Sometimes the most unlikely spots really are the most memorable. Kolding is at the end of a long channel, and the marina is beside a large industrial port that seems to specialise in scrap metal shipping.
The marina itself is mostly long term berths, with only a couple of visitors. But that meant that the shower block was always empty, and the washing machine had no queue to use it. And to tick all the boxes, a lovely Vietnamese man ran an ice cream kiosk. What more do you need?
We came here because we had been given a recommendation by good friends Sarah and Louise that there was a fabulous museum of Danish design, Trapholt, well worth a visit. The weather was wet and the marina was nowhere near either the town or the museum, but hey, we have bikes, and rain jackets, and waterproof trousers!
Trapholt was extraordinary. An homage to Arne Jacobsen, who was the designer of so much that we know as Danish or Scandinavian classics from the 60’s. There were a lot of iconic chairs. If you look at some of them now, you might say – just a chair, but that’s because they have become so prolific.
His modular summer house was in the garden – IKEA would be proud. He died before it went into production.
Another rainy blustery day followed, and we set off in the opposite direction to visit the town castle, Koldinghus, an old royal castle from the 13th century which had been restored , but mainly on the outside. Inside, the empty space contained a very interesting modern structure which was used for royal exhibitions.
One exhibition was of current Queen Margrethe’s embroidered gifts she created for her family and friends. She really is talented. Apparently she has even made embroidered robes for city mayors for special occasions – amazing!
The other exhibition was of the life of 15th century King Christian V, who apparently had a throne made from unicorn horns. It is spectacular, even when we now know it was actually Narwhal tusks. I wonder if he knew?
Great to share your onshore discoveries. Rx