What is Denmark famous for? You probably already have a few ideas that spring to mind when you try to imagine the best things about Denmark. The country is frequently linked to everything from Lego, to Bluetooth, incredible designers, and notoriously happy locals.
However, there’s so much more to Denmark than tech, product design and being one of the happiest places on earth.
Over the centuries, Denmark has evolved into one of the most interesting places in the world. We know it for its history (featuring Vikings, unique music, and mouthwatering cuisine), its innovative people and even its beautiful nature and scenery.
One thing is for certain; there are tons of Danish things worth celebrating.
Today, we’re going to answer the question “What is Denmark known for?” by looking at just some of the most meaningful icons to emerge in the region over the years.
We’ll be exploring popular places in Denmark, famous Danish people, food, fashion, sightseeing destinations and so much more.
Let’s get started.
The Vikings
If you know anything about Denmark’s history, then you’re probably pretty familiar with the Vikings. Vikings were the Norse groups from southern Scandinavia.
The Danes started as a North Germanic tribe that inhabited the Southern Scandinavian region, contributing to the Nordic iron age, and the era of the Vikings.
Today, Danish people maintain a national pride for their Viking roots. You don’t need to travel far in the region to feel the cultural and spiritual connection to the legendary warriors of the past.
There are also plenty of ways to learn more about Denmark’s Viking history. The location is packed full of museums where you can learn about ancient fortresses.
If you visit Roskilde in Denmark, you can also take a ride on a true Viking ship as part of your visit.
Alternatively, check out one of Denmark’s Viking festivals.
Water
Denmark is almost entirely surrounded by water, which makes sense when you consider its Viking history. The main bodies of water around Denmark are the North Sea to the west, and the Baltic Sea to the east — both inlets for the Atlantic Ocean.
Being surrounded by water means Denmark has plenty of locations for marine lovers to enjoy. You can find a host of docks and shipping destinations to explore. There are also cruises and boat tours available around Denmark too.
You can even head to some of the islands surrounding Denmark on a ferry tour or use a kayak to pop between locations in the archipelago.
Amazing coastline
Since it is surrounded by water, it’s probably no surprise Denmark has a stunning coastline. When you visit Denmark, no matter where you go, you’ll never be more than 31 miles from the sea. The love of the water is also an integral part of Danish culture, and something binding the locals together.
In Denmark, all kids have to learn to swim by law, and there are plenty of stories about the sea too. Many Danes also spend their vacation time exploring the sea, heading out to some of the surrounding islands and nearby countries like Sweden and Norway.
Cold Hawaii
Speaking of the wonders of water in Denmark, the country is frequently referred to as “Cold Hawaii”, because of its amazing surfing conditions. If you love the idea of catching some waves when you’re in Denmark, it’s worth heading over to North Jutland to check out the surfer’s colony.
The massive stretch of coastline between Hanstholm and Agger is the one most frequently referred to as “Cold Hawaii”, with 31 surfing spots to choose from. The location got its name for the amazing wind conditions.
Just be prepared for the chilly weather, and Denmark’s icy cold water.
Fashion
Fashion is a pretty big deal in Denmark, but it might not be quite the same as the fashion you see back home. Danes like their clothing to be simple, comfortable, and complementary. It’s rare to see anyone with perfect hair, and the color black appears pretty frequently around the country.
Scarves are also extremely popular in Denmark, which makes a lot of sense when you consider how cold the country can be.
If you want to get a taste of true Danish fashion yourself, make sure you check out brands like Ganni (for laidback apparel), Cecile Bahnsen (for amazing dresses) and Stine Goya (for bold colors and shiny fabrics).
Pandora
Speaking of fashionable brands in Denmark, you may not know that Pandora is actually a Danish manufacturer, founded in 1982 by Per Enevoldsen.
The brand began as a family-owned jewelry shop in Copenhagen and rose to fame when its unique charm bracelets captured the hearts and minds of locals. Pandora quickly took the world by storm.
These days, you can find a Pandora store in more than 100 countries across 6 continents. The jewelry retailer has become one of the biggest in the world, boasting a dedicated following and partnerships with big names like Disney.
Hygge
There’s a good reason why Denmark is one of the happiest places on earth. This unique location focuses on peace and serenity as a way of life. The Danish concept of Hygge is becoming increasingly popular around the world.
Hygge is all about harnessing feelings of coziness, togetherness, and love wherever you are. It can be something as simple as lighting some candles when you have a bath or buying yourself some flowers.
Hygge encourages us to make the ordinary feel more special and indulge in the amazing things that are all around us.
If you ever visit Denmark, make sure that you bring some of the Hygge attitude home with you.
Learn more about hygge here.
TV and film
You’re probably already familiar with some of the top films and TV shows from Denmark, including The Killing, and The Bridge. Danish people love their cinema and television programs, and the country is well-known for producing a host of cult classics.
The Danish landscape is particularly popular for the “Nordic Noir” trend in film. In other words, you’re likely to see a lot of movies and television dramas which feature dark storyline and bleak settings.
Fortunately, while Danes like watching crime, they don’t see a lot of it on their streets at home.
Architecture
Ask a local what one of the best things about Denmark is, and they’re sure to mention the amazing architecture. The country is well known for its beautiful buildings, which range from colorful houses on cobbled streets, to modern public buildings like the Copenhagen black diamond library.
You don’t have to travel far to see some amazing buildings throughout Denmark. In Aarhus, there’s the amazing Isbjerget building, which looks like an iceberg, but actually operates as an apartment complex.
It’s also worth checking out the Wave, which is a shoreline residential apartment block in the shape of a wave — highlighting Denmark’s love of the water.
Interior design
Homes don’t just look beautiful on the outside in Denmark — they’re incredible on the inside too. Danish brands like Bang and Olufsen offer an insight into how seriously the Danish take the concept of beautiful interior design and decoration.
Interior design choices in Denmark often provide a combination of comfort and minimalism. Danes also love filling their homes with plenty of light — natural when possible.
Danish people also spend a lot of cash on expensive centerpieces like vases and bowls. These items are also handed down through the generations.
Royal Copenhagen
Speaking of classy, high-quality products passed down through the years, Royal Copenhagen is one of the best-known companies for selling stunning hand-made items in Denmark. Launched in 1775, Royal Copenhagen is an expert in porcelain.
Each piece created by the Royal Copenhagen company is hand-painted, which makes them extra special for Danish (and international) collectors. These items are often treated as heirlooms in Denmark, passed down through the generations, and revered for their beauty.
Candles
A stunning home in Denmark would be nothing without its candles. In fact, candles are one of the most popular forms of light in the country — aside from natural daylight.
According to experts, Denmark burns more candles per head than any other European country, with each person burning around 6kg of candles per year.
Danish people prefer their candles with no scent, and they frequently use them to decorate their Christmas trees, so drip-free wax is popular too.
Candles flicker in homes year-round in Denmark, but you’ll see them most commonly in fall and winter, when the nights are particularly long.
Hans Christian Andersen
Denmark gave birth to dozens of amazing, famous people, including Arne Jacobsen, the designer, and of course, the Game of Thrones star, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.
However, the first famous name that you’re likely to think of when you picture Denmark is Hans Christian Andersen.
The world-changing stories of the Little Mermaid, Ugly Duckling, and even the Princess and the Pea came from Denmark. Hans Christian Andersen was even responsible for the inspiration that led to the hit movie “Frozen,” thanks to his story, the Snow Queen.
Famous for his fairy tales around the globe, Hans Christian Andersen is a huge figure in Denmark, with statues dedicated to his stories. There’s even a festival in Odense (his hometown), where you can learn more about the writer and explore the location in style.
Roskilde festival
If you need an excuse to come and discover the sights and landmarks in Denmark, how about marking a spot on your calendar for the Roskilde festival? This incredible music festival is located in the south of Roskilde, and it’s one of the largest celebrations in Europe.
Since 1971, Roskilde has attracted hundreds of thousands of music lovers every year, for a four-day marathon of electronic, reggae, pop, rock, hip hop, and other music styles.
The Roskilde festival was apparently the first music-focused festival created in Denmark specifically for the “hippy” population.
Today, it appeals more to the mainstream youth of Scandinavia and Europe.
Learn more about the Roskilde Festival here.
Tivoli Gardens
Who needs Disney World when there’s a universe of amusement waiting in Denmark? Tivoli Gardens is a unique amusement park located near Copenhagen, where you’ll find a host of rides, roller coasters, and other forms of entertainment.
Tivoli Gardens first opened in 1843, making it the third oldest operating park in the world. It’s also one of the most beautiful destinations to visit, particularly at night when the rides are illuminated.
If you’re lucky enough to visit around Halloween and Christmas, you can also see the park decorated for the season.
Bluetooth
Denmark isn’t just famous for its beautiful locations and incredible attractions; it’s also connected to one of the world’s most popular technologies: Bluetooth.
The Bluetooth tech is named after an ancient Viking king, known for unifying Norway and Denmark. King Harald reigned as king of both Norway and Denmark until the late tenth century.
His nickname “Bluetooth” continues to live on today.
Insulin
Insulin is a crucial treatment for people with diabetes. Without this substance, the threat of diabetes would be much greater than it is today. According to history, August Krogh and his wife (Marie), partnered with Doctor Hans Christian Hagedorn to found the Nordisk Insulin laboratorium.
Within this lab, the threesome made major contributions to the production of insulin, by learning how to extract the hormone from a pig’s pancreatic glands. The Novo Nordisk healthcare company still exists today.
Bike culture
While there are many ways to get around in Denmark, you’re far more likely to spot people travelling by bike than by car or bus. Bikes are a huge part of Danish culture, and people cycle to work and home throughout all kinds of weather — even snow.
Bicycles are used for pleasure and fun, to explore some of the most stunning locations in Denmark, as well as an eco-friendly way for getting around.
Copenhagen is definitely one of the best places to visit if you want to check out Danish bike culture, as there are more bikes than people in the capital city.
High taxes
Unfortunately, Denmark isn’t all amazing work/life balance and magical scenery — there’s a slight downside to living in the country too. Denmark has some of the highest taxes in Europe, with residents paying a rate of around 45% of their income to the government.
Though the taxes are some of the highest in the world, this isn’t actually something most Danes see as a problem. It’s worth remembering you’ll also get excellent work/life balance, great healthcare, free education, and a range of other bonuses when living in Denmark.
Essentially, you get what you pay for.
Expensive living
Though expats definitely have a lot to look forward to if they decide to move to Denmark, it’s worth noting the country is one of the more expensive ones to live in. Danish people spend a fortune on things like petrol, utilities, and restaurants.
According to the Mercer cost of living survey conducted in 2020, Denmark’s Copenhagen is the 25th most expensive city in the world. Of course, you can always reduce your cost of living slightly by choosing to find a home outside of the capital city.
Great healthcare and welfare
As mentioned above, there is a plus side to the expensive living and high taxes of Denmark. You also get a country committed to caring for its citizens. In Denmark, healthcare is free to access for any local, as well as residents of EU and Scandinavian countries.
You’ll get exceptional coverage to help with everything from physical and mental health to emergencies and rehabilitation. The country also offers a range of welfare support systems for people who need assistance paying their slightly higher bills.
Maersk shipping
Maersk shipping is the international container shipping company operated from Denmark. This Danish business conglomerate was originally founded in 1928, and today it’s the largest container shipping company in the world, both by cargo capacity and fleet size.
The Maersk shipping company plays a huge part in how goods are distributed around the world, offering regular services to more than 374 ports in 116 countries. The company operates more than 700 vessels, all delivering products for consumers around the world.
The Øresund bridge
The Øresund Bridge is one of the most interesting structures in Denmark. This combined railway and motorway bridge provides a direct connection between Denmark and Sweden, so locals can easily jump between countries whenever they like.
The bridge connects the rail and road networks of the Scandinavian Peninsula with Western and Central Europe, and there’s a data cable for the transmission of internet too. This bridge was originally developed by Klaus Falbe Hansen and Jorgen Nissen.
Learn more about the Øresund Bridge here and book a trip here.
Honesty
There are a lot of factors making Danish people special — one of which is their commitment to truth and honesty. Danes are straightforward and transparent people. They believe in each other, their government, and the companies they buy from, because truth is a consistent part of the culture.
The Danish approach to honesty means everyone in the country generally trusts the people around them to be good and decent. This means you can easily leave a baby stroller outside of a store without worrying, or leave your door unlocked.
Football
The Danes might not be the first group you think of when it comes to football, but one of the most interesting facts about Denmark is the country loves its sport.
In 1992, the Danish won the European championship. Though teams haven’t come quite as close since, Denmark still watches football avidly, waiting for the day they’ll win again.
Interestingly, when Denmark won the championship in 1992, they hadn’t actually qualified in the first place. The team only made it into the game via a wild card after the former Yugoslavia was disqualified.
Learn more about the Danish Superliga here.
Lego
Most people already know that Lego started life in Denmark. The world’s most famous building brick came from Billund, a small Danish town.
If you’re a huge fan of using Lego to build everything from scenery to the Millennium Falcon, then it’s definitely worth giving Denmark a visit.
The moment you visit Billund, you’ll find dozens of ways to learn more about Lego and where it came from. This is also where the world’s first Legoland is, and you can even visit a house made entirely out of Lego too.
Colorful buildings
As a place that’s responsible for the world’s most famous building block toy, it’s probably no surprise that Denmark is also pretty creative when it comes to buildings and housing too.
Visit Denmark, and you’ll find countless beautiful, crooked houses covered in the colors of yellow, pink, and blue.
The best places to go if you’re a fan of brightly colored architecture include Magstræde, one of the oldest streets in Copenhagen, and Sofiegade, a cobbled street that’s home to some of the brightest housing you’ll ever see.
For a full insight into how unique Denmark’s houses can be, pack a trip to Nyhayn into your journey.
Healthy living
Life in Denmark is simple and beautiful. The locals know how to get pleasure out of the little things — that includes spending plenty of time outdoors.
If you’re a fan of exercise and looking after yourself, then you’ll love the cycling culture in Denmark. The country is packed full of bikes, and most people prefer to use these vehicles over cars.
Bikes are such an important part of Danish culture that most people continue to ride them even when it’s in the middle of winter. Some people still refer to Copenhagen as the capital city of bicycles.
It’s not just bike exercise that makes Denmark a healthy place, however. The location also is obsessed with healthy food too – like carrots! You’ll find Danes eating carrots all times of the year, in a multitude of different ways.
Green living
Denmark is brimming with amazing sights to see and experiences to discover. The Danes that live in this region are committed to keeping their country as beautiful as possible, which means being as environmentally friendly as possible.
Despite its relatively small size, Denmark is one of the front runners in generating renewable energy and wind power. The country is brimming with wind turbines, which you’ll see in the seas between various islands.
The Danes are on the cutting edge of the industry in a lot of ways. Not only is this country environmentally friendly, but it’s also committed to the constant discovery and scientific success.
Danes contributed to the initial medical research that helped us to discover insulin.
Additionally, the original map for Google Maps came from two Danish brothers. Danes even contributed to the creation of Bluetooth and the loudspeaker.
The best place to raise children
Reports highlight Denmark as the best place in the world to be a woman, and the best place for raising children too.
If you want to move to one of the safest places in the world for your kids, Denmark has you covered. The location is also well-known for its equality, and excellent educational system.
In Denmark, all education is completely free of charge, as it’s paid for by the citizens of the country through taxation. Even the early nursery or kindergarten stages of education are free, so parents can quickly go back to work if they want too.
Maternity leave
An impressive approach to maternity leave is one of the many things that makes Denmark such a great place for having children and being a woman. Both mum and dad in Denmark will be offered up to 52 weeks of paid leave when their new child arrives.
In comparison, countries like the UK and Australia only offer around two weeks of fully-paid coverage for minimum wage earners, and the US doesn’t offer any paid paternity or maternity leave at all.
It’s no wonder so many people want to move to Denmark.
Google Maps
We all know Google, but did you know without two Danish people, we wouldn’t have the Google Maps we use for navigation today?
Denmark is famous for being the birthplace of the two brothers, Jens and Lars Eilstrup Rasmussen, who began developing Google Maps back in the year 2000.
Though numerous setbacks plagued the pair over the years, they eventually ended up in Sydney, Australia, releasing the first version of Google Maps for global GPS. Since then, Google Maps has become one of the most-used apps in history.
The two Danes responsible for Maps have gone on to map the moon, sky, and even the planet mars.
The royal family
The Danish royal family is one of the most famous in the world. This incredible family has held an important role in Denmark for more than 1000 years, making it one of the oldest monarchies in the globe.
All of the Danish royal family members (except the Queen) hold their title of Princess or Prince, which makes things a little less complicated.
The great thing about the Danish royal family is that people love them! The monarchy isn’t just a government group; it’s an important part of the Danish culture.
You can check out lots of information about Danish royal history by visiting the Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen.
Notably, the Danish monarch only has a limited role in the government of Denmark, according to the Danish constitution.
After an election, the ruling parties present a government that the monarch needs to approve. The monarch is also responsible for approving the laws that the Danish parliament suggests too.
Work/life balance
These days, most countries and companies are working hard to produce a better quality of work/life balance for their professionals, but few have been as successful as Denmark. You won’t find anyone sitting behind their desk trying to finish sending a few last emails when 5pm rolls around in Denmark.
Danes don’t champion the idea of working overtime, and many actually frown on the idea of people staying late. As soon as work ends (37 hours full-time), the Danes spend as much time as they can outdoors, with family and friends.
A commitment to finding time for the things they love might be why Danish people are generally so much happier than their counterparts.
Happy people
One of the best things about Denmark, is it’s often listed among the happiest countries in the world. Ranked at the top of the happiness index year after year, Denmark promises its local citizens endless smiles and peaceful living.
There are plenty of reasons why the Danish may be happier than the rest of us. They have a fantastic work/life balance, as well as lots of opportunity to get away from work to be with loved ones.
Plus, you have hygge, for excellent relaxation, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Learn more about the happy Danes here.
Design
Perhaps one of the best things about Denmark, is its commitment to Design. Denmark has a fantastic heritage of design and architecture. It’s also responsible for some of the most innovative products and brands in the world, including Bang and Olufsen.
Companies and designers ranging all the way from Arne Jacobsen, to Bodum come from Denmark, and they all share the amazing functional but minimalist approach to design that makes the region so great.
You’d be hard-pressed to find any products from Denmark that don’t have the perfect combination of aesthetic appeal and performance to offer.
Denmark is packed full of incredible products, locations, and people, highlighting the creative nature of the region.
Copenhagen
It’s hard to write an article about all the things making Denmark special, without mentioning Copenhagen. The capital city of Denmark is one of the most incredible places in the world, featuring everything from Michelin Star restaurants to its very own archipelago.
Copenhagen is the largest city in Denmark, but it’s also one of the best to explore. The location is made for museum hopping, cycling, eating, and shopping, with countless things to do and see.
For most visitors who only have a single place to visit when they’re travelling to Denmark, Copenhagen is the place to be.
Find places to stay in Copenhagen.
Meat
While there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian restaurants and food options throughout Denmark, the country is well-known for its adoration of meat. Denmark consumes a lot of meat on an annual basis, adding up to around 48kg of meat per head on a yearly basis. Around 3kg of this is bacon.
Pork is the preferred meat of the Danish in most cases. Danes love pork so much they often have it for their Christmas dinners too.
Pigs and bacon
Have you ever noticed that most of the juiciest, thickest cuts of bacon come from Denmark? Denmark produces some of the best pig-based foods in the world. The Danish pig industry is among the top in the world for animal welfare, food safety, and excellent breeders.
Good animal care and high food safety standards means Denmark can produce huge amounts of pork and bacon, without having to compromise on quality. The most common kind of pig bred in Denmark is the “Landrace” pig, which have fine hair, long snouts, and droopy ears.
Lurpak butter
Lurpak butter is among the most popular butter choices in the world — and for good reason. This delicious high-quality butter comes from Denmark, and has a delightful, slightly salty flavor. For local Danes, Lurpak is often a must-have part of many meals.
Butter actually plays a pretty significant role in Danish cuisine. Many items of food are baked with butter or fried in butter. You’ll also find many cafes selling open-top sandwiches (Smørrebrød) which just aren’t complete without a thick layer of Lurpak.
Hotdogs
Danish hotdogs are probably one of the most popular fast-food options in the country. If you’re travelling around Denmark and you want to pick up something to eat from an available food stand, you can usually guarantee you’ll find a hot dog vendor on virtually every main street.
Although hotdogs really only started to rise in popularity in Denmark during the 1920s, there were around 400 hotdog vans in Copenhagen alone by the end of 1950. This number dropped to around 60 by 2010, as other fast foods continued to make their way into the country.
Today, hotdogs still hold a special place in the heart of the Danes.
Beer
Beer is a pretty big deal in Denmark, alongside drinks like Aquavit. If you don’t see the Danes drinking snaps at a local celebration, you’ll probably find them chugging a Tuborg or Carlsberg instead.
Carlsberg is the number one beer in Denmark, and it even produces special drinks within the country for the holidays.
If you’re looking for an alternative to Carlsberg, there are various other popular choices in Denmark, such as Mikkeller, brewed in Copenhagen, and Amager.
Michelin Star restaurants
Great food certainly isn’t hard to come by in Denmark. Alongside delicious food fans and street vendors, you’ll also find a wide selection of 26 Michelin star restaurants dotted throughout the country.
The highly rated restaurants in Denmark sell a range of different food options. There’s Noma, for “New Nordic cuisine”, where the chef has been given the title of “best Mentor chef”. Noma has also been named the world’s best restaurant a total of 5 times.
If you’re looking for traditional Danish food, check out the Geranium, which was the first of Denmark’s restaurants to achieve three Michelin stars. It’s also ranked the second-best restaurant on the list of the 50 best restaurants in the world.
Food and cuisine
The Danes, just like most people from Scandinavia, have some pretty interesting local cuisines worth checking out if you have an opportunity to visit. Smørrebrød, for example, is one of the most popular lunch options. These open sandwiches, made with dense rye bread.
Danish pastries are pretty widely revered too. Often combined with a mug of delicious coffee, Danish pastries are generally sticky, sugary, and utterly decadent treats. Beyond these, you’ll also want to check out things like Danish oysters, meatballs, and of course, Danish beer and snaps.
Salty liquorice
Salty liquorice is one of the many “acquired taste” foods you’ll find in Denmark. While this treat definitely won’t appeal to everyone, it’s something the Danes seem to love. The confection usually appears in other Nordic countries and Germany too.
Salt liquorice candy and pastilles are usually black or brown and can be soft or hard depending on your preference. You might also find salmiak used as flavoring in other products, like syrups, ice creams, chewing gums, and alcoholic drinks.
Music
Music is a big deal all over the world, but it’s also one of the best things about Denmark. You can find all kinds of unique sounds in the Danish music scene, including a surprisingly large amount of metal music.
The country is also well-known for people like Agnes Obel, MØ, Mew, Volbeat, Oh Land, Alphabeat and Trentemøller.
MØ is probably the most famous Danish singer around right now, but there’s no shortage of great options to explore depending on your tastes.
If you’re a lover of metal and rock music, Denmark was also where Lars Ulrich, the co-founder and drummer of Metallica, was born.
Bang and Olufsen
No list of interesting facts about Denmark would be complete without a reference to Bang and Olufsen. Probably the most popular creator of audio technology in the Nordic region, Bang and Olufsen are popular for a combination of minimalist Scandinavian style, and excellent audio quality.
While Bang and Olufsen devices are rarely cheap, they do provide exceptional audio performance and long-term durability — making them a worthwhile investment for many Danes.
Learn more about Bang and Olufsen here.
Christiania and marijuana
While recreational use of marijuana or cannabis is still illegal in Denmark, medical use is now permitted through a four-year pilot program which began in January 2018. Interestingly, one particular town in Denmark has its own set of rules.
Freetown Christiana is the “anarchist” district in Copenhagen, with open cannabis trading which appears to be unofficially tolerated in the region. While you might not be able to buy marijuana anywhere else in the country for recreational use, the “Hippy” town is a very different story.
The region has its own “Green light District”, though many stalls have been forced to close due to conflicts in the area today.
Learn more about Freetown Christiania here.
The Little Mermaid
It’s hard to find any fairy-tale fan who’s not familiar with the Little Mermaid. More than just a Disney movie, the Little Mermaid is one of the biggest things Denmark is known for.
The story originally came from Hans Christian Andersen, one of the best-known children’s writers of all time.
Today, you can see the Danish paying homage to the mermaid and her quest to become human, with a bronze statue in Copenhagen. The statue by Edvard Eriksen shows a mermaid getting her legs, and its displayed on a rock by the waterside of the Langelinie promenade.
This major tourist attraction has been a popular sight since it first arrived in the country in 1913.
Learn more about Denmark’s Little Mermaid here.
Handball
Invented in 1898, the unique game of handball is a distinctly Danish sport, and a passion among locals. Professional team handball draws huge crowds in arenas around the country, similar to hockey or football. It’s also easy to find games being shown on television too.
Handball is a fast, aggressive, and exciting game, with anywhere up to 30 goals happening in a single match. The ball is about the size of a cantaloupe, unlike the handballs found in the US, and both women and men play the game, often with great pride.
Denmark has a national handball team, and it’s the team with the fourth most medals won in European championship history!
Danish Midsummer
“Midsummer” is a term regularly connected to the Swedish, but it’s actually an important celebration in Denmark too. Better known as Sankthansaften, Danish Midsummer is an incredible cultural event with an extensive history.
Similar to Swedish midsummer, Danish Midsummer takes place in the middle of summer (on June 23rd). As you might expect, the event is brimming with fun activities, with the opportunity to party all night long.
Danes gather together with friends and family for private celebrations or visit large community events for public festivals full of food and drink.
Perhaps the most exciting part of Danish Midsummer is the bonfire, which is stacked high in time for the evening show, while locals snack on traditional Danish food. There are even speeches on Midsummer’s day, hosted by Danish celebrities, personalities, and popular journalists.
Learn more about Danish Midsummer here.
The best things about Denmark
Now that we’ve described many of the things Denmark is known for, it’s time to plan your own trip. Just remember to take a camera to catch some snaps and keep plenty of space in your luggage for the must-have accessories that you’ll want to bring home!
Scandification: Discovering Scandinavia.
