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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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!