Top 10 Most Surprising Facts About Denmark
In this article, you’ll know the ten most surprising facts about Denmark. It’s not only useful for those who would like to learn 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 bathroom with you.
I was so surprised 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 the wrong one? I remember I enter correctly?”
I was shy and embarrassed at the moment, so I stayed in the toilet for a while. Waiting, waiting, and waiting, but those guys 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 an extraordinary 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.
However, I heard that too many candles for Hygge caused health problems in Denmark :(
Read more: 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 freezing and windy ??
I once asked my Danish friend about it, and he said, “It’s 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,” he joked.
Read more: Julefrokost: A Danish Christmas Celebration.
3. VAT
Denmark is one of the countries with 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.
On my first day in Copenhagen, I was shocked when buying a small Coca-Cola bottle with 20 DKK. It is more expensive if you buy it in Seven-Eleven or Fotex than 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.
6. Bicycles, bicycles, and bicycles
Because of geography, Denmark is a perfect place for cycling.
If you come to Copenhagen, you can see people biking everywhere. Danes love biking in every type of weather. Even it’s rainy, windy, or snowy.
In Copenhagen, there are lines for bicycles only and traffic lights for bikes. Bicycle thefts are very common in Copenhagen as well. So, watch out!
7. Drinking culture
It’s very typical 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 in public places.
It is legal to buy alcohol everywhere too. There are many drunk people at the weekend in Copenhagen.
Read more:
8. Smoking
Another surprising thing to me is that many Danes smoke.
You can see many people smoking in parties, bars, and clubs. They will go out for some time and then come back inside.
I was once the only one left inside the house because others were smoking outside.
9. Apartments in the inner city
a) Same floors
The apartments in Copenhagen have the same number of stories, 3 or 4.
The designs are also a bit similar as well. It seems to me that those apartments 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!
b) Only stairs
Also, most of the apartments only have stairs. 2 places that I lived, and none has an elevator. I visit some of my friends’ houses, and there are only stairs.
However, it’s an excellent 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 can choose another doctor.
Also, health check-up is free. Are you feeling unwell? Just call your doctor and book an appointment.
Unfortunately, the medicine price is pretty high, and the health care system does not cover your dental cost.
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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!