For the second year in a row, my boyfriend and I spent Thanksgiving in Scandinavia—this time in Denmark.
Like Norway, Denmark wasn’t at the top of my “places I have to visit” list. But between the savory food, breathtaking art museums and impressive architecture, I quickly realized I would love wandering around Copenhagen.
The Food
We spent actual Thanksgiving dinner at The Bishop’s Arms in Malmö, Sweden, eagerly downing fish and chips and house-made chocolate truffles after a long day of walking. But we savored a feast earlier in the week at Restaurant Frida’s, a cozy place that reminded me of a kitschy grandma’s home at Christmas—complete with gaudy floral patterns and flow blue dishes decking the walls.
Frida’s was also where we, for the first time, tried pickled herring—which was tasty, not as fishy or salty as I expected. And the waitress, with little effort, persuaded us to, “Take a little bit of herring and a little bit of schnapps and it'll swim all the way down.”
A few of our other favorite meals:
The Art
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
This museum was by far the most captivating one I’ve ever visited. The rooms were intricate and moody, offsetting stark and symmetrical hallways. And the atrium at the center created an exotic atmosphere compared to the cold, cloudy weather outside.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
I’m not usually a fan of modern art, but the pieces and exhibits at this museum were beautiful and well designed.
The Architecture
I’m a sucker for ornate masonry.
And statues.
And colorful harbors.
And of course…
Palaces
Christiansborg Palace
Amalienborg Palace
Kronborg Castle
Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens wasn’t actually a palace, but it was just as magical and set the bar for what I now consider a “Winter Wonderland”.
Walking through the warm lights, sipping glögg in gloved hands, and listening to the instruments of the Tivoli Youth Guard serenade families from all over the world—was the perfect way to cherish the spirit of Christmas.