Four towns, five attractions – and all close to each other – in the part of Jutland known as the Triangle. These special sites each have something different to offer their visitors but they are all interesting, informative and interactive.
Most visitors to Denmark pass through this area, which is criss-crossed by a major road across the country. They are missing out on five treats – the Lego House in Billund, the Bridge Walk on Lillebelt, a Viking settlement in Jelling, a medieval castle in Kolding and Trefault, also in Kolding – plus a luxury investment opportunity in Haraldskar, an old manor house.
Lego House in Billund
Billund is the home of Lego and celebrates the success of these interlocking plastic bricks with a Lego House that attracts visitors from all over the world. This unusual building dominates the center of Billund city. Flights of steps lead to front and back play areas and a viewing platform incorporated into the roof and open day and night.
Four floors and a basement steeped in Lego history showcase amazing creations, from giant dinosaurs and urban landscapes to delicate floral creations. Some of these designs are displayed on a giant tree leaf that rises from the floor to the ceiling. Large activity areas prove indispensable for people of all ages who soon become engrossed in their own creations.
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Not far from Lego House is Legoland, a theme park based on the famous product and full of interesting installations. An elevated mono-rail above the park and small boats on its lake offer different perspectives on famous buildings and popular city reconstructions. Legoland and the more popular Lego House are not just for kids but will entertain visitors of all ages.
Bridge Walk on the Old Lillebelt Bridge
The Little Belt or Lillebelt is the straight between mainland Denmark and the island of Funen. In 1935 the first bridge to span this straight, a road and railway bridge, was built. A second bridge was built in the 1970s and the original bridge became known as the Old Lillebelt Bridge. Visitors can now wear dungarees and mount themselves on the rails to climb to the highest level and cross this bridge. It is an exciting experience and very safe. Accompanying guides will point out landmarks and take photos – cameras and mobile phones are not allowed. The views are spectacular and the regular rumble of trains passing below adds to the enjoyment of the experience.
Home of the Viking kings in Jelling
A rune stone bearing the name Denmark was placed in jelling by King Harald Bluetooth during the tenth century. A name adopted by modern technology. On this stone displayed outside the church, King Harald credits himself with conquering Norway and bringing Christianity to Denmark. He also planned the construction of two barrows and a church at the same place. These monuments, the Jelling Monuments, are the best Viking monuments in Europe. In 1994 they became a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. An addition to the visitor and experience center, Kongernes Jelling, offers a fascinating insight into an ancient royal house attributed to the creation of Denmark. A walk around the concourse sets the scene for exploring the site. This outstanding center offers visitors plenty of opportunities to interact with unusual and informative exhibits that introduce the Viking way of life.
A rune stone bearing the name Denmark was placed in jelling by King Harald Bluetooth during the tenth century. A name adopted by modern technology. On this stone displayed outside the church, King Harald credits himself with conquering Norway and bringing Christianity to Denmark. He also planned the construction of two barrows and a church at the same place. These monuments, the Jelling Monuments, are the best Viking monuments in Europe. In 1994 they became a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. An addition to the visitor and experience center, Kongernes Jelling, offers a fascinating insight into the ancient royal house credited with the creation of Denmark. A walk around the concourse sets the scene for exploring the site. This outstanding center offers visitors plenty of opportunities to interact with unusual and informative exhibits that introduce the Viking way of life.
Remains of a medieval castle in Kolding
For adult visitors to the medieval castle of Koldingus, the most attractive aspect is the sensitive restoration. An old ruin has been turned into a journey through history that was once Denmark’s most important castle. It is part of the Royal Danish Collection which includes two other Danish castles in Copenhagen – Rosenborg and Amalienborg. A walkway allows visitors to admire this extraordinary restoration in which pillars support the roof and everything else hangs from the ceiling to prevent pressure on the ancient walls. This ancient fort has been brought back to life.
An important part of this museum is the permanent exhibition of Flora Danica in the library hall. This is the first public display of the original luxury porcelain dinnerware that is still used in the Royal House on very special occasions. It is named Flora Danica because of a project of the same name to create a reference for all wild plants. Around 1789 it was decided to record thousands of plant names and descriptions on this porcelain dinnerware. Elsewhere in the fort there are temporary exhibitions and several workshops where visitors can interact with the history and dress up appropriately – an activity particularly appealing to children visiting the fort.
Trefault in Colding
Colding is also home to Trefault, a museum so unusual that it defies description. The official, short name is “Museum of Modern Painting, Crafts, Design and Furniture Design”. The museum, which opened in 1988, houses an old apple farm overlooking the Kolding Fjord. It is surrounded by a sculpture park displaying works by contemporary Danish artists. The original owner of the land, a dentist, had no children so he decided to give the land to the town on the condition that it be used as an art museum. The museum has three areas with different exhibits accessed from the main street that runs through the building. At Trefault, visitors can truly appreciate the Danish flair for design in all aspects of home life, from coffee pots to chairs. The collection of nearly 600 chairs from the twentieth century features the work of some of the best-known designers, including the prolific Nanna Dietzel and the visionary Arne Jacobsen who designed the egg chair. Café Gustav Lind is part of the Trefault experience offering delicious organic food.
Stay at Haraldskær
Haraldskær in the small village of Skibet is an old manor house with a history of six hundred years. On the main route between Billund and Vejle it is ideally placed for a luxury tour while exploring the Triangle in Jutland. Surrounded by the lush countryside of an old estate, it has been renovated and modernized to become a luxury hotel and conference centre. Dinner here is a gastronomic delight, whether taken in the dining hall or in the vaulted cellar – a wine cellar that stores hundreds of high-quality European wines. The menu is based on seasonal, local organic food whenever possible and avoids waste and the cost of importing foreign foods in the interest of sustainability. So don’t ask for a banana for breakfast.
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