What's New: An Online Update for Frommer's Denmark

Denmark, long considered to be a desirable add-on to a whirlwind tour of Europe, is quickly becoming a destination in its own right. As it prepares to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference in December of 2009, Denmark is making a concentrated effort to go green. Danish ministers have committed to using only "green cars" -- that is, those releasing less carbon emissions, and many electric, eco-friendly minibuses can be found in Copenhagen.

The Copenhagen Towers, a unique building and hotel complex under construction in Orestad City, will have the largest integrated solar power cells in Denmark as well as a groundwater cooling system. This innovative heating and cooling apparatus, the first of its kind in Denmark, will reduce energy consumption by about 90 percent. The 25-story Crowne Plaza Hotel is set to open in late November of 2009 with 366 rooms.

Istedgade, the area that stretches southwest from Central Station in Copenhagen, is "home to trash, treasures, junkies, and hipsters," according to newspaperman Tim Anderson. The seedy neighborhood has so many hookers it's called Copenhagen's red light district, but trendy design shops and cafes are also moving in. In the past two or three years, artists and students have taken up residence here, changing the tone of the neighborhood. During the day, it's relatively safe, but you may want to avoid the district late at night.

Near the central railway station in Copenhagen, Best Western has taken over the Hotel Hebron, housed in a 19th century building, and has set to modernizing the bedrooms. The hotel is not fancy, but it's also not expensive. It has three stars (a government rating) and all the basic necessities, including free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

Hotel Fox in Copenhagen is increasingly promoting itself as a healthy lifestyle choice. It even serves "eco- friendly" breads at its breakfast buffet and allows you to borrow a yoga mat and practice on the roof terrace. Each of its 61 rooms is an individual piece of art, featuring the work of 21 artists whose styles range from comical to digital. The Fox now offers high-speed Internet in the lobby and in all rooms, as well as rentals of bikes and iPods.

In Copenhagen, the Brochner Hotel chain may be small, but it has something to crow about. It is the world's first 100% carbon neutral hotel chain. One member of the family, Hotel Danmark, is located in the heart of Copenhagen near Tivoli Gardens. Like the other hotels in this chain, Danmark avoids unnecessary laundry and uses energy saving light bulbs. It even makes hotel purchases from environmentally friendly suppliers.

Another member of the chain is Ibsens Hotel, which used to have jumble-safe furniture and a concierge who lived under the hotel's staircase. Today, the hotel has stepped into the 21st century, and offers modern facilities. King Arthur, another member of the Brochner chain, has even acquired electric cars, which can be rented at reception.

Rosenborg Castle, dating back to the 17th century, is one of the most beautiful buildings in Copenhagen, and it's in better shape than ever after renovations that were completed late in 2008. Today you can explore this fascinating museum of cultural history, which includes the Royal Danish Collection, featuring the Crown Jewels and the Danish Crown Regalia.

In Århus, third largest city in Denmark, on the peninsula of Jutland, lies Café Under Masken (Under the Mask Cafe), adjacent to the Royal Hotel. A local artist, Hans Krull, created this surreal bar, which is decorated with masks from all over the world. In the back is an aquarium filled with exotic fish. Some two dozen beers are sold, and the drink prices are the most reasonable in town. You can also order Danish and continental specialties here.

For many visitors, the town of Kolding is the gateway to South Jutland, the peninsula adjacent to Germany. For a day excursion, you can continue south to the little town of Sønderborg, site of the Grasten Palace Gardens, the summer home of the royal family. Her Majesty, Queen Ingrid, who is a great gardener herself, created these gardens as we know them today. When the royals aren't in residence, from May to October, the gardens are open to the public. Don't miss the huge collection of roses of all varieties and colors.

The nearby Danfoss Universe is a 10-acre park with plenty of activities, especially for children. The newly created park was constructed around "The Blue Cube," a 75-foot pavilion that was rescued from the EXPO 2000 in Hannover, Germany. It evokes a giant ice cube.

Accommodations

• Copenhagen Towers, Orestad City; Copenhagen is a uniquely green complex set to open in late 2009.
• Best Western has taken over the Hotel Hebron, Helgolandsgade 4, Copenhagen (tel. 31-69-06; www.helbron.dk).
• Hotel Fox, Jarmersplads 3, Copenhagen; (tel. 33-95-77-55; www.hotelfox.dk) promotes a healthy, green lifestyle.
• Hotel Danmark, Vester Voldgade 89, Copenhagen; (tel. 33-11-48-06; www.hotel-danmark.dk) is located in the heart of Copenhagen, near Tivoli Gardens.
• Ibsens Hotel, Nansengade 53, Copenhagen; (tel. 33-93-58-05; www.ibsenshotel.dk) has stepped into the 21st century, with all new modern amenities.
• Hotel Kong Arthur, Nørre Søgade 11, Copenhagen; (tel. 33-11-12-12; www.kongarthur.dk) offers rental electric cars.

Dining

• Cafe Under Masken, Bispeg. 3 Århus; (tel. 86-18-22-66) is an exotically decorated bar with affordable drinks.

Activities/Attractions

• Rosenborg Castle, Øster Voldgade 4A, Copenhagen; (tel. 33-15-32-86; www.rosenborgslot.dk) has been newly renovated.
• Gråsten Palace Gardens, Banegården, Kongevej 71, Gråsten, outside Sønderborg; (tel. 74-42-25-39; www.visitflensborgfjord.com) showcases the green thumb of the Danish royal family.
• Danfoss Universe, Mads Patent Vej 1, Nordborg, Als.; (tel. 74-88-74-88; www.danfossuniverse.com) is a new park with plenty of activities for children.

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