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DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!

by Francesca Dal Bello 18/11/2018
written by Francesca Dal Bello 18/11/2018
DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!

HOW I PLAN MY DESTINATIONS..

I do have a sort of itinerary for my year out with Peter, my campervan.  A general guideline for which countries I hope to visit when, but there are no fixed locations or dates.  I mostly travel spontaneously as I go, following recommendations, signs and intuition.

Denmark was not on the list but a lastminute detour after Hamburg.

I drove to Hamburg after accidentally finding myself in one of the most beautiful villages in the World, Bourtange (Netherlands) I spent a couple of days here and I was lucky to catch a local themed festival held in the gorgeous old fort, built in the late 1590s in the shape of a star!

Bourtange Fort

DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!
DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!
DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!

While in Hamburg, I didn’t stay in my van. One of my friends’ sweet daughters was so keen to give up her cosy, bright-coloured bedroom for me, which gave her the perfect excuse to tuck in with her adored big sis for a few nights.  I had such a lovely time. We celebrated Halloween together and I got to taste their yummy traditional pumpkin soup!

Halloween in Hamburg – The best Pumpkin Soup!

I visited this city before and I love it, especially its busy harbour. On this trip I had my bicycle, which made it all feel even more homely and familiar.  Northern European countries make cycling so easy and enjoyable, even through busy centres.

DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!
DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!

So what made me head North instead of starting my decent towards the South? 

The answer is simple: More friends.

I am blessed to know amazing people all over Europe and I hope to meet up with as many as I can on this journey (watch out you all!).  So, when I received two separate invitations to meet in Denmark, I had to go.

An Italian friend recently moved to Aarhus for work and another dear friend, based in Stockholm (too far out for me on this trip) suggested meeting at a half-way point: Copenhagen.

WHAT HAPPENED IN DENMARK, STAYS IN THIS BLOG

I enjoyed the long drive to Copenhagen, especially across the 18km Storebaelt bridge.

On arrival, I settled in a nice campsite, West of the city, from where I could easily cycle to the main spots.

The next day, my friend was due to fly in from Stockholm but when he got to check-in, he realised he accidentally booked for the following week. Ouch! We laughed it off and agreed to catch up at another of my roadtrip destinations.

I absolutely adored Copenhagen. So much so I even looked up courses on positive psychology that I could perhaps attend here after vanlife. It’s so pretty and they have great cycling paths. I visited the Nyhavn canals, met The Little Mermaid, slurped on a giant hot chocolate at Tivoli gardens, browsed around Christiana and otherwise enjoyed my favourite pastime: spending hours at cool cafés, writing while watching the world go by. 

DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!
DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!
DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!
DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!
DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!
DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!
DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!
DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!

In terms of cafes, I sat at Palae Pilestraede in the inner city (Indre By) and Paludan, right by the University. Here is where I met a lovely Italian who recommended a stop in Helsingor, North-East.  Why not?

The drive up from Copenhagen to Helsingor, along route 152, must look amazing in day-time. Sadly, by the time I was ready to leave, it was already dark.  I missed the scenic views but I could still admire the luxury mansions and villas, lit up along the way.  A cycling lane follows the entire coastline. To be considered for when I return. Day-time!

Thanks to my usual lack of preparation, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Helsingor homes the famous Shakespeare’s Hamlet castle. What a treat. I pitched up right by the harbour, so when I opened the back doors the next morning, while the sun was rising and I was still in bed, I was greeted by a memorable view of the sea, Sweden on the other side and to my right, the castle itself.  Here’s a video of it:

http://gr8fool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/20181106_075059.mp4
DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!
DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!

I spent a couple of days exploring this lovely port city and one afternoon I hopped on a quick 20-minute ferry across to Helsinborg (Sweden) for an afternoon of leisure: a long lunch, a prayer at the local church and a relaxing pedicure.

After Helsingor I continued North-West where I hoped to ride some scenic routes but didn’t, due to rain (yes, again) and (key factor) a punctured tyre. Instead I enjoyed a few days of writing and on coaching commitments before making my way to Aarhus.

The trip to Aarhus included taking a not-so-cheap ferry from Sjaellands Odde that takes 1h15m. My bad for not buying in advance.  I love boats but the weather was still too grey and misty for me to enjoy any views.

In Aarhus I was treated to a great home-cooked Italian dinner, courtesy of my friend and the next day we walked around the city centre. I got to try their reasonably new tram system and perfectly-timed buses before I finally resolved my tyre puncture. However because of the clouds still hanging over my head, like they do over the Adam’s family car, I didn’t get to ride my bicycle until I reached Ribe, Denmark’s oldest town.  Its cobblestone streets date from late 9th century!

DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!
DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!

Ribe was another spontaneous stop, c. 150km South-West of Aarhus.  A picturesque gem, a stone throw from the Wadden sea. I loved wandering around this medieval town and at this time of year, the old streets were all mine. Empty.  The camping site here was also one of the best I stayed in so far.

DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!
DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!
DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!

On the day I decided to drive back to Germany, to another recommendation called Schwerin, I wanted to fit in two more cool stops in Denmark:  A drive across to Mando, which is only possible on low tide, and make it to Romo, where there’s a sandy beach so wide and flat, you can drive right up to the water edge.

I did make it to the seabed-turned-road to Mando, but I chickened out half-way, worried I wouldn’t make it back within low tide.  What a unique place!  If you find yourself in this area, it’s definitely worth a visit. I did however make it all the way to the Lakolk beach in Romo. Another wow experience, despite the grey, windy conditions.  On a bright sunny day, this natural spot must look insanely beautiful. It’s a hot spot during warmer seasons, I hear. Oh the joy driving Peter Van along the widest beach I had ever seen in my life, and parking up just a couple of meters from the sea.

DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!
DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!

DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!
DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!
DENMARK AFTER HAMBURG? A PERFECT DETOUR!

Denmark, I’m so glad I met you!

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Francesca Dal Bello

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From 9-5 to exploring freedom! I help people achieve more freedom and fulfilment. I am in love with life thanks to my passion for positivity, fun and gratitude. I aim to share these vital ingredients with others through my coaching, adventures and travels.

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