OUR LAST FEW DAYS

THE SUMMERHOUSE

We have just a few more days left in Denmark before leaving for Australia. Kirsten rang us to see if we would like to join her and Klaus for lunch at the summer house and we were invited to stay on for a couple of extra days although they would not be there themselves as they had a prior engagement in Sweden. Of course, we said, 'Yes please.'

About an hour's drive to Farevejle where the summer house is located, we were met on the lane to the summer house by Kirsten and Klaus. Soon we were having lunch on the pretty back patio area overlooking the ocean. The house and location is gorgeous. After lunch and chats, Kirsten drove us all to 'the mound' - Vejrhoj not far from the house. We walked to the top of the mound and took in the views all around. Delightful scenery and so peaceful.  See below for photos taken here.

Before dinner we all took a walk along the beach. And then it was back to the house and Kirsten prepared a lovely dinner of roasted salmon and vegetables followed by raspberries and ice cream. Very nice indeed. We watched the beautiful sunset and took some photos We said goodbye to Kirsten and Klaus when they left mid evening and we hope they come and visit us in Australia one day. We decided to stay for an extra night as it is such a lovely peaceful location.

Sandy and Kirsten

Beautiful Sunsets

Almost Gone

Last One

We started the next day with a walk along the beach before breakfast.

Are my stone piles still there?

And then we took a drive to Dragsholm Castle.  The Earl of Bothwell was kept prisoner here in the 15th Century until his death some five years later.  He is buried in the Farevejle Church 4 km away from the castle. The castle is now a hotel.  The Earl's ghost is said to haunt the castle.  We had a walk around the large grounds here.  On the way back we came upon a golf club and went there for coffee.

Haunted Dragsholm Castle

After two lovely tranquil days here we leave after breakfast, drive to rail station near Vaerlose and catch train into the city for our last look around.  Here are two photographs below to remind us of our visit to the summerhouse.

Last look around the City

We started with a coffee and then a boat trip under the many bridges of Copenhagen.    Good commentary passing most of the sights we had seen on previous trips but a few new ones such as the Opera House which is located alongside the water.

Copenhagen Opera House

Pretty Nyhavn where we boarded the boat

Amalienborg Palace - Home of Prince Frederick and Princess Mary
(Hope Mary has help with the housework)

Church of Our Saviour

Copenhagen Stock Exchange

On the boat trip

After the boat trip we had a wander down Stroget (The Straight) - shopping street, I bought a couple of knick knacks for my girls and a handbag which I lost before I used it even once, dddrrrhhhh.  Then it was lunch in Torvehallerne, Copenhagen's street food marketplace.  Our second visit, there are many food stalls inside the market halls and lots of seating inside or outside in the sunshine.  Great variety to choose from.  And inexpensive.

Inside one of the halls

Outside stalls and eating areas

We loved the city of Copenhagen, so much antiquity, we went three times but didn't see it all.

And then it was home by train from nearby Norreport Station.  Just one more day and then we are homeward bound.

Last Full Day

Tidy up the house for the residents, pack suitcases, last washing and a bit of grocery shopping.  Kirsten and Poul Erik arrived home this evening.  We had a happy hour or two relating our holiday tales.  We both very much enjoyed our holiday in each others' country.

A couple of photographs taken before we left for the airport

Sandy, Richard and Kirssten

Sandy, Poul Erik and Kirsten

A couple of pix of Paul Erik and Kirsten at Bribie Island, Australia

On the Golf Course

Dinner with Steve and Freda 

VEJLE, ODENSE, AERO ISLAND

VEJLE

We have arranged another min trip within Denmark this time, to Odense and Aero Island and we were invited to stay at the home of Poul Erik's sister, Aase, who lives not too far away from Odense at Vejle. Vejle is about a two and a half hour's drive from Vaerlose. It is situated on Jutland which we reached after crossing the island of Funen and the Great Belt Bridge from Zealand. We arrived mid afternoon. Aase has a lovely home and garden and it was nice to make her acquaintance over afternoon tea. We were invited to Aase's friend Niels' home for dinner that evening. Aase left to help Niels' with dinner preparations and came back for us at 6 p.m. We enjoyed a very nice evening and dinner in Niels' beautifully renovated (by himself) home. Aase dropped us back to her home and we will take in nearby areas tomorrow.

Breakfast in the garden

Aase's Comfy Lounge Room

JELLING

We drive to Jelling after breakfast through very pretty counryside. We have been told about the Museum here (or Experience Centre) as it is called. It is located right next to two monuments erected by two Viking kings, Gorm the Old and Harald Bluetooth. (Bluetooth technology is named after King Harald - Ericssen and others pioneering this new invention). Each time I look at my FitBit I will think of King Harald Bluetooth. The museum is a unique and engaging insight into the fascinating history of the location and the world of the Vikings. Using the latest technology you can touch, feel and watch when the world of the Vikings unfolds in the interactive exhibitions. From the moment you enter the experience centre you will become an active player in an historic Viking voyage. You can team up with the sword-wielding warriors who according to legend were resurrected from battlefields to join the gods in Valhalla. You can tremble with fear at the brutal sacrifices of the Vikings.  And you can also experience the more peaceful side of Viking life – the everyday life of peasants and enterprising merchants. Sit back and listen to the exciting stories in the flicker of the flames. Enter into the barrow of King Gorm the Old. Witness the introduction of Christianity to Denmark and the unification of the kingdom under the rule of King Harald Bluetooth. We spent quite a lot of time here absorbing all of the above. And then more time in the gift shop buying a few souvenirs. Amazingly this museum has free entry.

We went to the rooftop terrace which offers a magnificent view over the Jelling Monuments. The monument area is the size of 20 football fields, consisting of two rune stones, two barrows, a church, a stone ship and the vestiges of a 1.4 kilometre stakewall that surrounds it all. Considered Europe’s most prominent Viking monuments, the Jelling Monuments enjoy UNESCO World Heritage patronage. From the terrace on the exhibition centre you can travel in time and see through digital binoculars to what Jelling once looked like 1,000 years ago.

View of the Mound from the Rooftop Terrace

We also walked through the Jelling cemetery which is beautifully maintained with sculptured shrubs and small trees. Unique.

Jelling Church and Cemetery

Harald's Rune Stone

We walked to the top of the mound and viewed the runic stones, the two mounds and the first church which were raised and built in the 10th century AD. Jelling and the historical monuments have been symbols of the founding of Denmark and the Danish monarchy.  The unified kingdom of Denmark was founded by the Viking kings Gorm the Old and Harald Bluetooth in the 10th century making the monarchy of Denmark the oldest in Europe.  

A very interesting experience.

AARHUS

We then drove to Aarhus, had a look around, very buzzy on a Sunday, lots of people eating out at the many cafes alongside the river.  We joined the crowd of diners and enjoyed lunch here and people watching on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

ODENSE

This pleasant city on the island of Funen is best known as the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen.  We took the one hour scenic river cruise passing beautiful countryside along the way.  

Swans along the river

We visited the little house where H.C. Andersen lived with his parents from the age of 2 to 14. The house contains the very humble rooms which comprised the home of the great fairy tale writer and to which his dearest memories of childhood are attached.

H.C Andersen's childhood home

We then followed the footsteps painted on the walkway which led to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum.  This was very informative and told the story of his life, some lovely exhibits here..

Some Exhibits from HCA's fairy tales

Very well displayed

Aero Island

We took a ferry from Svendborg and arrived 75 minutes later at Aeroskobing, population 6,800. “Kobing” means trading town and refers to the city’s role in the Middle Ages as a commercial and maritime center. Ferries also run from Faaborg to Soby on the northern tip of Aero.

As the ferry eases into the dock, visitors are treated to views of the low hills, the red terracotta rooftops of the town and a colorful pop-bead string of small bathing huts on Vesterstrand, a long, narrow spit of land. We were told that these huts are treasured family heirlooms passed down within families.

There are three towns here, Aeroskobing, Mastal and Soby.  We stayed at Aeroskobing at a small comfortable hotel.  It is a very quaint little town and has old cobbled streets that run down to the harbour.  Aeroskobing is the busiest of the three towns here.  We drove to the other two towns for a look around,  not very far away, through pretty countryside and thatched roof cottages.

 Colourful house

Scrabble in the Square

Beach Huts on Aeroskobing

The Ferry

Hotel Aerohus where we stayed

A very nice mini break away from Vaerlose.  We were happy to return "home" for a restful couple of days before our next excursion.

WEEK 2 - OSLO AND SWEDEN AND MORE DENMARK

HELSINGOR

We took a drive to Helsingor wherein lies the famous Kronborg Castle (made famous as Elsinore in Shakespeare's Hamlet).  We had a walk around the quaint streets, along the water and then a walk through the huge library there.  The Culture Yard is the new community centre in Helsingor and now houses a ship yard museum, library and concert hall.  The library is huge and on many floors.  We walked through and came across these unusual chairs.  (See below.)  We had lunch at the Helsingor Golf Club overlooking the fairway.

Wobbling in these chairs

Richard on a Wobble

By the water with the castle in background

We had lunch at this golf club

OSLO

We leave for our mini trip of visiting Oslo and Stockholm. So it's train into the city from Vaerlose, then walk to the quay area where we are getting the overnight ferry to Oslo. We board and are directed to our cabin, very comfortable with view out to the water. The ferry is more like a mini cruise liner with five restaurants to choose from, nice lounge area with free drinks and snacks, live music on deck, large kids' games area, duty free shopping. We chose the Italian restaurant for dinner, good meals. We slept comfortably, had breakfast and then took in the stunning views of the Oslo fjord and little villages as we arrive in Oslo. A great experience.

The Ferry

On deck

Oslo Fjord

Sightseeing in Oslo

Munch Museum

Just a couple of stops on the Metro and a short walk down to the Museum/Art Gallery. The Munch Museum's collection, left to the city of Oslo by the artist, consists of paintings, graphical prints and drawings. There was a Van Gogh exhibition showing at this time so we were able to see a collection of his work too. The Scream ( Edvard Munch's most renowned painting) is on display here. It was painted in 1892. Munch admits (like Van Gogh) that he struggled with insanity during his life. Perhaps today it would be called mental health disorder.  So what is the meaning of The Scream? This is Munch's personal interpretation:

"I was walking down the road with two friends when the sun set; suddenly, the sky turned as red as blood. I stopped and leaned against the fence, feeling unspeakably tired. Tongues of fire and blood stretched over the bluish black fjord. My friends went on walking, while I lagged behind, shivering with fear. Then I heard the enormous infinite scream of nature."

An interesting morning.

The Scream - Artist Edvard Munch

Oslo Opera House

We walked down to the Oslo Harbour and around the Opera House.  Quite an impressive building with lots of glass but it doesn't compare to the Sydney Opera House.

Oslo Opera House

View over the harbour from the Opera House
(Ferry in the background)

We meet Richard's old schoolfriend Johnnie Harper who lives in Oslo for dinner, starting in The Scotsman then a very nice French restaurant for dinner. A good evening.

Two Scotsmen in The Scotsman

THE FRAM MUSEUM

The Fram Museum is a museum telling the story of the Norwegian polar exploration. It is located on the peninsula of Bygdoy. We took the ferry from the city and Bygdoy is just a short distance away. The Fram Museum was inaugurated on 20 May 1936. It honours Norwegian polar exploration in general and three great Norwegian polar explorers in particular— Nansen, Sverdrup and Amundsen. The museum also exhibits images of the fauna of the polar regions, such as polar bears and penguins. The Fram Museum centres on the original exploration vessel Fram. The original interior of the ship is intact and visitors can go inside the ship to view it. There are many exhibits around the walls that tell the stories of the expedition and the hardships endured. A very interesting couple of hours were spent here.

The Fram Museum

The impressive ship The Fram

Richard steers The Fram

Richard and the Polar Explorers

THE VIKING SHIP MUSEUM

A short distance away is the Viking Ship Museum. This Museum presents Viking ship discoveries from Gokstad, Oseberg and Tune as well as other finds from Viking tombs around the Oslo Fjord. The museum displays the world's two best-preserved wooden Viking ships built in the 9th century, as well as small boats, sledges, a cart with exceptional ornamentation, implements, tools, harness, textiles and household utensils. Fascinating to see these exhibits preserved from so many centuries ago.

One of the Viking  Boat exhibits

Another Old Exhibit

VIGELAND SCULPTURE PARK

This park is amazing. Vigelandsparken is one of Norway's most visited attractions with more than 1 million visitors every year. The unique sculpture park is the life work of the sculptor Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943) with more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and cast iron. The bronze statue of the little Angry Boy is among the most famous sculptures, along with the Monolith and the Wheel of Life.  We spent quite some time here admiring the sculptures in the beautiful afternoon sunshine. We had lunch in the cafe here. Well worth a visit and surprisingly it has free entry.

One of the many sculptures here

'Don't touch me!'

The Little Angry Boy

The Monolith, 17 m high and 121 figures 

Richard, you're meant to take your clothes off!

THE ROYAL PALACE

The Royal Palace is situated on a rise at one end of Oslo’s main thoroughfare, Karl Johans Gate.

Pretty walk to the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace, Oslo

Puma Statue at Square in front of Central Station

We enjoyed our three days in Oslo. After breakfast in the very modern station building, lots of good inexpensive eateries here, we caught the train to the airport and just a 45 minute flight away and we were in Stockholm.

Some things we did in Stockholm

STOCKHOLM OLD TOWN

The Old Town dates from the 13th century and is a glorious labyrinth of charming cobbled streets, alleyways, faded mustard and rust coloured town houses and meeting squares, many cafes and restaurants and tourist shops.

Part of The Old Town

Dinner in the Old Town

ART IN THE STOCKHOLM METRO

The metro stations in Stockholm have been decorated with sculptures, mosaics, paintings, installations, engravings by over 150 artists and known as the world's longest art gallery. We bought a Metro ticket, googled searched the best subway stations to view and got off at several stops to view the sculptures and artwork. Some photos below.

HOP ON HOP OFF BOAT TRIP

We found the hop on/hop off boat trip a great way to get around. The ticket lasts for 36 hours and so we used it over two days to sightsee parts of Stockholm.

Hop On/Off Boat

ABBA MUSEUM

The music, the clothes, the lyrics, musicals, and films of ABBA have been gathered in Stockholm and are on display in a permanent exhibition.  We spent a fun hour or so here.  Thank you for the music!

A sit down in the park with ABBA

The Royal Dramatic Theatre

Beautiful Flowers

An enjoyable time spent in Stockholm taking in the sights and sounds.  We got the train from Central Station in Stockholm to Copenhagen, a five hour trip in a comfortable carriage, watching the scenery, snoozing and reading.