Visiting Denmark: The Happiest Country on Earth
Given its continuing belletristic tradition of palaces, the words Fairy Tale are often used in Denmark, the world’s happiest country; and Hygge, the original Danish attribute expressing warmth and fellowship, is considered to impact the citizens’ priceless pleasure. Denmark is a country where old-world charm meets cutting-edge technology, and where the quality of life consistently ranks among the world’s finest. Compact cities with contemporary infrastructure, the best of arts, architecture, cuisine, and entertainment alternatives can be found in this egalitarian country. Denmark is a dream to travel through!
Danish landscapes are suffused with empyreal Nordic illuminations and reflect the Danish attitude toward art, architecture, gastronomy, chattels, and style. In between, you’ll see images of great stretches of sand, mediaeval fortifications, and candlelight cafes that have perfected the Hygge mindset. Denmark was founded over a thousand years ago when Vikings sailed the seas to devastate European lands. A journey that culminated in modern Danes being named worldwide ambassadors for a sophisticated and courteous society that values reformist governance, urban cycling culture, sustainability, and quality of life.
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The Happiest Kingdom
Visiting Denmark is like stepping into the periods of sea merchants, Vikings, fairies, and royals. If you grew up reading fairytales, you’re probably familiar with Hans Christian Andersen. “Life itself is the most amazing fairy tale,” heeded Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish writer from the 18th century. Among his works are The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, and Thumbelina, to name a few. On rare occasions, residents dressed in traditional attire might be seen wandering the streets. These costumes, which are used to commemorate important events and rites, entice you to discover fairy tale monuments and Norse mythology’s roots.
Andersen’s stories delve into nautical history, exposing events, folkways, and idioms unique to Danish culture. His characters are typically based on Norse goddesses and gods, and they have a wealth of knowledge about Christian customs. He presented a vivid image of the religious tensions in Denmark at the time. Although Danish folklore had been handed down through the generations, the folk stories were first collected and documented in the nineteenth century to preserve the cultural past.
Food in Denmark
When I sailed the DFDS cruise from Oslo to Copenhagen, I was introduced to traditional Danish cuisine. Danish pastry (or simply Danish) became an instant favourite of mine, and I couldn’t stop myself from eating too many of them. Never say never when it comes to Danish pastries! Given the considerable amounts of butter (or margarine) used in its production, this multilayered, flaky, sweet pastry from the viennoiserie tradition melts in your mouth instantaneously. Although it wasn’t until I spent a few days in Copenhagen that I realised that Danish pastries aren’t nearly as Danish as they seem.
These beloved Danish treats are known as Wienerbrd, or Vienna Bread. That’s because a few Austrian bakers introduced Danish pastries to Denmark in the early 1800s. Plser (gourmet hot dog), Kartofler (caramelised potatoes), Flskesteg (roasted pork), Karbonader (pork patties), and Smrrebrd open-face sandwich were among the classic Danish meals I sampled during my time in Copenhagen. Danish baking and brewing are charmed by worldwide spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, barley, and black pepper.
Danish cuisine, on the other hand, dates back to the Viking era. By the end of the meal, I had enjoyed every mouthful and had been astonished by Danish chefs who use unorthodox culinary methods to prepare high-quality local ingredients and provide the best gourmet you will ever taste. Try the world-famous Danish oysters with a bottle of champagne or the Frikadeller (Danish meatballs) with a glass of wine while you’re here.
