Destinations/Denmark

Maybe you do not hear talk about Denmark that often, but for sure it was part of childhood and maybe it still is! It was in 1932 that a familiar business called LEGO Group started operating and today it is a multinational enterprise, and its products are present in more than 140 countries! Who did not spent hours building houses, castles, anything, with those colorful plastic bricks? Feeling nostalgic? Go to Denmark and visit Legoland, the theme park fully dedicated to Lego! You will find it in another destinations, but the original one is always a must-do!

“Once upon a time…”, the beginning for so many beautiful fairy tales! If you ever red “The little mermaid” or “The princess and the pea” before going to bed then you will recognized the name behind it – Hans Christian Andersen. The responsible for 156 bedtime stories that helped children around the world to dream awake before going to sleep. This danish writer had his stories being translated into more than 125 languages!

Along with Norway and Sweden, Denmark is known for the Vikings. These explorers were both admired and feared by the rest of Europe. From the 8^th to 11^th centuries they raided, pirated and traded throughout Europe. Being the main crib for the Vikings, Denmark is covered with Viking monuments and museums.

Being located in the north of Europe it is a cold destination, but the summer months can be very pleasant, however not too hot. The particularity about Denmark and the other Nordic countries it’s the day light time, the sun can be up for 17 hours on summertime!

Danes are extremely polite, simple and defend equality among genders and you can see it on their daily life and in the way they relate to others. They love to celebrate their traditions, such as the Folklore that passed on from generation to generation. You will find folk dancers wearing the traditional costumes but danish folklore goes beyond music, it refers to folk tales, legends, popular beliefs and traditions.

And what is the secret behind danish happiness? Danes came up with a unique word – Hygge – to the act of enjoying the good and simple things in life. It is compared to a feeling of comfort and coziness. It might refer to a hot chocolate on a cold day, to cozying up with a loved one, to have a good meal. For Danes, it is a philosophy of life!

Study in Denmark means hard work but as well party hard. The danish education system is demanding but allows the students to have unique social moments. Universities promote social contact not just forming studying groups but by having regular events for students to gather and hang out. As well, by the beginning of the first year the universities will assign you another student to greet you and help you to feel integrated – it is called the buddy system.

Denmark has top-rated universities such as the University of Copenhagen and they are big fans of having their students experiencing what they have learned. The universities promote partnerships with various institutions to allow their students gain practical skills.

Denmark is popular for students looking for a master opportunity but pursuing a bachelor in English in this country is still a possibility. European students will find in the Nordic countries the amazing opportunity to study with free tuition fees.

Danes enjoy food, no matter if it is a simple sandwich or a Michelin star meal!  And they are great at both! Even if it is home for the most popular Michelin start restaurant – Noma – you will find the traditional hot dogs’ trucks everywhere!

Starting with Smørrebrød, one of the typical foods of Denmark that is no more than “open-faced sandwiches” topped with combinations of meats, cheeses, and others. Followed by Stegt flæsk med persillesovs – a national danish dish that consists of crispy pork with parsley sauce, a bit heavy but so tasty!

But if you really want to feel like a local, you must have a Hot Dog! It is not just food, it is a cultural thing! You will find hot dog stands all over the country and you can be traditional or bold and try it with unexpected ingredients, such as blueberries or foie gras!

Thirsty? Complete your meal with the world-famous Carlsberg beer or any of the drinks from the danish Carlsberg Group – Tuborg, Kronenbourg 1664, Grimbergen and Somersby! You may as well enjoy the opportunity to visit the Carlsberg Beer Museum.

When in Copenhagen take the chance to take a walk at the Strøget street, the world largest and oldest pedestrian street. It will be a pleasant 5 km walk where you will find fashion shops, restaurants, cafes and you will cross both tourists and locals.

If you are looking for some night animation, from Tuesday to Sunday you will find the locals having fun in the night clubs, live music bares or often, in jazz bars.

In Copenhagen the most known areas for the nightlife lovers will be Vesterbro, Nørrebro e Østerbro. If you are looking for a quitter night take a walk in the city, Copenhagen is beautiful under the city lights.