10 things you didn’t know about the Danes
Proud Vikings, kings, queens, mermaids and beautiful castles. It’s all true but there’s much more to Denmark than the good old fairytale. Read on and figure out what makes us happy, what piss us off and what we think of jaywalking and cool cash. We present: 10 fun facts about Denmark and the Danes.
The happiest people in the world
Several studies, including the UN World Happiness Report, have established the Danes as the happiest people on earth in 2012, 2013 and 2016. The Danes are currently in second place but there’s potential to take back the lead. It’s not just the laid back attitude you are faced with as soon as you’re off the plane. There might be more to it. Perhaps the Danish welfare system allowing a year of maternity leave or the fact that Danes can enjoy six weeks paid vacation a year helps a bit. It’s definitely not the dark winter months!
The world’s two oldest amusement parks
Or maybe this will explain all the happiness. Denmark is home to the two oldest amusement parks in the world. The oldest park, Bakken north of Copenhagen, actually dates back to 1583, and though we can’t imagine that the rides to have been very amusing at the time, Bakken is still a festive spot with plenty of great stuff. In 1843 Tivoli Gardens opened as a slightly more fairytale like garden with oriental style buildings, merry-go-rounds and a scenic railway. The park was visited and inspired by famous writer, Hans Christian Andersen, and to this day there is still a fairytale like feel to the place.
Did you know that Walt Disney visited Tivoli Gardens in 1964? A visit that turned out to be a great inspiration to Disneyland.
Visiting Copenhagen in 2021? Check out our 21 picks for 2021!
Not so happy…
… when tourists and other first time bicyclists don’t know the etiquette of the bike culture. Beware! Nothing will piss off a Dane as much as someone getting in the way. Imagine someone stopping in the middle of the freeway to get out and have a smoke? That’s pretty much the same.
A land of bikes and lanes
Speaking of bikes. Denmark has been voted the most bicycle-friendly country with 90 percent of the Danes owning a bicycle and 2,4 million more bicycles than cars. Cycling accounts for 26 percent of trips under 5 kilometers and 16 percent of all trips in Denmark, and especially the lanes in Copenhagen can get a bit chaotic during rush hour. Not least at Dronning Louises Bro in Nørrebro, which is the busiest bicycle lane in the world with more than 40.000 cyclists crossing the bridge every day. Wanna join the Danes on the lanes? Remember to learn the basic rules for stop, right turn and left turn before entering the lanes.
Want to go somewhere cool with your bike? Take a ride on the Bike Snake from Fisketorvet and continue to Brygge Bridge, which connects Vesterbro to Islands Brygge
Cash is so last millennium
Most Danes hardly know what their coins and bills look like. And they probably won’t be able to tell you where to find an ATM because no one really uses them. Most things run electronically and don’t even try to mention the word ‘check’ – no one’s heard of it since the 80’s. For decades the Danes have used credit cards when shopping, taking taxis, buying tickets for public transport, eating out or getting a hotdog on the street and today many payments are made over the phone through MobilePay or similar apps. Many places actually don’t even take cash so do yourself a favor and bring your credit cards.
Wanna make a plan? Check out the itinerary 48 hours in Copenhagen
Hygge!
The concept of hygge is getting noticed around the world and we understand why. Hygge is a feeling of coziness, quality time with friends and family, Christmas, a meaningful discussion over a cup of coffee or cuddling up on the couch while the rain is pouring down outside. Often accompanied by lit candles or even a fireplace. While hygge is often associated with dimmed lights and a warm atmosphere you can also experience hygge by walking down the narrow streets of Central Copenhagen or going to Tivoli Gardens after dark. No matter how thoroughly we try to explain it, hygge is something you need to experience.
Danes are incredibly rude
Not really but the fact is that we do not have a word for please, which seems to confuse foreigners. We could end a sentence with ‘tak’, which means thank you, but it’s really not necessary. We know we mean well when ordering a cup of coffee or asking for directions… and to us the intention is much more valuable than the actual word.
People swim in the harbor
With great beaches and an endless coastline you would think that the copenhageners would head to the beach on a hot summer day. While some do, many prefer to swim in the harbor in Islands Brygge, Nordhavn, Teglholmen and around Christianshavn and Refshaleøen. The water is clean, the vibe is great and food and drinks are easily accessible.
Jaywalking is not socially acceptable
There’s a red light but no cars or bikes to be seen. What do the Danes do? They stay put until the green man shows up. While it seems logical to cross the street if there’s no chance getting hit by a car, people tend to wait. And they may look at you like you’re some kind of rebel if you dare to try.
Famous foodies
No fun facts about Denmark without mentioning the seriously cool food culture! While Danish food is often associated with open herring sandwiches, frikadeller, meat and potatoes, Copenhagen is also home to some of the best restaurants in the world and there are plenty of Michelin options to choose from. Noma, Geranium and Alchemist… take a pick!
More fun facts about Denmark
- You are never more than 52 kilometers from the sea.
- Denmark consists of 444 islands. Less than 100 are inhabited.
- LEGO was invented by a Dane – in Billund, Denmark.
- The highest point in Denmark is only 172 meters above sea level.
- The Danish flag, Dannebrog, is more than 800 years old, which makes it the oldest in the world.
- The Danish alphabet has three additional letters: Æ, Ø and Å
- And last but not least! One of the most fun facts about Denmark: We were the first country to legalize porn in 1969. Since then we have become more stuffy.
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