Cruising Europe 2019: Highlights from Enchanting New Port of Fredericia, Denmark

When the Disney Magic returns to Northern Europe next summer, one special sailing will transport guests to storybook locales in and around Fredericia, Denmark, for the first time.

This fortified port town’s charming streets, beautiful churches and old houses are set within historic 17th-century ramparts. Located in the center of the country, it also serves as an entry to other points of interest in Denmark — the surrounding areas are steeped in Viking history, and there’s even a special Disney connection nearby at the home of the renowned fairy tale author who inspired many beloved Disney films.

Here are a few highlights you can enjoy in this enchanting port-of-call…

Take in the views: Go for a stroll along Fredericia’s mighty city walls, the best-preserved ramparts in Northern Europe, where you can experience all of its charm up close. Then find a different perspective: You can climb to the top of White Water Tower for stunning panoramic views of the town, beach and surrounding hills and woods, or explore the exhibits and gardens at Fredericia Town Museum for a look at the city’s colorful past.

Soak up the sun: Swim, sunbathe, dine or enjoy a game of volleyball at Østerstrand, a pristine beach near the city center. Or make your way to Madsby Legepark, where you can enjoy a family picnic on the lovely greens — plus, kids will love the park’s playgrounds, activities and summertime puppet shows.

Stop for a bite: Head to a café to sample local delicacies. Traditional Danish sausages, open-face sandwiches, rich potato dishes, pickled veggies, meatballs and cured fish are all worth a try. Top it all off with fresh ice cream or ostebord, a cheese plate served after a meal with wine, grapes and crackers.

Venture beyond the port: Take advantage of the easy access to some of Denmark’s most famous historical sites …

Not far from Fredericia are the Jelling monuments — a fascinating collection of standing stones and burial mounds marking the site where Viking King Harald Bluetooth erected a rune stone to proclaim his achievements and christen Denmark more than 1,000 years ago. Marvel at these historic landmarks and discover the legacy of the Vikings at the impressive museum onsite.

A quick trip to Odense, the main city on the beautiful island of Funen, takes you to the birthplace of prolific Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, whose stories inspired many of your favorite Disney films like “The Little Mermaid” and “Frozen.” Here, you can visit Andersen’s home as well as various museums and activity centers that bring added meaning to his beloved fairy tales.

Fredericia is a featured port-of-call on the 10-night Northern Europe cruise from Copenhagen to Dover, England on Aug. 8, 2019. For more information on our other brand-new European destinations next summer, check out the rest of this series: