10 Ways to Make the Most of Christmas in Copenhagen

On By oregongirlaroundtheworldIn Christmas, Copenhagen, Denmark12 Comments

Jul Love Christmas in the Danish Capital

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

(Originally posted November 2016, updated November 2018)

It’s mid-November now. The clock has turned back and the dark descends earlier each evening. By Christmas, we’ll be down to a mere 7 hours of daylight per day here in Denmark. No need to fret. Don’t be concerned. Bust out your candles. Turn on those twinkly lights. Let’s get our Jul on. It’s one of the things I adore most about living here in Denmark. And many Copenhagen Christmas activities kick off for real this weekend when Santa switches on the lights swung over the streets in the center city.

How to celebrate this beautiful and hyggelige* Jul season when here in the capital? There are so many things to do, but these are few of my favorites. Here are 10 ways to help you make the most of your Christmas in Copenhagen:

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Best Little Christmas Markets in Copenhagen

On By oregongirlaroundtheworldIn Christmas, Copenhagen32 Comments

Put Some Danish Design & Art Under the Tree This Christmas

KEEP THE SEASON sustainable when you SUPPORT LOCAL MAKERS

(Originally posted November 2017, updated November 2018)

Denmark, oh Denmark. You happy little hip country you. World leaders in design, fashion, bike-riding, sustainable city-planning and annual happiness rankings, Denmark is stylish even come dark December. Get ready to fire up your calendar candle, it is definitely Jul time in the Danish capital. Grab a glass of gløgg and warm your inner aesthete at a Christmas market off (and maybe one on) the tourist trails. In Denmark, you can find all the design, gifts and hygge you need at a Julemarked. Continue reading “Best Little Christmas Markets in Copenhagen” →

Visit Den Gamle By Open Air History Museum in Aarhus Denmark | Walk the Streets of Danish history | Oregon Girl Around the World

Walk the Streets of Danish History at Den Gamle By Museum in Aarhus

On By oregongirlaroundtheworldIn Aarhus, Denmark36 Comments

A Look at What Life Was Like in Denmark

Step Back in Time at the Old City Museum

As an American growing up on the west coast of the United States, moving to Europe is like living in history every day. Especially in a country like Denmark, where their iconic red and white flag has been waving here for over a thousand years. That is a long time. And a lot of history. Want to learn more about how the Danes lived hundreds of years ago? Step inside the brilliantly recreated open-air museum known as Den Gamle By in Aarhus. Den Gamle By is Danish for the old city. Here you can take a walk back through time.

75 historical buildings from all across Denmark have been repositioned here in Aarhus. These are not replicas. They are the real deal. Step inside each building and see how people lived and worked in days of yore. Founded in 1909, the museum was the first of it’s kind in the world. Now, under the patronage of Denmark’s current reigning Queen Margrethe II, it is a bustling microcosm of Danish history and culture. Stroll with me and see a slice of what Danish life was like. Back in the day.

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Celebrate Sweden’s Obsession with Cinnamon Buns

On By oregongirlaroundtheworldIn Copenhagen, Food, Scandinavia, Sweden2 Comments

Sweden has a Special Day for Their Favorite Sweet

October 4th is National Cinnamon Bun Day | Kanelbullens dag

It might seem silly to celebrate a cinnamon roll. But the Swedes take their sticky sweets very seriously. This is due in part to the cultural entrenchment of fika in Sweden. Fika is that oh-so Swedish ritual of taking a daily pause with colleagues and friends that often includes coffee and a sweet. Most popularly enjoyed when taking fika with friends? Coffee of course. And a sticky sweet knotted and spiced cinnamon roll. Known as kanelbullar in Swedish.

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