April 1, 2017 | daviscrl
Curious about why Denmark has topped lists as the world's happiest country? Explore the vibrant culture of this northern land and find out.
How is it that these 5.6 million Danes are so content when they live in a country that is dark and cold nine months of the year and where income taxes are at almost 60 percent? At a time when talk across the Western world is focused on unemployment woes, government overreach, and anti-taxation lobbies, our Danish counterparts seem to breathe a healthier and fresher air. Interweaving anecdotes and research, Malene Rydahl explores how the values of trust, education, and a healthy work-life balance with purpose—to name just a few—contribute to a “happy” population.
When she was given the opportunity of a new life in rural Jutland, journalist and archetypal Londoner Helen Russell discovered a startling statistic: the happiest place on earth is Denmark, a land often thought of by foreigners as consisting entirely of long dark winters, cured herring, Lego and pastries. What is the secret to their success? Are happy Danes born, or made? Helen gives herself a year to uncover the formula for Danish happiness. The Year of Living Danishly is a funny, poignant record of a journey that shows us where the Danes get it right, where they get it wrong, and how we might just benefit from living a little more Danishly ourselves.
The centuries-old Danish tradition of Hygge (pronounced "hue-gah") is a special custom of emotional warmth, slowness, and appreciation, and it is becoming increasingly familiar to an international audience. To hygge means to enjoy the good things in life with good people.
Hygge (pronounced “hue-gah”) is the “Danish coziness” philosophy. Hygge values simple cozy things such as candlelight, bakeries, and dinner with friends. It is a celebration of experiences over possessions, as well as being kind to yourself and treasuring a sense of community.
Visit this happy place to cycle one of the world's most bike-friendly cities, unleash your inner child at the Legoland theme park or indulge in quality 'New Nordic cuisine'.
Copenhagen, sometimes referred to as a "fairytale place", is surely among the most delightful cities of Europe. The home of Hans Christian Anderson, and the location of the world-famous "Tivoli Gardens", which so inspired Walt Disney, it is one of the most heavily-visited destinations on the continent, attracting many millions of visitors each year.