Denmark

 

Once as brutal Vikings, now Denmark is one of the world's most peaceful societies. Denmark is a country in northern Europe made up of the Jutland Peninsula and more than 400 islands in the North Sea. Due to the geographic situation, Denmark has a relatively mild climate with no extremes of heat or cold. Being part of Scandinavia, Denmark enjoys the light summer months from June to August with an average daytime temperature of 18-20c and winter months from December to February with an average temperature of 0c. Here comes the true Danish spirit in play: while the summer months encourage sunbathing, swimming and picnics, the winter time calls for hot chocolates and indoor social gatherings. Danes often refer to this snug and convivial wintery feeling as 'hygge'. It’s a very Danish way of making the best of the long winters.

The Danish monarchy is the oldest continuing monarchy in the world that can be tracked back in the 8th century. Today Denmark has a constitutional monarchy, which means that the monarch cannot independently perform political acts. The Danish monarchy is a popular institution in Denmark and the current monarch, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II, highly loved by her people, can trace her lineage back to the first Viking kings of Denmark over 1000 years ago! Thanks to the long monarchy history, Denmark is filled with a rich array of royal monuments, buildings and treasures spanning a thousand years. From castles and fortresses, to royal art collections and the Crown Jewels, you can experience royal Denmark at many sites across the country.

Time and time again, international surveys celebrate Denmark as the “happiest' country in the world. This of course does not mean that Danes are happily cheering on the streets. It shows that the Danes enjoy a very high level of satisfaction with life that’s worth celebrating for. They enjoy a balanced work life with a sense of financial security, the freedom for the individual, safe environment, strong respect, tolerance and trust for the community, and opportunity to pursue and fulfill personal goals in life.

A clean environment is important to the Danes. Denmark is frontrunner when it comes to green transition and was the first country in the world to establish a Ministry of Environment back in 1971. Half century of focused energy policy has made Denmark a world leader in renewable energy technology, including wind turbines and energy efficient waste management. 44% of energy is from wind power and 30% of all energy consumption in Denmark comes from renewable sources. Copenhagen is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world, with priority bicycle green waves and bicycle-friendly traffic regulation.

Reflecting it’s landscape, the Danish aesthetic is characterized by simplicity, minimalism and functionality. This philosophy is the core value of Danish design towards fashion, food, architecture, furniture and art. You will find moments of quintessential Danish loveliness on a long sandy beach, admiring a Renaissance castle, on the bike lanes in the city, next to the smoking house in Bornholm or in a candlelit cafe that has perfected the art of hygge.

Danish kitchen is another reason thousands of enthusiasts are here for. Over the past 30 years, Danish food culture has rediscovered its roots and re-invented old recipes for contemporary diners. It emphasizes the use of local and seasonal ingredients and is a hit with both local and international foodies. Restaurant Noma, established in 2003, has been a showcase for New Nordic cuisine. Noma gained international attention when it won the title of the best restaurant in the world four times. Fine Danish restaurants hold a total of 35 Michelin stars in 2019, more than in any other Nordic country.

In short - when you arrive in Denmark you will probably notice the relaxed atmosphere, a lot of people on bikes, and that things generally run smoothly. A blend of stately old buildings and modern sustainable architecture speaks of cities that treasure the old but love experimenting with the new. Chart-topping in green energy and quality of life, stunning dining and design, and a cheerful emphasis on “Hygge” – Yes, you are at the right place. Welcome to Denmark!

Read the official travel guide of Denmark Here