The Essence of Danish Culture

What Comes to Mind When You Think of Danes?

What first comes to mind when you hear about Danes? Most likely three words: Scandinavia, Vikings, hygge (what a wonderful word – more on that later in the article).

Does this combination really provide an accurate and comprehensive view of Denmark and its people?

We conducted a small research on the most common stereotypes about Danes, and photographer Tatiana Dolgacheva, who recently visited Copenhagen, shared what it’s really like. With photographic evidence. So,

Danes:

Ride bicycles more than they drive cars. Men are often seen in business suits, women in skirts and dresses, children and seniors, always and everywhere. Renting a bicycle costs 100 kroner per day. This mode of transportation can sometimes even be more economical than the metro (when traveling short distances), and for tourists, it is the preferred option.

A picturesque image from Copenhagen.
Another beautiful snapshot from Tatiana Dolgacheva.
Photo: Tatiana Dolgacheva
Copenhagen's landscape.
Photo: Tatiana Dolgacheva

Wear yellow jackets and raincoats. It’s hard to say whether they always do this or just in 2019, and what exactly that indicates. It’s just cool, bright, and bold.

Tatiana blends in with the locals.
Tatiana fits in with the locals

Danes do not close their windows with curtains and blinds, even at night. In general, Denmark surprises with its openness in everything.

As for safety, imagine that they don’t lock their doors and don’t use bars on their windows. If they do lock them, the keys are kept in a special box by the entrance door with a code lock. You can share the code with a relative or renter without having to make 150 extra sets. When renting a place, it’s convenient, too: just lock the doors, leave the keys, and leave; the landlord will pick them up later.

They lead a healthy lifestyle, everyone participates in running and jogging.

They value everything eco and organic. There are special stores everywhere selling organic food and products. Despite this, the prices are a bit higher than regular similar products.

Organic chocolate available in Denmark.
Even chocolate is “eco” and “organic”

Danes ride driverless metros. You can sit in the front two seats and look directly into the tunnel, if you’re not scared, of course.

Danes – men: blond or red-haired, beautiful, athletic, fit.

One of the most famous Danes today - Mads Mikkelsen.
One of the most famous Danes today – Mads Mikkelsen. 53 years old, by the way

Danes – women: well-groomed and with great figures. You might see a beautiful, interesting woman from behind, and only when you pass her do you realize that she is 40 to 50 years old.

Danes – children: toughened. You might be surprised at how lightly they dress even in the harshest weather. And note, they are all healthy and do not complain!

Children playing outside regardless of the weather.
Photo: Tatiana Dolgacheva

They eat a lot of open-faced sandwiches. The national dish – smørrebrød – is an open sandwich made from rye (sometimes white) bread, usually with herring or salmon or other seafood (price ranges from 75 to 155 kroner).

They drink aquavit. The national Scandinavian drink (in Latvia, Sweden, and Norway) is called Akvavit (aqua vitae in Latin: “water of life”). It is said that the bitter, with an alcohol content of 37-50°, “helps with all ailments.” It is produced based on alcohol distilled from potatoes or grains, and flavored with spices, including caraway, dill, coriander, cinnamon, fennel, anise, and St. John’s wort. It is aged in oak barrels or barrels formerly containing sherry or cognac for 3 months to 12 years.

Danes enjoying a beer.

They brew and drink delicious beer. Denmark has over 100 breweries, and beer can be consumed from the age of 14.

They live “by the Law of Jante” (an expression from the book “A Fugitive Crosses His Tracks”): no one should consider themselves special, flaunt their money, abilities, or achievements, or laugh at others.

At the same time, they do not use polite words. Don’t be surprised if you rarely hear “please,” “sorry,” or “thank you.” However, this does not prevent Danes from being generally courteous and respectful.

They don’t leave tips, at least not in cash. No one will consider you a cheapskate, but a desire to leave more than 10% would simply be viewed as showing off. If there are options for tips, they may be included in the bill, and you will pay them to the establishment, not personally to the waiter.

Tatiana capturing the essence of Danish culture.
Photo: Tatiana Dolgacheva

They undress in spring on the first warm days. You may well see a Dane with a bare torso on a bench in the city center. The weather is gloomy, and there is not as much vitamin D as one would like, so there is no time for pondering.

They have picnics in cemeteries. Outdoor leisure in any location, including Assistance Cemetery, is popular. Danes do not see anything strange or sad in this; it’s a great place for family or youth gatherings.

They place a flag on the table for the birthday person and decorate the Christmas tree with it.

Danish celebrations at Christmas.
Photo: Tatiana Dolgacheva

And there is only one characteristic left – the infamous hygge. If you have not encountered a million articles and ads on this topic, hygge is a concept that originated in Scandinavian countries, denoting a feeling of coziness and comfortable communication with a sense of well-being and satisfaction. Something like the concept of “zen,” but in a European way. It encompasses a positive and relaxed attitude toward life, soft blankets, hot coffee, bright Scandinavian interiors, and a whole bunch of other things: a worldview and the entire ambiance that contributes to it.

Emphasizing Danish comfort and hygge.

Follow Tatiana’s account with cool photos on Instagram and Facebook to discover more interesting details about Denmark.

Read more:

The Belgians, What Are They Really Like?

All the Truth About Norwegians

Stereotypes, Myths, and Facts About Poland and Poles

About the Inhabitants of Vienna: How They Differ from Germans and Why We Are Not Welcome

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About Blogger Man 96 Articles
Nomadic Notepad : Nomadic Notepad is a passionate traveler and storyteller who finds joy in exploring the world’s hidden treasures and sharing them with fellow wanderlust enthusiasts. From uncovering the best-kept local secrets to reviewing futuristic accommodations, their blog offers a unique blend of travel guides, culinary adventures, and cultural insights. As a tech-savvy creator, Nomadic Notepad also dives into innovative travel trends, ensuring readers stay ahead of the curve while planning their next adventure. Every post is a window into a new journey, inspiring others to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.Whether it’s strolling through animal-themed streets in Helsinki or unraveling the mysteries of Balinese traditions, Nomadic Notepad combines personal experiences with practical advice to craft immersive narratives. Join them to embrace a world of wanderlust, and let every story spark your own path to adventure!

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