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DENMARK EXPLAINED

Embrace hygge: How to survive Denmark’s long nights this winter

Denmark's days will get a lot shorter and the nights much longer after the clocks go back this weekend but with these tips you can not only survive ,but also embrace this unique aspect of Danish life.

Published: 27 October 2023 15:37 CEST
Fireplace
With the right mindset and preparations, Denmark's long nights can provide many opportunities for rewarding experiences. Photo by Stéphane Juban on Unsplash

Winter in Scandinavia can be a pretty grim affair.

Due to the country’s geographical location, Denmark experiences long nights and short days during the winter season. Its northernmost regions, in particular, see substantial variations in daylight.

In December and January, you can expect only around seven or eight hours of daylight in Copenhagen, and even less in the country’s northern parts.

READ MORE: Why Denmark’s extra grey January can cause winter blues

While the darkness may initially feel off-putting, embracing a positive mindset and a few simple preparations will allow you to acclimate to the charm of Denmark’s winter season.

From investing in good lighting to enjoying local seasonal dishes, there are a number of things you can do to not only survive but also thrive during the dark months.

The importance of good lighting

We’re starting off with practical advice. As natural daylight is limited during the winter, investing in good lighting for your home is very important.

Make your living space brighter and cosier by using warm, soft lighting options like table lamps and string lights.

This will not only combat the darkness but also create a comforting ambience where you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the Danish cultural phenomenon of hygge – which is also the next item on our list of tips.

Embracing hygge – especially in the winter

The concept of “hygge”, which loosely encompasses a feeling of cosiness, contentment, and overall well-being, is deeply ingrained in Danish culture.

Danes are particularly focused on cultivating hygge during the long winter months – and you should be, too!

READ MORE: Hygge: The Danish art of being in the moment

A great way to “summon” the spirit of hygge is to create a warm atmosphere indoors. Candles, warm tea or cocoa, and soft blankets are all great ways of reaching this goal. Of course, sharing such an inviting setting with your loved ones will make the experience even more special.

Winter activities and socialisation

In many cities, Denmark offers a rich cultural scene that comes alive during winter.

Events, concerts, art exhibitions, and theatre performances are all great ways to make the most of the dark evenings.

Copenhagen, for example, is particularly well known for its cultural offerings and event scene, so if you’re living in the capital, you’ll have many options to choose from.

Hiking Denmark

It’s always a good idea to stay active during the winter period. Walks are a popular option among Danes. Photo by Elin Tabitha on Unsplash

Insider tip: Use the long nights as an opportunity to connect with friends – or meet new people in your area. Danes have a reputation for their hospitality, and you can use the winter period to start a new activity or join a club to get to know people.

If you decide to spend more time hanging out with friends, game nights can be a great way of spending an evening in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Enjoying seasonal dishes

Danish cuisine is hearty and delicious, with many dishes that can keep you warm during the winter months. Don’t shy away from trying traditional staples such as frikadeller (meatballs) at local restaurants.

Exploring the local food scene can be a delightful way to make the most of the darkness – and it can be even more fun if you do so with friends.

At the same time, if you do indulge in Danish winter cuisine, remember that it’s essential to stay active.

Engage in outdoor activities like long walks or ice skating during the daylight hours, as regular physical activity can help boost your mood.

Engaging in volunteering opportunities

If your current lifestyle and work circumstances allow for it, consider volunteering your time.

Numerous organisations rely on help from volunteers. This winter, why not explore opportunities such as assisting at a local charity shop?

Volunteering can be a fulfilling way to contribute to society while making the most of your time.

With the right mindset and preparations, Denmark’s long nights can provide many opportunities for rewarding experiences.

READ MORE: How to take on the Danish winter like a true Viking

Remember, the country’s appeal is not limited to its sunny days; it’s also found in the cosy, inviting atmosphere of its winter nights.

So, bundle up, grab a cup of warm tea, light some candles, call over a friend or two, and enjoy the magic of the country’s dark winters.

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DENMARK EXPLAINED

Manhood, butter, and piracy: How foreigners have managed to offend Danes

Danes are known for their ironic sense of humour and love of teasing. But can they take it as well as give it out? We asked readers if they've ever succeded in properly offending a Dane. Here are the answers so far.

Published: 16 April 2024 15:51 CEST
Updated: 7 May 2024 08:35 CEST
Manhood, butter, and piracy: How foreigners have managed to offend Danes

Danes often pride themselves on having an edgy sense of humour that can get very close to the bone, boasting that no topic, however non-PC is out of bounds. But is that actually true? Are there arguments you can make, insults you can give, and jokes you can crack that go beyond the mark? 

Several of the respondents to our survey have discovered that there definitely are, with some unexpected subjects managing to raise the hackles of their Danish friends, collegues and relatives. 

If you’ve also managed to offend someone in Denmark, either unintentionally or perhaps intentionally too, please answer the survey, which is pasted below and we’ll add it to this article. 

Casting aspersions on Danes’ chivalric manhood

Zdravka, from Bulgaria, says she has in the past offended Danish men by accusing them of lacking the manly virtues of chivalry and generosity celebrated in her home country. 

“I told him that according to my culture and upbringing he’s not considered a man because where I come from, men take pride in providing for their women and don’t expect them to split bills 50:50,” she wrote in our survey. 

She said that in her opinion the offensive power of her accusation boiled down to cultural differences. 

“It is a factor, since my culture is conflicting with the Danish mindset of equality, bordering on lack of chivalry and gentlemanly traits.” 

Failing to appreciate the superiority of Danish butter 

Ann, a scientist from Brazil, made the mistake of saying she preferred the taste of Italian butter when accompanying her Danish extended family on a holiday to Italy. 

“The next day for breakfast, my Danish family put Lurpack on the table and we never saw the Italian one again. After checking with my husband, or my boyfriend at the time, he said that yes, I had offended the whole family without realising it.” 

Danes she said had managed to offend her “all the time”. 

“About skin colour and what happens or not in Brazil: they have no filter for how they ask things, and are honest and direct. I have learned to like it.” 

Even so, she said, she had been surprised. “I couldn’t know what the sensitive topics were and how proud they can be of something as simple as butter.” 

Laughing at people with names from Norse mythology

Gary, a Frenchman living in Copenhagen, took a wrong step when he laughed at someone he met at a party who introduced themselves as “Thor”.

“In my first months in Denmark, I attended a party with my girlfriend. I started chatting with a guy and he introduced himself as ‘Thor’. I started laughing and asked him to tell me the truth. He turned red and never talked to me again. That’s how I learned that ‘Thor’ was a very common name in Denmark.” 

Breaking minor national laws

Lam from Canada came a cropper when he invited some Danish friends to a video night for which he had secured a bunch of pirated DVDs. 

“They didn’t say they were offended, but they just cut all communications,” he remembers, saying he had been confused by the reaction.

“I’m from Canada, and it could be an issue with some people, but definitely not to the point that they would cut communications.” 

Discussing Danes’ alleged lack of spontaneity 

Alice (not her real name), a Pole living in Roskilde, said she had once offended a co-worker by drawing attention to Danes’ alleged lack of spontaneity. 

“This wasn’t a big deal, but one time when out with some coworkers I said that Danes are not spontaneous, because they plan all social outings weeks in advance. One person didn’t take it well and seemed peeved that he could be perceived that way,” she said. “The situation was quickly forgotten though, as soon as the next round of beers arrived.”

Taking offensive jokes further than Danes would do 

Danes claim to like their humour edgy, but some other cultures like to get even closer to the mark when joking with close friends. 

“In Ireland, the more close your friends are, the more apparently ‘rude’ to them you are,” explained Greg, an Irishman living in Roskilde. He said that in the early stages of his marriage, this was something his Danish wife had struggled with. 

“My Danish wife took a while to understand why her loving, polite Irish husband was rude to his Irish friends…..and vice versa. But once she got it she joined in with gusto!”

Disrespecting the Danish royals 

Maria from Greece didn’t spend much time in Denmark before realising that making off-colour jokes about the then Queen Margrethe II did not go down at all well. 

“I cannot understand how they so much respect a family who lives from their taxes and supports such an outdated system,” she told us in exasperation. “Kings and queens are a no-no for Greeks, unless you are a fascist.” 

Have you ever offended a Dane, unintentionally or intentionally, please mention it in the comments or fill in our form below and we’ll add your anecdote to the article. 

 

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