Seriously, no Danish home is complete without some candles (and they’re often actually lit, especially on darker days). It’s also not only fancy restaurants that have tables with candles, with this soft lighting being pervasive. Walk a bit further in and you’ll find a number of self-built homes, many of which are so good that it will leave you wondering if you should do the same. In summer, Christiania is also great for concerts, an overall fun vibe for hanging out and, of course, some of the best people watching around. 37. Scandinavian fashion Danish design has been having an absolute moment in recent years, with its commitment to cool, sleek minimalism being replicated in magazines and homes around the world. While the Tivoli Gardens may be a more common member on lists of things that Denmark is famous for, there’s actually another amusement park in Denmark that deserves some attention. Janteloven – or “the Law of Jante” – is not only something that Denmark is famous for but also the other Scandinavian countries.

The fact that Danes are so comfortable speaking English is reflected in day-to-day life in Denmark, where it is very easy as a foreigner to get around without speaking Danish. As a foreigner who lives in Denmark (and, ahem, doesn’t speak Danish super well…I know, I know, I’m working on it!), I can tell you from firsthand experience that I’ve worked in Denmark for years in English and have never, ever had an issue. In the last decade or so, Nordic noir has really started to become more mainstream well outside of Scandinavia. Have you watched The Killing ( Forbrydelsenin Danish) or The Bridge ( Broen in Danish), for example? For those who live here, wages are higher compared to many other parts of the world, which is often something that’s brought up when Denmark comes up on the news. More than 70% of Danish pork is exported within the EU, with Germany being the biggest importer – probably not so surprising when you consider that Denmark isn’t so far from Germany. 43. First country to recognize same-sex unions

Danish pastry is also known worldwide although many, especially Americans, refer to flaky pastries as simply a Danish. Austrian bakers introduced the method of baking the pasty to Denmark in the 1870s. The method involves a laminated and multilayered process in the viennoiserie tradition. To try an authentic Danish in Denmark, ask for Wienerbrod, which means Viennese bread. 15. Licorice Roskilde is a city in Denmark that’s well known for its Viking museum most of the year. However, for a few days every summer, it’s also the home of one of the biggest music festivals in Europe.

It’s not strictly Scandinavian – the concept is very similar to “tall poppy syndrome” in Australia and New Zealand, for example – but is a good, if not slightly harsh, way to explain a key part of Scandinavian culture. 46. Øresund Bridge One has to wonder how the Dane’s got their happy attitudes. The Vikings, their infamous ancestors, had the reputation of looting and killing their way around the world. But Denmark is the original home of the legendary tradesmen, craftsmen, and warriors, and their strong spirit and ingenuity live on as evidenced in monuments and places. If you want to delve deep into Viking history and culture, an enlightening and entertaining 7-hour tour departing from Copenhagen lets you visit famous monuments like the Roskilde Viking Ship Museum. 3. A Royal Family After all it’s by far the city in the country that gets the most tourists and it’s also made a name for itself in a number of other fields in recent years, including Nordic cuisine, fashion, decor and more.

It’s in the middle of some woods, so it’s a beautiful setting. and knowing that people have been enjoying themselves here since 1583 does add another level of wonder. 25. Candles It’s the oldest bakery in Denmark, having been founded in 1652, and getting a warm cinnamon bun there for morning tea one day will definitely be a highlight of your trip to Copenhagen. The oldest street in Copenhagen, Magstræde, is particularly well known for this. You’ll notice that many of the buildings have a slight tilt to them, which isn’t so concerning given their age and makes that street and others in the surrounding areas full of charm. After receiving permission to produce it in Denmark, the first patients were treated with Danish-produced insulin two years later, starting a now thriving century-long industry. 58. Handball You can also find some of the most famous shoe stores in the world here, with Danish shoe brands having taken hold in a number of countries outside of Scandinavia. Safe to say, it’s not just the weather that’s cool here. 38. Nordic noir

Bike riding is a way of life on Denmark’s flat streets, and Copenhagen is known as the most bike-friendly city in the world. The Danish ride bikes any time of the year and in any weather.In Denmark, no party is complete without a Danish flag being added to the occasion. Basically every cafe or restaurant has some on hand to add in case a patron is celebrating and it’s also common for your colleagues to put one on your desk when it’s your birthday. 61. Cake man

While not the highest in Europe according to one report (that honor goes to fellow Scandinavian country, Iceland!), Denmark has become famous for its relatively high rate of consumption of antidepressants. Specifically, out of every 1,000 inhabitants, apparently 85 take antidepressants each day. It essentially summarizes the egalitarian nature of these countries, although is also accompanied by a general disdain for anyone who becomes more successful as they’re seen as thinking they’re more special or better than they are. In fact, Denmark was named at the top of the list in 2012, 2013 and 2016 and regularly remains in the top five in the other years. The best way to describe it is to imagine a cold and rainy day (not so rare in Copenhagen!) and so you light some candles, put out a blanket, pour a glass of red wine or some hot chocolate and spend the afternoon reading or just chatting with a friend. It’s a lovely, warm idea in every sense of the word and gives off that sense of coziness that is particularly good for getting you through some fairly dark winter months (although hygge is important in summer too, of course!).

Danisk Baking Traditions

Budget tip: if you don’t want to pay noma prices, several chefs from noma have opened up other restaurants around Copenhagen, including a burger joint among others. This means that there are chances to experience the noma taste without the noma price tag. 17. Hot dogs Almost half of Copenhagen’s residents commute to work by bike, and children are taught to ride by school age. The city has 390 kilometers of safe, designated bike lanes. Super Cycle Highway connects Copenhagen to the town of Albertslund 17.9 kilometers away. The city times the traffic lights to the average speed of cycling to lessen stopping. 11. World Famous Beer While Pandora may be a company that Denmark is famous for, there’s another huge one where you may not have realized its Danish connection.