Everything about and for our people in Denmark. How to move to Denmark from Russia and what you need to know about local life? The most in-demand professions in Denmark

Most “average” Russians, in response to the question “What do you know about Denmark?” will most likely remember Andersen, and some – Hamlet and the Vikings.

Few people know about the culture and other features of this country, located in the North of Europe - most often those who have visited there personally. Fortunately, tourism is actively developing in Denmark today: in a small country that can easily be located on the territory of the Moscow region, there are a lot of interesting and surprising things.

We invite you to take a short trip around the country of Denmark with us. Let's talk a little about where to go in Denmark? We will tell you about the cities, castles, islands and attractions of Denmark. Believe me, there is a lot to see and visit in Denmark. Shall we begin?

Where is

The country of Denmark is located on the Jutland Peninsula - north of Germany - and on many islands: there are about 400 in total, but most of them are uninhabited. The capital, Copenhagen, where the famous storyteller began his career, is located on the island of Zealand. Denmark also owns the world's largest island, Greenland, whose economy largely depends on fishing. Denmark borders by sea with Norway and Sweden, countries that were once part of the Danish kingdom, which has existed for about 1,000 years.

Climate of Denmark

Denmark's territory is mostly flat, and the climatic conditions are shaped by the surrounding seas. The climate of Denmark is considered moderate, although the summers are short and cool - 16-18°C, and the winters are mild and warm, about 0°C - due to the influence of the Gulf Stream. The west wind often blows, but it does not bring cold. There is more rain in the fall, and snow does not last long in winter - less than a month.

It is recommended to travel to Denmark from May to September, and the best time is considered to be July-August, although it can rain in mid-summer. Night temperatures differ little from daytime temperatures, but the weather can change very quickly. It all depends on the direction and strength of the wind: it’s worth taking this into account when planning walks and excursions.

Rich nature of a small country

The Danes note that they do not have any bright beauties or impressive wonders, but they love and respect their nature.

The beaches in Denmark are long and clean, with white sand, and the forests are green and, for such a small country, quite rich in animals and birds. The forest occupies only about 10% of the territory, but residents protect it in every possible way: for example, they try to use renewable energy resources, such as solar panels and windmills, without neglecting garbage - this is how Denmark compares favorably with other European countries.

Tivoli Park - the main attraction of Denmark

Therefore, the natural beauties of Denmark are often closely connected with historical and cultural attractions: an example of such a connection can be considered even the famous Tivoli Park with many of its amazing attractions and man-made wonders, conceived by people for entertainment, but buried in flowers and greenery, and with a real lake. The park is considered the main attraction of the capital, and receives about 4 million tourists annually. During the war, Tivoli was seriously damaged: the German occupiers completely destroyed its entire southern part, but the Danes restored and improved their beloved park in the first post-war years.

Small picturesque towns and villages, inseparable from natural landscapes, are considered major attractions in Denmark, as are medieval castles.

Historic castles in Denmark

There are so many castles in Denmark that it is difficult to choose which one to give preference to - there are more than 600 of them. This seems surprising, but it is worth considering that there were no revolutions and “war with palaces”, as in other European countries: the Danish monarchs showed wisdom, and before the introduction The constitutions “came along on their own,” although the sad experience of their neighbors undoubtedly influenced this decision. Therefore, all the castles in Denmark have been preserved, and many have been reconstructed over the past century and a half; Most of them are now available to tourists. Castles belong either to the crown or to the state, but there are also many private properties. All castles in Denmark have a rich and interesting history, and they are all different, even those built in the same era and in the same architectural style.

In general, historical tourism and active recreation in Denmark are welcome: the Danes are proud of their history and themselves love to relax in nature.

Unique Islands

Thinking about what to visit in Denmark? Visit unique islands.

Møn - the most beautiful island in Denmark and a national park

In the southeastern part of Denmark, in the Baltic Sea, there is the island of Møn with a unique rock formation. Tall white cliffs (up to 128 m high) stretch for 6 km, standing out brightly against the background of the blue sea. There are a lot of swans and swallow nests here - the birds love the island, and there are dozens of orchids growing there. The island is considered the most beautiful in Denmark and a national park; it is covered with forests, flowering fields and meadows, and is perfectly equipped for excursions and recreation.

Faroe Islands for peace and quiet

The Faroe Islands are also Denmark, although they are not so close to it, in the north Atlantic, between Iceland and Scotland. All the islands - there are 18 of them - are of volcanic origin, with emerald green landscapes, with fjords, waterfalls, lakes, and gorges. Sheep - the golden-horned ram on the coat of arms of the islands - graze everywhere on the green hills; the roofs of many houses, even in cities, are also covered with grass. There are almost no trees, but their absence is not at all depressing: the Faroe Islands attract those who want peace, tranquility and silence.

Top attractions in Denmark

While in Denmark you simply need to visit the treasures of Danish history and culture.

Copenhagen - capital of Denmark

The richest collection of valuables is, of course, Copenhagen. There are incredibly many attractions - the palaces and castles alone are worth it, but there are also temples and gardens, museums, theaters, libraries and many beautiful buildings - masterpieces of architecture.

The largest aquarium in Northern Europe "Blue Planet"

Both children and adults will be interested in the Blue Planet Oceanarium, the largest in Northern Europe and one of the most comfortable: it is home to thousands of species of sea inhabitants. The architecture of the complex is unique and is called “futuristic”: from above, the completely white aquarium building looks like a huge starfish or other sea animal with curved tentacles.

The city of Helsingør is a favorite destination for foreign guests

The city of Helsingør (we know it as Elsinore, thanks to Shakespeare), just 46 km from the capital, is where most foreign visitors flock. Russian tourists also consider it their duty to visit here and take pictures next to Hamlet and Ophelia - sculptures on the main alley of Kronborg Castle. The castle offers a beautiful view of the sea with green shores; Historical films are often shot here.

Billund - where Lego was invented

It is worth noting, however, that it was in Denmark, in the city of Billund, in the south of Jutland, in the late 40s of the 20th century that the famous Lego constructor, now loved by children all over the world, was invented. Once in Legoland - the land of dreams, children do not want to leave it; There are so many attractions here that there will be enough for several days from morning to evening, and you can also just relax and walk, simultaneously creating anything you like out of colored bricks. The park is built from tens of millions of Lego bricks and covers an area of ​​about 100 square meters. km; There is also a “soft” play area for kids, and you can quickly travel around the entire Lego country on a train. There is a functioning children's driving school - you can get a license, a factory and a fire station - everything is real and working.

Odense - Andersen's birthplace

Those who want to visit Andersen’s homeland can go to Odense: in this city with more than a thousand years of history, he was born and lived in his youth - there is his museum here.

"!

After the 2007 reform, Denmark was divided into 5 main regions:

• Southern Denmark;
• Central Jutland;
• Northern Jutland;
• Zealand;
• Hovedstaden.

Each of the regions was, in turn, divided into cities and communes, the life of which was regulated by city councils and municipal boards. The exception is the Ertholmen archipelago, which is not included in any of the regions and is subordinate to the state Ministry of Defense. Greenland and the Faroe Islands, enjoying autonomous status, have their own legislative bodies in the form of a unicameral parliament. In Greenland it is the Landsting, in the Faroe Islands it is the Løgting.

Economy

Denmark is a state that, if not awash in prosperity, is at least firmly on its feet. Low inflation, minimal unemployment rates, developed production, gas and oil fields - all this makes the life of the local population comfortable and consistently respectable. At the same time, the kingdom still continues to remain industrial-agrarian, exporting agricultural products, furniture, and all kinds of equipment. In the country as a whole, the leading positions are occupied by the food, engineering, pulp and paper and chemical industries.

In 2009, according to statistical agencies, Denmark was recognized as the most expensive country in Europe. The local taxation system also helps maintain this status, thanks to which traditional “contributions” to the state here can grow to astronomical amounts.

Good to know: Denmark is still not part of the Eurozone, so the main monetary unit in the kingdom continues to be the Danish mark.

Population and language

In total, about 5.7 million people live in the Kingdom of Denmark, with more than a million of them in the capital of the state, Copenhagen. The overwhelming majority of the population are native Danes, and small national groups are formed, as a rule, by Faroese, Frisians, Germans and Inuit, while the number of immigrants in the country does not exceed 6%.

The official language of the kingdom is Danish, but each region has its own dialect variations. The overwhelming majority of residents of the capital use the literary form of the language - Rigsdansk.

In the southern regions of the country, located on the border with Germany, they speak more German, and most residents of large cities speak good English. By the way, despite the fact that the lexical composition of the Danish language is very similar to other languages ​​of the Scandinavian group, few people understand it in Sweden or Norway.

Sights of Denmark

When you come to Denmark, you get the feeling that the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen live in this country to this day. In any case, the castles and elegant residences that once housed cutesy princesses and brave princes have not disappeared. Moreover, now these beautiful fragments of the past successfully “work” for the state, collecting a generous tribute from the endless stream of tourists in favor of the Danish budget.

Castles and fortresses

You can feel the real spirit of the gloomy Middle Ages, and at the same time get acquainted with the history of some knightly orders on the island of Bornholm, where the ruins of one of the oldest castles in Denmark, Hammershus, have been preserved.

Those who are partial to the work of the immortal classic of English literature W. Shakespeare should go to Elsinore, where the legendary Kronborg Castle is located. If you believe the poet, it was within the walls of Kronborg that Hamlet suffered from black melancholy, and the beautiful Ophelia went crazy. But local residents have a different legend associated with this gloomy building. They say that somewhere in the secret basements of the palace lies the main defender of the country, Ogier the Dane, who will wake up only at the moment when his homeland is threatened by trouble.

Not far from Copenhagen, in the town of Hillerød, is located one of the most prominent representatives of the Dutch Renaissance - Frederiksborg Castle. In the mid-19th century, the building was badly damaged by fire, but thanks to the initiative of beer magnate Jacobsen, who organized a fundraiser for the reconstruction of Frederiksborg, the castle looks like new again.

If your plans include not only admiring ancient architecture, but also getting to know the life of royalty, welcome to the Amalienborg palace complex, where the family of Queen Margrethe of Denmark lives. Of course, the entrance to the empress’s private chambers is closed to tourists, but no one is prohibited from visiting the other two buildings of the complex, which house the historical museum.

On the island of Funen there is the record holder for the most visited Danish palaces - Egeskov Castle. The reason for this popularity is not so much the unique architecture of the building as the picturesque surroundings into which it fits well. There is also something to see in the former residence of the Danish monarchs - Christianborg Palace, which today belongs to parliament.

Sønderborg Castle on the island of Alt stands out from the orderly row of luxurious architectural monuments. The laconicism of the rectangular design of the structure is explained by the fact that the building initially served as a fortress. In comparison with this ascetic giant, the Zealand castle of Valle looks like an intricate but completely fragile toy. However, this appearance is easy to explain: from the very beginning, the owners of Valle were exclusively women.

Hidden in the Royal Garden of Copenhagen is another residence of the Danish monarchs - Rosenborg Castle. Today, anyone can walk through the halls of the palace and see the imperial regalia stored here.

Attractions and amusement parks

After a walk through medieval castles, it may seem that the Danes are frozen in their distant past and are not interested in anything other than history. To break this stereotype, go to Billund and visit every child's dream - Legoland. The country's main water park, Lalandia, is also located here. Even if you're in Copenhagen for a few days, take an hour to visit Denmark's main park, Tivoli, whose attractions have been entertaining visitors for over 160 years.

Museums in Denmark

In Denmark they love quiet contemplation no less than noisy entertainment, so those who love museum excursions will always find something to keep themselves busy here. Start at the National Gallery in Copenhagen, which houses amazing paintings by Pre-Raphaelite artists as well as English Impressionists. To see for yourself the originality of Rodin’s creations, go to the New Glyptotek of Carlsberg. You can get acquainted with the history of Denmark and learn interesting facts from the life of the Vikings at the National Museum. Well, you can have a lot of fun, filling your brain to capacity with interesting, albeit absolutely useless information, at the Ripley Believe It or Not Museum.

If you grew up reading the wonderful stories of Hans Christian Andersen, then in Denmark you have a unique opportunity to see not only the famous (and some people are quite tired of) monument to the little mermaid, but also the house itself where the great storyteller spent his childhood. Those who are not delighted with standard museum exhibitions should go to Andersen's World. In this small cottage, your favorite heroes of magical stories come to life and children's dreams come true.

You can move from the fantastic world of fairy tales to the universe of “adult” entertainment at the Copenhagen Erotic Museum. Just don’t get too carried away, because ahead is the most unusual museum in the capital – the Experimentarium. Yes, yes, this is the very place where you can touch and move any exhibit without fear of being kicked out of the establishment.

A funny exhibition awaits tourists in the Funen village. This unusual open-air museum will clearly demonstrate the life of the Danes in the 17th-19th centuries, and at the same time introduce you to ancient crafts.

Among the most modern attractions of the country is the bridge across the Oresund Strait, connecting Denmark with Sweden. There is a fee to travel along it, so if you are planning an introductory excursion from Copenhagen to Malmö, get ready to pay a tidy sum of 370 Danish kroner (about 50 euros) for the pleasure.

For vivid (literally) impressions, it is better to go to Nyhavn or New Harbor, known for its colorful houses and crowds of tourists taking traditional selfies against the backdrop of ancient buildings.

You can take a break from the ideal order and cleanliness of Copenhagen streets in Christiania (Free City). A small quarter, positioning itself as an independent state, lives by its own laws, which often run counter to social norms. The free rebellious spirit, the free trade in cannabis, the dirty streets - all this contrasts sharply with the respectable quarters of the capital.

To get into the spirit of ancient Scandinavia, and at the same time puzzle over the great mysteries of the past, go to Jelling and find the old church there. Enter the churchyard and walk among the legendary rune stones, set here in the time immemorial when Gorm the Old ruled the country.

Sights of Denmark on our website

All sights of Denmark

Shopping

It would not be an exaggeration to say that shopping in Denmark is entertainment designed for the lucky owners of gold cards. If for some reason you didn’t bring a couple of extra thousand euros with you, visiting Danish boutiques and outlets will turn into a standard sightseeing tour, since their prices are far from affordable. In cases where the desire to take possession of an item is so strong that common sense has overcome, try to get information about upcoming sales. It is possible that you will be lucky and you will become the happy owner of a stylish branded item for a symbolic (for Denmark) price.

The most popular hangout for Copenhagen shopaholics is the Stroget pedestrian shopping area. Only here you can get hold of a handbag from the latest Louis Vuitton collection and grab the legendary Louboutins, without doubting for a minute the authenticity of the purchased items. By the way, please note that on Friday and Saturday most stores operate on reduced hours, that is, they close earlier than usual.

For budget tourists and connoisseurs of vintage items, Copenhagen flea markets are a good alternative, the oldest of which is Copenhagen Flea Market. You can buy everything here, from collectible porcelain to cute and often useless trinkets.

Traditional holidays

On the one hand, tolerance in Denmark has almost become a cult: just look at the cost of permission to register same-sex marriages, which has been issued in the kingdom since 2012. On the other hand, here, like nowhere else, they honor ancient traditions, jealously guarding their past. An example is the small town of Frederikssund, where a Viking festival has been taking place for more than half a century. A funny and colorful event, in which several hundred bearded warriors take part, is more of a costume production than a full-fledged festival. But the feast that is organized after this simple celebration is the most authentic.

On June 23, all of Denmark celebrates St. Hans Day (the Russian equivalent of Ivan Kupala Day). In honor of the holiday, noisy celebrations are held, and giant symbolic bonfires are lit on the shores of the bays, as a reminder of the times when local fishermen sent their old boats to the fire.

Maslenitsa or, as they say here, Fastelavn, is a holiday on which the younger generation of Danes “breaks out”. On this day, all the miscreants of the kingdom over the age of 3 take out carnival costumes from the closets and terrorize the inhabitants of the surrounding cottages with demands to give them all the candies in the house.

Christmas in Denmark is not much different from Christmas in any other part of Europe: traditional markets, pine wreaths on the doors, sparkling Christmas trees and tons of gifts for those closest to you. Except that there are two notorious Santa Clauses here and their names are Julemanden and Julenisse.

Danish New Year features a traditional kransekage cake and amazing fireworks at midnight. And also - congratulations from the Queen, tracking the last seconds before the onset of the New Year using the Copenhagen City Hall clock and the inevitable hot mulled wine in Tivoli Park for those who celebrate the holiday in the capital.

Customs and features of national character

The everyday life of the Danes can be described as “cozy”: here it is customary to love your home and improve it as much as possible. Well, you have to pay for the peace and stability that the state provides without further ado. National pride for the local population is also not an empty phrase. The saying that Europe is a bowl of rice pudding, and Denmark is a hollow in this rice mass full of butter, is taken almost literally here. However, unlike the Swedes, people here love humor and sometimes even understand it.

For the Danes, punctuality and respect for nature are akin to a fixed idea. Those who are late and do not bother themselves with concerns about preserving the environment and energy resources lose trust almost immediately. And in Denmark they love to stand up for human rights. Well, or at least argue about this eternal topic.

5 little Danish oddities

Punishment with spices. Any Dane who has lived a quarter of a century and not tied the knot is subject to a comic shower of cinnamon on his 25th birthday. So don’t be surprised if you come across one of these “victims” on the streets of Copenhagen, accompanied by a crowd of joyfully laughing friends taking pictures in front of the birthday boy.

Politeness is implied. No, they are not rude here in response to requests and always let pedestrians pass at the crossing. The word “please” is simply not used here.

Ecomania. Every resident of the Kingdom of Denmark is sure: natural resources must be protected and it doesn’t matter how your actions look to others. Instead of turning up the heating, they insulate the house itself, donate bottles so as not to overload city landfills, walk dogs with a plastic bag at the ready, and also do a bunch of other things that are incomprehensible to us, but useful for the environment.

Down with snobbery! Financial well-being is something that 99% of the local population has. If you are a little luckier than your friends and colleagues, find a way to hide it - they don’t like braggarts who demonstrate their wealth too clearly in Denmark.

Hygge. A term truly understood only by the Danes, often translated as “coziness” or “comfort zone”. In fact, it is a feeling of community with someone, a kind of emotional nirvana that every local resident strives for. Perhaps this is why an invitation to a family dinner in this country still needs to be earned.

Danish cuisine

If there was a sandwich heaven in the world, it would be in Denmark. Even the best hamburgers cannot be compared with the multi-story buildings of the local culinary specialists, called smorrebrod. Not only are these delicious designs radically different from the stereotypical sandwich, they sometimes contain completely incompatible components. By the way, the only correct way to eat smorrebrod is layer by layer. However, there is nothing else left, since the height of this Scandinavian snack is usually at least 10 cm.

Traditional Danish cuisine is based on simple and at the same time satisfying dishes. This is explained, first of all, by the cool climate and, as a result, by high calorie consumption. Fried pork, sausages, veal schnitzels, meatballs - all this is complemented by side dishes of potatoes or stewed cabbage and eaten in huge quantities. And, of course, herring: smoked, pickled, fried, with curry sauce and mustard - not a single feast is complete without it. Other marine life, such as shrimp, crabs, eels and flounder, are not left unattended.

Dairy products in the kingdom are mostly of their own production, thanks to which local residents can completely unrestrict themselves in eating cheeses, yoghurts and other delicacies made from milk.

Modern Danes also indulge in morning pastries, which are called wienerbrod, that is, “Viennese bread.” Well, as desserts they use traditional apple pies according to great-grandmother’s recipes, jelly and sweet berry “soups” with a cap of heavy whipped cream.

As for public catering outlets, even here the brave descendants of the Vikings do not betray themselves, preferring establishments with eco-cuisine and gluten-free products. These can be either pretentious establishments, like the Noma restaurant, famous for its fantastic culinary variations on the theme of Scandinavian dishes, or unpretentious places like Harrys Place, where prices are affordable and portions do not need to be examined under a microscope. Fans of American and Italian fast food will also find somewhere to eat: there are plenty of pizzerias and cafes serving burgers and pizza in Copenhagen.

Beer in Denmark

If the main edible symbol of Denmark is smørrebrød, then among drinks the first place remains with beer, which has been brewed here for 500 years. In addition to the world-famous Carlsberg and Tuborg, there are not so famous, but no less tasty, Faxe and Ceres. Minibreweries, whose products are not exported, but perfectly satisfy the Danes' need for a foamy drink, are scattered throughout the country. This means that you can find local beer even in the most seedy rural pub, not to mention city bars that sometimes have their own breweries.

Transport

Public transport in Denmark is presented for every taste and budget: buses, taxis, trains, electric trains, the capital's metro and even ferries running between the islands.

If you come to Copenhagen on business and do not want to delve into the complex system of local transport zones, it is better to get a FlexCard in advance, which will give you the opportunity to ride city buses and the metro for a whole week.

Especially for tourists, there is a variation on the theme of a travel ticket - the Copenhagen Card. This small rectangle will provide you with not only free travel on any type of public transport, but also access to several museums in the capital, as well as a decent discount on visiting other entertainment places.

Recently, so-called Rejsekort cards have been rapidly gaining momentum - cards that can be used in any type of transport and the balance of which can be topped up if necessary. Usually Rejsekort is paid at special terminals with a blue light signal.

In cases where you don’t want to depend on the public transport schedule, a personal (or rented) bicycle will help out. By the way, most of the residents of Copenhagen prefer this environmentally friendly and, most importantly, maneuverable means of transportation to their own car. You can get a two-wheeled friend at one of the bike rental points. Most hotels in the capital provide a similar service.

Where to stay: hotels and hostels in Denmark

As in any European country, Denmark has plenty of hotels of any level of star rating. True, in comparison with Sweden or Norway, housing prices in Danish cities are much higher.

The cheapest, or rather completely free, option is to register in a social network of couchsurfers and live completely free of charge with one of the participants in this popular tourist movement.

For those who are not tied to amenities and are willing to sacrifice comfort for reasonable savings, there are campsites like Lokken Klit Camping, Frigaard Camping, Egtved Camping & Cottages and others. Most of them are groups of wooden houses located outside the city limits. As a rule, everywhere there is electricity, hot water, and in some places even swimming pools and playgrounds.

If you don’t want to travel outside the city, but your modest budget doesn’t allow you to stay in a hotel, you can choose a decent hostel, of which there are about 95 in Denmark. For example, the capital’s Urban House and Copenhagen Downtown Hostel have a good reputation. If you are staying in Aarhus, check out Aarhus Hostel, and for those who decide to get to know Esbjerg better, we recommend taking a closer look at Danhostel Ribe.

Inexpensive accommodation options include hotels such as B&B (Bed&Breakfast) and Farm Holliday. The latter are a kind of hybrid of a farm and a boarding house. The advantage of such “agricultural hotels” is that the tourist here will be fed not with some semi-finished products, but with natural eco-products.

When your soul craves poetry and your eye craves elegance, you can afford to splurge on a historic hotel. Only in Denmark you will have a unique opportunity to live in a real ancient castle or an aristocratic cottage of the last century, which has preserved its magnificent interiors.

As for four- and five-star hotels, everything here is predictably luxurious and equally expensive. Royal apartments, well-appointed spa areas, satisfaction of even the most unusual wishes of clients, hypoallergenic rooms - the list of advantages of Danish hotels can be endless. If you suddenly really want to play Russian oligarch, try checking into one of these elite places - Nimb, Radisson Blu Royal.

What to bring from Denmark

Lego". You can buy the dream of all little builders right in its homeland - in the city of Billund or in a company store next to Lego Park.

Marzipan from Odense (Odense Marcipan). This delicious almond delicacy is considered a cult in the homeland of H.H. Andersen, which is why it looks like a real work of art.

Chocolate set Anthon Berg. This private Danish confectionery brand dates back to 1884.

Royal Copenhagen porcelain. For any product from a world-famous brand you will have to pay an impressive amount, so if you are not ready for such expenses, you can limit yourself to cheaper analogues, of which Denmark also has plenty.

Alcohol (Gammel Dansk tincture, Akvavit vodka, Tuborg beer). You can buy any of the drinks in liquor stores or in a standard supermarket.

Brownie Nisse. The figurines of these domestic pranksters have become a real national souvenir. You can distinguish the “correct” Nisse from ordinary dolls by his red pointed cap.

How to get there

You can get to the southernmost part of Scandinavia by plane. Direct flights from Moscow to Copenhagen are offered by two carriers: Aeroflot and Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). Another transport option is comfortable buses that depart to the capital of Denmark from Moscow twice a week.

In cases where you want to start your journey not from glossy Copenhagen, but from the Danish province, get ready to take a roundabout route through Germany or the Netherlands. You can, for example, take a train ticket Moscow - Berlin, and upon arrival transfer to a Eurolines bus, which will take you to Vejle or Aarhus. To get to know the sights of Aalborg and Rødby, it is better to take a train ride to Amsterdam, and then choose a direct bus route passing through the cities you need.

For lovers of sea travel, there are ferry crossings in Oslo, Norway, Helsingborg, Sweden, and Putgarten, Germany.

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High taxes and a well-established social system

“A trip on the metro costs 300 rubles, and a cup of coffee in an inexpensive cafe costs from 500!” - tourists talk with horror about their trip to Copenhagen upon arrival home.

Victoria Antonova

studies in Denmark

Copenhagen indeed annually finds itself in the top five, ten or twenty most expensive cities in the world in various rankings. Other Danish cities also discourage tourists with high prices and migrants with even higher taxes. At the same time, Denmark attracts foreigners with its quality of education, career prospects and high standard of living.

This is what attracted me to her too. In 2016, I applied for a master's degree at Aarhus University. I was able to receive a grant that covered the cost of my master's program and even living expenses.

I’ll tell you how to save money on accommodation in the two largest cities in Denmark - Copenhagen and Aarhus.

Moving and visa

Spending will begin even before moving to the country. A student visa will cost approximately 37,000 RUR: first you will have to pay 2310 kr (21,714 RUR) to the Danish migration service, then when submitting documents at the visa center, pay a visa fee of 13,450 RUR, a service fee of 1900 RUR, and in regional centers - another 450 RUR for sending documents. Other long-term visas with all fees can cost about 48,000 RUR.

The national currency of Denmark is the Danish krone.

Students from other cities will also have to go to Moscow for an interview at the consulate, as the Danes want to check your language level live.

The big advantage of Danish visas is that they already include a long-term residence permit. The visa for master's students is valid for 2.5 years. Next time you will have to pay for the documents only if you want to extend this permit.

But you can save on insurance. For residents, Denmark covers medical expenses through taxes. It is worth taking out insurance only if you plan to have dental treatment in Denmark, otherwise you will pay approximately 60% of the cost out of your own pocket.

Within a week after arrival, you will need to go to the public service center and request a civilian number. You must have your residence agreement with you.

Language

Danish is the official language of Denmark, but the vast majority of the population speaks fluent English. Even people who don’t need language skills for their jobs, such as bus drivers or supermarket cashiers, can easily switch to English with you.

Most visitors, including students, are entitled to free Danish lessons for 5 years. You can find the school closest to you on the website of the Association of Language Centers. Those who arrived after July 2017 will need to make a deposit of 1250 kr (11,750 RUR), but if you attend classes, it will be returned to you after the end of the course. The Danes introduced the deposit to weed out those who are not serious about learning the language: many signed up for courses simply because they were free, and then dropped out. And language schools wasted resources trying to hire enough teachers.

I recommend starting to take Danish courses straight away, especially if you plan to stay in the country for a long time. It is a fairly simple language, and most employers prefer to hire those who can speak it at least a little.

Banks and payments

The local currency is Danish krone. When I wrote the article, 1 Danish krone was equal to 9.4 R. To convert prices into rubles, you can simply multiply by 10 - this is convenient.

Cash is rarely used in Denmark, and when paying with a foreign card, a commission is charged almost everywhere, so you will definitely have to open a bank account. You will have to pay for opening an account, issuing a card and servicing, but for students these services are free from Arbeidernes Landsbank, Nykredit and Danske Bank.

To open an account, you will need to come to the bank, but other services can be obtained via the Internet. To use Internet banking, you need to order a personal digital key “Nem-ID”. You can do this yourself at the Borgerservice public service center (an analogue of government services), or a bank can do it for you - it’s more convenient.

Rooms in dorms and apartments differ little in price. I advise you to look for a room in a communal apartment. For this, there are paid services like “Boligportal”, but subscription to them is expensive: from 300 kr (2820 R) per month for one site. It is unlikely that anyone will respond if you send messages in English rather than Danish. I don’t know anyone who could find housing through such sites.

The most reliable method of finding housing is word of mouth, so don’t be shy to write a post on social networks and ask your friends, especially Danes, to share it. I also advise you to actively respond to advertisements in special groups on Facebook.

Finding housing in Denmark is like looking for a job. Landlords receive dozens or even hundreds of inquiries, so you need to present yourself in the best possible light.

What to check before renting

Be sure to sign a contract with the landlord. The market is highly regulated, and without a contract you will most likely be kicked out of your apartment pretty quickly. Tenants who do not have the right to sublet often rent out premises without a contract. This is quickly revealed by the real owners or landlords.

Check if utilities and internet are included in the rental price. If not, then they can cost you another 200-300 kr (1880 -2820 R).

Do not leave any deposits or other payments until the contract is concluded: there are many scammers in Copenhagen. If you doubt the intentions of the interlocutor, check him in the Scammers in Copenhagen Facebook group.

Do not pay a large amount as a deposit. The maximum normal deposit is the amount for 3 months of rent. Ideally, you will be able to get the full amount back within a couple of weeks after you move out of the apartment, if you don’t break anything. Read the terms of the deposit return contract. For example, let's say you move in with someone who has been living in an apartment for a couple of years. The contract may include a clause stating that upon departure the deposit will be divided equally between you, although you only lived there for a couple of months and are unlikely to have broken anything.

If you find a large apartment that you want to sublet part of, check whether your contract with the landlord allows subletting. If subletting is allowed, you can try to find tenants for your spare rooms or rent out your home through Airbnb.com if you're going out of town for a while.

Housing is often rented unfurnished. You will have to buy it yourself. It is better to buy from hand, for example on the Danish equivalent of Ibay - the DBA website. Large appliances like a refrigerator and a washing machine will most likely still be in the apartment.

Personal transport - carsharing

It’s better to completely forget about taxis and your own car in Copenhagen. A 3 km trip by taxi will cost you about 100 kr (940 RUR), and you will have to pay a very high tax for your car (even if it is used). If you suddenly need a car, I advise you to use car sharing.

100 kr

costs a 3 km taxi ride

Car sharing in Copenhagen is well developed. I use Drivenau, but there are at least four other companies. The biggest advantage of car sharing is that you only pay for the time you use. All cars in car sharing are electric. Insurance, parking and charging are already included in the price. If you take a couple of friends with you, the trip can be cheaper than using public transport.

When registering with Drivenau, you need to pay a fee of 89 kr (836 RUR). It includes a 30 minute drive. It is profitable to pay for minutes in advance - so one minute will cost 2.5 kr (24 R) instead of 4 kr (38 R). To do this, you need to purchase a package for 180 or 300 minutes before your trip. It is valid indefinitely, and minutes for each trip will simply be deducted from the package. If you charge a car with less than 20% charge, you will receive 20 minutes free of charge to your internal car sharing account.

You can drive in Denmark with a Russian license for a year, but then you need to exchange it for a local one. A replacement will cost 880 kr (8272 R), you will have to go for a medical examination, but you do not need to take exams or go to additional classes for category B.

880 kr

it's worth changing the rights

Bicycles

The best thing to do is buy a bike and ride it everywhere. This is what both children and pensioners do here. A bicycle in Denmark is the most economical and convenient transport. It is safe to ride, there are many bike paths, and their surface is often better than that of ordinary roads. Bicycles even have separate traffic lights at some intersections.

I bought a new bike for 1000 kr (9400 RUR) on the Futex store website - this is the cheapest option. My bike only has 3 speeds and the quality is mediocre, but for daily trips to the university it is quite suitable.

You can find many used bicycles online. They are often sold by those who came to Denmark for a short period of time, and cheaply: you can find a bike from 400 kr (3760 RUR). Look for such bikes in groups Aarhus Internationals or ESN CPH : Give-Buy-Sell-Rent on Facebook or on the DBA website.

You can also buy a used bicycle at auctions organized by Danish police stations. They sell off unwanted bicycles that have been sitting in public places for too long.

When buying a bike, remember safety. If you buy secondhand, check the number indicated on the frame in the database of stolen bicycles. This can be done through the Politi app, which is owned by the Danish police.

When you buy a bike, write down or photograph its license plate number in case you need to report it stolen. Buy a good bike lock, and if you have the money, buy insurance. Bicycles are stolen very often in Denmark. Thieves almost always go unpunished, since the police rarely search for bicycles. Bicycle theft is a petty crime, and finding one among hundreds of thousands is difficult, so spending resources searching is not worth it.

Be aware of fines. Always wear a front light and brake light on your bike at night. Obey traffic signals and use hand signals when stopping or turning. Drive strictly on the right side and do not ride without hands or with a passenger. The fine is 750-1000 kr (7050 -9400 R) for one violation.

Public transport

If you don't want to ride a bike, use public transport. It is better not to buy tickets for a single trip, so as not to overpay. The most flexible payment method is the Risecourt card. You can buy it at special sales points (a list of them can be found on the card website) or order it on the Internet. You will receive the card within 2-4 weeks after arrival. There are several types of cards: the most profitable is to buy a “Risecourt-personnel”, but for this you need to have a civilian number.

“Risecourt” costs 50 kr (470 R), is valid throughout Denmark and will save you up to 50% of the cost of a ticket in Copenhagen - pay 15 kr (141 R) instead of 30 kr (282 R) during rush hour. In Aarhus, the discount on travel on the Riesecourt will be 20%. There is also a savings system: the more and further you travel using the card, the cheaper each trip becomes. The card is valid in all types of transport: buses, metro and commuter trains.

30 kr

costs a ticket for one metro ride in Copenhagen during rush hour

"Risecourt" must be applied to a special terminal at the beginning and end of the trip. This is how its cost is calculated.

If you use public transport more than 6 times a week, it is more profitable to buy a pass. A pass for 2 zones - the city center and the main suburban areas - costs 375 kr (3525 R) per month.

I do not recommend traveling without a ticket. Fine - 750 kr (7050 R). They check tickets frequently and fine them mercilessly.

Check the schedule via the Rejseplanen app. Otherwise, in Aarhus you risk being left without transport after midnight. There are night buses here, but they only run on Fridays and Saturdays. If the route includes a transfer and you use Risecourt, then you do not need to touch the card to the terminal with a red sticker at the transfer station. Apply it to the terminal with a green sticker at the transfer points and to the terminal with a red one at the end of the route - you will save 100 rubles on each transfer.

750 kr

fine for ticketless travel

If you are bringing a bicycle with you, you need to buy a separate ticket for it. The exception is the red trains in Copenhagen. They have special carriages for free transportation of bicycles.

I rarely use public transport; I prefer to ride a bicycle. At first it was unusual: before, I only rode a bicycle around the yard as a teenager, but over time I got used to it. I rarely take the bus or metro - only when it’s raining heavily and I can’t avoid leaving the house, for example, if I need to go to class. A round trip costs 24-30 kr (225 -281.25 R) depending on whether I get to rush hour. Now I try to ride a bicycle in any weather, since public transport does not help from the rain: you still have to walk 10 minutes from or to the stop.

Food

To save on groceries, you need to know where to shop. Supermarkets Futex and Irma are considered expensive, while Rema-1000, Netto, Lidl and Aldi are considered cheap, but they also have less variety. Plan your shopping list in advance and check the promotions in your nearest supermarkets. You can track them through advertising brochures that arrive daily in your mailbox, or through the minetilbud and eTilbudsavis applications.

Eating lunch in the university canteen is not cheap and not always tasty. A cup of not the best coffee from a boiler costs 10 kr (94 R). I recommend bringing your own food - buy containers that will pay for themselves after a couple of lunches. You can also buy a thermos and brew coffee at home. That's what everyone does here.

Restaurants in Copenhagen are very expensive. The check for one starts from 300 kr (2820 R). Even in bistros and burger joints, expect to pay from 85-100 kr (800 -941.176 RUR). If you want restaurant food without extra charges, I recommend the Too good to go app - at the end of the day for 30-40 kr (282 -376 RUR) you can buy a takeaway dinner from dishes that the establishment did not sell that day.

300 kr

minimum cost of dinner in a restaurant per person

Entertainment

Entertainment in Denmark, compared to restaurants, is quite affordable. Visitors are often given welcome coupons for free admission to museums, theaters or skating rinks. For such coupons you need to go to the town hall of your city.

Cinemas, theaters and museums usually have discounts for students. Those under 25 years old can also get a discount, so when going to the museum, take your passport and student ID with you. My friends and I went to the production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” for 50 kr (470 R), and a regular ticket costs 400 kr (3760 R).

If you like a particular museum or have guests coming to you often, I recommend purchasing a membership card. It entitles the cardholder and one companion to free entry. The main attraction of Aarhus is the Aros Art Museum. A membership card there cost me 200 kr (1880 RUR) and paid for itself already on the second trip.

In Denmark, quite a lot of free events are held for students: screenings of documentaries, concerts, meetings of hobby groups, and so on. You can monitor them through social networks or websites. In Aarhus, it is convenient to follow events on the website of the Dokk-1 library or the Godsbanen center. Also in Aarhus and Copenhagen there is free entry to the botanical gardens.

Bars and nightclubs have high prices, as do restaurants. A glass of beer costs on average 50 kr (470 R), cocktails - about 100 kr (940 R), but you can save money here too. For students, there are so-called Friday bars, which open at most universities on Fridays from approximately 17:00 to midnight. Beer here can be bought for only 5-10 kr (47 -94 R). In Copenhagen and Aarhus there is also a special student bar, Studentehus, with competitive prices.

100 kr

costs a cocktail at the bar

If you want to have a fun night on the town and save money, plan. Check the websites of specific bars to see when their happy hours are and go there during those times. This way you will save about 50% of the cost of drinks. Most clubs charge entry, but sometimes those who come early (around 21-22 hours) are admitted for free.

Trips

If you want to travel around the country, then as a student you can do it on a very budget. In Aarhus, the student organization Studentehus (yes, it's not just a bar) organizes trips for students, and gives discounts to members of the association. For example, you could go to Legoland Park for the whole day for 425 kr (3995 RUR).

If you are going somewhere on your own, it is cheaper to travel by bus - a ticket for students will cost about 100 kr (940 RUR). Traveling by train is more comfortable, but to save money you need to buy tickets in advance and look for “orange” discounts.

To travel around the country, it is convenient to use the Gomor service (the Danish equivalent of Blablakar). I also recommend renting a car there if you want to travel to another city on your own. In ordinary companies, prices for residents of Denmark are very high, about 1500 kr (14,100 RUR) per day, while non-residents can rent the same car for 200 kr (1880 RUR).

200 kr

costs per day to rent a car for non-residents of Denmark

Communication and Internet

For communication, I recommend taking a free SIM card from Lebara. They have a tariff for 100 kr (940 R), which includes 10 hours of calls within Europe, unlimited SMS throughout the country and 30 GB of Internet traffic. It’s cheaper only if you pay by the minute and hardly use calls or the Internet.

Weather

What I wasn't prepared for was the prolonged absence of sunlight. Of course, I knew that Scandinavia is not famous for its resort weather, but even in my native Siberian Omsk there was plenty of sun, despite the forty-degree winter frosts.

In Denmark, the opposite is true: the temperature rarely drops below zero, there is almost no snow, but there is high humidity and a piercing wind. Fortunately, Copenhagen has better sunshine than Aarhus (1,780 hours of sunshine per year versus 1,506 according to official statistics). For comparison: in Moscow, the average annual number of sunny hours from 2001 to 2010 was approximately 1900.

I have learned to take advantage of the moment: as soon as the sun comes out, I try to go outside, even just to walk to the store.

Hygge

Last year, the media vied with each other to write about the secret of Danish happiness - hygge (translated from Danish as comfort). There was even a book of the same name published. Articles about hygge were often accompanied by photographs of candles, woolen socks and Ikea kitchens, but, in my opinion, they never revealed the secret of Danish happiness.

The word hygge describes a certain state of happiness and harmony with oneself and the world, but does not in any way prescribe how to achieve it. Therefore, hygge is different for everyone: I have a friend for whom hygge is ice fishing with his father.

“Hygge. The Secret of Danish Happiness" - a book by writer Mike Viking, who studies happiness

The secret of Danish happiness is very simple - it is an established and comprehensive social system that allows people to be thoughtful about life and focus on those things that are hygge for them, rather than worrying about money every day.

Eventually

As elsewhere, your expenses in Denmark will depend directly on your standard of living. I advise you to focus on the following data.

One-time moving costs will cost you approximately 13,000 kr (122,200 rubles): visa - 3,900 kr (36,660 rubles), bicycle - from 1,000 kr (9,400 rubles), deposit for housing - 8,500 kr (79,900 rubles). You may also have to spend money on furniture.

6300 kr

per month needed to live normally in Copenhagen

Monthly expenses will cost approximately 5300 kr (49,820 R) in Aarhus or about 6300 kr (59,220 R) in Copenhagen. This is quite a generous amount, I included expenses for housing, transportation, food and a little entertainment. If you tighten the belt tighter, you can easily cut costs by several thousand more.

But the surest way not to be afraid of Danish prices is to receive a Danish salary, which is quite possible even for students. The culture of part-time work for students is very well developed here. Even very large companies like McKinsey or Marsk regularly recruit students in various specialties. A student residence permit allows you to work up to 20 hours a week, which is enough for a comfortable life.

In general, it is no coincidence that Denmark has been at the top of the ranking of the happiest countries in the world for several years now. Copenhagen is probably my favorite city in the world that I have visited or lived in. Its atmosphere more than pays for the wild prices of coffee, the tedious search for housing and all other everyday difficulties.

Fabulous Denmark - the pearl of Scandinavia. Relax on the beaches of the Danish Riviera and excursions to the sights of Copenhagen, gingerbread farms and ancient fortresses, spa hotels, sea cruises and the Legoland amusement park. All about Denmark: visa, tours, maps and photos.

• Tours for May Worldwide
• Last minute tours Worldwide

During the snowy season, this hospitable country offers an unforgettable New Year's holiday in the fabulous capital of Copenhagen or Aarhus, rich in attractions. Or go to Odense - the city where perhaps the most famous storyteller in the world - Hans Christian Andersen - was born. In addition, winter Denmark attracts cruise lovers - a New Year's ferry trip with a visit to several Scandinavian countries will bring real pleasure to both adults and children.

In summer, the Kingdom prepares special surprises that family tourists will truly appreciate. Firstly, these are amazing amusement parks - Legoland and Tivoli. Secondly, the fabulous beaches of the Danish Riviera, where winter-tired mothers can enjoy quality treatments at local spa hotels. Thirdly, amazing nature. Beautiful lakes with sandy beaches, like toy gingerbread farms, where you can taste delicious national dishes and try local cheeses. Finally, there are ancient romantic fortresses, some of which are now open as hospitable hotels.

Regions and resorts

Time difference from Moscow

− 2 hours in summer −1 hour

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• from Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

Climate

Moderate maritime, fairly mild climate without sudden temperature changes and with relatively uniform precipitation throughout the year. Winter lasts from December to March and is characterized by high humidity and prolonged periods of relatively cold weather: the air temperature in January is 0...-7 °C. Summer is cool, the average July temperature is +15...+16 °C. The best time to visit the country is July-August, when it is warmest and there is relatively little rainfall.

Maps of Denmark

Visa and customs

To travel to Denmark, you must obtain a visa in advance and take out medical insurance.

The import of alcoholic beverages is allowed to persons over 18 years of age, and strong drinks - 20 years of age. The import and export of currency is not limited, but tourists arriving from outside the EU must declare amounts over 50,000 DKK and travel checks in the amount of 112,000 DKK. Russians can import into Denmark up to 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of alcohol with an alcohol content of less than 22%, up to 2 liters of table wine; up to 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco; up to 500 g of coffee (or 200 g of coffee extract) and 100 g of tea (or 40 g of tea extract); up to 250 ml of eau de toilette and 50 ml of perfume; personal consumption goods up to DKK 1,350 per person. Prices on the page are as of March 2019.

The import of drugs and preparations containing them, ammunition, firearms and explosives, pornography, souvenirs from plants and animals of endangered species, food products without vacuum packaging and any food made from meat and milk, with the exception of baby and medical nutrition, is prohibited.

Pets are allowed only with a veterinary passport with notes on all necessary vaccinations, as well as a medical certificate issued no earlier than 10 days before arrival. Objects of artistic or historical value cannot be exported from Denmark.

• Do you need a Denmark visa when connecting at Copenhagen Airport?
• Do I need a certificate from work for a visa to Denmark when the host party pays expenses?

Tax free

Value added tax (MOMS, 25%) is included in the cost of all services and goods, so prices are quite high. Tourists from non-EU countries can get almost all of the VAT paid (about 20% of the price of the goods) back when leaving the country. To do this, you must make a purchase worth at least 300 DKK, present your passport and fill out a special form, which is then presented when leaving the country. The item must be sealed and show no signs of use, and be accompanied by a receipt and cash receipt.

How to get to Denmark

Denmark's largest airport, Kastrup Airport, is located 8 km from the center of Copenhagen. Aeroflot has direct flights from Moscow: departure from Sheremetyevo, duration - from 2 hours 40 minutes. It is cheaper to travel with transfers: Aegean Airlines delivers from Domodedovo via Athens in 7.5 hours; Air Baltic - via Riga 4.5 hours; Air France - via Paris, 9 hours.

Fire service, police, ambulance: 112, in case of emergency: 000.

Beaches of Denmark

Denmark is not the most obvious choice for lovers of beach pleasures: Northern Europe does not indulge in the burning sun and sea temperatures of fresh milk. But it’s still worth bringing a swimsuit: the total length of the coastline is 7,500 km, the Baltic and North Seas are famous for their amazing cleanliness, and there are comfortable recreation areas both on the continent and on the islands.

From almost anywhere in Denmark you can reach the coast in less than an hour.

The beach season starts in the summer: in June it is still cool to swim, but by July-August the water warms up to a comfortable +22 °C. The weather is warm, but not hot, so you can bask by the sea all day long. The most popular beaches are located in the vicinity of Copenhagen: there are not only all the amenities, but also yacht clubs, water parks, restaurants and entertainment centers.

The largest crowd on fine days is on Amager Beach, which was awarded the Blue Flag for its grooming and safety. Its northern part is covered with sand, the southern part is given over to a promenade, sports grounds and picnic areas. For children - separate shallow water areas, for adults - kayaking, diving and other sports. But it’s better to bring an umbrella and a towel with you: beach equipment rentals are rare in Denmark.

Sonderstrand Beach is one of the most spacious in Europe: the length of the sand strip is more than 6 km.

The west coast attracts lovers of active pastime: strong winds, waves and currents create optimal conditions for yachting and windsurfing. On the eastern shore, the picture is completely different: the sea is calm, the bottom is safe, the depth is shallow, picturesque rocks protect from the winds - it’s no wonder that families with children often vacation here. The beaches of the islands of Funen and Falster are also aimed at parents with children: the entrance to the water is gentle, there are playgrounds and ramps for strollers.

Skiing

Denmark is unlikely to surprise fans of steep turns and dizzying heights: there are no impressive mountains in the kingdom. But the hills are small, neat and absolutely safe for skiing, perfect for beginners and families with children. Most of the trails are covered with artificial snow, so you can ski all year round. But the best time to visit mountain resorts is, of course, winter: the burning frost on your cheeks and snowflakes flying from the sky create the ideal atmosphere for relaxation.

The list of the most popular places for skiing includes the town of Silkeborg on the Jutland Peninsula. Skiers, snowboarders and lugers maneuver along well-groomed tracks equipped with lifts. There is a separate small hill for children, and for experienced athletes there are red runs of increased difficulty. You can live here: the resort has charming houses with amenities.

The cost of a one-day ski pass in Silkeborg is 275 DKK per person, the price includes the rental of skis and ski boots.

On the island of Bornholm there is the Osterlaars resort with pistes with a height of 70-110 m (70% are easy, the rest are more difficult). You can also enjoy active leisure in the vicinity of Copenhagen: Hedeland Skicenter has blue and black slopes with a height of 35-80 m, there is a ski school and areas for night skiing, a one-day ski pass costs 130 DKK for adults and 80 DKK for children. CopenHill, a year-round resort with a freestyle park, an observation deck and routes for jogging and hiking, will also open soon.

Shopping

Shopping in Denmark is a test for the wallet: prices here are much higher than, say, in neighboring Germany. It makes no sense to buy clothes from world brands: even items from affordable brands like H&M or Vero Moda are expensive, let alone elite Prada or Louis Vuitton. You can save a little only in outlets (the Dansk Outlet network operates throughout the country) or at sales in December-January and July-August.

If you still want new things, but don’t mind the money, we recommend paying attention to small designer boutiques, of which there are many, for example, in the Copenhagen shopping district of Strøget. It is better to hunt for vintage items and antiques at flea markets in the metropolitan areas of Frederiksberg and Nørrebro, in Kongens Nytorv, Thorvaldsen and Halmtorvet squares.

The best gastronomic souvenirs from Denmark are marzipans, cheeses and strong Gammel Dansk liqueur with a unique bouquet of herbs, fruits and spices.

Amber crafts, crystal dishes, silver jewelry, and all kinds of Viking paraphernalia are popular among tourists. More status gifts for yourself and your loved ones - high-quality teak furniture, respectable Skagen watches, porcelain from the Royal Manufactory and Lindberg glasses, which adorn the proud noses of the rich and famous. Children can be delighted with the Lego constructor, because Denmark is its homeland.

Small shops are open from 9:00-10:00 to 17:00-18:00, on Fridays until 19:00-20:00, on Saturdays until 13:00-14:00, Sundays are closed. Large supermarkets are open longer; retail outlets in tourist areas receive visitors 7 days a week.

Cuisine and restaurants of Denmark

Danish cuisine is the embodiment of Scandinavian traditions: simple, hearty, replete with seafood and vegetables. Its main symbol is the sandwich, also known as “smørrebrød”: multi-layered masterpieces with meat, fish, cheese, herbs, sauces and spices shine in both famous restaurants and modest street eateries. They are often accompanied by salads, which are also filling and high in calories: with ham, pasta, beans and mayonnaise.

The Danes also love fish: herring, salmon, mackerel and flounder are boiled, fried, salted, dried and smoked - unless they are added to desserts. The preferred meat is pork in the form of cutlets, pates, meatballs, sausages and sausages. Another interesting dish is salted chicken with pineapple, served hot or cold. Each dish comes with a carefully selected sauce: mustard, brown, parsley or berry.

A snack in fast food will cost 60-70 DKK, lunch in a mid-range cafe - 100-150 DKK, dinner in a good restaurant - from 300 DKK per person. Tasting set at Michelin-starred Noma - 2250 DKK.

For dessert, you should try thick berry jelly “red-greuse-mez-fleuse” with whipped cream, carrot cake, strawberry soup, apple pie with currant jelly, apricot cakes and all kinds of buns. The most common alcohol is beer, liqueurs and schnapps; at Christmas they brew a special wine reminiscent of mulled wine.

In Denmark there are classic and experimental establishments with national menus, restaurants serving Greek, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and Indian cuisines. Juice bars offer freshly squeezed juices and light snacks, steakhouses offer delicious meat, small private breweries offer dozens of types of intoxicating drinks. Eating houses in the regions often specialize in authentic dishes: on the island of Ørø they serve yeast pancakes with honey, on Fanø - flour puddings "sakkuk", on Bornholm - smoked meats, and on Møn - spicy herring.

The best photos of Denmark

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