Christianshavn is Copenhagen's romantic contrast that sounds like something out of a beautiful novel.
]]>This Denmark neighbourhood is known for being calm, serene, and beautiful, literally translates to “Christian's harbour” and is also referenced in literature for the drug trade that took place in that small part of the map for a long time.
What a paradox, if you may.
That remains one of the many reasons why people flock in to experience this beautiful, small neighbourhood culture that is such a major part of Copenhagen's athmosphere.
Before we even get into what to do in and around this historic region of the world, a little trip down memory lane on the interesting part of this city seems appropriate.
From the city’s name having harbour in it, you should expect a canal network already.
This might not be Venice, nor Rome, yet you should definitely go around the open waters and explore how the canal links different parts of this beautiful area.
For a small neighborhood, Christianshavn does have an impressive network of islands. They are located not far from one another, so you can get into hopping islands when you deem fit.
Hygge is the Danish equivalent of seeking and obtaining contentment in everything you do by doing the simplest things. When in Christianshavn, expect the coziness, comfort, and simplicity that comes with an all-year-round hygge.
Christiania might be a part of Christianshavn but it sometimes looks like it could be set in a story of its own. These two Christianshavns’ approaches to things are different – with the city centre more fast-paced and Christiania more laid back. None is less friendly, though, so you should check them both out.
Now that you know a little about the area, how about we open your eyes to some of the many attractions that you can enjoy outdoors?
Christianshavn consists of a collection of three small islands which are referred to as the Holmen.
When you are done hopping on the Holmen, you might want to take a tour to the Brygge islands too. Although not in Christianshavn itself, being within Copenhagen gives you the chance to strike two birds with one stone this time.
We did mention that there were some canals – and this is the most picturesque way to see the entire city in all its beauty. Whether you want to cruise alone or as part of a group, there is a provision for everyone.
No, it is not a garden. Well, unless you see it as one for contemporary art.
Established in 1986 as a non-profit, this is one of the best places to go see art at a free charge – and that doesn’t take anything away from the quality of art on display.
For a city that has the Christian tag in its name, it only makes sense to go see one of the most famous, still-standing churches there.
Established in the 17th century, your visit to the Church of Our Saviour is not complete if you haven’t made the 400-step ascent to the top. See the beauty of the entire Christianshavn in another dimension from up there.
In Copenhagen, only Holmen rivals Christianshavn when it comes to the beauty and tastiness of the food.
There are a lot of restaurants and cafes to go to, but make sure to try these:
There are numerous other beautiful restaurants in the city and you won't even need a map to find them. Just ask the friendly people.
A land of attractions, a huge part of Denmark's history, and hosting historic sites to boot, Christianshavn is a place to be. Whether alone or in a group, you'll surely enjoy your time here.
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The affluent city which is characterized by its green site abundance is fiercely independent, such that they sometimes do not consider themselves as a part of Copenhagen. However, they are one of the three major municipalities that make up the total city of Copenhagen.
The class and allure of Copenhagen’s municipalities, as well as the laid-back affluence of the people dwelling in them, is not lost on this location.
Playing home to many years of Denmark history and some royalty to match, here is a guide to one of the most revered neighborhoods in Copenhagen.
If you ever find yourself in the Frederiksberg municipality, here are the places that you should go to.
You have not been there before so you might not know this. However, on getting to these places, you will agree with us that you should not have missed it for the world.
King Frederik’s generation did have quite the taste in gardens and they invested a lot in making this place happen.
Now that they are no longer with us, we are glad that their idea for truly green gardens which are as natural as they come hasn’t been defeated. That makes the Frederiksberg palace gardens one of the biggest green spaces in the entire country – not just this area alone.
Go here to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city.
People who visit the Frederiksberg palace gardens often end up spending some time at the zoo too.
From the first location, you can easily get a view of the majestic elephants roaming around the zoo. That sight brings you to the zoo site, but you are about to find out that the zoo holds more than you could have imagined.
There are different programs at different times which you can get in on. From seeing the animals playing to being there for their feeding times, it never gets boring here.
There are extensive regions for all the 4,000+ inhabitants of this zoo – allowing you access to the Arctic settings for polar animals, tropical setup for related species, and more.
Some people are put off by going into catacombs or an underground exhibition site, but the Cisterns bring a new dimension to things.
Erected during the baroque era to hold more than 16 million barrels of water, the Cisterns have never seen the sun. Today, they have been transformed into a museum site for both modern and ancient art from different eras.
Being one of the most recognized museums in the country and international spaces even in 2021, you have to be here.
If you are considering a more conventional style museum, the Bakkehus museum is the place to be.
Considered to be one of the oldest buildings, if not the oldest, in Frederiksberg municipality, this building is an art unto itself.
Step into it and find some of the most unique artwork collections dated from centuries ago to the modern age. It is surely one of the top museums you can spend some of your time at.
After moving through the shopping streets (discussed below), it is just right that you spend some time at school. Not just any school, but the Agricultural tertiary school which lives up to its name in every way.
At the first entrance, you will surely be mesmerized and enchanted by the natural green gardens that make the landmark of this area. Already one of the best schools in the country, it is also located primely enough to attract a huge number of tourists who want to see the green beauty.
The school has a park of its own which is always maintained and taken good care of. When you are done feeding your eyes, walk through the park to access the metro station which takes you wherever else you need to be.
There are a lot of reasons to go here.
On the one hand, it is the rich history behind this park site. On the other hand, it is the allure of what the park still holds even in 2021.
The picture-esque location was built to house the Danish nobles for years. This was their home till well into the middle of the 19th century. Even though the noble families do not stay here anymore, the location is still surrounded by the appeal and charm of noble areas.
These days, this is where you will find the Royal Danish Military Academy.
Here, you will also find the old Chinese Pavilion, the 250-year-old sucky tree, and the many baby pacifiers surrounding it.
It is not enough that you go places and see what happens there. Sometimes, you have to get in on the fun to catch some fun too.
Whenever you find yourself in any of the Frederiksberg municipalities, make sure to try out a couple of these events.
You don’t have to spend all day looking at the greens at the palace gardens or lounging around there.
See what a day in the life of King Frederik IV looked like by sailing around the canals of the gardens too. It is often said that you have not truly experienced Copenhagen’s beauty if you don’t get on the waters at all – so make sure you have your fill of beauty.
A lot of locations around the world are famous for certain places you can go to, but how many can boast of including tourist-worthy streets too?
That is what we get with Frederiksberg Alle towards the center of the city.
Because this street was solely built for the king to connect to his residence, the high-rise status of the main street is justified. The Danish city street soon became an entertainment line, which makes one of the best things about it.
Today, walking the streets is a beautiful way to enjoy the sights of the countryside before getting to your next station, Vaernedamsjev, which brings the French romance style to the table.
One of the things we love about Frederiksberg's streets is how some of them have been transformed into the best shopping centers around.
If you don’t believe us, wait till you see the amazing shopping street called Gammel Kongevej.
Named Royal Road before, the baroque-style street with all of its amazing architecture is surrounded by more than 300 shops. How won’t there be something for everyone that way?
Whether you are looking for some amazing shoes, special bags, unique apparel, or the best souvenirs to take home with you, you will find them here.
You will also find some amazing restaurants in the area – but see the next section for the best places to eat in the Frederiksberg municipality.
When shopping on this street, though, make sure to see stores like FICK-CO, Madam MY, Anton Dam, and Maude's Salon, among others.
When it’s time to feed your stomach after giving your eyes their fill, here are the places you want to check out.
You don’t have to limit yourself to these picks only, though. While they are great places to get a meal all year round, you should also explore to see what other restaurants and eateries will catch your fancy.
Radio is the affordable dining option that takes a Nordic style to its cooking while also sourcing its food items ethically.
The dining outlet grows all of its vegetables on its farm, supplementing that with food items obtained from local farmers and fishermen.
You will be supporting the local businesses, getting an affordable meal, and licking every part of your fingers when you’re done. A nice combo, if you ask us.
When you see the local people queuing outside a bakery, there is a high chance that the bakery has Brodflov written above it.
Join them on the queue for access to some of the best pastries and lattes that have ever touched your lips. If unsure of what to get, make sure to get the locally-baked cinnamon rolls and poppy-seed pastries. The local name for both is kanelsnegl and tebirkes.
It would be strange to go to Frederiksberg and come back not having seen the smallest hotel in the world.
If you won’t be staying here, you might as well grab something at the smallest coffee shop in the entire Copenhagen which is located there also.
There are only five seats here, out in the open, and you should book well in advance to have a chance at sitting there.
For the coffee lovers, enthusiasts, and people simply seeking adventures, try out one of the best coffee cups ever at this location.
There are a lot of arguments as to what makes it the best coffee. For some, it is the almost-exclusiveness to serving coffee. For others, it is the single-minded pursuit of coffee brewing and serving excellence.
No matter what it is, we know you'll come back with your idea of why this coffee is the best you've had in a while.
A lot of things to do, see and eat in this little municipality – so you must want to see it for yourself too.
When you do show up, which of these are on the top of your list?
]]>Well, put all of those beers, the excellent food, and the amazing people in there together and we don’t see how that claim could be farther from the truth.
This city of fairy tales did not just make itself, though. It took the combination of amazing places like Østerbro to make it happen. Today, we take a deep dive into this friendly neighborhood to see what makes it so special.
Beyond that, we also look at the top things to do if you ever find yourself in the area. We can assure you that missing out on just one of these activities will make your Copenhagen Østerbro visit feel incomplete.
In the family of streets, Østerbro is that old money relative that has always had class, affluence, and the pick of the cream of the society.
Loosely translating to ‘Eastern Bridge,’ the region got its name from being near the old Eastern gates of the city.
It is somewhat surprising that the region was mainly dominated by grazing cows. The level of development that the area has enjoyed would have been expected of its sister districts (Vesterbro and Norrebro) but this patch of land has come out on top of the street food chain.
The best part of Østerbro is how it takes a minimalist approach to things even with all the wealth that it carries.
From the simple cobblestone streets consisting of stylish buildings and apartment houses to the Copenhagen residents who like to get places by walking or biking, life is as simple as it comes here. That, and the combination of Danish stores and establishments which just blend into the landscape like they were out of an oil painting.
Østerbro makes a series of options available for getting in and exploring the inner city.
From the basic bus station to seaports, you can even choose different modes of transport at different times so you can see a new part of the district and its city.
Here is a straightforward guide to entering and seeing the Copenhagen street.
Depending on where you are going in Østerbro, the neighborhood has six different train stations for you to get in or get off from:
All of these train stops are served either by the S-Train or the circle Metro line.
The S-Train picks and drops commutes along Nordhavn, Østerport, Svanemollen, and Ryparken.
Only the Metro circle has stops on the last two lines if those are areas you are willing to explore. When unsure, ask any of the friendly Copenhagen people and they will be willing to help. If you do not have a travel/ tour guide that you could speak to, that is.
Like most other developed cities of the world, there is a network of buses handling commuter traffic in the heart of Østerbro. The Movia buses operate on longer lines and come along every few minutes so you never have to wait too long to hop on another bus if you missed the last one.
The best thing about these buses is how their stops are designed to be close to popular restaurants, landmarks and other sights you would have liked to see anyway. That makes it easier for a newbie into town to get from where they are to the interesting sights that they want to see much faster.
You haven’t seen the whole of this neighborhood if you were never on a boat.
The boats are usually taken from outside the street and stop at different landmarks and cultural attractions too. Some of them even offer Canal tours to get the best value for money. Why go on a boring boat ride when you can seize the opportunity to learn about this beautiful neighborhood at the heart of Denmark’s capital?
Some of the attractions on the way during a boat ride include The Little Mermaid – which is not something you want to miss when you are in Østerbro anyway. More on that later.
Now that you are in the street, navigating the inner paths is just as important.
For the people of Østerbro, that means three things. We have ranked them in the order of preference:
Now that you know how to get from your apartment to any part of town, where are you feeding your eyes first?
If you were planning a schedule of things to see, it would be a gross injustice to this harbour district to not get to the following:
Football is the most popular sport in the whole of Denmark. The country has also produced several stars in the game all playing at the top levels in Europe. Some of such names that could easily ring a bell are those of Martin Braithwaite, Christian Eriksen, and Thomas Delaney, among others.
For a country that a collection of impressive football accolades under its belt, it would be nice to see the national team’s home – the Fælledparken National Stadium.
The national stadium is also home to big-name concerts, broadcasts, and other important sporting events. Make sure to check with local guides to know if there is an event slated to hold there. Otherwise, you can just visit on a free day to see how beautiful the home of the national footballing team is.
For a simple area, Østerbro does have its pick of museums. The large selection means that you can choose what you want to see – from classical art from another century to contemporary art that hits closer to home.
Who is to say that you cannot enjoy a little bit of both, though?
If you would ever go to a museum located in Østerbro, it should be anyone of these:
No, not the animated movie.
Known locally as the Den lille Havfrue, the statue of the little mermaid overlooking the waterside has been in the same location for a little over a century now.
Being out in the open for that long means that maintenance work will be done on it. Thus, the original statue has been restored and remade so many times that what you see out there now is not the real work of the artist Edvard Eriksen anymore. Still, this amazing piece of art pulls many tourists to the Denmark capital city for its style, history, and beautiful design also.
You should not travel to Østerbro if you would not be seeing the evolution of a beautiful mermaid into a human as imagined by the artist behind such stunning work.
Somewhere above when discussing how to into this beautiful city, we did mention that you could go by boat.
That should tell you that there should be some nice water bodies to see. Of course, Østerbro does not disappoint. Enter the Copenhagen lakes.
Tourists are allowed to rent rowing boats to explore the three lakes that make up this amazing landmark. When you don’t feel like going on the lakes, you can just as easily sit in the open and soak in the views too.
The energy around these lakes makes them worth seeing and visiting. Almost anytime you get there, you see bikers and runners pumping up the energy with their never-ending pursuit of fun.
Brumleby is known for its museum but that is hardly what makes the cozy conservation area popular.
Developed by the Danish Medical Association in the 19th century, this terraced district is highly lauded and have been awarded by the Europa Nostra body for its conservative style. The residential area shows the flat and minimalistic Danish approach to affordable housing.
A nice family spot to check out, you can move on to the small museum when you are done soaking in the neoclassic design.
Østerbro is blessed with different park picks both north and south. It would be unfair to just mention one of these parks and be done with it.
In our order of preferences, make sure you include one of these parks on your list when in the area.
The Citadel – or Kastellet as the locals would call it instead – is one of the oldest landmarks built in Denmark right within your grasp.
The citadel was built to be a military station for the old Copenhagen and it has not transformed into the home of the Danish Intelligence corps.
While you will be allowed to see this pentagram-shaped fort-like piece of architecture, the citadel is not fully open to members of the public. Be sure not to overstep when you in the Kastellet.
The best thing about the citadel is that it also has a park where the locals come for picnics and an amazing time out. Make sure to see the moat and windmill, all pointing to an old age of Danish military design and strength, before you leave the area.
Experiencing a culture is not complete if you haven’t tasted the food.
Whether you prefer dining in the streets or you are looking for a fine café to escape into, Østerbro has something for everyone.
A fine dining area built around some history.
The name of the café was obtained from BOurgeouis PArtisans which was a group of anti-Nazi occupants during WW II.
Today, the tree-lined spot is still famous for its menu which includes a selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
A small playground for kids makes it a fun family location. Who knows, your kids might even make new friends before or after their meals.
What makes the menu here any different from any other restaurant?
Well, for one, the restaurant is run by Rasmus Kofoed – the best chef in the world (2011).
If that is enough convincing, delve into the amazing options of meals that they have on display. When looking to have an evening of fine dining, you cannot go wrong here.
Located in the quiet, cozy, and equally friendly side of Østerbro, Pixie gets its main appeal in the calm and slow that it brings to otherwise bustling city life.
You have never had a great meal in the Østerbro district if you haven’t ordered anything from there. Perfect for an evening of quiet companionship with or without a glass of fine wine, the Pixie café brings a certain romantic appeal to the table.
We almost forgot about VeVe.
Founded, run, and operated by the genius Kiin Kiin, this place smells, feels, and looks like home for vegetarians.
There is a fine lounge area for those who don’t want to seat out in any of the normal spaces. No matter what you opt for, though, the comfortable appeal of VeVe is always welcoming.
Whether you want a fine breakfast, something great for lunch, or an amazing vegetarian dinner, the folks at VeVe got you covered.
When you are done with your meal, which is affordable at VeVe by the way, you can find your way to the Little Mermaid statue not too far away from here.
Copenhagen being a happy city is not out of place, after all.
From the residential quietness in some places, to the popular nightlife in others, sandwiched between a calm inner-city life and friendly people to match, every tourist and dweller are treated to a daily dose of magic.
Retaining the Danish design philosophy, culture and standing out as an affordable luxury location, Østerbro is as amazing a place to visit as it is to stay also.
]]>Skagen is a town located in Jutland, a region of Denmark, at the northernmost point. Its name originally spelled, ‘Skaffuen,’ meaning, “high point of land,” has always been known as a fishing town with its primary catch, herring, a favorite among Danish seafood lovers. But during the late 19th Century, the Skagen Painters would meet to capture the Danish landscape through impressionist paintings.
This northern Danish town was a known vacation destination for the royal family and well-known Danish painters, such as the Skagen Painters, and author Hans Christian Andersen, to name a few. During the early 20th Century, the Danish royals King Christian X had a summer residence called Klitgaarden built for Queen Alexandrine. Today, Skagen is a quaint seaside town that has been a haven for wealthy Danes and tourists in recent years.
There are several landmarks, historic buildings, and seafood to keep you busy if you’re looking for a reason to visit the northernmost point of Denmark. It is also where the world-famous SkagenSkagen is best to see during the summer months as it is daylight the longest and sunniest place in Denmark. Skagen is known for its white-sand beaches. Buried beneath the white-sand beaches, you’ll find the ‘Sand Covered Church,’ which sand has been burning the landmark since the 1600s.
If you’re more into strolling about a museum or the town’s streets, Skagen has something for you. The Skagen Museum has thousands of works from Danish artists that have graced the sleepy fisherman’s village. If you’d like to see how the Ancher family, who were prominent members of the Skagen Painters, lived from 1884-1964 when their daughter died, the original furniture and decoration are, as they left it. There are countless other sites to see while visiting Skagen, like the Drachmanns House, The White Lighthouse, Teddy Bear Museum, Ancher Hus, or the Skagen Odde Nature Centre, where you can learn more about the regions geography and climate.
All in all, the Danish town is great to visit if you’re interested in Danish history and art. Keep in mind that you probably want to check the travel guidelines due to the coronavirus, before you plan your trip.
An unlimited number of surveys and studies have established the Danes as the happiest people in the world. No matter how happiness is measured, the results continue to be the same. No wonder! If you spend some time in Denmark, you soon realize how relaxed the people are. No one hurries from appointment to appointment, instead they take time to enjoy the moment. This can be explained by some of the facts that will be shared about the working life and social system.
Want a hiking holiday in Denmark? This unfortunately won’t happen for you. In Denmark you can keep looking but won’t find any mountains. The highest points, Yding Skovhøj and Ejer Bavnehøj are 172 meters and 171 meters respectively, both found in Jutland. The country is flat which leads us to the following advantage for our next point.
Shallow land may not be a winter sports fan’s dream, but it is ideal for getting around by bicycle. It should come as no surprise that Denmark was voted the most bicycle-friendly country in Europe in 2013. The 10,000 kilometers of cycling network with sign posts, stretches across all of Denmark and stands out with a stunning landscape with fantastic coastlines on the North Sea and Baltic Sea. Denmark is the place to be for cyclists. There are over 2.4 million more bicycles than cars in Denmark. There is still a daily rush hour but, you can enjoy the fresh air in the meantime. Great for everyone with a 9 to 5 job, anyone who would like to be more active and more environmentally friendly. A great example that other countries could try out.
Picture 1: Nørrebrogade by Thomas Høyrup Christensen via Copenhagenmediacenter
Most countries have special traditions for New Year’s Eve. The Danes jump quickly from a chair right before midnight. The idea is that it brings good luck. The celebration begins early, with the national address by the Queen. The program is completed by an airing of “Dinner for One” and the bell going off at Copenhagen City Hall.
The Danes are relaxed and trusting towards their fellow human beings. It’s not unlikely that a stroller with a baby in it stops in front of a café, while the mom catches up with other mothers inside, leaving the child unsupervised.
You will be hard pressed to find Danes who actually keep change in their wallets. Everything is paid for by credit card. From the supermarket to the nightclub (including the wardrobe), to the flea market. The majority of Danes use mobile pay. Here you can transfer money back and forth via an app – it works in most restaurants and shops.
Everything runs without cash and electronically. Receipts can be requested online and sent. This eliminates the hassle of waiting and saves time.
Well, almost: health care and education are made possible by the typically very high taxes that Danes pay for everything (food, alcohol, electronics, cars). Students receive monthly financial state support simply for being enrolled in college. This means that in Denmark, everyone, regardless of career, has the opportunity to receive excellent health care as well as education. A national system that should serve as inspiration to other countries.
The word “hygge” is unique to the Danish language and describes the feeling of coziness and warmth that you feel when you spend time with valued people and enjoy life together. The concept became widespread in 2016, partially because a book came out dealing with it. In Denmark, it’s the everyday standard. Especially prevalent during winter months.
Denmark is made up of many small islands. As previously stated, there are hardly any mountains. This also means you are never further than 52 km from the sea. So, it takes maximum one hour to look over the horizon and on to the open sea.
You’ve made it through the list, we hope you are now wiser about the great Danes.
Jakob Wagner remains one of the names to be reckoned with in the design space. Time and again, he has proven that design can be fluid, beautiful, minimalistic, and natural in the way that he has achieved truly inspiring results for different brands.
At Nordgreen, Jakob Wagner heads the design team, which imbibes our goals of sustainability and minimalism to create the collection of watches that shape the expression of the Nordgreen brand – and the customers that trust us to deliver value to them.
Boasting a professional appeal and acute senses of shape, time, and space, Jakob Wagner remains one of the top names in his niche as he continues to challenge the norms to bring something new to different spaces that he works in.
Jakob Wagner was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, and he has allowed the environment to influence his style, decision, and expression of art to this day. Most of his designs are born from Danish principles and natural elements.
However, Jakob Wagner did not just limit himself to what he could see in his current Copenhagen home.
Since he started his design journey until now, he has studied and obtained degrees in different countries. That is only bettered by an impressive internship and work portfolio, which has seen Jakob travel to some of the most design-centric countries around.
Of these, there are his sojourns to Italy, adventures in France, and experiences in the United States, among other notable mentions.
These experiences inspired Jakob to start his studio in Copenhagen, Denmark, as far back as 1993. The studio and art center was born to create truly timeless designs, achieve a higher level of product design, improve the design industry, and offer a unique touch to the market.
Having worked with brands like Bang & Olufsen, Capellini, Muuto, Nordgreen, Moroso, and Hay, to mention but a few, Jakob Wagner continues to make his mark and spread his design element across the world.
At the time, Jakob Wagner might not have known that the two independent degrees he would be getting would come together to shape his thoughts, creative direction, and artistic expressions into what they are today.
Jakob started with a degree in Design Engineering from the Danish Academy of Engineering (now DTU) in Denmark as far back as 1987. The designer then went back to school (1992) to obtain another degree in Product Design from the prestigious Art Center in Montreux, Switzerland.
These degrees alone were enough to shape Jakob into the stylish designer that he is today. However, the experiences he obtained in-class were bettered by the landscapes where he bagged the degrees.
Speaking of his education, Jakob Wagner maintains that “I have a dual background in engineering and design, so you can say both machine and experience, and I find the intersection between technology and human culture to be an interesting place to work.”
With Denmark and Switzerland being one of the most inspiring, picturesque, and mind-blowing landscapes around, it was not long for Jakob to imbibe a sense of drawing classy concepts from natural elements around him instead of creating artificial design elements.
His Danish roots also speak volumes of the minimalism and sustainability focus seen in his works to date.
Like the man himself, the Jakob Wagner design studio was born in Copenhagen after he had sojourned other countries searching for internships, work, and education alike. All of the experiences that he had gathered so far were enough to start something solid in the home country where it all started.
Having spent more than two decades in the product design space, that studio in Copenhagen has been well-received.
In the first ten years of the studio’s operations, Jakob Wagner focused on high-tech products meant for the sports and medical fields. Besides the sports equipment, he also designed professional products for brands like Porsche and Pioneer.
In 2003, Jakob Wagner secured an award and pivoted from high-tech products into the home niche, too, expanding his reach and portfolio.
His talent was well received in this new niche, too, going on to work with all of Capellini, Moroso and Hay, B&B Italia, and more local and international clients than can be listed here.
Perhaps one of the reasons why he remains a darling of international and local companies is how he brings the exquisite Danish appeal into things.
In the man’s own words, “One of the important ways that the Danish mindset has influenced Danish design, I think, is the concept of balance. Designing is complex: there are a million different things to take into consideration, and to balance everything out in a way that it becomes a simple gesture is the goal.”
The awards don’t lie, and they have made their way to Jakob Wagner and his products in the many years he has spent in the product design industry.
These awards are also from reputable bodies like the iF and Red Dot, showing the level of appreciation that the design world holds for the works of this top designer.
To date, Jakob Wagner has earned 3 Red Dot Awards, of which the Nordgreen Pioneer Watches hold one spot; 2 iF Design awards (which also has the Nordgreen Philosopher watches holding a spot), and a Designer of the Year award, among others.
Where Jakob Wagner is not, his products keep making the waves for him. That is the case with his designs being included in the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York, since 2006.
It takes a lot of genius to be included in the permanent collection of such a prestigious body as MoMA, and we are pleased to be in business with such a forward-thinking, award-winning, minimalism-imbibing Danish designer.
]]>Ant chair
Arne Jacobsen initially designed this chair for the canteen at Novo Nordisk. This perfect expression of minimalism comes with a three or four legged chrome base. From its beginnings in the canteen, it now completes living and dining rooms across Denmark.
Christiania bike
This cargo bike began as a practical gift from Lars Engstrøm, the local blacksmith at the freetown of Christiania, to his girlfriend. It has since inspired a number of cargo bikes designed in Denmark. When Danes want to comfortably carry up to 100 KG with them, it can only be the Christiania bike.
Arne Jacobsen for Stelton water jug with ice clip
This one is an example of the functionality of Scandinavian design. The jug is designed to catch ice so that you get a cold drink with no ice cubes. Can be found in many Danish kitchens.
Fiora vase for Kähler
This design by Stine Goya will stimulate the senses with its use of multiple colors. It will complement any bouquet of flowers.
Nordgreen watches
Jakob Wagner came up with three minimalist models inspired by Copenhagen. Choose your watch, material and strap and express the best in Scandinavian design.
Lego
Lego is an example of a Danish family business gone global. This company that features toys that emphasize quality play for children, was started by Ole Kirk Christiansen in 1932. Danes start playing with Legos early in their development and come back to it later on in life.
Artichoke lamp by Poul Henningsen
This lamp has 72 leaves, in 12 rows of 6 and is entirely glare free. This timeless design was created in 1958 for the Langelinie Pavilion in Copenhagen. This one is for the sophisticated, classy look.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9
This speaker designed was by Øivind Alexander Slaatto for the Danish design giants, Bang & Olufsen. It is iconic because of how it has achieved the highest level of minimalism while delivering superb authentic sound. When Danes want style to go with sound quality, there’s only one option.
Kay Bojesen’s monkey
This design was first created in 1951 with the materials plantation teak and limba wood. It was recently released in a 10 cm model. Danes love it and mostly place them next to the candles in their window board.
]]>For an unwritten set of rules which is not enforced by any government, how much water can they hold? Read on to find out how much the law of Jante holds for Danish, Norwegian, and some other Scandinavia residents – and what it means in the first place.
]]>From design to handball, to their level of coziness that is so high, it has its name – "hygge."
If you spend time digging even deeper into Danish culture, you'll discover that they have the reputation of being modest and reserved to the extent that it is bordering on aloofness. Just like there's a special word for feeling cozy in Danish, there is a term for the unwritten rules governing behavior in Denmark.
Like the bro code, the law of Jante – also known as Janteloven in the local parlance – is an unofficial set of rules that have found its way into the Danish and Scandinavian lifestyle.
For an unwritten set of rules which is not enforced by any government, how much water can they hold? Read on to find out how much the law of Jante holds for Danish, Norwegian, and some other Scandinavia residents – and what it means in the first place.
That depends on how you define 'real.'
The Danish people and other countries in Scandinavia definition have been living by these rules for some time now.
As we said up there, the law of Jante is not enforced by any national, state, or local body anywhere. This contributes to the decentralized success status these rules enjoy and promises to continue to demonstrate in years to come.
The concept of the Jante law is such that Norwegian and Danish dwellers have adopted it for themselves, curating their daily lives and societal culture around it such that you instantly sense the presence of such an overarching umbrella of the same behaviors when you step into their midst.
For something that has come to not only define individuals in the society but shape the culture at large, while not being a regulation enforced by some body, Janteloven is as real as it gets.
If you don't believe us, read on to find out what the laws say, then interact with a Dane, Norwegian, or a national of any other country in the Scandinavia region if you're not one yourself. You'll instantly see how much they subconsciously embody everything here.
For a proper Dane, the law of Jante addresses everything we need to know about societal living, inclusion, humility, a proper way of life, and achieving a unique state of balance without pride, greed, or jealousy.
There are ten items in the Janteloven, and the provisions are as follows (translated to English from Danish):
The Janteloven is uniquely directed at you, the individual, concerning us/ we, the society at large.
Looking closely at those rules in this way, you see that they encourage the individual to submit to the society, be a part of their society, contribute to its success and play an active role.
That is opposed to behaving like an outsider who knows it all ("imagine yourself better" and "think you can teach us anything"), is better than the society at large ("think you are smarter than we," "think anyone cares...," "think you are good at anything,") or be so proud that you believe everyone else is beneath you ("think you are smarter," "think you are anything," "laugh at us").
Surveying the law of Jante-Janteloven with a cursory glance makes it look like a drive to make Nordic countries and their residents feel less of themselves. That could not be more untrue, with Danes living in the small Danish town to the big cities always carrying an air of pride of their culture, humble achievements, and global standing around them.
Embracing the Jante law as whole leads to an individual who respects everyone else, integrates with the social norms while challenging ideas that can lead to the betterment of their circle, think on their own and live a life free of regret, unnecessary pride, hateful envy, jealousy, and such other woes.
The Jante Law comes from a Danish novel from the 1930's – 'En flygtning krydser sit spor' (a refugee crosses their track/ a fugitive crosses his tracks) by Danish-Norwegian author Aksel Sandemose.
In the story, the people of Jante, a town inspired by Sandemose's hometown of Nykøbing Mors, follow 10 behavioral commandments.
Are Danish people so traditional that they live by a book from the 1930s? Perhaps it is more likely that Danes always behaved like this, which inspired Sandemose to write the story.
In the Danes' defense, the rules are embedded below the surface rather than something people talk about frequently. There are no secret law of Jante meetings to decide if outsiders are behaving acceptably.
Thus, the success of this law and moral code seems to be established based on individuals being responsible enough to adopt the right way to think, feel, evaluate self, respect others, behave in the society, obey/ challenge norms as they see fit, and maintain a rich cultural background, among other things.
In more ways than one.
There doesn't seem to be regulated teaching to follow the laws, but the way of life of the Danes has helped to pass it down to the newer generations even. At this rate, the rules of Jante might just become the most stable law in the history of the Danish people.
The best part is how the law cuts across all aspects of the community and cultural circles. Either in personal dealings, group engagements, or business cultural settings, the terms explained in the Jante law help build a positive environment of like-minded individuals.
For a nation that ranks so high on the happiness index almost yearly, we think and believe that the ten laws of Jante – and the positive attitude of the Danish towards this moral code – is a contributing factor to that also.
The concept of Janteloven might look old and dated right now, but the fact that it has helped this group of people build such a strong community, from their small-town settings to the bigger country scale, shows how relevant the code will continue to be for the foreseeable future.
The world is evolving as we know it, and the law of Jante should be applied according to that evolution also.
Norwegian and Danish residents, among other countries in Scandinavia, enjoy some of the best successes and growths in the world. It is, thus, little wonder why they are usually so far up in the happiness index.
If the Danish people do not start to take their advancements to the world, though, they might not be seen as equal to the bigger nations that are making the waves.
This equality is what the new generation of youth athletes, creatives, artists, and more in Danish societies seek – and it is easy to see how the Jante law looks limiting to them.
Here, managing expectations better is as simple as being proud of your achievements as part of a larger group that helped make it happen, staying modest in celebrating your wins, maintaining a simple lifestyle that reflects your background, and contributing your quota to growing the community.
Even if there wasn't anything called the law of Jante, such self-awareness and good nature are relevant to making the world a simpler yet better place overall.
For a country that has its word for its kind of coziness (hygge), approaching Danes might sound like a herculean task. After all, they all look to have closely-knit groups that anyone else cannot break into.
The truth is, the Danish are as accommodating, warm, friendly, and welcoming as can be. They keep such small circles so that they can regulate what happens and maintain quality relationships that give them a sense of coziness. Thus, it might look like they are not seeking you out – or they don't want to make new friends.
Whether you are a visitor, expat, or resident who used to think the Danes won't warm up to you, drop that thought today. It takes approaching one to see how friendly they are, even though it seems they are rooted and set in their ways, as evident in the following of an unstated rule like this one.
The best part? Danish people welcome diversity and inclusion, so you don't have to bend your principles to fit in. As long as you do right, you are welcome with any Dane.
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