INTRODUCTION
It’s all about hygge in Denmark. Pronounced ‘hooga’, this Danish concept is all about creating a pleasant, warm atmosphere, and is more a way of life than a feeling.
Some of the best hygge can be found in the capital, Copenhagen, which is brimming with bars, cafés and restaurants, and a general aura of well-being, evidenced by its regular appearance in lists of the best cities to live in – Denmark has, in the past, also been rated as the happiest country on earth.
Some may try to replicate the recipe that makes Danes so happy, but the only way to truly experience the feeling is from a first-hand experience of this cool, modernist city.
PORT VIEW
Guests can disembark at three cruise terminals in Copenhagen.
Ocean Quay, which accommodates the biggest ships, is the busiest, but passengers will need to use the bus services or a taxi to enter the main city area.
Langelinie, which can accommodate between two and four ships depending on size, has an array of shops and other facilities and is in walking distance of the city centre.
The third, Nordre Toldbod, is close to the Kastellet – or Citadel – a star fortress.
Copenhagen expects to welcome 875,000 cruise passengers by the end of 2018.
NEED TO KNOW
The currency in Denmark is the Danish Kroner. In terms of transport, visitors can pay for bus tickets when boarding, but train and/or metro tickets should be bought before travelling. On the other hand, walking is an option, as Copenhagen is very accessible on foot.
Strøget is one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets and the main shopping area in Copenhagen, hosting a range of shops and goods. Aside from retail therapy, the city centre is full of noteworthy attractions such as the National Gallery (the SMK), which is famous for hosting the country’s most comprehensive collection of Danish contemporary art – and one of the world’s best Matisse collections.
The winters are chilly in Denmark, but average summer temperatures tend to be around the low 20s.
WHAT WE LOVE
Christiania: Christiania is a society within a society, a mix of houses, workshops, art galleries and music venues. It has countless attractions, from Nemoland, an open-air concert held in the summer, to the Spiseloppen restaurant housed in an old military building, and Loppen, an alternative concert venue. A true, unique experience.
Little Mermaid: Guests arriving at Langelinie Pier are welcomed by The Little Mermaid statue, which is now over 100 years old. Gifted to the city in 1913 by the brewer Carl Jacobsen, this bronze and granite sculpture was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale, and is one of Copenhagen’s most popular attractions.
Tivoli Gardens: Founded in 1843, this amusement park has become one of the most loved places in the city. There are a variety of rides, for young, old and thrill-seekers, as well as those who prefer a more sedate experience. There is also live music daily, and something called Little Friday every Thursday, to showcase emerging Danish talent. The annual Friday Rock concert is held in Tivoli, which also gets in the Christmas spirit with a diverse festive market during the holiday season.
Amalienborg Palace: Home of the Danish royal family, the palace includes a museum detailing the stories of past kings and queens. It is made up of four buildings – Christian VII’s Palace; Frederik VIII’s Palace; Christian IX’s Palace; and Christian VIII’s Palace, which houses the museum. Guests can witness the changing of the guard, known as Den Kongelige Livgarde, at 12 noon every day.
SELLING TIPS