Travel inland to the heart of the Lake District and ride a steam train through some of the most spectacular scenery in Denmark. On the leisurely drive into the highlands, you will get an inkling of the district’s immense scope and stunning beauty. Billed as the Outdoor Capital of Denmark, the Lake District is the country’s largest nature area and attracts avid hikers, anglers and boaters. You will see this magnificent forested landscape from the comfort of a vintage railway car on a round-trip train ride between Bryrup and Vrads. Along the way, you will enjoy panoramic views of Kvindsø, Kulsø and Sanbe Igelsø, a trio of sparkling lakes in the pristine wilderness. After disembarking back at the historical train station in Bryrup, you will head for Himmelbjerget, the aptly named Sky Mountain. From this vantage point, one of the highest in Denmark, you will enjoy an entirely different perspective of the Lake District.

Browse the inspiring collection of predominately modern art in ARoS, the most visited art museum in Scandinavia. The building itself is a work of art, as it is crowned by a circular walkway with rainbow-colored glass walls, through which you can see a spectrum of sights through a spectrum of colors. The museum may look rather severe on the exterior, but its white interior is bathed in natural light and brightly illuminated to show off the international art. As you meander about, you will be struck by the power of landmark works such as “Boy,” a massive, almost uncomfortably realistic glass-fiber sculpture. Similarly, you can’t miss the monumental textile installation that hangs from the ceiling and stretches over 160 feet. It is a collaborative work that 50 full-time artists created. Also, be sure to see “9 Spaces,” another piece of installation art whose title refers to the nine circles of hell described in Dante’s classic “Inferno.”

See Aarhus in air-conditioned comfort and with the greatest of ease on a panoramic drive that will present the city’s most compelling highlights. Once you settle in, you will pass landmark attractions such as Aarhus University, the second-oldest and second-largest in the country. How fitting for the second-largest city in Denmark. City hall stands out as it was finished in 1941 during the German occupation of Aarhus, when much of Europe was being destroyed. While driving past the open-air museum Den Gamle By, you will gain further architectural insight, as its dozens of buildings were constructed centuries ago. The circular rainbow-colored walkway that you will spot atop the ARoS museum is a modern art installation that offers sweeping views of the surrounding urban landscape. If the Danish royal family isn’t in attendance, you will stop for photos at Marselisborg Palace, their summer residence. It was built in 1902 as a wedding gift for the then prince and princess.

OVERVIEW

Cruise off Aarhus in a wooden vintage-style boat and see architectural highlights that reveal the city’s history and vision for the future. The M/S Helene was purpose-built for sightseeing with an open-air upper deck and large viewing windows below. As you cruise along the inner harbor and the Bay of Aarhus, you may hear about the Vikings that first settled the area and how fishing was once the main commercial activity. While passing the revitalized urban neighborhood Aarhus Ø, you will see Lighthouse – a modern residential landmark that is Denmark’s tallest building – reflected in the sea. Farther up the coast, you will find Risskov, a forested park that was a royal hunting ground in medieval times. The landscape along the lowland peninsula Djursland is so dramatic that it inspired author J.R.R. Tolkien to name some of the locations in “The Lord of the Rings” and his other novels after places there.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy sparkling wine and canapés while cruising off Aarhus in a retro-style boat.
• Behold modern marvels such as Lighthouse, the tallest building in Denmark.
• Pass a forested park that was once a royal hunting ground.
• Cruise along Djursland, an inspiring naturally beautiful peninsula.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.