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Five Things I Love About Denmark

May 20, 2016 By Sage 33 Comments

Six years ago last week, Opie and I landed in Denmark. As I’ve written over the past six years, my life here hasn’t always been easy, and Denmark and I haven’t exactly been soulmates.

But it’s getting better. Aarhus is a beautiful and charming city, which is like night and day different from the Jutland town I lived in for my first four years in Denmark. But I think most of it comes down to changing my perspective. After our move to England fell through, I posted about shifting the way I think about this place. I’m about six months in on that project and I am in fact finding things I love about Denmark.

The failed England move, and subsequently, our decision to embrace small space living and to stay in the city instead of looking for a house on the outskirts has highlighted the good things about living in Aarhus, and in Denmark.

That said, a lot has changed in the past six years, not just for me personally, but in Denmark. Denmark is becoming more international, or at least Aarhus is, probably due to the huge international influence of the University. More and diverse products are coming into the shops, everything is in English and Danish, the hot dog stands are starting to sell vegan sausages, and despite the fact that I clearly don’t look Danish, I don’t feel I stick out quite like the sore thumb I did a few years ago.

Maybe it’s just that after living here for six years with only one trip back to the States, I’ve finally adapted. I still don’t like Scandinavian modern design, their politics still make me cringe, but then again, take a look at America, and who am I to throw stones? I still buy the majority of my clothes and cosmetics abroad, I still think the taxes are insane, and prices are out of control, but aren’t there positives and negatives to living anywhere?

Five Things I Love about Denmark

5 Things I Love About Denmark

I’ve spent six years harping on my struggles, now let me tell you five things I love about Denmark…

1) Denmark Is Safe

This is huge! We live in the centre of Denmark’s second largest city, and I usually walk around wearing upwards of $50,000 worth of jewelry and carrying a conspicuously expensive handbag, yet I have zero worries about being robbed. That probably sounds insane, but that really is how it is here. I have more of a chance of my bike being stolen from in front of our building by a drunk guy on a Saturday night than I do of being mugged.

And it’s a great place to grow up. During all of last summer, we let my then thirteen year old stepson hang out downtown, at the local amusement park, and at the beach with his friends, take the bus alone, etc., and we never worried about his safety. Last weekend, he attended a teenage gathering in a park until 1:00 am. The cops showed up, asked what they were doing and when they were planning to wrap it up. Satisfied with their answer, they promptly left. And rightly so, the kids were peacefully hanging out, talking, listening to music, grilling, playing football, and having fun. Mind you, the sun doesn’t set until around 9:30 PM these days, so our perception of “late” is a bit skewed.

2) Danes Value Free and Family Time

Another huge one! When I worked the corporate job that had initially brought me to Denmark, I worked a flexible 37.5 hour week, and worked from home on Fridays. In a managerial position making a six figure salary, I can remember a handful of times I worked overtime. And when I did work overtime, I was allowed to take an equal amount of time off.

As a freelancer, working over the weekend makes me a superstar to my Danish clients, and it allows me to clear the deck for new assignments in the coming week, which ultimately means that I make more money. This is one area where Denmark is a match made in heaven for this American-trained capitalist. On the other hand, if I tell my clients I’m taking holiday, they tell me enjoy my holiday and they’ll see me when I get back. I don’t stress about losing a client when I tell them I’m taking time off, because time off is valued and expected.

I’m so very fortunate to make a living doing something I love, on my schedule, for clients who appreciate what I do.

3) It’s Just Simpler

I used to get so annoyed by the lack of choice in groceries, clothing, cosmetics, home furnishings, etc. Now I just go with the flow on that. Basic grocery shopping doesn’t take nearly as long as it did in the States because the stores are way smaller, and there are far fewer products to choose from. However, I have to go to several stores to get everything I need, which adds time, but also gives me the chance to take a nice walk around the city. I look forward a few times a week to going to the fancy grocery store, which has free coffee, then walking downtown with my coffee to the Asian shop for tofu, tempeh, etc., and to the Pakistani shop for dried beans, grains, and spices, and back past the shop with the nice bread and good deals on wine.

And fewer choices means there’s less to buy, which means I have fewer, but nicer things. I don’t nip into TJ Maxx on my lunch hour and impulse buy a handbag or shoes, or go to CVS and blow $25 on things that will languish in my cosmetics stash. Instead, with the exception of my secondhand finds, which still make up the majority of my wardrobe, I plan every purchase. I go abroad and buy Louis Vuitton bags, jewelry, designer shoes, and high-end cosmetics because I only have what I need and I love every single thing I have.

There’s also an element of honesty and trust that’s hard to beat. One time, I was about $1 short at the grocery store and the woman said, “just pay it next time you come in.” This was a major grocery store, not a little neighborhood bodega, and you can bet I paid back what I owed on my next visit.

And the other week, I put down my iPhone and wallet down while choosing produce in a busy grocery store, walked off without them, and they were still where I’d left them when I realized my mistake on my way to the checkout! I guess when everyone has what they need, they don’t need to take what isn’t theirs.

4) Everything Is Online

I love this! I can schedule doctor’s appointments online, or write my doctor directly, and have a reply within a couple of hours. I schedule all of my hair and spa appointments online, which is extremely handy if I need to reschedule… or decide at 1:30 am on a Sunday that I need a peel and a mani/pedi in the coming week.

The Danish tax system is all online. At first I didn’t like having all of my income and banking information given directly to the taxman, but it’s actually quite convenient. I go online once a year to verify that all of the information regarding my deductions, etc. is correct, and they calculate my return automatically. That sure beats paying an accountant, or wasting hours of my time filling out my tax return like I do for the US.

And Denmark is practically a cashless society. You can even “mobile pay” at flea markets!

5) Danish Design

It’s taken me six years to come around on this one. I used to scoff at people who worshipped Danish design and I still loathe those overrated Arne Jakobsen Egg Chairs, but nobody does design like Danish mid-century modern. Ever since we decided to sell everything and decorate in Danish mid-century modern, I’ve fallen in love with teak, palisander, and sexy lines. I thought this would be a quick decorating gig, but with so many beautiful pieces out there, it’s become like searching for the next big wave!

And there’s tons of the stuff! When we were house hunting, we’d walk into time capsule houses and see Hans Wegner sofas, Kai Kristainsen dining chairs, Børge Mogensen sideboards, etc.

Scandinavian modern, though, I just cannot get onboard with. I stand by my loathing of Kahler vases and silly overpriced lamps.

 Acceptance

When I moved to Denmark six years ago looking for a change, I expected to travel the hell out of Europe and move back to the States within a few years. I stayed in Denmark longer than planned. I got stuck here partly because leaving was logistically overwhelming, and partly because the economic crisis had limited my options back home. But then I met Robert, and everything changed.

It’s unlikely that I’ll ever move back to the States, so it does no good to dwell on what’s better on the other side of the Pond. I’ve got a guy who loves me, a dream job, and a lifestyle that exceeds every expectation I’ve ever had.

Looking at it from that perspective, none of the stuff that bugs me about living here is worth stressing about. Maybe I’ve adapted, or maybe I’m just older and all out of [email protected]$ks to give. Either way, I’m content with my life, and I’m happy to enjoy the many good things I have instead of dwelling on the things I miss.

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Filed Under: aarhus, denmark

Comments

  1. Jen says

    May 20, 2016 at 2:43 PM

    I moved over to the UK a year and a half ago after living in DK for 6 years and holy hell do I miss 2 & 4. My hairdresser in particular drives me batty – you can book online BUT only during the periods where their stores are open!!

    Reply
    • Sage says

      May 20, 2016 at 3:16 PM

      One of the things that scared me most about the prospect of moving back to the US was giving up my 6 weeks paid holiday, and having to work a 40+ hour week. Who can live under such conditions?

      And that’s just weird about online booking in the UK. But I think any online booking beats the hassle of having to call for an appointment, or making the call of shame if I have to reschedule.

      Reply
  2. swood97 says

    May 20, 2016 at 2:53 PM

    I love teak also. It’s just so sleek. I don’t know a lot about Denmark but I’d be in love with a greater respect and appreciation for family time. I feel like everything is online in the U.S. too which is something I enjoy.

    Reply
    • Sage says

      May 20, 2016 at 3:18 PM

      I suppose a lot has changed since I moved away six years ago, but the IRS could totally learn a thing or two from the Danish tax filing system. I still deal with that every year, even though I have zero tax liability in the US due to the high taxes here.

      Reply
  3. CountryLifeCityWife says

    May 20, 2016 at 3:10 PM

    My paternal grandmother was Danish and I have yet to make it to Denmark. As you’ve written here; I’ve heard both positives and negatives about it. I’d definitely like to make it there; I am much more in touch with the Colombian side of me. It would be nice to learn about more of my heritage. But I will say, I have a Arne Jacobsen egg chair and love it ;) .

    Reply
    • Sage says

      May 20, 2016 at 3:19 PM

      Since you don’t live in Denmark, I’ll let the Egg Chair slide ; -)

      Reply
      • CountryLifeCityWife says

        May 20, 2016 at 3:33 PM

        LOL – it was an office thing I inherited and it’s super comfy. I wouldn’t have spent $9k on it ;).

        Reply
  4. Abhinav Rupesh Karthakula says

    May 20, 2016 at 4:50 PM

    I’m about to move to Denmark soon. Your article cheered me up a lot.

    Reply
    • Sage says

      May 21, 2016 at 11:12 AM

      I’m happy to hear that, good luck with your move :)

      Reply
  5. Lori Bosworth says

    May 20, 2016 at 9:12 PM

    I’ve always wanted to visit Denmark. Your experience living there sounds amazing. I like the Danes’ attitude towards work i.e. not working much overtime and valuing vacations. I suppose not having the selection of groceries you had in the U.S. would be a bit of an adjustment.

    Reply
    • Sage says

      May 21, 2016 at 11:16 AM

      I don’t know if it’s been amazing, but it’s been life changing for sure. I don’t know that I could move back to the States after living so many years abroad. Being a vegetarian in a meat-loving country was definitely challenging early on, but vegetarianism is finally catching on and with so many ethnic shops popping up, it’s getting easier.

      Reply
  6. noname says

    May 20, 2016 at 9:17 PM

    OK, Sage, thank you for some positives. I’ll keep reading from time to time.

    And I do wish you & Robert well there!

    –Wildside

    Reply
    • Sage says

      May 21, 2016 at 11:17 AM

      Thanks, Wildside :)

      Reply
  7. Melissa says

    May 20, 2016 at 10:35 PM

    I have never been to Denmark but my parents have been several times and they love it. They agree that it is safe and so friendly. They just love the food and simple lifestyle too. In fact they often say how they wish they could retire there.

    Reply
    • Sage says

      May 21, 2016 at 11:21 AM

      Wow! They love the food? I think I’ll need a few more years of living here before I’ll go that far, but that’s a vegetarian speaking ; -) Seriously though, it is nice to not have to worry about GMOs, corn syrup, etc. like I did in the States. I pretty much only eat whole foods, which was incredibly inconvenient at first, but now I’m used to making everything from scratch, and I don’t think I could go back to using processed foods.

      Reply
  8. Britni says

    May 20, 2016 at 11:54 PM

    Those are great reasons to love a place. I have never been to Denmark but would love to be able to visit someday! The simple life style sounds super inviting! That is a battle I am having with life right now. Everything is so busy! I am glad you have come to like it so much.

    Reply
    • Sage says

      May 25, 2016 at 9:40 AM

      I think if I were to move back tot he States, or even to England, I’d have a hard time getting used to the pace. That’s always been something I’ve worried about when I was considering moving back home. I don’t think I’d like being a freelancer in the States.

      Reply
  9. Carol Cameleon says

    May 21, 2016 at 9:53 PM

    What a lovely, uplifting post. You’ve reaffirmed to me that you’re best off being grateful for what you’ve got and/or adapting to what you’re given. You sound very content :) #pocolo

    Reply
    • Sage says

      May 25, 2016 at 9:42 AM

      Thanks, Carol. It’s taken me a long time to learn this lesson, but my life is so much happier now :)

      Reply
  10. Kristy says

    May 23, 2016 at 5:18 PM

    I would absolutely love to visit Denmark! The simple lifestyle and the fact that days off from work are expected and not frowned upon is huge. I wish our society would take a few notes on that.

    Reply
    • Sage says

      May 25, 2016 at 9:45 AM

      I wouldn’t want America to become a big Denmark, but it could definitely learn some things from Europe.

      Reply
  11. Louise ღ (@louisechelle) says

    May 24, 2016 at 3:11 AM

    I’m glad you looked at the brighter side of things. These five things you love about Denmark quite convinced me to try living there for a year! I know I can survive because I’ve lived half my life in a city that also has a small grocery stores, no malls and cinemas and a not-so-safe place. If I survived living there, I’m sure to survive living in Denmark. Hehe. Living in a busy city now really makes me appreciate the simpler life. I wish I could move back to one.

    Reply
    • Sage says

      May 25, 2016 at 9:46 AM

      If you can navigate their insane immigration policies, it could be an interesting detour. But I’d definitely recommend having an exit strategy in place before moving here.

      Reply
  12. SS says

    May 24, 2016 at 11:20 AM

    Even I heard that Denmark is safe, but I have different experience in Copenhagen. My husband’s wallet was snatched by cornering him but they dropped it after he gave a shout.
    Then I forgot my wrist watch in hotel room. When I realised it I told me husband to go back and check but he assured that no one will take it we can collect it on our return. He was too confident about their honesty. But I lost it :(

    Reply
    • Sage says

      May 25, 2016 at 9:49 AM

      Wow, I’m sorry you had such a horrible experience. I haven’t spent much time in Copenhagen, but I do know that Aarhus is very different from the rest of Jutland. So I expect that Copenhagen is unfortunately very different from Aarhus. If I ever go to Copenhagen, I’ll be sure to leave my jewels and my LV at home!

      Reply
  13. Gwendolyn Mulholland says

    May 25, 2016 at 2:18 AM

    I am glad that you have come to find the things that you appreciate about it. Adjusting to a new environment, especially a new country can be overwhelming. I would love if I could book everything online because I am always remembering about things in the middle of the night. I have heard great things about how safe it is and I am glad that you are able to let your step-son out late without worry. We could never do that here in the states.

    Reply
    • Sage says

      May 25, 2016 at 9:52 AM

      There are so many things I do now that I could never do in the States. When I first arrived here, I couldn’t believe that people drank beer and wine openly in the parks and at the beach. I also remember cycling home from a party alone at around 2am without feeling the least bit threatened. I think I’d have a very difficult time getting used to things if I moved back.

      Reply
  14. Morgan Prince says

    May 27, 2016 at 2:18 PM

    Ah this sounds great, Denmark sounds like a lovely place to live. I love that you feel safe and you’re warming to the things you didn’t like to start with.

    Reply
  15. Kristin @ Camels & Chocolate says

    June 27, 2016 at 4:04 PM

    I’m so happy to have found your blog via the SheKnows group! As a former Aarhus resident, this is nostalgic for me.

    Reply
    • Sage says

      July 1, 2016 at 12:26 PM

      Cool! I’m so glad you found me. Aarhus is a great little city and I’m happy to have found my way here.

      Reply
  16. Marissa says

    September 6, 2016 at 5:32 AM

    That’s what I love about Scandinavian countries and Denmark in particular. I was there briefly when My hubby was posted there. It’s a whole different place than the States. I felt more safer, people bit more chilled out. The mad rush is not there. I wouldn’t mind raising my family there but had to move back to States soon after.

    Reply
  17. Dana says

    October 12, 2016 at 4:14 PM

    I love reading your blog. I just recently moved to Denmark with my fiance for his job. We love some aspects of it but we miss certain things about back home.

    We were in Aarhus last week – wonderful city!

    Reply
    • Sage says

      October 13, 2016 at 2:39 PM

      Hi Dana… Welcome to Denmark and thanks for letting me know you’re reading :)

      Aarhus is pretty great! After doing my time in Vejle, I feel very fortunate to live here.

      Reply

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