BEFORE YOU GO

EAT THESE

Five foods to try on your trip to Copenhagen

DANISH PASTRIES Often filled with jam and sprinkled with icing sugar or hazelnuts. Known in Denmark as wienerbrød (Viennese Bread), because they were invented by Austrian bakers, they are flakier and less sticky than the kind you get at home.

SMØRREBRØD Very satisfying open-faced sandwich made up of rye bread, (Danish) butter and a layer-cake of toppings that include fish, sliced meats and numerous mini salads and dressings.

FRIKADELLER Flat, pan-fried meatballs usually made of pork and served with red cabbage, pickles and potatoes. Fiskefrikadeller is the (cold) fishcake version.

HINDBÆRSNITTER These popular “raspberry slices” are simply two pieces of sweet shortcrust pastry sandwiched together with raspberry jam, glazed with icing and then covered with sprinkles.

LAKRIDS Gourmet liquorice, hand-made, jet black and either salty or smothered in chocolate.

DO THIS (and don't do that)

A few handy pointers on Danish culture

• Follow the rules. Danes are sticklers for the system, so don’t even think about crossing the street anywhere other than at a pedestrian crossing. And even then, you better make sure you wait for green.

• Embrace hygge (pronounced “hoo-gir”), the art of living well that’s a national obsession. You’re surrounded by family, so that’s the first box ticked. Now you just need a cosy café/restaurant/hotel, a roaring log fire and some hearty food (and drink).

• Bring decaffeinated coffee with you. If you don’t like drinking the strong stuff, you’re in trouble – Danes don’t believe in decaf.

DON’T…

• Get upset if no one says “please”. There’s no such word for it in Danish. They make up for it, though, by saying “thanks” (tak) a lot.

• Tip, unless you’ve had exceptional service. Tipping isn’t expected, as service charges are included in all hotel and restaurant bills.

• Worry if you see what appears to be an abandoned pram. It’s common for babies to be left outside for a nap, even in winter.