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With more than 7,300 kilometres of coastline, 405 named islands, many navigable fjords and 600 lakes, rivers and watercourses, Denmark is the ideal destination for an active holiday in the blue element. Denmark never looked prettier than from the waterside and even inland the fjords or the sea are never far away.
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The diversity of the sea The Danes themselves have strong ties to the sea, which is at once pantry, workplace, playground and sports ground for a whole nation whose forefathers, the Vikings, mastered the sea like few others did. And the Danes are more than happy to share their playground with others. There is plenty of room and water activities are well organised so that surfers do not collide with bathers. Yachtsmen can sail their course in piece and quiet – and even canoeing/kayaking along the rivers is regulated to make sure that everyone can enjoy nature at its best.
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All sails set A sailing trip on the sea surrounding Denmark could never be monotonous. There are the deep fjords and their calm waters and the small sounds ringed by leafy beach trees. Small and large islands slip by in the horizon or at close range – because the distance between coasts is never so great that you would not be able to touch shore every evening. In this way the days alternate between the challenges of the sea and the relaxation of shorelife. You do not need to own a boat to go sailing in Denmark.
All kinds of sailing The Danish waters are ideal for all kinds of sailing in vessels of all types. Fjords, sounds and straits are ideal for peaceful sailing for all the family, with the South Funen archipelago, Smålandshavet and not least Limfjorden as just some of the favourites. But Denmark also offers great possibilities for sailing in the open sea. For those wishing to put out to sea without making landfall, the best idea is to set a course for the Kattegat islands of Anholt and Læsø or perhaps Skagen at the tip of Denmark. The Baltic too makes for great sea sailing, and here the rocky island of Bornholm would be the ideal target.
A sailing nation Denmark is a sailing nation and the marinas are some of the best places to meet Danes. Here you will find a friendly community that includes all. In 2002 79 of the marinas have also been awarded the Blue Flag. Denmark’s fine old seaports welcome yachtsmen to unspoilt town centres with old half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and atmospheric marinas. There will often be special quays for wooden vessels and in several places there is the chance to try old-style sailing in vintage boats.
Surf Klitmøller and Vorupør are names that ring bells with surfers around the globe. Denmark is an internationally recognised surf nation. Here there is no need to wait for the wind to come up because Denmark is the country in Europe where it blows most. The coastal conditions are perfect both for wave and speed. This is the reason why Denmark has produced several champions of this fascinating water sport. Besides the well-known sites there are countless places with ideal surf conditions just waiting to be discovered.
Surf schools Denmark is the perfect surf country for experienced surfers, but conditions are also ideal even for absolute beginners. It is always possible to find a safe and quiet place to practice and at one of Denmark’s more than 20 surf schools beginners can learn the basics. The schools provide both sails and boards and within 12 hours spread over a couple of days you will have picked up the essentials. For those who just want a taster, a 3-hour introductory course will help you decide if surfing is for you.
Kite surfing If you happen to spot a surfer with sail caught high in the wind instead of fixed to the board then you will be looking at a kite surfer. This is the latest and most compelling trend in surf sports. With no gravity to hold you down and the kite to catch wind, you will be able to make the highest, longest, most daring jumps. Denmark gives you the chance to try this under supervision.
In canoes and kayaks One of the best ways of combining relaxation with all-out action is to take a canoeing holiday. Denmark has countless navigable rivers, the most popular of which are Susåen in Sealand and Gudenåen in Jutland, as well as the smaller Skjern Å, Karup Å and Nørreå. Canoeing is a popular sport, but in order to protect the natural surroundings and make sure that everyone can enjoy Denmark’s rivers, canoeing is regulated and capacity is therefore limited. Overnight pitches are found along the rivers, while there is also the chance to stop off at one of the idyllic inns along the river for a rest and a square meal.
Eskimo Roll Those preferring the kayak can happily venture away from the rivers and lakes into the fjords and inshore waters. The sight of kayaks navigating along the shore, teetering on the crests of the waves is a graceful sight and the sheer versatility of the kayak makes it very popular. In Denmark there is the possibility both to paddle off quietly into the idyllic river valleys or ride the breakers along the coasts. Helnæs Bay in South Funen offers guided kayak tours and in the Copenhagen canals there is the chance to go sightseeing in a sea kayak, learn the Eskimo Roll or play a quick game of kayak water polo.
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