Copenhagen is truly a splendor of Northern European Capitals. Indeed, its streets full of stern-faced Danes and long, cold winter nights might indicate otherwise, but beneath the serious looks hides a friendly, warm people, and beneath the long, cold winter nights lies...well, okay the weather's not the best. But, catch the city on a warm sunny summer or autumn day, and people flock to city parks, squares and pedestrian avenue. There could hardly be a more "hygge" experience than sitting around with a group of friends along Nyhavn, tossing down Carlsbergs. You will find that the Danes are a very welcoming, warm-hearted people, once you break the ice. Just one bit of advice: No matter what time of year it is, and regardless of what the sky looks like when you head out, don't be foolish and go anywhere without an umbrella. You are at 55ºN, on an island surround by the Baltic and North Seas. Nonetheless, compared to other Scandanavian nations, Denmark is a little warmer, less expensive, and I would argue, more modern and contemporary, which is likely aided by their geographical connection with mainland Europe.

About 7 weeks after Easter, Copenhagen gears up for a 3-day holiday to usher in summer. The Karneval celebration includes tons of suds (the drinkable kind), spray foam, costumes and parades. Most stores, banks, and even the Carlsberg Brewery hang out their "closed for business" signs during Karneval. If you venture down the pedestrian walks of Ostergade and Amagertov, take care not to trip over empty bottles or revelers sleeping off hangovers. Fortunately the festivities- and resulting fallout- are short-lived.