DENMARK
According to many reports, Denmark is the world’s happiest country. But why? For starters, the Danish are a fun-loving, sarcastic, and direct bunch. They always seem to know their way around a party and are connoisseurs of hygge (which does not have a direct English translation, but can be best characterized as a cozy setting/way of life usually involving drinks, warmth, candles, and blankets). Sounds lovely, right? Lastly, equality is bred into their cultural DNA. Danes believe no one is better than anyone else; what is good for one is good for all. Even talking about Denmark brings me joy!
Updated COVID-19 Travel Information:
Currency:
The official currency of Denmark is the Danish Krone (DKK), but Euros are accepted in most places. It is also worth noting that credit and debit cards are the way to go when making purchases in Scandinavian countries; cash is being slowly waned out.
$1 USD = €0.85
$1 USD = 6.25 DKK
Pricing for Leisure Travelers:
Average Hotel Expenses = 720-815 DKK/Night (€97-€110/Night) ($115-$130 USD/Night)
Average Food/Drink Expenses = 220-315 DKK/Day (€30-€42/Day) ($35-$50 USD/Day)
Pricing for Backpackers:
Average Hostel Expenses = 130-195 DKK/Night (€17-€26/Night) ($21-$31 USD/Night)
Average Food/Drink Expenses = 100-165 DKK/Day (€13-€22/Day) ($16-$26 USD/Day)
Communication:
Danish is the official language of Denmark. Like every other Nordic country though, the Danes are particularly talented when it comes to speaking English as a second language.
Transportation:
Bus: If the driving factor of your transportation decision is price, this is your best bet for travel throughout Denmark (and all of Europe for that matter). Tickets can be purchased on the Flixbus website.
Train: Trains come in and out of Copenhagen daily from most large European cities. Quicker than buses in most scenarios (and sometimes airplanes if you take commuting to and from airports into account), they are also pricier. Domestic tickets can be purchased through Denmark’s national rail service, DSB (Danske Statsbaner). International tickets can be purchased through Rail Europe.
Airplane: If you are flying into Copenhagen from a large European city, flights should not be too expensive. You will likely fly on Norwegian Air, Ryanair, or SAS. Deals can be tracked across airlines on Skyscanner.
Taxi/Uber: Uber currently does not service Denmark, but you can find taxis everywhere. Be wary though, they are quite pricey. Stick to public transportation when possible!
Miscellaneous:
For all of the pastry lovers out there, do not be fooled. The “Danish” actually hails from Vienna, not Denmark! While here, try “Drømmekage” (dream cake) instead. This Danish sponge cake is topped with caramelized coconut!
Before my trip to Scandinavia, I read the book The Almost Nearly Perfect People, written by British journalist Michael Booth. Each country (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) has its own section and although I do not love that it is a Brit writing about the culture of a place he was not born, I do like that it gives you a view of life in each country as an outsider/tourist/traveler. Take the facts with a grain of salt, but it gives some good context!
