The Square is an exclusive design hotel that boasts Scandinavian style interiors including the famous ‘Egg’ circular sofa by Arne Jacobsen. The Square Hotel Copenhagen also offers a lounge bar and a breakfast restaurant enjoying breathtaking views over Copenhagen city’s rooftops.

Photo of Danish Design Center, Copenhagen by jetheriot

Vikings… Stoic, adventurous, courageous, intimidating, resourceful, blond-haired, blue-eyed knights in chain-mail armor on scary dragon-looking ships. Right? Right. But what are their Danish descendants like today?

Beautiful

Danes are a pretty people, no question. Tall, mostly, and yes, quite often blond. If you find yourself wondering what so many models are doing walking around in the middle of the day, you might as well be in Copenhagen. Or anywhere else in Denmark, for that matter.

Stylish

Still wondering what are all those models right off the runway doing walking down the streets? That’s because you are in Copenhagen, a design-obsessed, fashion-loving city where the latest fashions can be found at virtually any price. Copenhagen proudly hosts a fashion week every year at the end of the summer. But if you want to see a real-life fashion show, stroll down Stroget, the above-mentioned pedestrian street in the heart of Copenhagen at any time of the year and you’ll be wowed by the fashion sense of the local beauties.

Oh, wait; did I just see a model riding a bicycle? …

Bike-riding

Tricky city, Copenhagen. Judging by the number of bikes rushing past you in ever-present bike lanes or parked at any given moment on any given street, one might think they are in Tokyo. But biking is as much an attribute of Danish culture, as, let’s say, H. C. Andersen, or Carlsberg beer, which, if you were to believe another bold slogan, is “probably the best beer in town.” That “probably” is precious. Speaking of beer…

Beer-drinking

Where else in the world can you enjoy beer at a museum cafeteria? Or at a mall food-court? A bakery? A coffee-shop? An amusement park? Well, probably in a few places, but one of them is definitely Copenhagen. Vikings would approve…

Hard-working

Copenhagen is a rather expensive place to live, what with the rent rates, high taxes, food prices and the over-all high-climbing numbers on any price tag in view. But that’s the cost the Danes pay for their excellent welfare and healthcare systems. So, in order to meet the financial challenge and not end up moving out to the country, the Danish work hard, often after hours. An office building across the street from my home in Copenhagen has its windows lit by seven o’clock in the morning (that’s the earliest I ever wake up), and well into the night, any day of the week. Even on Sunday, somebody is there, in that vast office buildings with huge windows for walls, showing off their zeal and making me feel so lazy by comparison… There is a whole row of these transparent office “aquariums” on my block, and I am sure that’s not a coincidence.

Fun-loving

Danish people work hard, no question, but they play even harder, in my opinion. The amount of bars in this city is staggering, and they are never empty. Danes love to party and nothing, even a day-old baby (by the looks of it) would stop them; I’ve seen it myself. A large group would gather at a local café, join almost all of the tables together and form an instant party, with kids in tow. Party sounds from every other window in my apartment complex, that’s how you know it’s Friday night… Danes live their lives to the fullest on their time off. They enjoy outdoors tremendously, trying to catch every single ray of precious sunlight by immediately occupying all available grass-covered space in the vicinity. On any given nice-enough day, parks are full of picnickers, with their baskets, kids, dogs, bicycles, portable barbecue grills, what have you. Lounging in the sun, that’s what the Danes seem to adore. Just visit a canal-adjacent street in Amager, right across the river from downtown, on an especially sunny day in the summer, and you’ll see what I am talking about. Danish people are also very active, participating in any outdoor activity you can imagine, from jogging to… picnicking, of course.

Patient

It never ceases to amaze me, the way Danish people tolerate crowds and lines, or any kind of inconvenience, for that matter. Copenhagen is not a very crowded city, but it can get pretty tough on my beloved Stroget, especially in the last weeks before Christmas. So, what do the Danes do? Push their way through the crowd and snap at each other? Not in Copenhagen, they don’t. People would patiently follow the flow of the human river, at any pace that the crowd dictates, and rarely voice their displeasure. Same can be observed in queues, which, by some unexplainable reason, the Danish cannot quite form properly. They would gather in a crowd and patiently advance towards, say, a cash register, but in no particular order. The strangest thing… And, nevertheless, no complaints, not from the Danish. That’s how you know a foreigner – by seeing them pacing impatiently or rolling their eyes, or sighing obnoxiously loud. No Viking blood in those, obviously.

Non-discriminating

There are people of all colors and walks of life living in Copenhagen, whose Muslim population, for example, is rather large. But everybody treats each other in the same Nordic reserved manner, with no exceptions. At times, foreigners attribute certain cold demeanor from clerks or other service providers to some hostility towards their ethnicity or skin color. I can declare with all certainty that no such discrimination can be encountered in Denmark. Everybody is treated as equals, with no exceptions. If a foreigner breaks some non-written rule (like failing to ring the bicycle bell when passing another bicycle in the fast lane, for example), they would be non-discriminately scolded (but calmly, mind you). Even the whole Danish social system is structured so that nobody advances too much financially. The high taxes are making sure of that. So everyone remains equal.

Political

With all that patience in store, the Danish, nevertheless, do not tolerate any infringement on any of their rights or even expectations, politically speaking. Almost every month, you would encounter some sort of demonstration or picketing in the downtown area of Copenhagen. The Danes know what they are entitled to, or they think they do, and do not hesitate to demand it. Very Viking-like.

So, what would the Vikings think? My guess, they would be proud!

Picture of Danish flag originally posted by eriwest

The recent ban on pigeon feeding in Venice, Italy marks the end of a long touristic tradition. Be careful next time you visit St.Mark’s square: don’t feed pigeons or you could get fined!

On the International Herald Tribune, Italian wine lovers can read an interesting story on Soave wine produced in the Verona countryside.

Looking for an eco-friendly hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark? Book your stay at carbon neutral Hotel Danmark, Ibsens Hotel or Hotel Kong Arthur, all members of Brochner hotel group.

More Environmentally-friendly hotel news: the Whitehall Group printing company came up with the idea of biodegradable room keys that hotel guests can recycle after their stay.

Anyway, this post is not about Danish culinary specialties, such as marinated herring or frikadeller (Scandinavian meatballs), served in the best traditional restaurants that budget travelers just cannot afford. It is simply a short list of “little food pleasures” not to be missed if you visit Copenhagen.

1. Flødebolle

This wafer biscuit with fluffy marshmallow cream enrobed in a chocolate shell is the most popular Danish sweet. You can opt for a classic flødebolle, a coconut-coated version, or one with a coffee-flavored cream filling. You can taste delicious freshly-made flødeboller (plural of flødebolle) in all pastry and chocolate shops. I guess the ones from Illum Department Store deli are excellent too, but I have never tried them because they are so expensive… Industrial flødeboller packs can also be purchased at any supermarket at a small price (Copenhagen is full of discount stores like Netto or Fakta). Even if they are not freshly made they are very good too. I would kill for a flødebolle right now! If anybody knows where I could find some in Rome, please let me know!

2. Smørrebrød

Literally “butter bread”, this kind of open-faced sandwich, a simple slice of black bread piled high with a wide range of ingredients, from meat to cheese, from veggies to eggs, from salmon to shrimps, is a real Danish classic. Perfect for a quick lunch, it can be found in all city neighborhoods. Situated in the Latin Quarter, around Strøget pedestrian street (a real paradise for a shopping addict like me), Danish Lunch, Klareboderne Smørrebrød, Domhusets Smørrebrød, Rådhus Smørrebrød, and Ritz Smørrebrød, all are just a few amongst the numerous smørrebrød takeaways. Many travel guides and blogs recommend Ida Davidsen restaurant but I would not suggest it to budget travelers.

3. Chocolate cake from the 24-hour bakery of Christiania

In this section of Copenhagen, a former military base occupied by a free-living community, you cannot only find hash, but also organic food and delicious brownies with chocolate icing at any time of day or night. Not original, but yummy!

4. Pølse, the Danish hot dog

If you are not crazy about vegetarian and whole food, why not experience local junk food? Well, sorry… local fast food. For a quick bite, grab a pølse from one of the innumerable sausage stands (pølsevogne in Danish), which can be found at almost every street corner, especially in the historic center and in the Nørrebro area. At night, you can also get a Pølse at one of the numerous 7-Eleven convenience stores open round the clock. In addition, a visit to Tivoli Gardens amusement park, one of the greatest attractions in Scandinavia, is not complete without eating a pølse after a ride on The Demon roller coaster. Also known as Fransk Hotdogs, even if they have never been seen in France, pølser (plural of pølse) are commonly served grilled or boiled in a traditional hot dog bun with onions (either fried or raw), mustard, ketchup, and the very popular Danish remoulade sauce. If you want to try something more special than the classic version, you can choose amongst a large variety of sausages and different dressings. Not very healthy, but tasty!

5. Winerbrød

In Denmark, hot dogs are “French” and what Americans would call Danish pastries are curiously “Viennese”. When visiting Copenhagen, follow the delightful cinnamon scent, enter the first konditori or bageriet (bakery), and try a delicious kanelsnegle (cinnamon rolls) or a chokoladebolle (pastry filled with chocolate). And why not both after all?

Are you looking for exquisite china, trendy houseware, or fashionable ensembles for all occasions? It can all be found in this city, and very often on the same street, the famous pedestrian Strøget. You can find it, all right, but can you afford it? That’s literally a million-dollar question. Well, follow me, my friends, and I’ll show you how it’s done when you are on a budget.

Fashion

The most popular pedestrian shopping street in Copenhagen is Strøget. It’s a very touristy place, and rightly so, since there is an abundance of souvenir shops and beautiful sights. Strøget is a very long street interrupted by two beautiful squares with remarkable fountains. That’s enough reason to venture into Strøget.

But I digress. We are on a mission here, hunting for bargains.

Let’s start at the City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) on Hans Christian Andersen Blvd and head East. First stop, right off the square is Vero Moda, a little trendy store for the young ones and the ones young at heart. The store carries the latest trends with a Scandinavian twist. It also offers a wide variety of jeans by a brand called ONLY. If you pay attention to the back pockets of jean-wearers on the streets of Copenhagen, you’d notice the little red label with the word ONLY quite often. The jeans are very reasonably priced to boot.

Just a few more steps down Strøget from the square, on the right-hand side you’ll find a store called Taxi. It’s Copenhagen memorabilia paradise, with a wide variety of T-shirts, lingerie, sweaters and sweatshirts, featuring logos like “I love CPH” (an abbreviation for Copenhagen), and other trendy things, all for fairly reasonable prices.

Next stop – a store called New Yorker, where the prices are really astounding. The place offers all the latest youth fashion trends, according to the current season, as well as an impressive playful lingerie collection. If you find the lower level of the store, you are in luck since this is where the sales are. I personally am a proud owner of some great finds from that store at a price of only five euros.

Another great label is Vila, offering a European twist on the latest trends. Right now, sequins are “it,” and there are plenty of sequined dresses and cardigans on display at Vila. Let’s not forget the prices – the numbers on tags rarely rise here above fifty euros.

Zara, a Spanish brand flagship store on Strøget, is the epitome of modern stylish elegance and trendiness combined, if there is ever such a thing. Beautifully sewn pieces offer great basics for any wardrobe. But the store also carries quirky outfits that are both unique and trendy, a hard-to-pull-of combination. And yet, the prices stay beyond hundred-Euro limit, sometimes falling as low as ninety nine Danish crowns (around eighteen dollars) for a beautiful knit sweater.

Of course, the large H&M across from the Church of the Holy Ghost is the Mecca for fashion-conscious-but-budget-watching shoppers. Here, you’ll find anything from the latest looks (at laughable prices) to hosiery to lingerie to sleepwear to any kind of accessories, including makeup.

At this point of our excursion, we have reached the second beautiful square on Strøget, with a fountain featuring elegant cranes. On the corner of the square, we see Illum, not a very cheap store, and from there on, to Kongens Nytorv square, we would find mostly luxury brands, such as Louis Viutton, Gucci, Max Mara, and the likes. Of course, it depends on your budget, but on ours, the prices there are a little too steep. So, let’s stick to our agenda, which is budget-shopping. The rest of the way to the square, you’ll encounter another H&M and another Vero Moda, in case you missed those previously.

Of course, Strøget is not the only place to shop for fashion, on a budget or not, in Copenhagen. There are three major malls in the city, one being the enormous Field’s, situated not far from Copenhagen airport, in Amager district. Another one is Fisketorvet, a new shopping center near downtown, steps away from Dybbølsbro train station. The third shopping paradise is Frederiksberg mall, which can be entered right from the Frederiksberg metro station. In any of these three places, you’ll find all the stores mentioned previously, except for Zara, which is exclusively represented at Field’s.

Let me assure you, we haven’t even gotten beyond the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fashion shopping, even on a budget, in Copenhagen. But that’s a start, so get going.

Housewares

Of course, you will encounter numerous elegant souvenir and house ware shops on Strøget, like Royal Copenhagen, Georg Jensen flagship store, and Illum Bolighus. But there, you will be putting your budget at risk, and that is contrary to our mission. So follow me, and I’ll show you where savvy shoppers hunt for the fashionable trinkets at reasonable prices.

We’ll have to abandon the city center and venture into a district called Frederiksberg where the above-mentioned Frederiksberg fashion center is situated. In this part of town, you will find a Søndre Fasanvej’s factory outlet, located at Søndre Fasanvej 9, and that is our destination. It’s a real treasure chest for china-loving, candle-holders-adoring public. Here, you will find high-quality items by Royal Copenhagen and Georg Jensen, as well as second-rate products, and all for the prices that are much lower than the ones on Strøget.

Amber

If it looks like gold, it must be gold, right? Wrong, but it’s not necessarily such a bad thing if it’s gold-plated, instead. And plenty of wonderful gold-plated, amber-encrusted jewelry, as well as silver-encased items, can be found at Amber Specialist, back on Strøget, not too far down from the Town Hall square, on the left-hand side. Do not confuse it with the nearby Amber Museum since their prices are steeper.

Miscellaneous

Thought the 99 Cents Store could only be found in the United States? Wrong again. There are perfect Danish equivalents, such as Tiger and Sostrene Grene.

Tiger has several locations, but one of the largest is located on H. C. Andersen Boulevard, just opposite the City Hall square. It’s the perfect little store where prices rarely go higher than twenty Danish crowns, and most of the items cost just ten. And what items: anything from dishes and kitchenware to office supplies to gifts to candles to toys and games to CDs and DVDs… and more.

Sostrene Grene, on the other hand, while similar, offers a wider variety of products at a wider variety of prices, but here you can find things for even less than ten crowns. The store officers a perfect array of gift ideas, ever-present candles, art supplies, dishware, and much, much more, like teas and coffees from all over the world, and perfect little packages of candy, as well as spices, jellies, sodas… But come and see for yourself. You can’t miss it on Strøget, right next to H&M. Sostrene Grene can also be found at the shopping centers like Frederiksberg, Fisketorvet and Field’s.

So, what are you waiting for? Get going, and happy bargain-hunting!

Picture of Danish coin originally posted by robert.linden

1. K3 (Knabrostræde 3)

I know there are some clichés regarding writing about clubs, such as calling something “the ultimate club experience,” but I do have to say that, for Copenhagen, this is such a spot.

Boasting two buildings, multiple floors with multiple dance floors and bars, K3 is that sort of uberclub you see in the movies more in real life, yet here it exists. Even though it’s huge, the place still fills up with the club kids and you’re hard-pressed to be able to move freely, handy for getting closer with the locals.

Go on Saturday (early- long lines can kill) and look sharp, because the young Danes who go there look their best and if you want to do anything besides ogle the passers-by, it’s best to dress the part. And bring money. That can be said as a general rule for Copenhagen nightlife, of course, but at a club of this magnitude expect some pricing of equal size.

2. Our Bar (Studiestræde 7)

This is the perfect place to wind down after a whirlwind evening, or gently ease you into the night to come.

Our Bar is an excellent lounge with soft lighting and comfortable couches that can really be a relief after a long time on a dance floor, and the general warm feeling keeps that good old Danish philosophy of hygge in no short supply. But also, this is a friendly place where you can talk to the bartender and shoot the breeze about his job and the city, and anyone else there is pretty much in a similar mode of ease.In addition, the drinks here are absolutely amazing. Legitimately, stupendously amazing. They get pricey, but feel free to order something off the beaten path, or ask the bartender for a suggestion, because the drinks here are mixed with artistry and craft. Seeing the bartenders work is sometimes like watching an expert sculptor or chemist.

The drinks are also ludicrously strong, so while it may be more, you’re certainly getting your money’s worth in sheer alcohol and taste. Also, I recommend this as the place to take and sweet thing to when the night requires some more intimate conversation; it’s only a few streets away from Strøget and the majority of the clubs and bars there.

3. McKluud’s (Istedgade 126)

Admittedly a bit over-celebrated at this point and can get to the point of critical mass on the weekends, this place still gets high marks because of its unpretentious and laid back ambiance.

A western dive in every sense of the term, here you can pick up a game of pool and a nice (and cheap) Danish draft and do it up with the hip young things of Vesterbro. The place makes you feel a little less watched than chic lounges or fancy clubs, so people here tend to be a bit more, shall we say, less dolled up than just a neighbourhood over in the City.

This bar is also a nice departure from the club rat scene and if your style is a little more denim and sweaters than slacks and silk ties, this is your home base. It’s right off of the street Oehlenschlægersgade (impossible to pronounce, don’t even try) which features some more bars of a similar ilk, so if the crowds of McKluud’s prevent you from getting service head down to one of these. This street stays open late.

4. Café Stalingrad (Stengade 30)

If you’ve been in touch with news of the Danish youth of late, surely you’ve heard of Christiania and the youth house (or ungdomshuset). This bar/club/concert venue is the base of operations for all the counter-culture of Copenhagen, regularly featuring punk, reggae, and other such loud, fast, and generally black attired kinds of artists.

The entire place is a Spartan industrial complex with multiple floors and winding stairwells. Take in the finer anarchic details and feel the social upheaval that the place is teeming with. Remember, this is no nightspot for those without a feel for the culture, so I wouldn’t recommend this place when you’re looking for a heavily made-up, house-loving pretty blond girl or trying to dance the night away to a familiar techno pulse. Well, the girl may be heavily made-up, but I hope you like pink mascara.

5. The Rock (Skindergade 45 -47)

Keeping in line with Stengade 30, The Rock is another place devoid of the hipsters and filled with aggression.

Perhaps you may know Scandinavia as a welcoming home to metal, with various threateningly-named bands emerging from the snow-covered fjords of Norway and Sweden. Here is their Danish center conveniently close to Nørreport station.

Head banging and moshing are the favorite activities of this place, and if you’re looking for the place where Danes let their hair down and watch it bob up and down to a thundering bass drum this right here’s the spot.

For all the talk of talking it out with the locals to gain a sense of the culture, sometimes really all you need is to get in the thick of a sweaty, amped-up crowd and start swinging to really feel like you belong to a lovely group of people.

Want to experience the Danish nightlife? Check out our selection of funky Copenhagen hotels on venere.com.

Photo originally posted by Metz