Denmark is an intimate Nordic nation boasting plenty of charm. Here, modernist design stands tall alongside baroque palaces and an influential royal family that reigns long.
Hygge, or coziness, encapsulates this lifestyle of Danish living during winter months and how they adapt their daily lives accordingly.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is Denmark’s capital city and one of the world’s liveable cities, famed for its sustainable living practices, royal history and vibrant restaurant scene. You’ll find cobbled streets with old world charm alongside new Nordic architecture and an active music scene here.
Danish city Aarhus boasts one of the oldest amusement parks and a bustling Michelin-starred dining scene, drawing crowds in from far and wide. But what really sets Aarhus apart is its inclusive nature; one goal of Aarhus City is to integrate all people regardless of background or origin into an environment where they feel welcome; this includes offering free Danish classes to foreigners as well as appreciating multiple languages and cultures while combatting stereotyping and discrimination.
As it’s easier than ever to explore your city on foot, bike, and public transit, renting a car may be best if you want to venture beyond. DriveNow makes renting from over 170 cities throughout Europe and America possible.
Visit Denmark would not be complete without strolling along historic Nyhavn harbor and admiring Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid statue afloat in its waters. Other highlights include royal palaces, Tivoli amusement park and Helsingr’s medieval core of half-timbered houses and cobbled streets; don’t miss smrrebrd (open sandwich) and cheese from its world renowned cheeses! Denmark is a Scandinavian nation situated along Jutland peninsula and numerous islands that connect to Sweden via 10 mile Oresund bridge; member of both European Union and NATO as well as having its own currency known as Krone (DKr).
The Little Mermaid
Disney’s live-action remake of their 1989 animated classic follows Ariel as she longs to experience life above ground. After making an agreement with sea witch Ursula to become human and pursue Prince Eric, Ariel soon discovers that life on land may not live up to expectations – however with help from Flounder and Scuttle on her side she must fight for true love while protecting her kingdom from an evil curse.
This remake of The Little Mermaid is a commendable effort, yet not quite as captivating as its original. Although Bailey, Hauer-King and other key actors play their parts admirably, it never quite finds its footing; some new songs may work better; the story feels lifted directly from its animated predecessor with some minor changes made here and there.
Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital city, is famous for its royal palaces, colorful Nyhavn harbor, and Tivoli amusement park. Additionally, Denmark is well known for its democratic institutions as well as nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution.
Denmark is a constitutional monarchy, meaning its monarchy holds only limited power and serves mostly symbolic functions. Denmark is led by its prime minister and parliament (Folketing), both of which wield real political influence; every four years elections take place to determine who will govern. After votes are counted, coalition governments that emerge typically involve several parties that work in unison to agree upon basic policies. The country is divided into five regions and 98 municipalities, using Danish as their official language and with Krone serving as currency. The first written records of Denmark can be found as early as 890 AD when Vikings sailing from Norway arrived in Hedeby at Denmark’s southern border (today Germany). Over time, Denmark became a powerful maritime empire dominating Baltic waters during Middle Ages.
The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is one of Europe’s grandest palaces and welcomes visitors throughout the year. As both royal residence and cultural-historical landmark, it serves a number of official receptions and concerts while hosting conferences and other events.
The palace stands on the site where medieval Tre Kronor Castle burned to the ground in 1697, and Queen Hedvig Eleonora (1636-1715) favoured architect Nicodemus Tessin the Elder (1715-1681). This almost entirely new building, designed in an Italian Baroque style and featuring many impressive rooms, provides an extraordinary atmosphere.
Over time, several palace buildings were added during the 17th and 18th centuries, including the Chinese Pavilion built under King Gustav III (1746-1792). Its well-preserved interior reflected the widespread fascination for Chinese porcelain during this era.
Today, the Royal Palace serves as His Majesty The King and his family’s primary home from 1759 until 1981 when they relocated to Drottningholm Palace for good. Renovation work took place here during WWII before restoration in the 1960s brought it back to its original design.
Danish authors such as Hans Christian Andersen are widely revered for their fairy tales, such as ‘The Little Mermaid” and “The Ugly Duckling”, as well as Soren Kierkegaard and Niels Bohr are widely revered literary giants. Denmark also enjoys an exceptional standard of living and welfare state system. Additionally, Denmark belongs to both NATO and EU but maintains separate home rule for Faroe Islands and Greenland while on average Denmark lies no higher than 100 feet (30 meters).
Seafood
Denmark’s long coastline and abundant fisheries make it no secret that delicious seafood forms the cornerstone of Danish cuisine. Fresh oysters, sea urchin, delicate pink shrimp – to name but a few of its delicacies – can often be found on Danish tables. One beloved dish among Danes is smorrebrod: an irresistibly satisfying bread spread consisting of fried plaice fillet, delicious shrimp, and creamy sauce!
Shooting stars, also known as Stjerneskud in Denmark, are an enduringly beloved dish. Consisting of perfectly fried plaice on rye bread topped with lettuce and caviar from Limfjord in Norway. Their crispy texture and delectable sauce makes this an iconic Danish treat!
Herring is a classic national dish, especially among Nordic countries like Norway and Denmark. Scandinavians have been enjoying this oily fish for generations – whether fried in butter or combined with curry. Additionally, herring makes an excellent topping for smorrebrod or served alongside cold beer or snaps!
If you want a hands-on food experience in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, try your hand at creating Stjerneskud and other traditional Danish dishes at Krogs Fiskerestaurant or join an oyster safari on Limfjord while being taught about this delicacy by your guide.
Noma may have put a dent in Copenhagen’s reputation for haute cuisine and farm-to-table aesthetic, but its closing has opened the way for other restaurants that showcase top-quality ingredients in more casual settings – like Hija de Sanchez (run by Noma’s former pastry chef) or BAEST (owned by another former Noma employee) offering affordable yet delightful culinary experiences that remain accessible and delicious.
Hygge
Danish citizens consistently rank among the world’s happiest, and their devotion to cozy, togetherness known as hygge is well-documented. But its spread across Britain is no mere passing trend – London publishers helped foster its spread and enthusiastically supported by press.
Books about hygge are often lavishly designed, and its authors often speak glowingly of simple pleasures such as woollen socks or hand-poured candles as examples of what can bring joy. But hygge has philosophical dimensions too – aligning with egalitarian values and rejecting displays of wealth or status; an element which has long been part of Danish culture for generations and which may explain why its recent rise coincides with global anxiety levels increasing significantly and an urge to find sanctuary within one’s home environment.
Hygge can be hard to translate from Danish into English and its concept can be difficult to explain. More of an experience than an activity, hygge can take many forms from curling up with a good book on a rainy afternoon to sharing a delicious meal with loved ones – whatever brings you comfort and joy it should become part of everyday life.
Hygge has become a trendy word in the United Kingdom and Denmark alike; providing an antidote for modern life’s stress and anxiety. Hygge values inform family life and public policies alike in both countries; with Danish welfare state being built upon an emphasis on equality, social stewardship and connection with nature – two qualities central to Danish hygge values.