Meet Anne: From Denmark to the UK
“Are you a bit of a Scandinavia expert, then?” It’s a question I get a lot. I’m not sure I’d go that far—but I did spend my first 29 years there. I grew up in Denmark, studied in Sweden, and worked in Norway, so I’ve gathered a few favourites along the way.
At City Lit, I teach Danish to beginners and intermediate learners—not just grammar and pronunciation, but also culture, traditions, and lifestyle. Learning a language opens the door to deeper understanding, meaningful connections and more enjoyable travels.
Some Highlights in Scandinavia
If you’re planning a trip to Scandinavia, here are six gorgeous places across Denmark, Sweden and Norway to explore and practise your language skills.
Denmark
Copenhagen
Say ‘godmorgen’ (good morning) to the locals in Copenhagen who really know how to live well. Locals cycle everywhere, sip coffee outside even when it’s chilly, and somehow make even a grey day feel ‘hyggelig’ (cosy). Begin in Nyhavn, the postcard-perfect harbour lined with colourful townhouses and cosy cafés. From there, wander down Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrianised shopping streets, or take a canal cruise to see the royal palace, the Little Mermaid statue, and the famously free-spirited neighbourhood Christiania.
- Useful phrase: Hvor er det bare hyggeligt! – “It’s just so cosy!” (In Denmark, everything revolves around ‘hygge’, the art of creating cosy, pleasant moments.)
- Try this: Delicious ’smørrebrød’ (open sandwiches) with pickled herring or roast beef.
- Fun fact: There are more bikes than cars in Copenhagen—cycling is a way of life.
- Best time to visit: May to September or December to experience Christmas in Tivoli.
- Getting there: Fly to Copenhagen Airport.
Skagen
At Denmark’s northernmost tip, Skagen feels like a dream—golden sand dunes, sharp blue skies, and light so unique it attracted the Skagen painters, a group of 19th-century artists. I can recommend walking to Grenen, where the Skagerrak and Kattegat seas meet in a swirl of foamy waves, or exploring the heathland and shifting sands of Råbjerg Mile, Denmark’s largest migrating sand dune.
- Try this: Freshly caught ‘rødspætte’ (plaice) by the harbour, followed by soft ice dipped in salty liquorice sprinkles.
- Best time to visit: May to September.
- Getting there: Fly to Aalborg Airport, then take a scenic train ride to Skagen.
Sweden
Stockholm
I was blown away by the beauty of Stockholm when I first set foot there at the age of 16. The city is spread across 14 islands, but it’s easy to explore on foot, metro or ferry. Start in Gamla Stan, the medieval Old Town with narrow lanes and colourful buildings. A walk past the Royal Palace is a must, and if you have time, hop on a ferry into the Stockholm archipelago, where thousands of islands offer a peaceful escape.
- Fika essential: Walk into a cosy café in Gamla Stan and order ‘en kanelbulle’ (a cinnamon bun) with your coffee.
- Useful word: ‘Lagom’ – literally “just the right amount”; it’s a Swedish concept of balance and moderation.
- Best time to visit: May to September.
- Getting there: Fly to Stockholm Arlanda Airport.
Öland
Although I haven’t been to Öland myself, I’ve included it as it’s a favourite among many Swedes, especially in summer. You reach it by crossing a six-kilometre bridge from Kalmar, and once you arrive, everything seems to slow down. The island is known for wildflower meadows, ancient windmills, cool bars and restaurants, and lazy summer days. Explore the Alvaret, a limestone plain full of rare plants, swim at Böda Sand, or visit the dramatic ruins of Borgholm Castle.
- Useful phrase: Jag vill gärna ha en kopp kaffe – “I would like a cup of coffee”
- Interesting fact: Öland is a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
- Best time to visit: May to September.
- Getting there: Fly to Stockholm or Copenhagen, then drive or take the train to Kalmar.
Norway
Oslo
Oslo is a beautiful capital that feels more like a relaxed town. Start at the stunning Opera House, where you can walk up the angled roof for views over the harbour and fjord. Don’t miss Frognerparken, home to over 200 striking sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, and make time for Grünerløkka, a creative quarter full of vintage shops and cosy cafés.
- Fun fact: Oslo is compact enough to walk from the city centre to a forest trail in under an hour.
- Best time to visit: May to September.
- Getting there: Fly to Oslo Gardermoen Airport.
Aurland & the Southwest Fjords
I spent a summer working in Aurlandsdalen, surrounded by fjords and mountains. The landscape is unforgettable: deep valleys, mirror-like water, and dramatic cliffs. Take the scenic Flåm Railway from Myrdal—it’s one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world—and hike along the Aurlandsfjord and the nearby Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Try this: Vaffel med rømme og syltetøy (Norwegian waffles with sour cream and jam).
- Useful phrase: Ut på tur, aldri sur! – Literally “Out on a hike, never in a bad mood!” A beloved Norwegian saying that captures the local love of fresh air.
- Best time to visit: June to September.
- Getting there: Fly to Bergen or Oslo, then train to Myrdal + Flåm Railway.
Ready to learn a Scandinavian language?
Whether you’re drawn to fjords or beaches, Scandi noir or minimalist design, these destinations offer a glimpse into Scandinavian culture—and a perfect chance to practise the language. You don’t need to be fluent; even a few words in the local language can open doors.
Here are three simple ways to say “hi” and “thank you”:
- Danish: Hej – tak
- Swedish: Hej – tack
- Norwegian: Hei – takk
Study at City Lit
At City Lit, we offer a range of courses in Danish, Swedish and Norwegian, starting from complete beginner level.
