FAR TOP LEFT: BIKE RIDING IN COPENHAGEN
MIDDLE LEFT: PALACE GUARDS
LEFT: TIVOLI GARDENS
BOTTOM LEFT: SWANS ON THE NYHAVN RIVER
only around 5 minutes longer than it would
if I was to drive, I actually like the fresh air
and the exercise (albeit, not as much when
it’s very wet or cold!). Cycling is also a very
social mode of transport – you often see
groups of Copenhagen-ers biking around
together, having a laugh and enjoying being
outside.
Whilst most people’s personal choice might be
based on convenience, it’s very clear that the
level of sustainability cycling provides plays
a part in the attractiveness of cycling as well.
Western European countries are undoubtedly
trailblazers when it comes to environmental
efficiency and renewable energy sources. In
addition to the bikes, most new cars around
the city are electric! Not only are you doing
something good for you by choosing the bike,
but the environment too.
Food
The Danes are stylish in everything they do:
architecture, innovation, fashion and even
food. If you’re the type of person who loves
food for the experience, Copenhagen should
be next on your travel wish list. The city
is home to more than 15 Michelin starred
restaurants, including the famed Noma
(whose pop up in Sydney sold out in a matter
of minutes), but that’s not to say that there
aren’t thousands of other really great places
to eat on a budget.
Just like many places in Australia, especially the
Gold Coast, café culture has hit the ground
running in Copenhagen too. There are stylish
eateries throughout the city, with Australian
coffee-snob grade cappuccinos, healthy options
and insta-worthy plating, meaning that its
highly likely a great option is just a stone’s
throw away from where you’re staying. My
personal favourites include the Union Kitchen,
Souls and Mad og Kaffe. For a great coffee,
look no further than the Coffee Collective.
Fashion
The Danes themselves often look just as cool
as their sleek architecture and high-end food.
The scandi style is nothing like I have ever
seen back home in Australia, and at first, I
thought the pairings of wide-legged trousers
with a tailered overcoat and a pair of New
Balance sneakers was a little… odd. But, I
realise now that the Danes just emulate their
cool, calm and collected design in their fashion
choices just as much as their lifestyle. The
shoes are practical for walking or cycling
around, the pants comfortable and although
it might seem like competing styles, it just
works. I’ve even found myself incorporating
elements of this somewhat 90s inspired style
into my own wardrobe, and its been nice to
relieve some of the pressure I used to feel to
‘dress-up’ in Australia.
(*Side note: it probably helps that
Scandinavians are usually very attractive
people!)
If you’ve ever spoken to a Dane about
Denmark, I am sure that they would have
mentioned the concept of ‘hygge’ (pronounced
‘hue-guh’). What is hygge you might ask? Well,
funnily enough there is no direct translation into
the English language. The closest anyone has
ever come to explaining ‘hygge’ is ‘cosiness,’
but even that doesn’t fully explain what it is. Put
simply: hygge is used to acknowledge a special
feeling or moment. It is not a thing and its not
something that you learn how to do. Hygge can
be felt when alone or with friends, at home or
whilst out, ordinary or extraordinary. The only
elements required to be ‘hyggelit’ is something
cosy, charming or special.
Hygge is the perfect way to sum-up the Danish
outlook on life. It celebrates finding the
extraordinary in everyday life and enjoying
quality time with the friends and family you
love in a humble setting. It makes one appreciate
the things you do have, instead of focusing on
what you don’t. I firmly believe that it is simply
this idea of ‘hygge’ and simplicity that has
enabled the Danes to be amongst the happiest in
the world (despite having less than favourable
weather that can affect people’s moods,
especially in the winter time).
It is this mindset that makes being in
Copenhagen so wonderful day-to-day. People
will stop and say ‘hej’ to you on the street, even
if you don’t know them personally. Working
hours are flexible, and family matters will
always come before work. It’s no secret that
there are wealthy people in Denmark, but
often you won’t know it, as it is generally not
customary to show off your wealth like it is in
other places around the globe. Instead, there
is a real sense of equality among your friends,
neighbours, colleagues and family.
Visitors come to Copenhagen from all over
the world for state of the art design, cultural
experiences and fashionable tastes – but they
come back for hygge.
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