The economy in Denmark is largely dependent on imported raw materials and foreign trade. However, it is a net exporter of energy and food, so the international freight market is highly developed in Denmark.
Denmark’s main exports are instruments, industrial machinery and food products. The United States of America is Denmark’s largest trading partner outside Europe, with freight forwarding highly streamlined between Denmark and the United States, as well as all European countries.
The standard of living in Denmark is amongst the highest in the world and the economy is essentially strong, with growth averaging nearly 3% every year since the mid 90s. Denmark is also renowned for having one of the world’s very best transport systems, which makes it something of a global blueprint for efficient freight services.
This is illustrated by the fact that in 2000, Copenhagen Airport was named the world’s best airport by the International Air Transport Organisation. In fact, 2000 was a high point in terms of the Danish freight transport infrastructure as it was also the year that the 8 kilometre Oresund Bridge, linking Denmark and Sweden was completed.
In January 2008, the Danish Infrastructure Commission published a plan called ‘The Danish Infrastructure 2030′ setting out how the country will continue to improve its transport infrastructure, to build further on its already strong position and meet the challenges of the future. This will be positive for the efficiency of freight services to and from the country. The main aim of the plan is to address issues of increased congestion on the road and rail networks, as traffic levels have been growing over the last decade and are expected to continue to grow. Unless addressed, this would put increasing pressure on freight forwarding solutions and create logistical dilemmas for shipping companies.
On the national road network, the shipping company faces the greatest congestion problems in the Copenhagen area and in Eastern Jutland, in particular the Triangle Region, Kolding-Vejle Fredericia. On the rail network, as it is already at capacity on certain lines, there is limited potential to add extra services, without further development. This is a constraint on the potential for efficient international freight.
The Danish Infrastructure Commission predicts that traffic on the national road network will increase by 70% by 2030, creating big congestion problems on the motorway network and feeder routes. For the recent past, the freight transport infrastructure in Denmark has been based on ‘The Big H’. This is the major road and railway network that connects Denmark from east to west and from north to south. In addition, The Big H provides excellent links to neighbouring countries that are essential to trade and, as a result, to the freight company.
Although the Big H remains as the basis of the infrastructure plan for the future, it is planned to expand capacity in corridors where additional traffic is expected. This will include a number of ring connections around Copenhagen, efficient secondary links from the main regions to The Big H, and a focus on gateways to the rest of the world, safeguarding a bright future for international freight and freight forwarding in Denmark.
Moreover, the importance the country places on its transport infrastructure and the quality of its future infrastructure planning means that Denmark is a vital blueprint for the freight services industry worldwide.
Copenhagen is one of Denmark’s most popular destinations for tourists. It features the Trivoli Gardens, a combination theme park, amusement park and scenic garden that provides fun and entertainment for the whole family. The Round Tower observation deck is also popular for its panoramic views and spectacular scenery. Glyptotek is an interesting statue of The Little Mermaid erected in 1913, commemorating the Hans Christian Anderson story of the same name. Frederiks Church is also popular with visitors this large marble Baroque church stood unfinished from 1770 until 1874 and was finally completed in 1894. Popular lodgings while in Copenhagen are: The Hilton Copenhagen, Copenhagen Marriot Hotel, Avenue Hotel, Radisson SAS Scandavic Hotel, Radisson SAS Royal Hotel Copenhagen and The Square.
Visitors to Odense will want to include the Egeskov Castle on their travel itinerary as well as the Odense City Museum, Carl Nielson Museet Museum, The Railway Museum, and Hans Christian Anderson’s Childhood Home. Also popular are the Frydenlund, a beautiful nature center and wildlife park, the inspiring St. Canutis Cathedral, and The Odense Zoo which will provide fun filled hours for everyone in your traveling company. If you still have energy, the Brandts Klaedlfabrik Art Museum, Friluftsbaget Water Park, the Museum of Photographic Art and the ever popular Aquatic World can leave you exhausted and smiling at the end of the day. The traveler can get a good nights rest at The Hotel Amsger, The Hotel Domir, The Best Western Hotel Knudsens Gaard, The Clarion Hotel Plaza and The Tulip Inn City Hotel Odense.
While Denmark has many wonderful sights and experiences it is necessary to narrow down a few choices and choose your stops before setting out on your exploration of all that Denmark has to offer. The stops listed here are by no means an all inclusive list of all the attractions available, but is intended as a guide to peak your interest and invite personalized exploration of the attractions in Denmark and help you plan an itinerary that suits your individual tastes and interests.