In the peace and quiet of this little country of Denmark, it’s difficult to imagine barbaric Vikings strutting around with their swords and spears. Tourists of all kinds will find Denmark a great destination with everything from sandy beaches, fjords and coves to scenic country side with ring forts and castles and centuries old monuments to savor. If these are not enough to convince you to visit Denmark, here are five other reasons that will.

1. The Happiest Place on Earth

Among its many accolades and awards, Denmark has earned the distinction for being the happiest plcae on earth, and you’ll find this easy to understand once you visit Denmark. In its capital city, Copenhagen, alone, you will find Danes smiling while shopping along Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, having a family picnic in the Tivoli Gardens or simply enjoying a carefree stroll in the gardens of the Amalienborg Palace, particularly during the country’s seemingly endless summer days. Even in winter when the sun rarely shines, recreational activities abound, while there are festivals scattered throughout the year, like the three-day Carnival of Copenhagen, the equally colorful Aalborg Carnival, the Odense International Days of Blues and the Holmsboe Festival in Horsens. Indeed, if you were a Dane, you would be happy, too.

2. Freetown Christiana

One of the most interesting places in Denmark is Freetown Christiana, a neighborhood in Copenhagen infamous for its own liberated set of rules. Here, you will find anarchism rampant, the hippie movement more alive than ever, yoga as the most popular pastime, a limited number of private cars allowed, a thriving Gay House and both academics and jobless people taking sanctuary – which makes it a completely different world of its own. You can even find hash and skunk weed openly sold in many shops along Pusher Street, although this is something Denmark is trying to ratify.

3. Danish Design

Danish design is known throughout the world for its trendy combination of sophistication and simplicity, as evident in its furniture, crafts and architecture. Indeed, you will see many cafes and coffee bars in Denmark which appear like effortless works of art. You can even spend the night in the world’s first designer hotel – the SAS Royal Hotel, which exudes style to the very smallest details. To learn more about Danish design, drop by the Danish Design Centre or the Danish Museum of Art and Design or learn about specific Danish crafts at the Museum for International Contemporary Glass and the Museum for International Ceramic Art.

4. Danish Food

For its cuisine, Denmark has various regional specialties like pan-fried plaice with wild berries in Skagen, pramdragergryde (lumps of pork with bacon and coarsely chopped vegetables) in Gudena, cabbage sausage in southern Jutland and bidesild (herring soaked in brine) in Mon, while open sandwiches or Smorrebrod can be found almost everywhere. For tasty Danish gourmet dishes, try eating out at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants in the country, like Formel B, Restaurant Ensemble, Restaurant Herman and Noma.

For drinks, you will find Mead, the drink of the Vikings, in Danish pubs, as well as champagne and fruit wines served in Danish restaurants, although Denmark remains a beer country, with nearly a hundred micro breweries. Famous breweries include those in Herslev, Refsvindinge and Bogedal, where beer brewing is considered an art and done the traditional way – with human hands or old-fashioned technology – which make them worthy attractions when you visit Denmark. You will also find Glogg or hot punch all around during Christmas, which is best enjoyed with the roast goose or special rice porridge that comes with the Julefrokost or Christmas feast.

5. Attractions for Children

Do you want to bring your children with you when you visit Denmark? By all means, do so, since there are definitely plenty of fun opportunities for children of all ages that await them. These include zoos like the Copenhagen Zoo, Odense Zoo and Aalborg Zoo where they can learn more about wild animals like elephants, giant turtles and chimpanzees, and even get to interact with them. They can also learn about the cultural heritage of Denmark by visiting the Viking Ship Museum, the Hans Christian Andersen Museum and the J.F. Willumsen’s Junior Museum or see toys from all over the world at the Skuldelev Toy Museum.

The most popular Danish attraction for children, though, is the original Legoland in Billund, with plenty of exciting rides all made out of colorful Lego blocks, which is why this is a place you should definitely bring your kids to when you visit Denmark.

Famous for its Viking ship, Denmark has become known as an oasis in Europe. With its beautiful and astonishing treasures of nature, Denmark is rapidly becoming a must visit holiday destination. When visiting Denmark, you will experience their history and culture. Although it is the smallest Scandinavian country, Denmark is full of castles, museums, historic towns, Viking sites, white sandy beaches, and many unspoiled islands to be explored by nature enthusiasts.

The Aalborg tower is a modern building and is a popular attraction for people of all ages. The main appeal of the tower is the spectacular views of the North Jylland countryside and the Limfiord to the north of the city. It is the perfect place to visit on a fine day, as the views extend as far as the North Sea and as Far East as the Katteegat. The tower has a whole load of facilities ranging from a kiosk to a cafe and restaurant that will surely satisfy every visitors needs.

For those interested in Denmark’s religious establishment, the Aaby Kirke is a highly recommended attraction. It is a popular church with one long nave, three-sided chancel at the east, and a west-end tower. The Church has an old world origin as it was built in 1872 and 1873 as a replacement for a previous Romanesque church. The inside designs are one of a kind, it features an unusual red and yellow brickwork to produce a stripped effect in the walls.

The Tivoli Garden is much more than just a central city park. This relatively small area in the heart of the city is actually one of the world’s most thrilling entertainment complexes. The Tivoli Lake reflects the incredible trademark fireworks display that light up the sky over the gardens twice a week. The garden is a romantic place for lovers who want a nice and relaxing walk.

Those looking for a different kind of holiday should try checking out the intriguing Erotica Museum. The museum exhibits erotic paintings, postcards, photos, films, magazines, sculptures, sex toys and many sensual objects. It was established 30 years ago when Denmark first liberalized pornography. The Museum showcases serious erotic themes. It traces erotic history from ancient times to the present day. The museum, besides its name, works and demonstrates erotic themes in a higher sense of knowledge.