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 cheap places to eat in Copenhagen
What is better than a cup of coffee during the winter?
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 free and cheap things to do in Copenhagen here.
VAT in Denmark is 25%, so the price is really high compared to other countries.
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!
Bicycles are everywhere!
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 in the weekend in Copenhagen.
Danish or Scandinavian people in general love beers!
>> Read about Danish drinking culture at Julefrokost here
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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*This article was updated on May 5th, 2018
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Wow! I had no idea. I’ve never been anywhere outside the US, but I am intrigued about Denmark now!
You should visit Denmark and experience those things!
In Paris I noticed a lot of public restrooms share a sink area. There were separate sides but you could easily view the other side when washing ones hand.
I visited Paris not long time ago and didn’t see that! I need to go back and observe more I guess :D
I almost experienced the same things as you. Thank you for sharing your experience
Thank you for stopping by!
We visited Copenhagen and Odense a few years ago and it was by far the most expensive city we visited! I loved these interesting facts, we would love to go back and visited more of Denmark – the people are very friendly, but perhaps it is because they drink ?
It’s true that Danes are way friendlier when they are drunk haha! Copenhagen is the most expensive city I’ve ever been to as well.
I was just in Denmark and I LOVED it! There were so many cool things as listed in your post! I LOVED how many bicycles there were!
I’m glad to hear that you had good time in Copenhagen. Bicycles are everywhere here, and I love them too!
Whoa! I have never seen a unisex toilet. That’s embarrassing indeed. I love reading about toilet cultures of different nations (That’s me). Japan’s complicated toilet seats fascinate me the most. Scandinavian countries are so tempting.
Haha I know about the Japanese toilets. They fascinate me as well!
25% VAT and same toilets for both genders – That sounds crazy. Loved the health system of Denmark though and also the bicycling culture. Thanks for sharing and letting me know these points- some are really surprising!
Health care system in Denmark is amazing! And yes, it’s crazy to have 25% tax.
We are hoping to do a bike tour in Denmark this summer, but now that you say how windy it is…I am second guessing it. I love hygge and would love to be in the country that created it. Even with the wind and smoking, I am still intrigued.
If you are as strong as Dane, it will be no problem with biking in the wind ;)
Although the VAT is expensive in Denmark, they put the money back into the country making it as it is. This is probably one of the reasons that you don’t worry about your baby being kidnapped there! When I was there I was so lucky with the weather, I’m glad I didn’t get the wind and rain!
They put a lot on education as well. However, some benefits are just for European only, unfortunately. I’m glad that you didn’t experience the crazy weather here.
I visited Denmark years ago for just one day but am going back next month so I really appreciate you sharing this! I will know to look out for bikes all over and to not be surprised by whoever is in the bathroom next to me! I am shocked, though, that parents keep babies outside in their strollers – that actually freaks me out.
That freaked me out as well when I heard that. You should try renting a bike and bike around like a Dane next time!
The VAT is so high but maybe the government compensate it by providing excellent services and infrastructures. I would be surprised too if a guy goes into a female restroom but I would be quiet at first and observe. Haha! I like that they like bicycling because it is also a form of exercise.
Danes do lots of exercise here, and biking is a compulsory activity :D! I agree that there are good infrastructure and service here, especially the health care system.
Every single point that I read in the post made me go “OMG”! I live in India and we cannot imagine leaving babies outside. Babies getting kidnapped in hospitals are also common in this country. Thank God I read about the toilet thing, I would have done the same had I been in your position! :-D
It’s totally strange to do it in Asian countries, right?
“Hygge” sounds interesting! I cant imagine leaving my baby out in the stroller though! But such a lovely informative post. i am saving this for when i visit.
I’m glad that you find it useful :)
These are some interesting facts…especially the one about leaving the babies outside. I have never seen that ever! Also, no curtains…oh my…I would always want to stay dressed and sit in a house like that :-P
Haha you should stay dressed if there’s no curtains in the house xD
Wow it is so weird to me that people will leave babies outside! I found a lot of people in Spain smoke too
I found it as well in Spain!
I’m surprised about the smoking thing! For a relatively healthy country, I’d have thought that they respected their bodies more than that. Thanks for sharing.
I was so surprised that people smoked a lot here as well!
I didn’t know that many mother’s put their babies outside while they enjoy a hygge! That sounds so bizarre to me. And I’m also surprised about the smoking, as I always saw Denmark as a really healthy country. You’ve given some interesting insights!
Yeah it’s so common to put babies outside here! It’s unbelievable, right?
I have heard about many places that toilets have no genders but the houses without curtain is new for me. Forget privacy but outside light will barge into the room and make us disturb. May be cost cutting and no wastage of fabrics hahahaha. Hygee it very new for me as babies are left outside.
Haha I still don’t know why some houses do not have curtain :p
I didn’t know about the mixed toilet concept in Denmark! Ok I have seen if at some places but that regularly no! It sucks that is it a lot windy. What I hate the most is the wind as well, you just don’t enjoy walking with your hair all over the face! Interesting to see they have lots of bikes just like Amsterdam!
It’s so me with “hair all over the face”! I hate the wind as well.
These are real eyeopener tips for anyone who hasn’t been to Denmark till ow. Every one is bet to get a bit of culture shock, specially if the culture is not that open minded in the home countries, like me in India.
I’ve never been to India but your country has so many things to discover about the culture!
It has been my dream to visit the Scandinavian countries. I think I am gonna love the windy weather. I love dramatic weather. I didn’t know that there are no mountains in Denmark. Quite an interesting country.
You will love Scandinavian countries for sure :)
I was really taken aback with how mothers leave their children outside. The logic that no one will steal them because it costs so much to raise a child is so interesting to me. I don’t think I really like the smoking culture because I quit awhile ago. I do, however, really like the cycling culture.
I love cycling here. I think everyone in Denmark has a bicycle themselves.
Great timing as I am headed to Copenhagen in one week! It is interesting to compare to Estonia, which I just visited in terms of their healthcare (similar system with the doctor), medicine (subsidized), and tax (20%). I am excited to see it for myself! I have heard amazing things :)
I hope you had a nice trip :)
The curtain thing really reminds me of the Netherlands… Ha, this made laugh and makes me think that I’d love Denmark!
I didn’t know that Netherlands is also similar for the curtain thing :))
I am so glad I read all these informational and educational things. Awesome post, Ha!
I’m so glad that you found it informative :)
Amazing post
Thank you, Neha.
Wohh exactly what I was looking for, appreciate it for posting.
I’m glad that you found it’s useful :)
Thanks for sharing this article with us. I like the Scandinavian countries but haven’t been there yet. I’ve heard from my friends that Denmark is one of the countries with the highest standard of living. And I was surprised that the healthcare system doesn’t cover the dental costs. In my opinion they are part of the healthcare.
Some countries don’t include dental costs in their healthcare services as well, such as Japan. It’s true that Denmark has one of the highest standards of living :)
Hi Ha,
Saying that I am surprised is an understatement. I think their extraordinary practices is what sets them apart from other countries. Each place has its own unique personality.
I also like the fact that most people there ride bikes, it’s so right up my alley.
I love the biking culture here as well :)
I am a dane (from Denmark) and I ALWAYS find it so funny, when someone are talking about Denmark ? as well as seeing people’s reactions ahaha
Although we do have curtains in DK, so don’t worry people ? we danes like our personal space VERY MUCH! Trust me.. I have cultural understanding in school and can tell you that we are a country, that loves personal space ?
And yeah.. we love alkohol ahaha?
And you are defendly right about our Spence of humour!! We have, what people call “black humour,” which REALLY courses Danes problems outside of DK.. you can always google it ? and you will understand why we joke about rather absurd thing?
But Denmark is a rather lovely country, although our weather might be “slightly” chilly ??
So from a Dane to non-Danes!
Come and drink a cold bear in one of the happiest countries in the world!!
Such a lovely comment! Thank you for stopping by :)
Hi
I am Danish and I think it’s fun to read, what you think about Denmark. First I must say that Denmark is so much more that Copenhagen. I live in a small town in Jutland and I also think that everything is very expensive in Copenhagen. You have a lot of choises when you shop grosseries – and you can choose shops that aren’t expensive at all.
About smoking: still too mand danse smoke, but about 10 years Agro, it was made illegal to smoke in restaurants, bars, pubs and all public places. And again, in many parts of Denmark it’s consideret bad behavior to smoke in the streets.
Yes, you Can leave your baby outside whitout anyone kidnapping them, but it has nothing to do whit the cost of raising a baby :-)
It happened once in the early 80ties. It must be something about moral I think.
When it comes to taxes, danes have a lot of different opinions – some thinks it’s okay and others that ir is to high.
I pay about 42% of my income in tax and I’m happy about it. I get free doctors, hospitals, daycare, kindergarden, schools and educations. Actually theres a lot more, but thats the most important to me.
And the weather… every season is fantastic. I love the changes and every season has it’s own charm. Winter, cold and snowy – always time for hygge with friends and family. Spring – everything smells wonderfull and you get new energi from the light comming back. Summer – Can be very hot, the last weekwe have had 25*celsius – lovely and always gives you a reason for hygge on the beach or in your garden. Fall is windy and cold and neverending :-)
We like tourists very much – so welcome ?
Hi Bibi,
Thank you for your comment. Regarding the cost of raising baby, it was just a joke from my friend (you know how expensive Denmark is).
I totally agree that although the tax is high, you receive lots of benefits :)
I will be there in copenhagen after 3 months if i will go through my interview sucessfully which is in 14 june. Waiting to be there 😁😀😁
This sounds great! Hope you will have fun time there :)
Hehe, I always love to hear how foreigners view Denmark, so thank you for making this post! Altough I feel a need to respond to some of these comments, because some of you seem a little outraged by mothers leaving strollers outside.. A mother would never keep her baby unsupervised and I can guarantee you that she always has atleast one eye at her baby! We don’t leave our babies outside because we doesn’t care for them, we do it because we simply trust one another in Denmark, and getting our baby stolen just isn’t a concern for us, because the possibilty of that happening is so far-fetched for Danes :)
Hi there,
Thank you for sharing. Since I lived in Copenhagen, I know that it’s normal there. But of course, it still surprised me a lot when I first knew it haha!