Denmark
In 2004, the palace at Amalienborg in Copenhagen began to undergo renovations to modernize the building used as a residence for Crown Prince Frederik VIII and his family and as a site for the administration of his court and other official functions. Work was completed in December, but before the family moves back in, the newly refurbished palace will be open to the public. From Saturday through May 30, visitors will be allowed to see the palace’s elegant interiors on the ground and first floors.
It will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays. Admission at the entrance is 40 Danish kroner for adults (about $7); free for children up to age 14. For more information on visiting this and other Danish properties, go to www.ses.dk/en.
England
London Fashion Week may be over for the top-end fashionistas, but now it’s time for the public to check out and buy some of its hottest designs during the London Fashion Weekend in the Embankment Galleries in Somerset House. More than 100 designers are selling their collections — clothes, accessories and jewelry — for up to 75 percent off. Models on the catwalk are showing the latest spring and summer fashions, and Elizabeth Arden and Toni & Guy are offering beauty advice.
Ticket prices range from 12.50 to 30.50 pounds (about $20 to $50), depending on the day and time you visit. Find details at www.londonfashionweek.co.uk.
Germany
• Eltville’s Kloster Eberbach welcomes the Easter spirit this weekend with one of the first Easter egg markets of the season. Eighty exhibitors from throughout Europe, Russia and South Africa will be in the laity dormitory showing and selling a variety of decorated eggs and other crafts, such as Russian miniatures, ceramics, calligraphy and batik. The show is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Entry is 4.50 euros for adults; free for children up to age 14. The monastery’s Web site, www.klostereberbach.de, includes contact information for additional details.
• Strong beer season: Lent is traditionally a Christian season for fasting and penitence. In 1682, while observing this rite in their monastery on the Nockherberg hillside in Munich, the Paulaner monks created a specially brewed “starkbier” to keep up their energy. The beer had a greater amount of hops, malted barley and yeast than normal. The strong beer habit has continued since that time, and today several breweries around Munich participate in the brewing and festivities, which include hearty food and live music.
The Augustinerkeller’s season runs through March 20 ( www.augustinerkeller.de) ; the Löwenbräukeller’s through March 27 ( www.loewenbraeukeller.com ); and the Unions-Bräu’s through March 18 ( www.unionsbraeu.de/2009/02/12/78/ ). The Paulaner Wirtshaus am Nockherberg, the place where it all started, runs later, from March 13 to 29 ( www.nockherberg.com ). Reservations are advised.
• CeBit, the annual digital industry and telecommunications trade show, runs Tuesday through March 6 in Hanover’s fairgrounds. “Connected Worlds” is this year’s theme, focusing on the world’s global connection through the Internet. The show’s exhibits, conferences, keynote addresses, corporate events and business lounges make it popular among ICT buyers, sellers, developers and users from around the world.
The fair is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. A day tickets costs 38 euros for adults (valid also for free public transport); a ticket for the entire show is 81 euros. Children under 16 are not allowed Tuesday through March 5; on March 6, children ages 8 to 15 may enter if accompanied by an adult. Find more details at www.cebit.de.
Netherlands
Spring flowers are blooming through the weekend at the annual Holland Flowers Festival in Zwaagdijk East. The flower garden theme this year is “Volendam Spring,” which focuses on the popular fishing village with a cultural program and 48,500 square feet of sample gardens put together by growers and horticulturists. A consumer fair is stocked with flower products and gifts, where experts will share their experience. The show is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with a late opening Friday until 9:30 p.m. For details, go to www.hollandflowersfestivla.nl.