Delightful Denmark in Ten Words Quiz

Answer: cozy lifestyle

Hygge is a Danish concept all about creating a warm, cosy atmosphere and enjoying life's simple pleasures - like candles on a winter's evening, good conversation over coffee, or curling up with a blanket and a book. The word itself comes from a Norwegian root meaning "wellbeing" and is related to the Old Norse word "hyggja", which means "to feel contented".

While it's difficult to translate directly into English, the word "hygge" describes that comforting feeling of contentment, especially when shared with others.

Answer: open sandwich

Smørrebrød is a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich, usually served on thick rye bread called "rugbrød". It's typically layered with toppings such as pickled herring, roast beef with remoulade, boiled eggs with prawns, or liver paté with crispy onions.

The name comes from the Danish words "smør" (butter) and "brød" (bread), which reflect the sandwich's simple base: buttered bread. But don't let the name fool you - smørrebrød can be quite elaborate and is often arranged like a little edible artwork.

It's a staple of Danish lunch culture and especially popular during holidays and celebrations.

Answer: offshore windfarm

Middelgrunden is an offshore wind farm located just off the coast of Copenhagen. Completed in 2001, it was one of the world's first large-scale offshore wind projects and a symbol of Denmark's commitment to renewable energy. The wind farm consists of 20 turbines arranged in a graceful arc across the Øresund Strait. What makes it special is that it was partly financed and is still partly owned by local citizens through a cooperative.

The name comes from "middel" (middle) and "grunden" (shoal or seabed), referring to its location on a shallow reef.

Answer: existential philosopher

Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) was a Danish philosopher, theologian and writer, often regarded as the father of existentialism. He was born and lived in Copenhagen, where he wrote deeply about fear, faith and individuality. His works, such as "Fear and Trembling" and "The Sickness Unto Death", reflect the challenges of making authentic life choices.

His surname comes from the Danish words "kirke" (church) and "gård" (yard), a common form of family name at the time.

Answer: amusement park

Tivoli Gardens, located in the heart of Copenhagen, is one of the world's oldest amusement parks still in operation. It was founded in 1843 by Georg Carstensen, who reportedly convinced King Christian VIII to support the project by saying: "When the people are amusing themselves, they do not think about politics." The park has inspired many, including Walt Disney, who visited Tivoli before creating Disneyland. Today, Tivoli continues to attract visitors with its historic wooden roller coaster, open-air concerts and colourful seasonal decorations.

Answer: Viking burial

The Ladby Ship ("Ladbyskibet") is a Viking ship burial discovered near the village of Ladby on the island of Funen. Dating from around 925 AD, it is the only known Viking Age ship grave found in Denmark. The ship, about 21 metres long, was buried with a chieftain and his horses and dogs, suggesting high status.

Although the wooden hull has decayed, the iron rivets and burial mound remain, and visitors can see the ship in its original position at Ladby Museum.

Answer: historic city

Roskilde is one of Denmark's oldest cities, with roots dating back to the Viking Age. Located on the island of Zealand, it was once the capital of Denmark and an important religious centre. The city is home to Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the burial place of most of Denmark's monarchs since the 15th century.

Another major attraction is the Viking Ship Museum with its five original Viking ships excavated from the nearby fjord. Every summer, the city hosts the Roskilde Festival, one of Europe's largest music festivals.

Answer: renaissance castle

Kronborg is a Renaissance castle in Helsingør, on the north-eastern tip of Zealand. Built in the 16th century, it was strategically located to control the entrance to the Öresund Strait, through which ships had to pay a toll. The castle is best known as the setting for Shakespeare's "Hamlet", where it appears as Elsinore.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kronborg is a powerful symbol of Denmark's maritime history and cultural heritage.

Answer: national flag

The Dannebrog is the national flag of Denmark and is recognised as the oldest continuously used national flag in the world. According to legend, it descended from the sky during the Battle of Lyndanisse on 15 June 1219, when Danish forces led by King Valdemar II were fighting Estonian tribes near modern-day Tallinn.

At a critical moment in the battle, the red banner with the white cross is said to have appeared in the sky and fallen into the hands of the Danes, boosting their morale and leading them to victory.

The word "Dannebrog" is derived from "Daner" (Danes) and "brog", an old word for cloth or banner. The design of the flag later inspired those of other Nordic countries.

Answer: toy bricks

The famous Lego bricks were invented in Denmark in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen, a carpenter from Billund who initially made wooden toys. The name "Lego" comes from the Danish words "leg godt", which means "play well". What started as a small workshop became one of the world's most iconic toy brands, inspiring creativity in generations of children. Today, the original factory is home to the vast Legoland Billund Resort, one of Denmark's most visited attractions.