Denmark is noted for its spectacular coastline, its high standard of living, and its mixture of old European traditions and modern designs. The Danish people are known for their hospitality, Scandinavian cuisine, and appreciation of jazz music. Danish designers are famous for furniture, housewares, and textiles.

Denmark consists of the Jutland Peninsula, the large islands of Funen (Fyn) and Zealand, and 404 smaller islands in the Kattegat and Baltic Seas. No spot in the country is more than 50 km. (31 mi.) from sea. Denmark is the only Scandinavian country without forests and mountains.

Copenhagen is a city of Gothic architecture, bridges, museums, and gardens. Tivoli Gardens is a popular open-air cultural and amusement center decorated with tinsel and Christmas-tree lights. The grounds are filled with colored fountains and exotic flower gardens, set among restaurants, beer gardens, theaters, cabarets, and game arcades. The nearby Glyptotek art museum has collections of classical sculpture and French Impressionist paintings. Den Permanente houses an exhibition of modern Danish crafts. Christiansborg Palace, the former residence of the monarchy, is now the seat of the Danish Parliament. The main shopping district is located along Pedest-rian Street.

Heirlooms and mementos belonging to the royal family are displayed at Rosenborg Castle. Every day at noon, visitors crowd in front of Amalienborg Castle to view the changing of the Royal Guards. At Tycho Brahe Planetarium, visitors can view astronomy exhibits and take a simulated voyage through space or under the sea. Important cultural centers in Copenhagen include the Mermaid Theater (the only theater where English-language productions are staged), the Royal Theater, and Tivoli Concert Hall. In late summer, Hamlet is performed at Kronborg Castle, which was the setting for Shakespeare's play.

Hans Christian Andersen's childhood home can be visited in the village of Odense on the isle of Funen. Two miles from the village is Den Fyske Landsby, where several historic buildings have been gathered to form an open-air museum. Svendborg, on the southern coast of Funen, is a popular center for sailing en-thusiasts.

In Jutland, travelers will find scenic fjords, misty moors, rolling dunes, and dark forests. Ribe, the oldest city in Denmark, was a medieval seaport but now is landlocked. From Arhus, the capital of Jutland, visitors can travel down the Silkeborg by riverboat to view Tollund Man, human remains that have been preserved in a bog for 2,000 years.