So now off to see more of Denmark. We set off from Copenhagen driving across Zealand to the bridge that connects to the next major island, Funen. The bridge is quite spectacular, 18km with a suspension bridge across the shipping channel to a small island and then piled road bridge to the other end. Cost was also a spectacular £25, but cheaper than the ferry would be.

The roads are good in Denmark, major arteries are motorway with 70 to 80 mph limits and are free flowing apart from around cities at rush hours. Only toll we will have to pay is this bridge.

A couple of hour’s drive brings us to Eskogov Slot, another castle. We had a great time here spending a few hours exploring the castle, gardens and various motor, industry and motorcycle museums.

Another 30 min drive bought us to our campsite for the night near Odense, a small quirky site set out round a small lake. Seems that electric use and showers is an extra charge here so quick showers are the norm. Spent evening drinking rum (purely medicinal as C still has cold) feeding the ducks and enjoying the evening sun.

Next morning we visited Odense to see the homes of Hans Christian Anderson, of The Ugly Duckling, The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Little Mermaid etc fame. Nice quant town. Lots of shops with 50% sales making the prices only slightly higher than our full prices at home. Also visited the cathedral which houses the skeletons of king Kanute, of not holding back the tide fame, and his brother Benedict. They were murdered by local people fed up with paying taxes.

Next off to Ribe on the third main Danish island, Jutland. Another shorter bridge and 2 hour drive brings us to another campsite, again set around a lake.

We walked into Ribe, Denmark’s oldest city, about the size of a typical English village. Ribe is lovely, middle age houses around a large cathedral and on a river joining the city to the Weddel sea. The city was a royal city but the royals relocated to Copenhagen taking their money with them meaning the city was never updated and so now is famous for its authenticity. We Climbed the cathedral tower for great views of the town and the surrounding fens. It’s easy to see how the town was flooded and easily attacked in the past. Had a great time following the night watchman on his walking tour of the town, very interesting. There was once a castle here but it was partly demolished by attacking Swedish forces and then finished off by Polish mercenaries employed by Denmark, who also bought the plague killing 3000 locals.

Cx Vx