NWR: Has Anyone Here Ever Been to Denmark?

onefootinthebayou

Hi,
Sitting in a cab on the way to airport for a meeting in Denmark. I've never been and considering I just got back from New Orleans this morning, I haven't exactly had a chance to browse a travel guide. I'll probably check out Lonely Planet online while I'm waiting for my flight but y'all seem to have input on just about anything so I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the country/food/culture/etc.

I've only heard that it's very safe and quite a homogenous culture. An American I know who lived there said it's difficult to buy a home if you're not Danish and it can be difficult (tho not impossible) for Danes to marry non-Danish people.

I also see that you can take a train right over to Sweden, which I'd like to do the day I land (tomorrow morning) but I'm wondering how easy it is to cross borders on this train line. Nbd if I can't do it but I love to try to pop over to another country of it's accessible.

Any knowledge or thoughts you might have are completely welcome, especially if there are some professional tips that might help me run the meeting more smoothly. I'm usually not this unprepared for a trip.

On the bright side, my Thursday meeting is in Ireland, a country I'm well familiar with!

Thanks in advance.

huskypuppy14

Not an expert on Denmark, but the president of our company is Danish. And both my bosses are European. I think it's pretty easy to go to different countries within the EU. But I will defer to someone else with more experience.

onefootinthebayou

Cool, thanks. I've traveled w/in Europe before but never Denmark/Sweden. Apparently there's a decent sized city in Sweden that's only 15 miles or so from Copenhagen. Just thought it would be cool to head over there for a few hours tomorrow.

sunset30

I've been to Copenhagen three times; once on a Mediterranean cruise and twice for work. Its an awesome city, I really like it and this time of year should be pretty nice. Not sure on the train to Sweden, but I'd strongly recommend spending some time in the city of  Copenhagen if that's where you'll be.

 

Copenhagen is a very walkable, well-maintained city and I felt pretty safe. If you have some time to explore, I'd strongly suggest doing a boat tour of the canals, walking around to see some of the main sites such as the two castles that are in the main downtown area of the city; and definitely going to grab a beer / lunch / dinner at the Nyhavn. 

The Little Mermaid statue is also a tourist attraction though I didn't think it was too fascinating (and if you do a boat tour, you'll go past it then). The Tivoli Garden is also kind of cool to walk around if you have some time; its like an amusement park for kids but its a nice garden with lots of really nice restaurants inside as well as some concerts outdoors. 

Biking is really popular there, so you'll see lots of people getting to where they are going on bikes and they have separate bike lanes and bike stop lights and stuff. 

Not sure on professional tips other than in my experience, use the same professional courtesy you'd use in a business interaction here in the U.S. I was working with bankers and lawyers in my work travels and so I found them to be pretty serious people; but that is not atypical of bankers and lawyers here in the U.S. either. 

sarahufl

Copenhagen is lovely. Very beautiful, clean, nice to wander.

I went when I was about 12, so I don't remember specifics.

CMGragain

We spent four days in Copenhagen a couple of years ago.  We both loved it!
Traveling  to Sweden is not a problem, as long as you have your passport.

If you are into Vikings, don't miss the National Museum.  I spent an entire day there.  All kins of Danish history from the prehistoric era up to the twentieth century.  Another must is Rosenborg Castle and park, now a museum.  The park is lovely, with Danish families relaxing on blankets together near the famous statue of Hans Christian Andersen..  The crown jewels are here.  Take a canal ride - it's a great way to see the city.

Copenhagen is horribly expensive, even by Scandinavian standards.  The high taxes that support their social programs force the prices way up. Danish breakfasts are unforgettable, and worth the price.   Where are you staying?

onefootinthebayou

Thank you all! These are great tips & I've decided to explore Copenhagen, per your recs. connecting thru Amst now

onefootinthebayou

Oops, last post cut off b/c apparently my internet cut out in Schipol Airport.

Thank you again for the suggestions.  I spent the evening walking around Copenhagen (gorgeous!) and it stays light much longer than in US.  Ate dinner at Geist, which was delicious.  Locally sourced ingredients, open kitchen, trendy vibe.  

Tonight will explore Tivoli.  Staying at the Marriott Copenhagen, which is central to everything.  

Meeting thus far has been very easy and informal.

Thank you again for the comments, I hate I have to leave tomorrow!  Definitely recommend for a European getaway as it's so accessible to the Northeast US.  Indeed expensive, however.  

vikinganna87

As PPs have mentioned, Copenhagen is awesome.  If you have limited time, I'd skip going to Malmö, Sweden.  I'm Swedish and it's a beautiful country, but Malmö isn't that special; you're better off staying in Copenhagen.  But if you do decide to go, since both countries are in the EU it's unlikely there'll be a passport check on the train.

Have fun!

sarahufl

onefootinthebayou said:

Oops, last post cut off b/c apparently my internet cut out in Schipol Airport.

Thank you again for the suggestions.  I spent the evening walking around Copenhagen (gorgeous!) and it stays light much longer than in US.  Ate dinner at Geist, which was delicious.  Locally sourced ingredients, open kitchen, trendy vibe.  

Tonight will explore Tivoli.  Staying at the Marriott Copenhagen, which is central to everything.  

Meeting thus far has been very easy and informal.

Thank you again for the comments, I hate I have to leave tomorrow!  Definitely recommend for a European getaway as it's so accessible to the Northeast US.  Indeed expensive, however.  

We have the funniest photo of our arrival in Copenhagen. My siblings and I 11/12(ish) when we went. My mom has a policy where to avoid jet lag, you stay awake till dark in the city you are traveling to and it allows you to adjust. We were there in late June/early July and it literally NEVER gets fully dark. So we have this photo of us in front of a big clock at the train station- it is like, 1 am, and fully bright.

We are all pretending to cry/sleep because my mom wouldn't let us go to the hotel!

arrippa

vikinganna87 said:

As PPs have mentioned, Copenhagen is awesome.  If you have limited time, I'd skip going to Malmö, Sweden.  I'm Swedish and it's a beautiful country, but Malmö isn't that special; you're better off staying in Copenhagen.  But if you do decide to go, since both countries are in the EU it's unlikely there'll be a passport check on the train.

Have fun!

I have a friend who lives in Malmö. I think that's the only reason why I would go there over other cities.