copenhagen

Copenhagen was never a "planned out months ago" type of trip. As luck had it, a price alert popped up in my inbox a few weeks before with a cheap flight offer to the Danish capital that was extremely hard to pass up. It has been over seven years since I've been to Europe and I have never been to Denmark. So with that, I said to myself, "why not?" and bought the ticket.

From its tiny cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, quirky neighborhoods and picturesque canals, Copenhagen exudes charm. It's also home to many world class museums such as the Louisiana Modern Art Museum, restaurants such as Noma, which has been voted the world's best restaurant four times in recent years and some quality Scandinavian design stores (my favorites being HAY and Illums Boglighus.)

Copenhagen is very easy to explore on foot. Although, if you want to blend in with the locals, cycling around the city is probably the best option. Fun Fact: there are actually more bicycles than inhabitants in Copenhagen.

According to many studies, Denmark is known as the happiest country in the world. The Danes even have the word hygge that is distinctively their own to relate to their lifestyle. In English, hygge roughly translates to "enjoying life's simple pleasures." During my stay, I felt there was a sense of peace, a feeling of happiness and of overall well being. Everyone seemed to be enjoying life.

As always my time was too short in this cozy capital, although I have a feeling it won't be too long until I'm back embracing the hygge.

All photographs © Lisa Rozwadowski