Denmark is most known for being the birthplace of the popular children’s toy, Lego, and master storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. However, Denmark has much more to offer like the following, which are all great reasons to visit Denmark.

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

If you want to see the other side of Denmark, there is no better place to go than Christiana, the anarchist district of Copenhagen. Although most famous (or infamous) for its Pusher Street, where drugs like hash and skunk weed are sold openly, Christiana’s charm lies in its unique culture – its atmosphere heavy with the sentiments of the hippie movement, and progressive ideals. It is also a great place to go if you’re a health buff, because of its yoga centres, organic markets and vegetarian restaurants.

3. Danish Design

Simple, stylish and functional – these are three words which best describe Danish design, which you will easily see and admire in architectural gems like the Danish Royal Library, fashion labels like Bang & Ofulsen, and furniture like the chairs in the rooms of the SAS Royal Hotel – the world’s first designer hotel, or those displayed at the Danish Design Centre and the Danish Museum of Art and Design. Danish crafts, like glassware and ceramics, are known worldwide, too, and you can learn more about them when visiting Middelfart and Ebeltoft.

4. Gastronomy

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.

Popular drinks include beer, which is hand-brewed in several breweries, Mead, the drink of the Vikings, fruit wines like cherry wines and elderberry wines and glogg, a hot punch which is particularly popular during the Christmas season. Aside from glogg, you can also get a taste of roast goose, Risengrod (rice porridge with butter and cinnamon) and the other delectable dishes during the Julefrokost or Christmas lunch so if you want to savor the best of Danish gastronomy, visit Denmark at Christmastime.

5. Zoos, Parks and Other Children’s Attractions

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.

Regardless of their age or interest, kids are also sure to love spending a day at Bon Bon Land and the original Legoland in Billund so take your children there when you visit Denmark. There are also many playgrounds in parks throughout the country, like those in Remiseparken, Valbyparken and Faelledparken, while the Selso Castle offers a treasure hunt for those who want to explore.

Isabella Olsen is a writer for various travel magazines who has been to global tourist destinations like Denmark. To book your car hire Denmark or learn more about car hire worldwide, visit Zencarhire.com.