2 min read
We arrived in Denmark yesterday afternoon and took it easy our first evening, after a grueling 9 1/2 hour flight. I look forward to one day being able to fly first class on the regular; flying economy on long flights is the pits. Sleeping is more like a series of stiff, fitful and not quite satisfying naps.

For dinner, we dined on hand-crafted burgers at Halifax, a gastropub in Indre By. I once belonged to a burger club, so I’ve tried my fair share of burgers – Halifax makes a respectable burger. We noticed the Danes around us lingered for awhile after their last bites, enrapt in conversation. The staff appeared nonplussed by this. Tipping isn’t a custom at restaurants.
This afternoon, my friend and I took a free 3-hour walking tour of central Copenhagen. Our tour guide was Magnus, a true Dane with blonde hair, blue-eyes and a strong jawline (along with a slightly sarcastic sense of humor). He shared his knowledge of his home country and I learned the following:
1. For years Denmark has held the title “Happiest Country.” Magnus seemed pretty happy, I must say. Certainly proud of his country.
2. Interestingly, Denmark has one of the highest divorce rates in all of Europe.
Denmark is known for its Pølsevogn or sausage stands where they sell hot dogs and sausages with toppings like mustard, ketchup, diced onions, pickles and a remoulade.
3. It also has one of the highest individual tax rates in the world at an average of 55%.
4. Taxes pay for things like college education, which is free for all citizens up through the PhD level. In fact, you get PAID to attend college. The money can be used for rent (you get more if you don’t live with mom and dad), books, food or even beer if you like.
5. The Danish greatly value the concept of “hygge” (hew-ge), which loosely translates to a feeling of being relaxed, satisfied and unhurried.
6. There is no minimum wage. The average hourly rate is US $50.
7. The standard workweek is 37 hours.

8. Danes get minimum five weeks of paid vacation!
9. Copenhagen is one of the world’s most livable cities with biking a popular mode of transportation.
10. Life in prison in Denmark means 25 years. Prisoners get rooms with beds and are allowed TVs. Once released, the government helps reintegrate former inmates into society.

11. Denmark is also one of the safest countries in the world.
12. It’s legal to drink on the street in Copenhagen.
13. The Danish like being on time, but not early.
14. The Prime Minister, Vice Prime Minister and Queen of Denmark are all female.
15. Denmark has a whole lotta pigs so pork is a very popular dish.
I don’t know if it’s the air, the sense of chill or just being on vacation, but my friend and I both agreed that we are really happy today. We like Denmark so far!
Linda Manns Linneman
July 11, 2015It looks beautiful there. It sounds as though the people are friendly enough. I am surprised that their divorce rate is even higher that the US. Thank you so much for sharing this great article
The Girl Next Door is Black
July 12, 2015Our tour guide joked that their one of the happiest countries in the world because of their high divorce rate.
Dr. Sarah David
December 29, 2014Thanks for the share! Love that I get to visit this part of the world through your eyes. Keep up the great work!
The Girl Next Door is Black
January 3, 2015Thanks, Sarah!
jarretr
December 24, 2014I’ll be moving to Denmark soon, thanks 😉
The Girl Next Door is Black
December 28, 2014Hehe. I should contact their tourism board for a marketing job. 😉
Kimberley Tobin
December 23, 2014I LOVE Denmark and can’t wait to go back! I lived and went to university in Aarhus for a while 🙂 This brought back lots of awesome memories!
The Girl Next Door is Black
December 24, 2014How cool! I wish we’d known about Aarhus. I’ve heard good things since we’ve been here. I can imagine how fun it was to go to uni here!
izzy82
December 21, 2014Wow this kind of makes me want to move to Denmark! Sounds like they have an overall good quality of life!
The Girl Next Door is Black
December 22, 2014Haha! My friend said pretty much the same thing. I’m not sure I’ll get her back home. 😉
claugary
December 20, 2014I would also like to go to Denmark, now!!!! Congrats on your post.
http://www.claugary.com
The Girl Next Door is Black
December 22, 2014Woohoo! Thanks!
Michelle
December 19, 2014I have never thought about visiting Denmark before, but after reading your post, sounds like a very interesting place to go.
Heidi
December 19, 2014How long are you there? I have two friends in Copenhagen. If you’re interested in meeting some locals, let me know.
Copenhagen was one of the first places I visted when I moved to Europe. I love it too! So relaxed.
H
Keisha || The Girl Next Door is Black
December 20, 2014Heidi, I emailed you. 🙂
Vanessa Morgan
December 19, 2014I was in Copenhagen a few years ago, but I can’t say I’m a fan. Too expensive, and I think there are prettier towns in Europe.
The Girl Next Door is Black
December 22, 2014It is definitely not cheap here, that’s for sure!
samdfb1
December 19, 2014Sounds fab. After reading this I MUST visit Denmark. Enjoy your trip!
Keisha || The Girl Next Door is Black
December 20, 2014Yes, definitely worth a visit! Thank you!
fischerwolf
December 18, 2014So fun. I like being able to travel vicariously through you 😉
The Girl Next Door is Black
December 20, 2014I’ll do my best to make my travels worth it for you. :p
mojoshawn
December 18, 2014Really interesting article. I enjoyed the pictures. Looks as though you two are settling in to “hygge” quite nicely! Have fun!
The Girl Next Door is Black
December 19, 2014Love hygge! 🙂 Thanks!
Shahidah
December 18, 2014While I’m over here just watching Danish television on Netflix you are living my dream to visit!!!!
The Girl Next Door is Black
December 18, 2014Oh cool! What shows have you been watching? I’m trying to learn Danish through subtitles. 🙂
Shahidah
December 18, 2014http://improperri.wordpress.com/2014/12/09/on-foreign-television-denmark-tv-on-netflix/
These are two i watched a few weeks ago. I loved both
The Girl Next Door is Black
December 20, 2014Thanks, Shahidah! I’ll check them out. This language is something else. I’m trying to understand their sounds and such.