It's a tiny country of 5½ million people, but suddenly Denmark feels like the most happening place on the planet. First, a Copenhagen restaurant few people had heard of was voted best in the world -- and held on to the title for three years in a row. Then Danish TV dramas "The Killing" and "Borgen" captured the imagination of a worldwide audience. And now designers Malene Birger, Ivan Grundahl and a new generation coming up behind them are taking the international fashion scene by storm. "Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen," trilled Danny Kaye in his movie portrayal of Denmark's famous fairytale author, Hans Christian Andersen. And it is wonderful -- though there's a lot more to the Danish capital than the beautiful little harbor surrounded by quaint townhouses that drew Andersen to the city nearly 200 years ago.
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Copenhagen's New Nordic cuisine and sophisticated design lure travelers
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The Danish city also has a playful side with its famous Little Mermaid and Tivoli Gardens
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For a side trip, rent a car to drive north from Copenhagen or to neighboring Skane in Sweden
Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Given the affection for Andersen's fairy tales, it's no surprise @placeholder's most-visited attraction is the tiny statue of the Little Mermaid on the waterfront.
Sweden
The southern tip of @placeholder used to be Danish, and still looks it, so no wonder Copenhagen locals scoot across the bridge connecting the two countries on weekends to eat in the province of Skane, known for its organic farms, pottery and fine restaurants as well as its wild beauty.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Copenhagen
• Pay extreme care when getting out of a taxi; @placeholder roads have two curbs, and only one of them is designed for pedestrians.
Danish
Danish
Danish
You'll require a 20 @placeholder kroner coin -- around $3 -- as refundable deposit, and must remember not to cycle after dark or in the city's parks.