Four towns, five attractions, in the part of Jutland known as The Triangle – and all close to each other. These special sites each have something different to offer their visitors but all are interesting, informative and interactive.
Most visitors to Denmark pass through this area which is distinguished by the main roads throughout the country. They are missing five treats – the Lego House in Billund, the bridge that runs over Lillebælt, the Viking settlement in Jelling, the Medieval castles in Kolding and Trapholt, also in Kolding – plus the opportunity to spend a luxurious stay in Haraldskær, the old town. manor house.
Lego house in Billund
Billund is the home of Lego and celebrates the success of the interlocking plastic bricks with the Lego House which attracts visitors from all over the world. This unusual building dominates the city center of Billund. Flights of stairs, front and back lead to play space and see the platform incorporated in the roof and open day and night.
Four floors and a basement that tell the story of Lego display incredible creations ranging from large dinosaurs and urban landscapes to delicate floral creations. Some of these creations are displayed on large tree leaves that rise from floor to ceiling. The large activity area proves irresistible to people of all ages who soon become engrossed in their own efforts.
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A short walk from Lego House Legoland, a theme park based on famous products and littered with interesting installations. Mono-rail elevated above the park and small boats on the lake give a different perspective on the re-creation of famous buildings, and popular cities. Legoland and the more popular Lego House are not just for kids but will delight visitors of all ages.
Walking bridge on the Old Lillebælt Bridge
The Little Belt or Lillebælt is a straight line between mainland Denmark and Funen Island. In 1935, the first bridge over this straight, road and railway bridge was built. The second bridge was built in 1970 and the original bridge was known as the Old Lillebælt Bridge. Visitors can now wear dungarees and clip themselves to the rail to climb to the highest level and walk over this bridge. It’s a fun and very safe experience. Accompanying guides will point out landmarks and take photos – cameras and cell phones are not allowed. The stunning scenery and the regular rumble of the trains passing below add to the fun of this experience.
The home of the Viking kings in Jelling
During the tenth century, a rune stone was placed in Jelling in the name of Denmark by King Harald Bluetooth. The name has since been adopted by modern technology. On this stone, displayed outside the church, King Harald claims to have conquered Norway and brought Christianity to Denmark. He also arranged the construction of two barrows and a church in the same place. This monument, the Jelling Monument, is the best Viking monument in Europe. In 1994, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from the visitor and experience center, Kongernes Jelling, it has created a great insight into the ancient royal residence credited with the creation of Denmark. A walk around Kongernes sets the scene to explore the site itself. This beautiful center offers many opportunities to interact with unusual and informative displays that introduce visitors to the Viking way of life.
During the tenth century, a rune stone was placed in Jelling in the name of Denmark by King Harald Bluetooth. The name has since been adopted by modern technology. On this stone, displayed outside the church, King Harald claims to have conquered Norway and brought Christianity to Denmark. He also arranged the construction of two barrows and a church in the same place. This monument, the Jelling Monument, is the best Viking monument in Europe. In 1994, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aside from the visitor and experience center, Kongernes Jelling, it provides a great insight into the ancient royal residence credited with creating Denmark. A walk around Kongernes sets the scene to explore the site itself. This beautiful center offers many opportunities to interact with unusual and informative displays that introduce visitors to the Viking way of life.
The ruins of a medieval castle in Kolding
For adult visitors of Koldinghus medieval castle in Kolding, the most interesting aspect is the sensitive restoration. The old ruins have been transformed into a journey through the history of what was once Denmark’s most important castle. It is part of the Danish Royal Collection which includes two other Danish castles – Rosenborg and Amalienborg, both in Copenhagen. The walkway allows visitors to appreciate this incredible restoration, where the pillars support the roof and everything else is suspended from the roof so as not to force the ancient walls. This ancient fort has come back to life.
An important part of this museum is the permanent display of Flora Danica in the Library Hall. This is the first public exhibition of the original luxury porcelain dinnerware still used in the Royal House on special occasions. Named Flora Danica after the project of the same name to make reference to all wild plants. Around 1789 it was decided to record thousands of plants with names and descriptions on this porcelain tableware. Elsewhere in the castle there are temporary exhibitions and a number of workshops where visitors can interact with history and dress appropriately – activities that appeal to children visiting the castle.
Trapholt in Kolding
Kolding is also home to Trapholt, an indescribable museum. The official name, abbreviated, is “the museum for modern painting, crafts, design, and furniture design”. This museum which opened in 1988 occupies an old apple orchard overlooking the Kolding Fjord. It is surrounded by a sculpture garden featuring works by contemporary Danish artists. The original landowner, a dentist, had no children, so he decided to give the land to the city on the condition that it be used as an art museum. The museum has three areas with different exhibits that are accessed from the main road that runs through the building. At Trapholt, visitors can appreciate the Danish flair for design that relates to all aspects of home life from the coffee pot to the couch. The collection of around 600 chairs from the twentieth century features the work of several well-known designers including the prolific Nanna Ditzel and the visionary Arne Jacobsen who designed the egg chair. Café Gustav Lind is part of the Trapholt experience serving delicious organic food.
Stay in Haraldskær
Haraldskær in the small village of Skibet, is an old manor house with a history spanning six hundred years. On the main road between Billund and Vejle it is ideally placed for a luxurious sojourn while exploring The Triangle in Jutland. Surrounded by lush green countryside, the old estate has been renovated and modernized to create a luxury hotel and conference center. Dinner here is a gastronomic delight whether you take part in the dining room or the cellar – the wine cellar that stores hundreds of the best European wines. The menu is based on seasonal, local organic food as much as possible and, in the interest of sustainability, avoids waste and the expense of importing exotic food. So don’t ask for a banana at breakfast.
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