In this article, you’ll know the 10 most surprising facts about Denmark. It’s not only useful for those who would like to know more about this lovely country, but it’s also a good preparation if you have a chance to visit Denmark.
1.Toilet for both genders
There are many toilets for both genders in Denmark, so don’t get surprised or shocked if a guy or girl comes to the same toilet with you.
I was so surprised at the first time when I was in this situation. I still remember the feeling when I heard a random guy’ voice outside when I was in the toilet, and I was like
“No way! How did I go to a wrong one? I remember I enter correctly?”
I was shy and embarrassed at the moment, so I actually stayed in the toilet for a while. Waiting, waiting and waiting, but they didn’t go!
“Oh No! What should I do then?”
I had no idea and just went out as fast as I could. After talking to my friends, I realized that some toilets in Copenhagen are for both genders.
2. Hygge
“What is the most special thing about Denmark that you will show a foreigner?”, I asked my Danish friend.
“Hygge”, he answered.
I heard that Hygge is the way that helps the Danes survive in the cold winter, and I can confirm that it’s true! (After staying here in the winter)
So what is Hygge? Hygge is a very special activity in Denmark. It can be defined as having a good time with good people. If you walk around Copenhagen in the evening, you can see lots of people sitting together, having a cup of coffee or having a meal, with a small candle in between. As I heard, too many candles for Hygge caused health problems in Denmark :(
>> Read related: Cheap places to eat in Copenhagen
Also, I was shocked when I knew it was common for Danes to leave their babies to nap in a stroller outside when moms “Hygge” inside. OMG! How is it possible ?? How can they leave the babies outside, even when it’s really cold and windy ??
I once asked my Danish friend about it, and he said “It’s really safe to do that because they calculate the wind direction, and the baby will cry if bad things happen. Also, no one kidnaps children here. It costs a lot to raise a child”. It’s totally different from other countries that I’ve been to.
Read related article: Julefrokost: A Danish Christmas Celebration
3. VAT
Denmark is one of the countries has the highest tax in the world. The standard VAT in Denmark, or called Danish VAT “MOMS” is 25%. Therefore, everything in Denmark is expensive compared to other countries. In my first day in Copenhagen, I was shocked when buying a small bottle of Coca-Cola with 20 DKK. It is more expensive if you buy it in Seven Eleven or Fotex, compared to Netto and Fakta. You can read great things to do in Copenhagen on a budget here.
4. Super windy
The thing that I don’t like most in Denmark is the weather. It is way too windy. Sometimes, I cannot even ride my bicycle because of the strong wind.
5. Flat country
Denmark is a flat country. As I read, its average height is above the sea of 31 meters. The article also said that the highest natural point is Møllehøj, at 170.86 meters. You cannot see any mountain in Denmark, only small hills. So, it is the best place for cycling, isn’t it?
6. Bicycles, bicycles, and bicycles
Because of the geography, Denmark is a perfect place for cycling. If you come to Copenhagen, you can see people bike everywhere. Danes love biking in every type of weather, even it’s rainy, windy or snowy. In Copenhagen, there are lines for bicycle only, and also traffic lights for bicycles. Bicycle thefts are very common in Copenhagen as well. So, watch out!
7. Drinking culture
It’s very normal to see people walking with a beer or many beers on the street in Denmark. You can see people drinking on the street, public transportation, and public places. It is legal to buy alcohol everywhere too. There are many drunk people at the weekend in Copenhagen.
>> Read about Danish drinking culture at Julefrokost
8. Smoking
Another surprising thing to me is that many Danes smoke. You can see a lot of people smoking in the parties, bars, and clubs. They will go out for sometimes and then come back inside. I was once the only one left inside the house because other people were smoking outside.
9. Apartments in the inner city
a) Same floors
The apartments inner the city of Copenhagen have the same number of floors which are 3 or 4. The designs are also a bit similar as well. It seems to me that those apartments just have different colors and different window styles. I was lost at first days when I just came because I couldn’t find my way to similar apartments.
If you visit Nyhavn, you can see it clearly!
b) Only stairs
Also, most of the apartments only have stairs. 2 places that I lived, none of them has an elevator. I visit some of my friends’ houses and there are only stairs too. However, it’s a good chance to practice and improve your health, isn’t it?
10. Health care system
You can get an assigned doctor when you have a CPR number in Denmark. When you change your place, you have a choice to choose your own doctor. Also, health check-up is free. Feeling unwell? Just call your doctor and book an appointment. Unfortunately, the medicine price is pretty expensive, and the health care system does not cover your dental cost.
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