David Shoulder - Isle of Wight

A few thoughts on a first visit last weekend to Copenhagen - the capital of Denmark (which despite being a short city type break) took in a very enjoyable look around Malmo in Sweden.

Denmark - the home of the Vikings is well less than a 2 hour flight from Gatwick.

Something about its geography that I have cut and pasted for background :

Denmark is a low-lying, coastal country composed of the Jutland Peninsula and over 400 islands, featuring rolling plains, fjords, and a highly indented coastline.

Landforms and Islands

Denmark consists of the Jutland Peninsula and a large archipelago of more than 400 islands, of which around 70 are inhabited Wikipedia+2. The largest islands are Zealand (Sjælland), Funen (Fyn), and Vendsyssel-Thy, with the island of Bornholm located east in the Baltic Sea Wikipedia+1. The Jutland Peninsula forms the mainland and stretches northward from Germany, while the islands are connected by bridges such as the Øresund Bridge (Zealand to Sweden) and the Great Belt Bridge (Funen to Zealand), Wikipedia. Denmark’s terrain is generally flat to gently rolling, with the highest point being Yding Skovhøj in Jutland denmark.net.

Coastline and Water Features

Denmark has a highly indented coastline of approximately 7,300–8,750 km, including tidal flats, fjords, and inlets Wikipedia+1. The country is bordered by the North Sea to the west and the Baltic Sea to the east, with straits connecting these seas. The Limfjord separates the northern tip of Jutland from the mainland, creating the North Jutlandic Island Wikipedia+1. Denmark’s waters and islands support a maritime culture, with numerous fishing villages, harbors, and ferry routes Free World Maps.

Terrain and Natural Features

The landscape includes rolling plains, low hills, forests, lakes, and fjords Free World Maps+1. About 10% of Denmark is covered by woodland, including commercial forests, while the rest is largely agricultural or open land CountryReports. The country’s low elevation and proximity to the sea mean that no point is more than 52 km from the coast Wikipedia. Coastal areas feature sandy beaches, tidal flats, and cliffs, while inland areas are characterized by gentle hills and fertile plains denmark.net+1.

Climate Influence

Denmark’s geography is strongly influenced by its maritime climate, which moderates temperatures and produces changeable weather CountryReports. Winters are mild, summers are cool, and precipitation is evenly distributed, with August and October being the wettest months. The surrounding seas also influence wind patterns and contribute to Denmark’s extensive coastline and fjord systems CountryReports.

Summary

Denmark’s physical geography is defined by its peninsulas, islands, and extensive coastline, combined with low-lying plains, gentle hills, and fjords. Its maritime location shapes both the climate and the human use of the land, fostering a culture closely connected to the sea and natural environment Wikipedia+2.

Stand out facts given that Denmark is a Scandinavian country is it's winters and described as mild as result of its close proximity to the sea. It does get windy though (nearly 50% of its power is wind farm generated). Denmark has no mountains. On size it's total land area is about a 1/3rd of the size of England (not UK) and it's total population is around 6 million people - so it is a small country really.

The Danes have been described as the happiest people in the world and on our evidence that is probably right. (they were exceptionally friendly - even the passport control guy wished me a "good holiday David". Danish hyyge is the nations pride. Basically it means togetherness as I understand it. Basic taxation is high but the Danes we spoke to are happy because they get good value for it - education, health etc is free and everything works well (unlike here) and importantly unemployment is low - everybody contributes. (also they do not have the hidden and stealth taxes that we have - there system is much simpler and transparent). It is also a good place to do business which is why the Danes have such a high standard of living. I asked about people choosing to opt for a benefits lifestyle - living on benefits as happens here. They explained that you won't starve on benefits but you won't have much of a life either. (unlike the UK). We had a beer with a couple - a Danish guy and a Swedish women. They contrasted Denmark and Sweden. Denmark is more expensive (and it is) but Denmark is more chilled - Sweden more regimented apparently.

On expensive - Copenhagen is expensive - food - drink - everything you see priced in the shops - particularly clothes are much more expensive than the UK. However don't let that put you off for a lovely weekend option. Copenhagen is a quality place. It is quiet, up together, interesting, great food (different) - quality beers, flat - a really good vibe and most Danes seem to be able to speak good English. The Danes could teach us a lot - they have really got their act together but of course Demark is much smaller than the UK. From a sightseeing point of view - Copenhagen is attractive although maybe without anything that might be considered world class in building terms.

If you do go you probably should go to Tivoli - one of the oldest and original Amusement Parks in the world. There is a great family atmosphere. It was extremely well done - not brash - not particularly noisy - a quality place.

Another thing we did was go to Malmo in Sweden for the day. It costs about £20 return and is about 40 minutes civilised train ride from Copenhagen Central Station to Malmo Central Station. (everyone whispers !) The crossing across the Baltic that separates the 2 countries is by the Oresund Tunnel/Bridge. The bridge itself is about 5 miles long - 16km in all with the tunnel. It was opened in 2000 as a joint project between Sweden and Denmark to increase trade. Apparently a lot of Danes have bought property in the Malmo area and commute to Copenhagen daily because property is cheaper. We really liked wandering around Malmo - amazingly quiet given it is a city with a population of over 350000. It is a trip worth doing.

Anyway a short break. We really enjoyed it and was unusually relaxing. Well done the Vikings !

Some mob pics :