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Take a heritage trip

Visit the country of your ethnic roots and experience a whole new way of traveling and meeting a country and a culture. Whether you know a little or a lot about your ancestor or ancestors, you can get a good impression of what life was like for your relative.

Visit the place your ancestor grew up
A traditional Danish church in Rislev in Zealand

Get ready for that precious photo-op
Every piece of the puzzle helps to build an image of your ancestor’s life and the values that may have been handed down to you. For many people, the first step of a great heritage trip is to find out as much as you can about your ancestor.

The more information you have, the closer you can get to walking in the foot steps of the person in your lineage. For example, if you can find out where your grandfather came from, you may be able to have your photo taken in front of the farm where he grew up, stand in front of the village school that he attended, or attend a service in the church that he was married in. Or you may be able to visit the village cementary where you great great grandmother is buried and place flowers on her grave.

Go local
If you know which region, city or village your ancestor came from, you can easily visit that specific place. Denmark is relatively small so you can get from one end of the country to the other in a day or less. It is easy to rent a car. Public transportation is also excellent so you can get by without driving, if you prefer to.

Almost everybody in Denmark speaks good English so it easy to interact with the locals. Ask at the local museum, historical society or tourism office to find local places of interest.

Many local museums have a historical exhibition. You can also visit the Living History centers for a 360 degree experience that appeals to all your senses. See, hear, smell, touch and taste life in the old days. Read our guide to Living History in Denmark here.

Danish aquavit or snaps
Smoked herring

A taste of history
At some living history centers, you can try a dish similar to what your ancestor may have eaten. In the Old Town Museum in Århus, you can try Danish bread porridge with salted herrings, which could be your breakfast in 1833. If that is stretching the taste buds a little too far, you can opt to try traditional Danish cuisine and regional specialties at a local restaurant or inn. These dishes have often been modernized a little bit or are made using higher quality ingredients than what our ancestors may have been able to afford.
Traditional dishes, food items and drinks include open-face sandwiches, herring, aquavit and beer. And don't forget to try an original Danish "Danish."

Learn more about Danish food including traditional and regional dishes.
 
Meet the Danes
The Danes may seem a little bit reserved at first, but usually that is only meant as a respect of your privacy. If you tell them who you are and that you have Danish heritage, most Danes will be very enthusiastic. Even among the older population, many have a decent command of English and may be able to tell you stories of life in the old days, and share a song or story with you. And they will probably try to teach you to pronounce the Danish word for traditional red berry compote with heavy cream: "Rødgrød med fløde."

Get introduced to the Danes
If you would like a personal introduction to the Danes, try the Dine with the Danes program which offers you an opportunity to visit a Danish family and share a home-cooked dinner. Another opportunity is to choose accommodations that help you get to know the locals. Try a B&B or traditional inn. You can also stay at a working farm. Swapping house - staying in a Danish family’s home while they stay at your home - is another way to get to experience Danish life to the fullest.

The next step
Find out more about the Danish emigrants
Research your Danish heritage
Find places to experience Living History 
Find a local tourist information office
Find a list of tour operators who organize tours to Denmark

Wednesday, October 14 2009
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Visit historic Copenhagen.

Enjoy Scandinavian comfort and style on your way there.
A traditional inn in HumlebaekWhere to stay
Your local hotel, traditional inn or B&B is a great base for exploring the region and getting to know the Danes and the Danish cuisine. Find inspiration for
choosing accommodations in Denmark.
Danish sandwich with herring and potatoesCopenhagen lunch restaurants
To taste perhaps the most outstanding of traditional Danish food, the best time is at lunch when the unique open-face sandwich "smørrebrød" is served. In Copenhagen, you'll find a good selection of lunch restaurants filled with great food and authentic atmosphere. 
Where to lunch in Copenhagen 
Danish folkloreDanish folklore 
Enjoy a live  performance of Danish folklore music and dancing. Ask at the local tourist office when and where to catch a show. The traditional instruments are violin and accordion. The dancers may ask you to join in. So practice your polka in advance!

Check it out now
See an example of a local folklore group performing. Thy Folklore from North West Jutland.

Bring it home
Bring a bit of Denmark home with you: stop by a music shop to buy a CD with traditional Danish folk music.
Regional folk costumes

In the 1800s, each region of Denmark had a particular sunday clothes' style with different colors, patterns, style of headwear etc. Today, similar regional costumes are used by Danish folk dancers. 

You can see examples here of the original outfits and find out what your ancestor may have worn.
Explore Denmark on a bike

Denmark Magazine
Find out more about places to visit, Danish lifestyle, the vikings, the Royal familiy, Danish design, eco-friendly Denmark, Danish cuisine, Copenhagen, how to get to Denmark, and much more.

Request a free copy of
Denmark Magazine (US and Canada only) or read the magazine online.