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DANISH DELIGHTS

Hannah Giacardi discovers what makes the Danes so happy on a trip to Copenhagen and the Baltic coast

or a long time Scandinavia (a title it retained in 2011 and 2012, of life survey puts it in the 10 best developed into one of the Baltic’s
wasn’t much of a tourist and regained in 2014). The success cities to live in (with London a main trading ports. In fact, the city’s
destination, at least in people’s of Nordic Noir TV series The Bridge lowly 40th). And, when there, it’s name (København, in Danish)
Fminds. But then, all things and The Killing also put easy to see why; it has clean streets, means merchants’ harbour.
Scandi started coming to the fore: Copenhagen firmly on the map. beautiful architecture, efficient (and As the city’s international stature
lifestyle, films, books, TV series, But it wasn’t just about the cheap) public transport, polite grew, so did its domestic one. It
food, interiors… All of a sudden, culture. The lifestyle made locals, great food and shops. Escape soon became home to the Danish
the Nordic countries were the headlines too. Every year, Denmark the city and you’ll find the beautiful monarchy and, in 1443, replaced
stylish new places to see. is at the top (or near the top) of the Baltic coast nearby, too. Roskilde as the Danish capital. The
Denmark, in general, and World’s Happiest Nations list. Copenhagen’s history dates to wealth Copenhagen gained as a
Copenhagen in particular received Copenhagen, too, ranks highly, the the 10th Century, with the first trading port is easy to see – from
more than their fair share of city having little in common with Viking settlement where the city the imposing architectural beauty
attention. The Danish capital hit the the dark atmosphere of Nordic Noir. now stands. Although the city of Rosenborg Castle, to The Old
big time when Noma was named In fact, the Danish capital is a city started as a small fishing village, Stock Exchange, Amalienborg
the world’s best restaurant in 2010 where life is good. A recent quality things soon changed. Its strategic Palace and the City Hall.
geographical But Copenhagen isn’t just about
The Little position meant grand buildings. The city, which is
Mermaid it quickly easy to explore on foot thanks to its
statue was
inspired compact size, caters for all tastes.
by Hans Starting from the City Hall, I
Christian “EVERY YEAR, strolled down Strøget, Europe’s
Andersen’s longest pedestrian street, for a
fairy tale DENMARK IS spot of world-class shopping.
AT THE TOP – OR There, I also found
NEAR THE TOP – Lagkagehuset, where I
tucked into a tasty Danish
OF THE WORLD’S pastry; the flagship LEGO
HAPPIEST store with sets that can’t be
purchased anywhere else in
NATIONS LIST” the world; and Illums Bolighus,

SATURDAY MAGAZINE 65