Dragør is a part of greater Copenhagen but you would never know it. The roads are very narrow, laid with cobblestone and most of the houses are painted pale yellow. Often you will see mirrors on the exterior of the houses or small porcelean dogs in the windows. Why? A secret you will hear on the tour.

Dragør fort is one of the last forts at this tip of Sjælland. It is just opposite Goose Republic, which is a very curious place. The geese and ducks go around on their own. All people understand that they are private property and not to be disturbed in anyway. During the centuries, women could only raise poultry for meat. The houses were too close together and there was little grazing land. Actually, it is quite clever. Their husbands were sailors and gone from home for months at a time. Fish only was available upon their return. Hence goose meat as a regular dish.

The harbor is quite active still with a impressive tower for the Pilots. They would look out to see if foreign ships were coming in to the sound so they could sail out to be of assistance. Øresund is a very difficult body of water and over 95% of all ships, even today, enter the straight assisted by a pilot. Fishing is a major source of activity here and one can buy fresh fish at the quay or enjoy it at one of the small boutiques scattered around. We will try a real specialty from this community- smoked cod roe, or you can try a smoked baby shrimp. We eat them like a snack.

Also, in the harbor is our beloved ship ”Elisabeth”. She is one of the last remaining original boats used to sneak Jewish persons across the Sound to Sweden during WWII. They were hidden under the deck and any other space they could squeeze in the fall of 1943. You will be amazed to see how small it is.

The winding streets are so charming and one gets a sense of how intimate this community is. There are old water pumps and meeting places for the town’s elders. A stop will be a handblown glass shop, which is very much loved by our Crown Princess Mary — maybe you will like something there too!

We will have another tasting in town and a lunch at the sailing club—they make a fantastic Danish smørgesbrod (smørrebrød). Perhaps you will try a local snaps and beer?