Sunday, January 20, 2013

Bikes, Design & Fairytales

I noticed three different things that especially characterize Denmark.


1 .Bikes. Thanks to Copenhagen's comprehensive bike trail network you see cyclists everywhere. It is not only ecologically approved but also an easy and cost-efficient way to get to places.


And the Danish do spend a big part of their day on two wheels. Already the amount children's seats, baskets, racks and rests on the bike speaks for itself.


However, in the excessive cycling lies one hazard. Slightly ignorant tourists might be ran over by the vast biking community as they move with the speed of race cars yet don't necessarily see them as damaging, and where a regular person is aware of and paying attention to the cars, the bikers that appear from nowhere can cause a dangerous situation or two.




2. Danish design. To minimize the risk of being run over by a cyclist, stay on or in the near proximity of the main shopping street, Strøget.


You'll find Illums Bolighus, the 5-storey department store haven for every interior decorator, HAY and its beautiful showroom in the heart of Copenhagen, and dozens of cute boutiques selling minimalist Scandinavian design.






Of course, there are also other luring effects, like Choos.





When the cold November wind is too much to bear, have a cuppa and a delicate French cookie at one of the many coffee houses and you'll feel as good as new.






However, I encourage you to step outside of the immediate centre. Copenhagen's Central Station is within walking distance, and with a little research it turns out many places worth seeing for can be found West from the train station in Vesterbro!


For example, Granola, a nostalgic brunch café with an old industrial flair that is oozing the Danish friendliness.


A replica of the city from 1530.


And Brasserie Degas, ranked as the second best restaurant in the city according to Trip Advisor.

Yet something even more globally familiar than Danish culinary is their well-known storyteller.


3. Fairytales. Hans Christian Andersen's fairytales are known all over the world. The author and poet lived 1805-1875 but his literature is still alive. In the English-speaking world, his fairy tales remain immensely popular and are widely read by children and adults.


The Little Match Girl, 1846.


Thumbelina, 1835.


The Steadfast Tin Soldiers, 1838.


The Emperor's New Clothes, 1837.

Additionally, there is a long list of other stories, of which some are adopted by Walt Disney, like the Little Mermaid.


Eventhough Copenhagen is a relatively small city for a capital, there is still plenty to see and do. I'm already looking forward to the next time!

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