Tulip time | 3 ways to feel the bloom in the Netherlands

On January 23, 2023January 24, 2023 By oregongirlaroundtheworldIn Family Travel, Netherlands65 Comments

It’s almost tulip time in the Netherlands.

Feel the bloom in tulip fields around North & South Holland

It’s happening. Can you feel it? It’s springing up all over Northern Europe. Where you are too? Phew. We made it. Or at least I did. Even when armed with the tools for some cozy Danish hygge to help survive the dark days, I am always happy to see the first harbingers of spring when they happen. Here, it is the tiny white blooms of vintergækker, or snowdrops, that appear first on the scene. Even when surrounded by sprinklings of snow, I know that the rest of spring is blooming soon.

The peak of the spring season in Northern Europe brings blue skies, blooms, buds, and blossoms. In the Netherlands, this means Dutch tulips. Whether you call them tulips, two-lips, chew-lips, tulipes, tulipaner, or tulpen – they will soon be pushing up pretty all over the Netherlands. Between the end of March through mid-May, it is tulpomania further south in the Netherlands. And as there are wide, many different varieties of tulips; there are as many ways to enjoy them.

Original post written in 2017, but updated with current dates, opening hours, and prices as of January 2023.

Continue reading “Tulip time | 3 ways to feel the bloom in the Netherlands” →

10 More Adorable Danish Villages you Don’t Want to Miss in Denmark

On December 7, 2022January 24, 2023 By oregongirlaroundtheworldIn Denmark, Scandinavia2 Comments

These tiny Danish towns are chock full of charm.

EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC DENMARK IN ONE OF THESE LIKEABLE VILLAGES

Come to Denmark, she said. But expand your Danish experience outside the capital Copenhagen. Try a slice of little village life in one of these idyllic spots across the country. It can feel like a step back in time to wander the medieval centers filled with cobblestoned charm. This is my second list of darling Danish towns – adding ANOTHER 10 places to put in your planning when visiting Scandinavia.

Want to see the first? Read it right here. But don’t think those are better and these towns second-tier. To be honest, it’s just the order in which we had the opportunity to visit. With twenty little adorable Danish villages to choose from – where do you start? Maybe by region.

Continue reading →

Copenhagen’s Topless Sandwiches | Best Places to Taste the Smørrebrød

On November 11, 2022November 11, 2022 By oregongirlaroundtheworldIn Copenhagen, Food2 Comments

From classic spots to modern restaurants, what to expect at an authentic Danish lunch.

Come to Copenhagen, she said. And take your top off. Your sandwich at least. Here, the ubiquitous lunch dish is called smørrebrød – a Danish open-faced sandwich – and scandalous it’s not. Copenhagen is a tasty town try a piece or two, or more. Offerings of these gorgeous sandwiches washed down with carefully curated and house-infused snaps will convert the curious.

And whether you prefer the old-school vibe of an iconic café or the upscale design aesthetic of a more modern restaurant – the Danish capital has you covered. But you should still don your own top. I’ll share some smørrebrød etiquette, what to expect on menus and where you can try it. Come along and see what you’re missing. Skål! Cheers.

Continue reading →

Where to Celebrate an Old School Danish Jul

On November 5, 2022November 17, 2022 By oregongirlaroundtheworldIn Christmas, Denmark6 Comments

Finding old-fashioned Christmas hygge around Denmark

The Danes adore Christmas and hold fast to their holiday rituals. From what they eat to how they decorate their trees and abodes. Want to get a sense of where those customs all started? Step back in time at one of these historic spots across the country. It’s a fun way to explore the beginnings of all those Danish Christmas traditions.

Continue reading →

10 Ways to Make the Most of Christmas in Copenhagen

On November 3, 2022January 24, 2023 By oregongirlaroundtheworldIn Christmas, Copenhagen, Denmark24 Comments

Jul love Christmas in the Danish capital.

When living in Denmark. I say. Bring on Christmas.

It’s November now. The clock has turned back and the dark descends earlier each evening. By Christmas, it’ll be down to a mere seven hours of daylight per day around Denmark. No need to fret. Don’t be concerned. Bust out your candles and spark on those fairy lights. Let’s get our Jul on. It’s one of the things I adored most about living in Denmark. And Danish Christmas activities kick off quickly – the first Friday of November – with J-Dag and the delivery of julebryg, or Christmas beer all over Copenhagen. Soon the Julemanden, Denmark’s version of Santa, will illuminate the streets with stars, hearts, and twinkles swathed above this pretty city’s historic center. Continue reading “10 Ways to Make the Most of Christmas in Copenhagen” →