Oh, Copenhagen. The little capital of Denmark has just below 800.000 residents in the core of the city, however it’s far from small when it comes to personality.
When you hear the word Copenhagen you may instantly think ‘The Little Mermaid” or “Crown Princess Mary”, but I’m here to tell you, and take it from some one who’s from Denmark themselves, there’s so much more to Copenhagen than what first meets the eye.
Here are my Top 5 Reasons You Should Put Copenhagen On Your Bucket List:
1. The Danes Are The Happiest People In The World:
Year on year, Denmark has earned a top-spot on the list according to the UN World Happiness Report and having grown up in Denmark, I can nod yes to this fact.
Then, why are we so happy and how do you get a piece of the pie?
Yes, Danes have a stable government, low levels of public corruption, and access to high-quality education and health care. The country does have the the highest taxes in the world, but the vast majority of Danes happily pay: They believe higher taxes can create a better society.
Perhaps most importantly, however, they value a cultural construct called “hygge”.
The word HYGGE, refers to high-quality social interactions. Hygge is sometimes translated as “cozy,” but a better definition of hygge is “intentional intimacy,” which can happen when you have safe, balanced and harmonious shared experiences. A cup of coffee with a friend in front of a fireplace might qualify, as could a summer picnic in the park.
Research on hygge has found that in Denmark, it’s integral to people’s sense of well-being. It acts as a buffer against stress, while also creating a space to build camaraderie.
So, it’s time to get your HYGGE on & snatch up some of that happiness!
2. Experience A Whole City Just By Riding Your Bike:
It’s true – we’ve spent hundreds of years to create a city that is completely functional just by riding your bicycle. Bicycle paths are almost as wide as a normal car-lane, because there are actually more bicycles in Denmark than there is people – crazy, right?
Copenhagen is flat as a pancake, which makes sightseeing ideal on a bike and in return, you get your adrenalin rushing & your blood pumping and it all helps to promote those happy-hormones in your brain, too. Cultural + Happiness + Exercise = Win, Win, Win.
(Tip: Rent a Donkey Rep Bike which is through an app on your phone and located on most streets throughout Copenhagen)
3. Copenhagen Is EXTRA-Green:
This is for all of you who is extra focused on the environment, but still want to travel; Copenhagen has electric buses, recycling-crazy citizens, clean harbours and shops selling clothes made from organic bamboo, add to this; a full 64% of the city’s hotel rooms are certified as eco-friendly and three-quarters of the food served in public institutions is organic. Impressive, right?
However, this is only the beginning: By 2025, Copenhagen plans to be the world’s first carbon-neutral capital.
Denmark continues to be a front-leader in terms of sustainability, environment-protection and continuous development – if you want to gain inspiration on how to live a better and a GREENER life, Copenhagen will tick all your points and send you home with a bucket-load of inspiration.
4. Indulge In Some Of The Best Food In The World:
Yes, I know, big words, but I feel it’s true, and we do have a few Michelin-Stars to prove it.. However, if you’re a bit younger like me (read; not as cashed up), then dive into the colourful streets of Copenhagen Streetfood and walk away feeling satisfied, enriched (in experiences) & ready for more the next day.
Copenhagen is home to so many different types of food & cultures, there’ll be something for everyone. However, if you’re really keen to get your true Dane on, then head into Nyhavn and buy a beer (Carlsberg or Tuborg) and order an open rye-bread sandwich with toppings and you’ll almost hear the angels sing once you’re done.
This all may sound like you’ll be leaving with a bit extra on the love-handles, but Danish food is actually quite healthy and in particular, not heavy at all.
If you’re keen on combining a few things, like: Danish Design + Danish Interior + Danish Food, then make sure you rent an Air BnB so you can head to the Supermarket (there’s one on each corner – seriously!) and whip up a Danish dish yourself, and enjoy it whilst sitting back in your beautiful & light Danish Apartment.
(Tip; you’ll save a heap of money, too, as hotels in Copenhagen are rather pricey)
5. SHOP TIL YOU DROP:
Well, this probably doesn’t need that much more explanation, but Copenhagen has some of the best shopping in the world. From International luxury brands, to Scandinavian simplicity to locally made brands, there’s something for everyone. Head to Strøget, located in the middle of Copenhagen, which is one of the world’s longest pedestrian-only shopping avenues, and a major draw for tourists. Remember to head down some of the side-streets and alley-ways as that’s where you’ll really discover gold.
(Tip: if you do not line in Scandinavia or EU then you can get your tax back (which you pay on purchases) when you head to the airport and get quite a lot back!)
.. Now, when are you booking your next trip to Copenhagen?
Caroline x
