Active Pursuits

Beaches

With some 8,000km (5,000 miles) of coastline, Denmark has many long strips of sandy beaches. In many cases, dunes protect the beaches from sea winds. Most of these beaches are relatively unspoiled, and the Danes like to keep them that way (any polluted beaches are clearly marked). Many Danes like to go nude at the beach. Nudist beaches aren't clearly identified; often you'll see bathers with and without clothing using the same beach. The best beach resorts are those on the north coast of Zealand and the southern tip of the island of Bornholm. Beaches on the east coast of Jutland are also good, often attracting Germans from the south. Funen also has a number of good beaches, especially in the south.

Biking

A nation of bikers, the Danes have organized their roads to suit this national sport. Bikers can pedal along a network of biking routes and paths protected from heavy traffic. The Danish landscape is made for this type of vacation. Most tourist offices publish biking-tour suggestions for their own district; it's a great way to see the sights and get in shape at the same time. The Dansk Cyklist Forbund (Danish Cycling Federation), Rømersgade 5, DK-1362 Copenhagen (tel. 33-32-31-21; www.dcf.dk), publishes excellent guides covering the whole country. They can also provide information about a number of prepackaged biking vacations that are available.

Fishing

Since no place in Denmark is more than 56km (35 miles) from the sea, fishing is a major pastime. Denmark also has well-stocked rivers and lakes, including fjord waters around the Limfjord. Anglers between the ages of 18 and 67 must obtain a fishing permit from the Danish Directorate of Fisheries for 30DKK ($5.35/£2.70) for 1 day, 90DKK ($16/£8.10) for 1 week; these are available at any post office. Jutland is known for its good trout fishing; salmon is also available, but it is found more readily in Norway. Anglers who fish from the beach can catch eel, mackerel, turbot, sea trout, plaice, and flounder. For more information about fishing in Denmark, contact Sportsfiskerforbund, Worsåesgade 1, DK-7100 Vejle (tel. 75-82-06-99; www.sportsfiskeren.dk).

Golf

Denmark's undulating landscape is ideal for the construction of golf courses. Prospective golfers should bring with them a valid golf club membership card from home. For information on the best courses near where you're staying, contact local tourist offices.

Hang Gliding & Paragliding

Although Denmark is a relatively flat country, good possibilities for paragliding do exist. The Danish Union of Windgliders provides information about suitable locations. As a rule, the union has arranged with local landowners that a slope or some other suitable place may be used. Since equipment cannot be rented in Denmark, clients must bring their own. More information is available from Dansk Drageflyver Union (tel. 46-14-15-09; www.danskdrageflyverunion.dk).

Sailing

Denmark has about 600 harbors, both large and small, including the island of Bornholm. Those who like to sail have many opportunities to do so, especially in the open waters of the Baltic or in the more sheltered waters of the South Funen Sea between Lolland/Falster and Zealand. The Limfjord in North Jutland is also ideal for sailing. Many sailing boats are available for rent, as are cruisers. For information, contact the tourist offices.

Walking

About 20 pamphlets describing walks of short or long duration in Danish forests are printed in English and are available from local tourist offices.