While trying to find out why Denmark ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world, the opportunity to see a Bruce Springsteen concert led us to Copenhagen.
From past experience, I thought my boss would make me happy in any relationship.
And from reading Pocket Rough Guide Copenhagen, poring over Lonely Planet city maps, and vague memories of the political drama Borgen, I’ve come to the conclusion that Denmark’s capital is a pretty great place to visit no matter what. I thought there would be.
I quickly bought concert tickets for the whole family online (I was secretly convinced Bruce, 75, could convince his two teenage children if he had the chance) and booked a flight from Inverness to Amsterdam. The contract was concluded. Right after. We then searched for an apartment on Airbnb and chose one in the Norbro area based on atmosphere, reviews, and affordability. Although this checklist is not definitive, it has served us well over the years.
None of it was particularly cheap, but one of my maxims is that the money you spend on travel is never wasted, and that sometimes, in the words of Marie Kondo, you need to surrender to something that sparks joy. That means there is.
They say first impressions are last, but my impressions from the moment I arrived at the airport were of tall, healthy-looking people and how easy it was to get around, on time and with minimal fuss. It was a simple form of public transportation that could get you where you wanted to go quickly. Who would have thought that possible?
That was my first impression.
What stands out to me is the wide range of bike lanes that run parallel to the road network, and how cool-looking people of all ages, shapes, and sizes can easily and safely ride around the city on two wheels. It was truly an army.that and the fact everyone It seems like everyone is following road crossing etiquette. And we have gained insight into how collaborative thinking around providing reliable public transport and cycling can certainly reduce unhealthy dependence on private cars.
It’s not uncommon to see business professionals, doctors, and lawyers wearing suits and riding their bikes to work every day. Parents with two or more children in the front cart of a cargo bike are also riding in crowded bike lanes. Despite Copenhagen’s typical windy and rainy weather.
With the city’s pledge to become the first carbon-neutral capital by 2025, Copenhagen remains motivated to support its citizens’ use of bicycles. Constant improvements to the city’s bike lanes, high taxes on cars, and high parking fees in the city are all contributing factors. A lawyer in a smart suit can be seen riding to work on the front of a cargo bike with a parent with her children. It all looks really cool.
Investing in the Copenhagen Card (which I recommend) allows you to create a list of attractions to visit and enjoy the excellent public transport to get there. You can choose the retention period for your card and plan accordingly. I found it to be a great way to get to know and understand the city’s transportation system fairly quickly.
A boat ride along the central canal is well worth it. Get an overview of how the city has developed over the years, and see for yourself how small the city’s most famous landmark, the Hans Christian Andersen-inspired statue of the Little Mermaid, really is . This vantage point offers stunning views of iconic landmarks such as the so-called “Black Diamond” Danish Library.
While I’m not necessarily impressed by architecture, I was knocked out by the structure and interior of the building known as the Round Tower.
I’ve heard that Danish pastries as we know them are not that popular in Denmark. All I can say for sure is that they do a really good job at the bakery and we returned to our hometown every day to sample as many types of breads and, yes, cakes as possible. By the time we left, we were practically on first name terms with the lovely counter assistant.
We then learned from Bruce’s social media feed that he had been on the same tour the day before. We were caught in an unexpected downpour, but our ice-cool guides didn’t miss a beat and handed out pack-a-mac style covers to everyone.
The Blues at Parken Stadium was great, with its retractable roof creating an indoor atmosphere. He captured the hearts of kids (and everyone else) and continues to be an inspiration. The fact that he was wearing stylish Dr. Martens was somehow the best icing on the cake. He’s been wearing them since he was 10 years old.
If the Danes were really teeth I think some of the happiest people in the world have something to do with bread, pastries, public transport, and bike lanes. High quality education, tuition-free access to public health care, and relative low levels of crime and corruption may also play a role. And their sense of shared responsibility for social welfare is clearly stronger than average.
Whether blues are your favorite or not, trust me when it comes to happiness and bikes. I’m definitely looking for dates in Copenhagen for future tours.
Great city, good atmosphere.
Chip:
It’s worth considering the Copenhagen Card, which offers free admission to over 80 attractions, unlimited public transportation (public transportation is ace), and round-trip transportation to the airport. This is very useful. Two children aged 0-11 can accompany each adult for free. Available on Google Play or Apple Store.
Find lots of inspiration from visitdenmark.com and wonderfulcopenhagen.com.