Copenhagen Denmark: The Happiest City in the World (Or So They Say)

After visiting Iceland last October, Lynn and I wanted to complete our Scandinavian odyssey by visiting Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway. We started in Copenhagen Denmark, often voted the happiest city on earth.

Known for its sleek design, charming canals, and an obsession with all things bicycles, this city will make you feel like you’ve entered a parallel universe where happiness is measured in the number of pastries consumed or miles biked.

First things first, prepare yourself for the endless bike lanes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Seriously, if you’re not a skilled cyclist, entering Copenhagen can feel like participating in a Tour de France audition. The locals gracefully glide by on their bikes, balancing multiple bags of groceries while navigating lane changes and canals. They chauffer kids in carriers and you’ll even see adults in tow.

During this time of year (early summer), the sun is up pretty much 24 hours The Danes take advantage of this as you will see people cycling and roller blading well past midnight.

If you’re a design aficionado, you’re in for a treat in Copenhagen. The city is like an art gallery, with sleek architecture and clean lines at every turn.

A canal snakes around the city similar to Amsterdam and you can grab a boat tour or paddle boards to take in the city from the water.

Copenhagen is home to some of the most beautiful royal palaces in the world. Our first stop was the majestic Amalienborg Palace, the residence of the Danish royal family. As you approach, take a moment to appreciate the grandeur of the palace’s façade. But be warned, those stoic guards standing at attention might give the impression of being statues. Rumor has it they’ve mastered the art of immobility, only breaking character once a year to do the Macarena at the royal ball.

But these palaces are not just for show. They are also home to some of the oddest stories in Danish history. For example, did you know that the current Queen of Denmark, Margrethe II, once had a pet raven named Hugin? Or that the previous king, Frederik IX, was so clumsy that he once fell down a flight of stairs in front of a group of visiting dignitaries?

And then there are the stories about the ghosts that are said to haunt the palaces. One of the most famous ghosts is that of Queen Caroline Mathilde, who was the wife of King Christian VII. She was known for her wild parties and her love of gambling. After her death, she was rumored to have returned to the palace to haunt her husband.

Of course, not all of the stories about the royal palaces are funny. Some of them are quite sad. For example, the palace of Rosenborg is where the Danish royal family was imprisoned during the Napoleonic Wars. And the palace of Amalienborg was the site of a tragic fire in 1794 that killed several members of the royal family.

But even the sad stories about the royal palaces have a touch of humor. For example, it is said that the fire at Amalienborg was started by a cook who was trying to make a cake. And the prisoners at Rosenborg were said to have escaped by hiding in the palace’s many secret passages. The palace has been restored and is open to the public.

One of the most visited statues in Copenhagen is the Little Mermaid. Unveiled in 1913, the statue was created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen as a tribute to the fairytale written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. Despite enduring acts of vandalism over the years, the Little Mermaid has been faithfully restored and remains perched on her rock at Langelinie Promenade. We found it to be underwhelming but loads of people flock here daily.

No trip to Copenhagen is complete without visiting Tivoli Gardens, the iconic amusement park nestled in the heart of Copenhagen.

Whether you’re strolling through the beautifully manicured gardens or embarking on exhilarating rides, Tivoli Gardens offers an experience that appeals to the young and the young at heart (in our case).

Tivoli Gardens spotlights local bands and lots of locals gather to enjoy the music, you can feel the energy from the crowds.

So what makes Copenhagen the happiest city on earth? It boasts a remarkable quality of life that promotes overall well-being and contentment. The city’s commitment to social equality, healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability creates a harmonious environment where citizens feel supported and empowered. The strong social welfare system ensures a high level of social security, contributing to a sense of peace and tranquility. Moreover, Copenhagen’s bicycle-friendly infrastructure, picturesque canals, and green spaces encourage an active and healthy lifestyle, elevating the overall happiness of its residents.

Copenhagen embraces a progressive and inclusive mindset that values work-life balance. The city’s emphasis on flexible working hours, generous parental leave policies, and a strong focus on leisure time cultivates a sense of fulfillment and happiness among its inhabitants.

But perhaps the most important reason why Copenhagen is so happy is the hygge. Hygge is a Danish word that doesn’t really have an English equivalent, but it’s basically about creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. And Copenhagen is full of hygge. From the cozy coffee shops to the inviting homes, there’s something about the city that just makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

All of this comes with a cost, as Denmark taxes its residents from 36% to 52% to support free healthcare, education and other social services. Would this fly in America? Probably not because many are adverse to strong social welfare programs and prefer lower taxes.

We really enjoyed our trip to Copenhagen, we found this to be one of our favorite Scandinavian cities. In the next few weeks, I will be highlighting more travels from this area.

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