Travelling to Denmark for New Years – What to Expect

Most people spend New Year at home, surrounded by friends and family. There’s nothing wrong with staying put for New Year’s. It’s the perfect time to relax and reflect on the previous year.

However, some people see New Year as an opportunity to get out there and experience something new. Rather than stay home, some people choose to travel and bring in the New Year somewhere totally new. If you’re thinking of travelling to Denmark for New Year, we’ve written up a guide to let you know what to expect. Check it out below.

It Will Be Cold

Who doesn’t love a white Christmas? There’s something about the snow and the chilly conditions that make us feel even cosier. It’s the perfect weather for getting wrapped up in a blanket in front of a warm fire.

However, when you step off of the plane in Denmark, you may start to rethink your love for winter weather. The country can get incredibly cold, with temperatures struggling to stay above 0 degrees Celsius during the winter months.

Denmark is also a very flat country, which means you could face strong, freezing winds that come in from the surrounding ocean.

Dressing appropriately is extremely important. You’ll need a warm winter jacket, a hat, gloves and a scarf to protect yourself from the icy conditions.

Hygge is Everything

There is plenty to see and do in Denmark, but the cold weather will see you spending most of your time indoors.

Before you assume that this sounds boring, you need to hear about the Danish tradition of hygge. There is no straight English translation for hygge; instead, it’s more of an idea or a feeling, one that is treated with extreme importance in Denmark.

Hygge is all about getting cosy and comfortable. It is related to the English word ‘hug’, which can give you a sense of what hygge is all about. While hygge is by no means a tradition reserved for winter, the cold weather over the New Year’s period means you’ll be a hygge convert before you know it.

 The Country Will Stop for the Queen’s Speech

The Queen of Denmark is a beloved national figure, and every New Year, she addresses the nation with a speech that has become an annual milestone for Danish citizens.

In her speech, the Queen highlights key issues and talking points from the previous year. If you decide to visit Denmark for New Year, you can expect the country to come to a standstill for the Queen’s speech 2023, as citizens gather around the television to hear what their head of state has to say.

Enjoy Some Boiled Cod

The food eaten at New Year’s differs depending on where you are in the world. For example, in Spain, they eat grapes, while in Scotland, they eat steak pie. In Denmark, there is a slightly more unusual New Year’s tradition, with the serving and eating of boiled cod.

Fish is an important part of the Danish diet, and the tradition of eating boiled cod at New Years has been passed down over countless generations. The cod is usually served with a special mustard sauce, which can offer some much-needed heat on a cold winter evening.

If you don’t like fish, you can at least look forward to the dessert course, where a huge cake layered with marzipan will be served and enjoyed by all guests.

Conclusion

If you’re planning to take a trip and visit Denmark this New Year, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. While the weather will be cold, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to embrace the hygge lifestyle. Get cosy and listen to the Queen’s speech before enjoying some traditional boiled cod.