Intro to Denmark
Denmark is a wonderful fairy tale, known for seafood and coziness. Here are some basic tips for visiting this Scandinavian nation.
Cover photo: Enjoying Nyhavn, Copenhagen, Denmark (2019).
Denmark Collage (2019).
Nation of Happiness
The land of Legos, hygge (coziness), and the Little Mermaid, Denmark consistently rates as one of the world’s happiest countries. The most famous Dane is 19th century author H. C. Andersen who wrote The Ugly Duckling, Thumbelina, and The Little Mermaid.
Denmark, in and of itself, feels like a fairy tale. Denmark is a progressive nation with a strong social safety net. Denmark is one of the most expensive countries in Europe with one of the shortest work weeks in the world. Many institutions are open just 10 AM to 5 PM.
Denmark is part of the European Union however it uses its own currency the Danish Krone (DKK). The official language spoken is Danish but nearly everyone speaks English, making the country very hospitable for international visitors.
København
The capital of Denmark is Copenhagen (København in Danish). The city is home to many of Denmark’s best attractions as well as most popular icons such as the bronze statue of the Little Mermaid by Edvard Eriksen and Nyhavn, the new harbor.
Copenhagen is well situated, just an hour train ride away from Helsingør to the north or even Malmö, Sweden. The city center is a short 15 minute train ride from Copenhagan Airport Kastrup which is a busy hub that is easy to fly into. In fact, my mom and I chose Copenhagen as our destination largely because we could meet without a layover from New York or Gdańsk.
Denmark has great public transportation with a reliable network of trains, trams, and buses. I highly recommend investing in a Copenhagen Card. The card works all over the country and it includes free entrance to over 80 Danish attractions and free transport. The card can be purchased for one, two, three or five days. My mom and I saved over $100 each on attractions alone. It was nice not to worry about the price of museums or how to purchase train tickets.
Upon arrival to Copenhagen, I suggest a short canal tour to familiarize yourself with the city. One of the best ways to enjoy Denmark is from the water!
Open-Faced Sandwiches at Torvehallerne, Copenhagen, Denmark (2019).
Carlsberg Beer at Nyhavn, Copenhagen, Denmark (2019).
Plate of Seafood in Nyhavn, Copenhagen, Denmark (2019).
Cuisine
Denmark is a seafood lover’s dream. Danes eat fish every day: cod, herring, salmon, you name it. Other common ingredients of Danish cuisine include potatoes, eggs, and horseradish. When in Denmark, make sure to try the lunchtime staple smørrebrød or open-faced sandwich. These sandwiches are quick, simple, and beautiful.
Don’t forget to try a glass of the Danish beer Carlsberg, established by J.C. Jacobsen in Copenhagen back in 1847. For a daytime energy-boost, stop by the Danish coffee and juice bar franchise Joe & The Juice.
Because of the high cost of living, eating out is rather expensive. An average meal for just one person will cost at least 120 Danish krone ($18). For travelers on a budget, I recommend the occasional stop at supermarkets like Lidl or Fakta.
Rosenborg Castle and Garden, Copenhagen, Denmark (2019). Photo by Mike Benna and via Unsplash.
Courtyard of Kronborg Castle, Helsingør, Denmark (2017). Photo by Jens Herrndorff and via Unsplash.
Architecture
Denmark has a rich history of vikings, monarchs, and sailors and is home to an abundant collection of castles, palaces, and harbors. Denmark’s most beautiful architecture dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
In Copenhagen, be sure to visit the Christiansborg Palace which houses the Danish Parliament as well as Amalienborg Palace, the home of the Danish royal family. Fans of English literature must visit Kronborg Castle, in Helsingør, tales of which inspired William Shakespeare to write his play Hamlet.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, interior, Copenhagen, Denmark (2019).
M/S The Maritime Museum, Helsingør, Denmark (2019).
Christiansborg Palace, interior, Copenhagen, Denmark (2019).
Museums
Denmark also has wonderful contemporary buildings designed in the 20th and 21st centuries. Many of them are state-of-the-art museums. There is something for everyone. The city center of Copenhagen is particularly dense, including the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Geological Museum, and Christiansborg Palace. Outside of the capital, visitors can find M/S The Maritime Museum in Helsingør and the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde.
Ganymede with Jupiter's Eagle, marble sculpture, by Bertel Thorvaldsen, 1817, Thorvaldsens Museum, Copenhagen, Denmark (2019).
Interior in Strandgade, Sunlight on the Floor, oil on canvas, by Vilhelm Hammershøi, National Gallery of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark (1901). Via the SMK.
Han (He), stainless steel sculpture, by Elmgreen & Dragset, 2012, Helsingør, Denmark (2019).
Art
Denmark is not particularly known for its art but there are many wonderful art museums throughout the country, particularly in Copenhagen. Not to be missed are artworks by Bertel Thorvaldsen, Vilhelm Hammershøi, and the Scandinavian duo Elmgreen & Dragset.
Thorvaldsen was an internationally acclaimed neoclassical artist, whose sculptures rivaled the Italian master Antonio Canova. Hammershøi’s paintings of stillness and loneliness have left an indelible mark on Danish art history. Elmgreen & Dragset, who have paid homage to both aforementioned artists, are among the most important artists working today.
Butterfly House of the Botanical Garden, Copenhagen, Denmark (2019).
Outdoor cafe seating at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Humlebæk, Denmark (2019).
Kronborg Beach, Helsingør, Denmark (2019).
Nature and Climate
Denmark is a small nation blessed with a beautiful coastline. In fact, no location in the country is further from the coast than 52 km (32 mi). The best views can be enjoyed from the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and Kronborg Beach.
Denmark has a temperate climate, with an average winter temperature of 32 °F (0 °C) and 72 °F (22 °C) in the summer. When I visited in July, some days were quite chilly. No matter what time of year you visit, I recommend packing some warm clothes. In the event of bad weather, head to the beautiful Botanical Garden in Copenhagen which is open year-round.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen store, interior, Copenhagen, Denmark (2019).
Magasin Du Nord, Copenhagen, Denmark (2019).
Shopping
Due to the high cost of living, Denmark isn’t my first choice for a shopping spree but there are still lots of stores to satiate any desire. Be sure to visit Flying Tiger Copenhagen, a variety chain that sells goods ranging from snacks to plasters to candles. For a Danish gift, a Lego set would make a great souvenir for any child.
In Copenhagen, Magasin Du Nord is a popular luxury shopping mall (with a free toilet downstairs). Denmark also has a thriving second hand shopping scene.
Entertainment
A visit to Denmark is not complete without Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. Tivoli was founded in 1843 and has brought joy to countless visitors since. The park inspired Hans Christian Andersen to write The Nightingale and even served as research for Walt Disney as he planned Disneyland.
The park features over twenty rides with a variety of adrenaline levels. Tivoli also boasts an open-air stage, theater, and summer fireworks. The gardens exterior varies with the seasons but it is most beautiful at night; it is one of Copenhagen’s few attractions open in the evening.
View of Copenhagen from the Copenhagen City Hall including the Christiansborg Palace, Copenhagen, Denmark (2019).
Denmark is a wonderful country with beautiful sites and family-friendly attractions. I certainly look forward to returning for another visit. Have you been to Denmark? What are some of your favorite places?
