The world has been in slow motion since the Covid-19 pandemic exploded. As WHO declared a public health emergency on January 30, an increasing number of countries began to realize the extent of the problem. This realization came hand in hand with great panic, fear, grief, and stress. Summer arrived, and yet we did not welcome relaxation and lightness the way we used to when the holiday’s spirit knocked at our door. One of the things we looked forward to when we felt the first summer breeze, was a chance to travel. However, now, when we see the news, it becomes pretty clear that if there is one thing that we can erase from our calendar this year, it is travelling. And here comes the sadness and disappointment again. So it seems like during this unusual context, one of the things we look for is hope. What do you say we get some of it right now?

When this pandemic eases away (because it will, eventfully), you will finally be able to go out into the world again and you will be ready for the new adventures that waited for you for so long. After those exhausting and chaotic few months, what do you wish for? Probably some place when you can relax, enjoy some serenity, some peace.  

So, may I present to you Denmark at its  “Hygge” concept, an ideal place to enjoy your solo travel in all peacefulness.
Hygge is pronounced as hoo-gah and it can be explained as a way to look for a comfortable and happy moment to cherish in your daily routine.

After visiting Denmark, a lot of people returned home with a new sense of peacefulness. The cities of this country truly hold some magical power to make you feel welcome and comfortable. This might be due to the fact that they skillfully combine the following ingredients:

• First and foremost, you just can not ignore those colorful houses on the Copenhagen streets. Insert some image, please!  

So beautiful! Would you look at this rainbow?  The happy vibes are just reaching out to you through the screen. Imagine taking a walk and being embraced by all those lovely colors, sure it would help to ease off some stress.  

• As you take that little walk, you will probably see a lot of people on bikes, smoothly going on with their day. This is due to the fact that a lot of Danish cities are extremely bicycle-friendly. Needless to say, you will find it easy to take a ride on the bike anytime! Elaborate biking infrastructure, flat land and easy cycle renting are all here to make your journey as pleasant as possible. Thus, the relaxing atmosphere is also due to the fact that there is less noise pollution than in any other European capital city. So bye-bye traffic jams and hello serene bike riding!  

• As you ride your adorable bike through danish lands, why don’t you take a break and fully enjoy the view?  There are two well known activities that could really help you relax: photography and hiking. Denmark is known for taking great care of its numerous natural areas. Therefore, the beautiful danish windswept landscapes are the perfect spots to practice your photographic skills and let your mind freely wander towards an artistic activity or take a little walk and breathe in the pure air. Here are a few breathtaking places where you could enjoy some serenity: Møns Klint, Rold Forest, Wadden Sea, Råbjerg Mile…

• Breathe in the beautiful sight of two seas meeting in Skagen, at the Grenen Beach. The current of the Kattegat flows into the Baltic Sea while the Skagerrak flows into the North Sea. The sight of this phenomenon is so mesmerizing that you forget, for a split second, all your troubles.  

• The clean environment of this country also contributes to the whole peaceful atmosphere. For example, in Copenhagen, thanks to the Green Kayak project, you can do some free kayaking while helping collect waste in the waters. I have a friend who did it and it was one of her favorite experiences ever. Some words that could describe this activity: useful, stress-free, exceptional.  

• The amazing thing is that you can go to Denmark any time of the year and there still will be a comfortable atmosphere and lots of things to do. For example, wouldn’t it be a dream to sip some hot chocolate in a cozy café while looking at the snow falling behind the window? Or, perhaps, you would find it even more relaxing to stroll through the numerous art galleries and museums. May I suggest  the Nationalmuseet (Copenhagen) where you travel through history while discovering tales of Vikings and medieval times. Also, take a look at the famous ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum (Aarhus), one of the largest museums in northern Europe.  

Note: once the countries open their boarders and welcome tourists, it will be important to look at the newly established rules (masks, social distancing…) and respect them.  ‍