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.

Facts about Denmark - Toilet for both genders

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.

Facts about Denmark - Hygge and Coffee
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 freezing and windy ??

facts about Denmark - put strollers outside

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.

facts about Denmark - high tax
The VAT in Denmark is 25%, so the price is 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.

Facts about Denmark - Really windy in Denmark

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!

Facts about Denmark - Bicycles in Denmark
Bicycles are everywhere!

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.

Facts about Denmark - Drinking beer
Danish or Scandinavian people in general love beers!

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. 

Beautiful Nyhavn in Denmark - Facts about Denmark

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.

Pin it for later!

Facts about Denmark.

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66 Comments

  1. asoulwindow says:

    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.

    1. Expatolife says:

      You will love Scandinavian countries for sure :)

  2. Gina Bear says:

    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.

    1. Expatolife says:

      I love cycling here. I think everyone in Denmark has a bicycle themselves.

  3. 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 :)

    1. Expatolife says:

      I hope you had a nice trip :)

  4. The curtain thing really reminds me of the Netherlands… Ha, this made laugh and makes me think that I’d love Denmark!

    1. Expatolife says:

      I didn’t know that Netherlands is also similar for the curtain thing :))

  5. Agness of eTramping says:

    I am so glad I read all these informational and educational things. Awesome post, Ha!

    1. Expatolife says:

      I’m so glad that you found it informative :)

  6. Wohh exactly what I was looking for, appreciate it for posting.

    1. I’m glad that you found it’s useful :)

  7. 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.

    1. Ha Truong says:

      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 :)

  8. Emily Harper says:

    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.

    1. Ha Truong says:

      I love the biking culture here as well :)

  9. 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!!

    1. Ha Truong says:

      Such a lovely comment! Thank you for stopping by :)

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