Nature of Denmark - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Denmark is one of the popular destinations enjoying popularity with tourists from different corners of the world. People travel to Denmark not for the sole sake of exploring the cultural and historical sights but also for admiring its natural beauty. About ten percent of the entire territory of the country is covered by forests. They are distinguished by a small area and can be found in different regions. Pine, spruce, fir, larch, beech, and oak are widespread in Danish forests. Currently, the government of the country together with not-for-profit and volunteer organizations is actively engaged in artificial forest restoration.

Danish landscapes are riddled with rivers and water canals. The largest river of the country is Gudena, stretching for more than 150 km. It flows through the territory of Eastern Jutland. The flow of smaller rivers is distinguished by the tranquility and the presence of small slopes. In central regions of Denmark, there are many small lakes. A calm and relatively warm climate prevails in Denmark. Due to the influence of the Gulf Stream, winters in the country are not as severe as in other northern regions. Powerful squally winds are raging here quite often. In summer, it is usually clear sunny weather here, but the sea water does not warm up to comfortable temperatures. The best time to travel to Denmark in July and August.

The highest natural point of the country is Møllehøj, which is over 170 m high. The lowest point is the western part of the Jutland coast lying 12 m below the sea level. Denmark relief is dominated by plains and lowlands. The reason for the formation of such a relief is its origin: In the past, the territory of present-day Denmark was covered by glaciers, which caused the formation of many mounts, hollows, hills, and marshes. The eastern coast of the country is riddled with numerous bays and fjords. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In Odense, there is a garden of Hans Christian Andersen, which can safely be called the main natural attraction of the city. You can get there through ancient wrought-iron gates. The garden itself is hidden behind a high hedge. You'll discover many statues and monuments. A sculpture of the most famous storyteller was erected near the St. Canute's Cathedral. In summer, people like to spend free time in the garden and organize picnics. However, in winter this place is equally popular among the locals.

Among the most beautiful and unusual places in Denmark is the romantic Sanderumgaard Gardens. The gardens' pride is a system of water canals connected by small lawns and islets. The gardens combine several pavilions. Not only couples but all other tourists like to walk here. The Japanese Gardens in Broby introduces everyone to the aesthetics and grace of Japanese culture. More than four thousand species of trees and over ten thousand other plants grow here for today. The gardens' water system consists of five streams with waterfalls powered by a special pump. The Japanese Gardens is the most visited place in the city, attracting not only tourists but also the Danes themselves.

Human activities had a strong impact on the fauna of Denmark. As a result of multiple acts of people's interference in nature, beavers are completely extinct, and the number of deer has significantly decreased in the country. Since the first half of the 19th century, wolves have disappeared from Denmark. However, the mass extermination of predatory animals caused a significant increase in the population of swallows, rooks, partridges, and white storks. Today, nests and habitats of different species of birds are reliably protected in the country. The natural wealth of Denmark is under the active protection of local laws.

There are three national parks in Denmark. On the Jutland coast is the largest and oldest nature reserve in the country - Thy National Park. In this beautiful place, tourists have a unique opportunity to see many wild animals of Denmark: red deer, roe deer, and rare birds - sandpipers and plovers. Nearby is the Mols Bjerge National Park. Most of the territory is occupied by wastelands, forests, and swamps. Tourists are advised to head to the coast, where there are kilometers of excellent beaches stretching along it. In the park, you can see the ruins of ancient cities, historic churches, and manors, as well as visit the villages of local residents. The Wadden Sea National Park lies in the south of Denmark. Among its sand dunes, tourists can meet funny seals or observe the migration of birds in the spring and autumn. In the Wadden Sea, you can often witness a unique natural phenomenon - the Black Sun when thousands of starlings gather in flocks and cover the sky.