Please stand to attention and salute the magnificent culinary chaos that is before you. Eating hotdogs in Denmark is almost a national pastime. Wherever you are in the country, you won’t be far from a ‘Pølsevogn’ or hot dog stand, where delicious and inexpensive treats await. Though an ordinary hotdog is certainly nothing to be sniffed at, the Danish thought they could better the concept, inventing many variants on the familiar sausage in a bun idea we’re all so used to.
Here is one such example, which was presumably created on a particularly warm day where everyone was feeling a little light-headed and lethargic. This is a sausage, wrapped in bacon, with ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard and remoulade, fried onion, pickled onion and pickled gherkins, all stuffed neatly into a bun. I ate this in Kongens Nytorv (King’s New Square) in Copenhagen a few years ago. The hundreds of commuters who were cycling home around the square that evening would have been no doubt perplexed upon seeing a lone man eating his dinner noisily and messily, whilst grinning at it.
Feel free to salute once more if you see fit. I am.
In this second part of my Copenhagen trip notes, I try to absorb as much Danish culture as possible in five and a half hours, eat a prawn sandwich on a ferry, spend a few fairly underwhelming hours in Sweden, get upgraded, have an amazing lunch and stumble upon a public Lego build. Let’s get Danish!
Kultur Natten
If you’ve read the first part of these trip notes, you’ll have read about Copenhagen’s Night of Culture, an annual event where Copenhagen’s museums, galleries, administrations and other cultural buildings leave their doors open until midnight. You buy an entry badge which gets you in to as many events as you can manage to visit. To give you a feel of what the Night of Culture is all about, here’s a list of what I got up to in the 5.5 hours I was out in the city;
Kalaallit Illuutaat - The Greenlandic House
I went to try some Reindeer soup, but by the time I’d got there, they’d sold out. So I perused the small shop, admired some cartoon artwork in the exhibition and watched a bit of a fashion show, where designer Najannguaq Sværd showed of her latest collection.
Post & Tele Museum
This was great. I happened upon it by chance as I was drawn towards it by the sounds of the Copenhagen Postman Orchestra who were playing outside. Inside, kids were designing their own stamps and blowing bugles, which is what was used to announce the arrival of the post in the early years of Post Danmark (the bugle is still used as the emblem of the service). The regular exhibitions were very interesting.
The Round Tower
I climbed the unique slope up to the top where I enjoyed an exhibition celebrating Danish puppet theatre. I stupidly didn’t wait in the queue to go to the very top where the oldest functioning observatory in Europe is housed. I also popped into the adjoining church.
Copenhagen City Hall
If there was a competition for the grandest city hall in the world, this must surely challenge for the title. It was amazing inside. It seemed every single door was open and people could wander about as they pleased. In the main hall, political parties addressed issues of climate change. One politician approached me and we had a very awkward conversation where she explained her party’s stance on something or other. I didn’t understand, nor care and she clearly knew this and was only being polite in translating what she’d said in Danish. I walked away from the conversation with a ‘Blankocheque’ which obviously I’ll cherish, despite not knowing what it is.
Rådhuspladsen
The city’s main square was home to a big screen which showed a visualisation of where people were within the city according to realtime mobile phone data. Sadly, the image quality was a bit naff and it was practically impossible to distinguish anything from it. Next to the screen was a concert stage.
University Radio Copenhagen
One of the lesser visited events during the Night of Culture was the University Radio station, whose studio was open. I popped in and chatted to a few people about the station. The setup was significantly better than the student radio station I’ve been on.
Christiansborg Palace Chapel
The scene for numerous weddings, baptisms and jubilees for members of the royal family, the architecture really was as astonishing as the programme of events claimed.
Christiansborg Palace
Another open building I chanced upon was Christiansborg Palace. I simply followed a large group of people and found myself in the Royal reception rooms, where the Queen greets foreign dignitaries and politicians. The rooms were just as lavish as Buckingham Palace, which I visited earlier in the year. To protect the floors, all the visitors had to wear orange slippers. I didn’t bother going into the Danish Parliament as the queue was rather long.
Thorvaldsen’s Museum
The most memorable part of the evening was Thorvaldsen’s Museum. Film photographer Peter Klitgaard had atmospherically lit the entire museum while, in the central courtyard, musician Kim Menzer played the digeridoo and then jazz saxophone which, combined with the flames of lit torches, created a mesmerising eeriness. There was so much more I wanted to see, but I just didn’t have the time, nor a proficient knowledge of the city in order to find things. It was an awesome evening though.
Saturday
1001
Sat on the train to Helsingør in North Zealand. I can’t believe how much leg room there is. Smart train and practically empty which is always a bonus. Today, I am off the find some ugly people in Sweden.
1014
The windows on this train are warped. You can’t look out without seeing double. How pointless is that!?
1235
I’m sat on the ferry, having just eaten a discounted prawn sandwich, making the 15 minute journey across the sound to another new country, Sweden! Exciting, eh? It’s really grey, but I can see both Denmark and Sweden through the murk.
1335
Helsingør in Denmark was ok, but Helsingborg in Sweden is better, which is where I am now. I’m sat on top if the castle keep, about to try and find an old windmill. Below, a noisy demonstration is taking place. The town hall here is stunning!
1444
On the train (which appears to be a Danish train) going south to Lund, often described as Sweden’s answer to Britain’s Oxford. I really liked Helsingborg. Had a pleasant atmosphere.
1501
In Denmark, the trains run on the right, but in Sweden, the trains run on the left. Yeah, you heard me!
1600
Lund was ok. Not brilliant. Pretty much a standard town. The church was impressive though. A couple were getting married when I barged in. Now on the train again, enroute to Malmö, Sweden’s third largest city.
1803
Back on the train, going across the bridge from Sweden to Denmark. Malmö was nice, but again, it didn’t blow me away. I don’t think I’ve done Sweden justice. I’ll have to go back again one day and see if the towns and cities further north are any better. Helsingborg was my favourite of the day. Not everyone in Sweden was good looking, but I’d probably safely say most of them were. Some were amazingly so. I’ve had a mate texting me, trying to persuade me to snap some photos to take back with me. I didn’t think it was quite worth the risk of being arrested. I’m glad I can say I’ve been to Sweden though.
2158
The noise from the air con got too much. I went down to tell the guys on reception and, without any hassle, they moved me to a more expensive, much larger room. Bonus! Here’s hoping for a good nights sleep.
Sunday
1056
Morning all. It was a good nights sleep. Thank god! I needed it. Today, I’m going to be taking it easy. It’s reasonably bright this morning, but there’s still a moderate and chilly breeze. Earlier, it was glouriously sunny and quite warm, but some high cloud has rolled in. I’m currently sat in Churchill Park, named after former British prime minister Winston Churchill. There’s a bust of him just behind me. To finish off the British theme to the area, St Albans church, known locally as the British church, is to my right and looks like it been moved brick by brick from the English countryside. It’s a pleasant spot. Later, I’m going to have a Smørrebrød (Open Sandwich). I can’t believe I’ve been here over two days and I still haven’t had one. Shame on me!
1307
I’ve always had trouble finding restaurants when abroad. I think I find it hard because I’m on my own and feel a little self conscious. During this break, I’ve found it a particular challenge. It’s been hard just finding restaurants, let alone good looking ones. I’ve decided on a very smart looking one in Nyhavn. For DKK139, I’m getting a selection of pickled herring, a chicken and bacon salad, roast beef with remolade, a fillet of plaice and the salad of the day (which could end up being egg and marmite for all I know). Hopefully it’ll be filling and will be a good taste of Danish cuisine which has escaped me so far. Outside, the sun is out again and it’s warm. I’d sit outside, but it seems that’s where all the smokers sit.
1345
My god! That was blinding! The horseradish that came with the beef nearly killed me, but it was worth it.
2153
Just got back from Tivoli Gardens which was a worthwhile experience. I didn’t go on any rides. I just wandered around, enjoying the sounds and the hundreds of thousands of twinkly lights (I’m a big twinkly light fan). On the way back to the hotel, I encountered a communal Lego build. Tables had been laid out and white Lego bricks provided to an eager group of kids and adults. While I stood admiring the craftmanship of some of the towers, I was approached by a group of four American and (i think) Aussie girls wanting their photo taken with the tower around them. Naturally, me being an artist, I ordered them about in order to get the best shot possible. Having taken about four different shots with two seperate cameras, we parted company. Immediately as I turned, I instantly regretted it. I could have hung about and chatted, but I had unthinkingly just said, “see you guys,” turned, and walked off. Idiot! Tomorrow, I’m heading back to Blighty. I’ve still got half a day to fill though. Need to start planning.
Monday
0826
Back to Britain today. Pfft! Not before another wander about though. And I really must have a Smørrebrød. It’s be criminal otherwise. Absolutely dying for a cup of English Breakfast.
1200
There. I’ve had a Smørrebrød. And then I had another one to make up for lost time. I’m in the Magasin du Nord, a large department store just off Strøget (Copenhagen’s famous shopping street), on the top floor is a light and airey cafeteria which is where I got my first taste of Denmark’s favourite lunch. On the first slice of rye bread was two slabs of pate, salad, gherkin, a weird brown sliver of jelly stuff and crispy bacon, while on the other was a fillet of breadded fish (no idea which) with salad, cress and a lovely lemon flavoured remoulade. £9 with a drink. My head says, “HOW MUCH!?” while my stomach goes, “more please!” it really was lovely. Not quite sure what I’m going to do now. I’m going to start heading to the airport at around 2 hours, so I’ve got a few hours to kill. Hmmm.
1522
I’m checked in at Copenhagens very smart airport. So many shops in a very nice atmosphere. Going to get some duty free shopping done and then I’ll do some lounging in the lounge. Amazingly comfortable chairs here.
1618
So, another trip approaches it’s conclusion. I’m currently sat at the gate. The plane has literally just arrived. My ankle is absolutely killing me.
1825
Right, well that’s about it. I’m in the air and we’ve just started a lengthy descent towards Stansted Airport. A much smoother flight this time. It’s been another good trip. I don’t know where I’ll be going next time. Perhaps Norway. You’ll be hardly surprised to learn I’m starving. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading these notes and that you’ll join me on my next trip. Bye for now!
Related Content
You can view all of the photos taken during this trip on Flickr.
Back again from another trip and another two countries crossed off of my list. This time, it’s Denmark and Sweden. In this first part of my trip notes, I have a disappointing culinary experience, I encounter Danish drunkenness, I go for a cycle and I get a metaphoric punch in the face from Danish culture.
Thursday
0940BST
Cambridge train station is weird. It’s basically one long platform split into sectors. The trains dip into the platform area from adjacent tracks. Never seen anything like it.
1013
On the train to the airport. Rather crampt. Bunch of French speakers sat behind me.
1027
Wow! The countryside along this line is lovely. Passing through idilic English country villages and rolling hills.
1119
All checked in at Stansted Airport. Sat in a cafeteria called Ponti’s, having just enjoyed a Sausage baguette. I’m glad I have an apetite before this particular flight. Normally, I have so many butterflys in my stomach, I can’t eat a thing, but this time, I feel fine. It doesn’t feel right if i’m not eating something. The baguette was delicious, if a bit expensive. A staff member very kindly carried my tray to my table for me. Quite unnecessary, but much apprecited.
1145
Airport security always take a disliking to my shoes. Doesn’t matter which airport I’m in, I always have to take them off. The security zone really is dignity-free. Departure lounge is busy. I’m surprised at how good this airport is actually. It’s much nicer than I expected (it being run by BAA and all).
1153
Yay! Free wifi!
1431
Currently in the air. Lots of turbulance on this flight. My hands are a little sweaty as a result. The mighty North Sea passes below. Land is just reappearing on the left. Don’t know whether it’s the Nertherlands or Norway. Looks flat, so probably the former.
1505
A fighter jet just flew past in the opposite direction really fast and amazingly close. Amazing! Engine noise lessens as we start the descent.
1656CET
At the baggage reclaim hall in Copenhagen airport. Only took 4 minutes from landing to spot a Lego shop. This airport is swanky.
1815
Made it to the hotel. I’m staying at Hotel Front (my review has already been published) along a pretty boulevard full of embassies and consulates. Might try and find the British embassy. The room is nice. Pretty big for a single. Free wifi, free mini bar. The only sour note was the £200 deposit they took upon arrival for “extras”. Annoying!
1818
Two unbelievable things I spotted in the airport. In baggage reclaim, all the tvs were showing BBC World News. And I was shocked to discover four branches of major British retailer (and company I work for) WHSmith, with a fifth under construction.
1950
I’ve done something I’m not proud of. My first meal in Copenhagen was at Burger King. It’s not as if I didn’t try to find somewhere else. I walked for quite a while, but no where appealed. So, it was a case of surviving more than anything else. I did redeem myself shortly afterwards by having my first Copenhagen hot dog, which was ace! Really tasty! My first impressions of the Danish is that they’re a chatty lot. Everyone was chatting! Perhaps I’m noticing more because I’m not yet used to the sound of the Danish language. I feel a bit guilty that I don’t even know how to pronounce the word ‘thank you’ in Danish. But everyone speaks English so beautifully, it would be a shame to put their skill to waste I suppose. Two additional points I’d like to make that aren’t particularly connected to one another or indeed anything else; I’m about 2 minutes walk away from the Amalienborg Slot, the Royal Palace. And, on the way back to the hotel from Burger King, as well as discovering a photographic exhibition in one of the squares, I had a visual demonstration of Denmark’s love of beer. I watched as a fella, who’d clearly had too much, have a confused but heated argument with his own reflection in a shop window. The expression on his face was priceless.
2001
I’ve just had a free apple delivered to my room and the offer of a turn-down. Thanks, but I’ve only just arrived. I’ll take the apple though.
2343
I can’t believe I’m watching The Graham Norton Show in English with Danish subtitles. Surely no one could have forseen Danish broadcasting falling into such a state! Oh, plugging of forthcoming BBC programmes and the BBC website? Sure, just leave that in.
2351
Or, how about Allo, Allo? Ten to midnight and they’re showing Allo, Allo! It’s a classic, but COME ON! On other channels, Will & Grace and The Daily Show.
Friday
1540
Man, I’m exhausted! I’m currently resting in Mama Rosa, an Italian restuarant along Copenhagen’s famous pedestrianised street, Strøget. I thought at one point I wouldn’t be sat here as, on my arrival, no one acknowledged my existance. So, having seated myself, I’m now waiting to see how the Danish do spaghetti bolognaise. The pizzas on the other table look amazing, as well as authentically Italian, so I’m hopeful for a good meal. I’m tired because since 10am, I’ve been on a cycling tour if the city. The tour guide, Mike, was a charismatic and informative chap who showed me and the only other tourist on the tour, a gentleman called Shlomo from Israel, all the sights, including some I would have otherwise not have seen. My food’s arrived and I’m starving so… Nom, nom, nom!
1600
That was actually pretty good. Not particularly authentic, but tasty nonetheless. About £7.00, so fair value. If you can put up with the lousy service, Mama Rosa ain’t bad. Neither is Mike’s tour of Copenhagen incidently. The tour was scheduled to last around 3 hours, but it was more like 5, which only added to the amazing value (£15 for the tour, £7 for the bike). We started at the central railway station and then travelled west into Vesterbro (Western Gate) and the Carlsberg Brewery. Then, we doubled back, stopping off at Copenhagen Museum and then went north into Nørrebro (Northern Gate). Mike wanted us to see the Copenhagen not many tourists explore and so we weaved through residential streets and around the five lakes to the north of the city centre. Then, we cycled South East into an area called Nyboder where street after street of bright yellow terraced housing greeted us. Built in 1631, the homes were built to house enlisted men of the Danish Royal Navy and they’ve changed little since the first marines moved in. Continuing in the same direction, we then went to see the world-famous statue of the Little Mermaid which, true to her name was little, but very nice. Then, after a bone-shaking ride over the cobbles of the Citadel, we went south along the banks of the harbour, calling at the royal winter residence, Amalienborg Palace and the iconic colour of Nyhavn. Further south, we called at Christiansborg Palace, where the Queen greets foreign politicians and dignitaries and then across Knippelsbro to Christianshavn, which looked just as it was intended to look, like Amsterdam. Then, we came across the most interesting past of the tour, the self-proclaimed Freetown Christiania. What used to be army barracks is now a semi-self governing community. It’s legal status is sketchy and this, together with drug problems, means it is under very close scrutiny from the authorities. The only time where I felt a bit uneasy was while going down “Pusher Street”. You can imagine what sort of high-jinks goes on down there. Finally, we wound around an area called Holmen, before ending the tour under the controversial might of the new Opera House. All in all, a fantastic tour of Copenhagen. If you’re thinking of going to Copenhagen any time soon, you cannot miss going on Mike’s tour.
1617
Before I embarked on this trip, a few people remarked on how good looking everyone in this part if the world is. On the whole, I can’t say I’ve noticed any difference between here and back at home. I expect things to be slightly different across the sound in Sweden. Saying this though, you should see the stunner sat at the table next to me! Embarrassingly, we appear to have worn the same white shirt, grey jumper combination, but I suppose that just means that as well as being a beauty, she has good taste. That’s two things we have in common then. 1700 After the cycling tour, I popped into the tourist office to buy a Night of Culture ticket (which is tonight) and an Around the Sound ticket (which I’ll make use of tomorrow). 1733 The girl on reception at the hotel is pretty too.
2324
Back at the hotel after a night of music, museums, interesting buildings and other attractions. I went to places a never intended on going to and missed out on some that I did. Overall, the evening was well worth the money I paid. What I think I’ll take away from the evening most was the vast number of people that were out on the streets enjoying themselves. And of those people, the diversity of them. Elderly couples, big groups of middle aged people, families with toddlers and older children, groups if young people etc. I was amazed that the city centre was being enjoyed by such a variety of people on a Friday night of all nights. In Britain, town centres are practically no go areas on Friday nights, but here, young kids were out with their parents with nothing to fear. I didn’t pass a single noisy bar, neither did I encounter any drunken behaviour. Outside, it’s now blowing a stiff and chilly breeze. My windows are whistling as a result. Shortly, I’ll retire after a long, tiring, yet satisfying day in Copenhagen, but not before I’ve drunk a cup of the girliest tea known to man, Earl Grey! Good night! In the second part of my notes from the happiest place on earth, I disclose exactly what I got up to during the Night of Culture, I go in search of ugly people in Sweden, I have a much more pleasing culinary experience, and I’m dazzled by the lights at Tivoli Gardens.
Related Content
You can view all of the photos taken during this trip on Flickr.
Staying in Scandinavia doesn’t have to cost the earth. If you know where to look, you can get some very good deals. One such hotel is Scandic Front in Copenhagen, where I stayed for four nights. Does a hotel that promises “comfort, warmth and quality” deliver? Here’s my review.
Update: This review was modified on 21st May 2009 to reflect the hotel’s name change. This hotel was previously known simply as Hotel Front until Scandic acquired it.
The Room
Rooms come in sizes small to extra large and are priced according to these sizes. I stayed in a single room for £57 a night plus taxes via Hotels.com. Even for their smallest category room, my room was quite spacious. As well as an amazingly comfortable bed, there was a not so comfortable lounge chair with coffee table, a desk and office chair, a mini bar, a flat screen TV and a copious amount of storage space. The decor was modern and minimalist with white walls and black furniture. The carpet was a thick shag pile. A set of double French doors opened into the room, letting in plenty of light and air. Artificial lighting consisted of spot lamps, which had to be pointed to the ceiling in order to get the best light. Overall, lighting was poor, including in the bathroom. The en-suite bathroom housed an excellent rain shower, a terribly small and inconvenient sink and of course, a toilet. The flooring was heated and made up of pebbles set into concrete.
Location
The location of the hotel is surely one of it’s best qualities. Literally right by the water’s edge, opposite the new Opera House. The iconic, lively and colourful Nyhavn with it’s many bars and restaurants is 2 minutes walk away while Kongens Nytorv Metro station, connecting you to other areas of Copenhagen and the city airport is 8 minutes away. Amalienborg Plads, the royal residence, is just around the corner and the statue of the Little Mermaid is about a 25 minutes stroll in the same direction. The world famous Strøget shopping street is 10 minutes away. All of the cities sights are within walking distance. If you’re arriving via the main train station though, it’s quite a walk. Either catch an expensive taxi, or take the S-Train to Nørreport and change to the metro to Kongens Nytorv.
Amenities
Each room has a free mini bar which is topped up daily. It contains four bottles of water, a bottle of Coke Light, a regular Coke and two bottles of Carlsberg. The hotel provides free wifi in-room and in public areas (ask at reception for the password when you arrive). On the flat screen TV, there was a meagre selection of channels in Danish, Swedish and Norwegian. The only channels in English were Bloomberg, CNN and BBC World News. Luckily, Scandinavian TV stations import a lot of television programmes from Britain and the US which are subtitled rather than dubbed, so English speakers shouldn’t go without something to watch. Besides the regular channels, there are 4 Pay TV channels provided by the hotel. The toiletries provided in the bathroom are of a high quality. Each room contains a good-sized safe and a hair dryer. Strangely lacking is tea and coffee making facilities. Bicycles can be hired at reception for DKK150 per day, as can DVD players (price unknown). The hotel’s restaurant, Front Diner, sold pricey American diner-style food (burgers, steaks etc.). While expensive, the food was good and filling and the ambiance was relaxed and friendly.
Service
The best thing going for Scandic Front is its staff. Whether from housekeeping, at reception or in the restaurant, every single member of staff I encountered was friendly, relaxed and noticeably tried to be as helpful as possible.
The Good
Free mini bar
Free wifi
Very comfortable bed
Excellent rain shower
Extremely helpful staff
Cosy and clean rooms
The Bad
Sound-proofing of the windows and doors was quite bad. The hotel isn’t on a particularly busy street, but buses do stop outside and can be heard up until midnight and from early morning. The room doors are quite thin and slam loudly.
The hotel requires a credit card to be authorised on arrival, even if you’ve paid in advance. As I don’t have a credit card, I was charged a deposit of DKK500 (£50) a night or DKK2000 (£200) for my stay in case I made use of any extras. This was charged to my Maestro card. When it came to getting my money back, it turned out they couldn’t refund onto Maestro and so they gave me the cash back. Due to the exchange rate, I only got back £190 (£10 less than I paid).
Housekeeping go to every room between 1800 and 2000, offering a turn-down and a free apple. It got irritating pretty quickly. Stick the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on your door to avoid it.
No tea and coffee making facilities
Poor in-room lighting.
Practically unusable sink in bathroom due to central location of faucet and small size (a case of fashion over function).
Breakfast is not included in the room price.
Conclusion
For what I paid, I can’t really complain. The location was perfect, the room spacious and comfortable and the extras most welcome. The free wifi in particular was most appreciated. However, I can’t help but feel they need to get the basics right first before worrying about things like luxury toiletries and allergy-free bed linen. Sound-proofing is a priority for me. I don’t want to hear other people flushing their toilets or people yelling in the street while I’m trying to sleep. Installing thicker doors and making sure the windows shut properly will solve this problem. This is especially the case when you consider prices for the room I stayed in can more than double in peak times. Offering a “home from home” is all well and good, but it’s no good if you have difficulty getting to sleep. Whether I’d recommend Scandic Front hinges on whether you can find a good deal. If you find the asking price is over £100, I’d suggest you look elsewhere. If, like me, you’re lucky and you find a price nearer £50, then go for it. You can do a great deal worse.
I’m finished my penultimate year of study, the nights are drawing in, the heating was switched on yesterday and I type this whilst outside, various objects get blown around the garden as the first of many Autumnal storms blows in. What does this mean? It means its time for another trip. Yay! For this year’s October getaway, I’ll be entering uncharted territory. No one I know has been before and I don’t really know that much about the people, the culture and the country itself. If you’ve not read the title of this post yet, I can reveal that I’ll shortly be jetting across the mighty North Sea to Copenhagen. So what do I know about Copenhagen and, on a wider scale, Denmark?
Hot Dogs
Apparently, you can get some killer hot dogs from stands (called pølsevogn) all over Copenhagen. It seems by all accounts they come in an overwhelming number of varieties that I’ll only be too pleased to try out.
Smorrebrod
There’s really no tearing me away from talking about food. The second thing I know about Denmark is smørrebrød or open sandwiches. They’re often described as the Danish national dish. Think bread, piled high with herring, eel, roast pork or salmon with all the trimmings. Can’t wait!
English
Like most European countries these days, Denmark seems to suffer from Random English Syndrome. Everyone speaks English at the very least brilliantly and many speak it better what I do, yeah? The language barrier really doesn’t exist.
Little Mermaid
This ties in with Denmark’s most famous son, Hans Christian Anderson, who wrote amoung many other stories and poems, the Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue). A statue can be found at the water’s edge in the city in celebration of Anderson’s work.
General Awesomeness
Earlier this year, Denmark was named the second most peaceful country on earth after Iceland. Since 2006, certain surveys have named Denmark the happiest place on earth based on standards of health, welfare, and education. Denmark is currently ranked as the least corrupt country in the world (sharing the position with Sweden and New Zealand). According to Monocle magazine (never heard of it, but still), Copenhagen is the most liveable city in the world. These rankings make Denmark generally an awesome place to be.
Bikes
Cycling is a major part of the national identity. Everyone cycles!
Design
The Danes are pretty good at designing things. Aren’t they?
Erm… Pathetic! I really conked out by the end, didn’t I? I hope to bolster my knowledge of Denmark and the Danes while I’m there later this week. During the five days, I’ll be embarking on a cycling tour of the city, enjoying Danish culture in the annual Night of Culture event (pretty much all the museums will be open until midnight), I’ll be popping over to Sweden for a day to see what those guys are up to (and to see whether I can find anyone who isn’t blonde and/or beautiful) and I’ll be spending one evening at the world-famous Tivoli amusement park which is open for Halloween (despite Halloween being weeks away).
I’m really looking forward to this trip. I think it will be different and enlightening. I’m really looking forward to the food and seeing whether the people are as happy as the rumours suggest. Perhaps it’s all the hot dogs they eat. If it is, they’ll be distinctly unhappy when I arrive as I intend on eating all of them. Man, I’m hungry!
Obviously, prepare to be bombarded with videos, photos, notes and reviews when I get back. There might even be a podcast rolling out if you’re lucky. I’m ready to be Copenhagenised! Are you?
