Michael Portillo’s ever-charming “Great Continental Railway Journeys” steams into Denmark this Thursday, offering a picturesque tour through the country’s rich history and striking design. Armed with his trusty 1936 Bradshaw’s guide, Portillo begins his journey in Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city and an architectural gem. There, he learns about the iconic city hall, designed in part by Arne Jacobsen.
From Aarhus, Portillo heads to Jelling, the birthplace of Denmark, where he connects with the legacy of King Harald Bluetooth and uncovers the fascinating stories behind two 10th-century runic stones. Crossing the Old Little Belt Bridge to Middelfart, a former whaling center, he gets a taste of traditional Danish life, even attempting to walk the cobblestone streets in clogs.
Finally, in Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, Portillo immerses himself in a living history village, learning the art of bread making and experiencing how Norse paganism gradually transitioned into Christianity. “Great Continental Railway Journeys: Aarhus to Odense” airs Thursday, March 20th at 6:30 PM on BBC Two.
