I joined Aalborg Karneval once!

If I get a penny every time I get to asked why Denmark? I would definitely be able to sustain my everyday expenses through it! It’s crazy how many travellers even Danish themselves, couldn’t stop asking me why in all countries in the world, would I choose to live in Denmark.

Why not?

My spontaneous decision of moving to Denmark ended with two years of amazing experience I will always look back into and will be proud of. Denmark is by far the easiest country to live in as an expat especially for me who came from a very different cultural background. This guide should prepare you before you pack all your bags to move and be an expat in Denmark. You can also read books about Denmark to give you a good feeling about the life and culture.

RELATED ARTICLE: Apply for Schengen Visa through the Danish Embassy

DANISH LANGUAGE AS AN EXPAT IN DENMARK

What does in “Speciallægepraksisplanlægningsstabiliseringsperiode” you don’t understand?! This was the everyday struggle for me in the beginning. Deciphering Danish words is a full-time job. If you happen to be German, Dutch, or two other Scandinavian countries, you will get ahold of the Danish language in no time.

The moment you step in Denmark, apply yourself to a language centre right away. It took me six months to be able to understand basic sentences whilst after a year, I was able to make small conversations. I personally wouldn’t say Danish is hard, the biggest challenge is to find a local who will have the whole day to wait you finish completing a sentence. As you see, Danish speaks very good English, some of them would prefer to talk in Danish to make life between you and them a little easier.

“Hvorfor taler Mary ikke Dansk? Er hun dum?” This translates to “Why Mary don’t speak Danish? Is she stupid? This is exactly what the 3-year-old Danish kid asked his parents. At the time he said time, I tried to pretend that I didn’t understand it. Of course, I did. Don’t we all try to learn the bad words first all the time? Instead of feeling insulted by what the boy said, I took it as a challenge to work harder in learning the language.

Get out there, talk to the bus driver, clerks in the grocery shops to practice you Danish. Watch children’s shows or read kid’s book to get through the reading and listening level. I even talk to myself in Danish, it was effective.

*The language course is free in most case, find out if you need to pay for one or not. I went with Lærdansk.

RENTING A FLAT AS AN EXPAT IN DENMARK

As you know, Denmark is one of the most expensive countries in the whole world to live in. Housing in Denmark is one of the most costly bills you have to pay, the competition rate for finding your own apartment is also quite a challenge.

There are crazy numbers of local and foreign students trying to live in the city where the Universities are located. To beat the hassle, allow yourself to sign up for online web​sites in advance and start finding a place. Six months prior to your arrival should give you enough time.

Make sure to get all the documents you will be needing to be able to rent an apartment first and foremost. Such as NEM ID, yellow card (hospitalisation & medical), resident permit, etc. If these are not available yet or you, unfortunately, didn’t find a place, check out Airbnb, it’s safe to use. Here are some housing websites for you to check out.

To beat the hassle, allow yourself to sign up for online websites in advance and start looking for a place. Nestpick, for example, is a meta-search engine for apartment rentals all over the world. It pulls offers for flats and shared apartments from lots of different partner sites, allowing you to browse hundreds of ads for mid-to-long term rentals in Copenhagen: you may be able to line up a house viewing or even to book your place online, even before your arrival!

Make sure to get all the documents you will be needing to be able to rent an apartment first and foremost.

TRANSPORTATION AS AN EXPAT IN DENMARK

Surely you need to get from point A to B. Denmark has quite good public transportation. Tax for private cars are high so is the gas. The government encourages the locals to use public transportation rather than driving their private cars. There are mobile apps to help you understand the schedule and prices for buses, trains, and metros.

Denmark has a massive culture in cycling, the bike lanes are incredible and bike traffic lights are provided. Due to its flat surface, it should not be an issue to cycle in the city or even as your hobby for the weekend. Brand new and second-hand bicycles are easy to purchase in Denmark.

Check this out for public transportations in Copenhagen and Aarhus. Whilst this one is for the trains. Bus and trains schedules can be checked online or through an app. Ticket can be bought in 7eleven, train and bus station, mobile apps – Copenhagen and Aarhus.

FOOD AS AN EXPAT IN DENMARK

I lost count how many expats didn’t find the Danish food that appealing, however, for me it’s a different story. I loved the food in Denmark, Danish mad love for their rugbrød (rye bread) is understandable so is their high appetite for traditional meat dishes. Indeed, a born Viking will always be a Viking.

Normally, Danish eat cereals or bread for breakfast plus a hot coffee, whilst for lunch, the rugbrød is the king of the table, one of the cheapest food you can buy and the healthiest too. For the dinner, boiled potatoes, meat, and salad are the theme for the average Danish set up.

Danes are well-known for their addiction to baking, thus, don’t be surprised if you leave Denmark without learning how to bake at least one or two Danish cakes. If you are only travelling around, check out these Copenhagen food tours.

DANISH CULTURE

I was completely in shock when I moved to Denmark, well, the fact that I came from the tropical country of the Philippines and decided to move to the north at the beginning of November wasn’t the smartest decisions in my life, is it? I had this great image where I will be able to make friends with my neighbours or smile to a person next to me on a bus, none of these worked.

They said Danes or the Scandinavians have such cold culture – surprise surprise! I slowly learnt how to adjust to this all-new set up for me. I list up rules on how to be Danish in Denmark:

• Never ever says hi nor smile to the person/stranger you come across as you walk in the park, shopping in the grocery, neither to the person who’s finding his way to the pizza shop whilst bearing a hangover.
• Don’t you dare to sit next to someone on a public bus if there are still empty seats somewhere else?
• It’s a dumb move to bother someone who’s walking on the street – don’t invade their personal space in the public areas.
• Wear only black, grey, and white unless it’s summer.

*This is actually true but it’s listed just to lighten up the mood. Danes are friendly but maybe a little bit shy to start a conversation with a stranger.

To be fair, there are great hits about Danish culture as well. It’s not easy to be friends with the Danes but when you get to make one, you’ll never lose them.

Danish also loves drinking, parties, and outdoor events– who doesn’t? Although they get a little bit beyond what normal. Running around naked in the University Park? One cycling race ages 3 to 100 are in one category! Beer at six in the morning? No one will bat an eye about it.

There are also a handful of things I love about Danish Culture. The independence of everyone is exceptional, their value with education is impressive. I cannot express enough how much I adore their equality. It’s not perfect per se, but I have to say they have come far and way ahead compared to the rest of the world.

The Danes are also known for being open-minded and pro-LGBTQ+, if you are part of this community and worried if your sexual orientation can affect the way you live in Denmark, let me assure you that there is nothing to worry about. Either you are moving here or just travelling, Denmark will welcome you with open arms, this travel guide for gay travelling to Copenhagen will prove you that. 

HOW TO LIVE CHEAP IN DENMARK 

• Dumpster Diving is now getting more and more popular with the locals and even foreigners. From furniture, clothes, shoes, and even food. Some establishments, like grocery stores, forbid people to take food from their bins some allows it. My friend has done it herself, she was able to bring home vegetables, fruits, bicycle, television, sofa, you name it. Every residential building has an area where tenants can leave the things they don’t need anymore so others can pick it up.
• Buy and Sell is a common practice for Danish and expats in Denmark. Since everything is expensive in Denmark, people find a way to make money or spend less. DBA is popular in Denmark for buying and selling used things, whilst there are also Facebook groups like this one. I, myself have bought a second-hand bicycle and sold it before I leave.
• Work part-time is a great way to earn extra money especially for someone planning to study in Denmark and live there for a while. It is challenging to find a part-time job, to be honest, therefore, prepare some patience and be resourceful. You can check out this website, mostly babysitting and cleaning jobs can be found there. You can also get a TEFL certificate and start teaching the English language as a part-time, whether online or local.
• Modern technology in Denmark is well practised, which you can take advantage of to make your life not only easier but can help to put down your daily cost too. There are a lot of top apps for expatriates you can download on your phone, from mobile paying apps, shopping apps, networking so you can meet locals easier, and a lot more!

I lived in Denmark for two years, it was the first country I lived abroad. As an expat in Denmark, I’ve learnt a lot from their culture and the society, I’m not going to lie that Denmark plays a massive part of who I am today.

There are surely some ups and downs as you try to adjust to your new environment but I really hope that you will find a thing or two to love about this country. I honestly see myself settling down there at some point in my life. If you have questions about being an expat in Denmark, don’t hesitate in dropping me a line.

Schengen tourist visa application? I can see you shaking your head already. When I was battling my way to get a Schengen tourist visa, I was surprised how easy to get one! It was a long shot to be honest, as what they say – you’ll never know until you try to. Although I had an easy pass on this one, I can’t keep your hopes up. Because I was rejected once. There are some factors that could help you get your Schengen tourist visa easily.

I hold a Philippines’ passport by the time I applied for my Schengen tourist visa, I was in Hanoi, Vietnam on a tourist visa. How I was able to do this:

I emailed the Danish Embassy in Hanoi and explained my situation. I mentioned that I am travelling indefinitely and don’t have a plan to go back to the Philippines anytime soon. I asked if I can send my Schengen tourist visa application to them and mentioned that I have a Danish citizen to host me. I’ve got a go signal and started the process immediately.

WHICH COUNTRIES ARE PART OF THE SCHENGEN AREA

WHAT IF I HAVE A HOST

Alright, let’s face the truth, it’s a lot easier if you have someone who can host you. However, nowadays, many embassies are getting more strict regarding having a host. A host can be a friend, boyfriend/girlfriend, a family relative, your parents, or even the parents of your partner. Having a host will give your case a massive plus point. However, not everyone is qualified to be a host.

Is your host qualified?

• Will the host only provide accommodation? – He/she has a place that he/she is legally living at the address he/she will provide
• Will the host be going to cover all your expenses whilst you are in the Schengen State? – If yes, make sure that the host has a reasonable amount of money in his/her bank account to cover for you

REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHENGEN TOURIST VISA APPLICATION

This process is applicable to most Schengen Embassy in the world. However, check to the nearest Embassy to you first before gathering your requirements and booking any flight ticket or hotel accommodation.

Passport

Must be valid at least six (6) months prior to your departure – passport must have at least two blank pages.

Application form – online

Which you can download from the embassy pr the third party companies like VFS if they are working under the embassy.

Your bank statement

It must be from the last three months, showing that the account is under your name, the transactions and the total amount you have on the bank.

Travel insurance

That covers you throughout your stay – Check my article about Schengen tourist visa travel insurance to find the best for you. I suggest you this affordable insurance!

IMGLOBAL – If you are applying from the Philippines, ask the Embassy first if it’s okay tp use this company or check their recommended list for travel insurance

Hotel reservation

You must book or reserve accommodation throughout your stay in the Schengen area. If you are going to stay at your host’s home, you must provide their address and a letter that your host is consenting on this setup.

If you are travelling outside your host’s country, you must provide a booking for these places.

Photocopy of your the first page of your passport

Make a photocopy of the data page of your passport, it will be submitted to the embassy.

Travel itinerary

You will be required to provide and submit a complete itinerary of your trip from arriving at leaving the Schengen area.

Entry and an exit flight ticket

You must provide a flight ticket in and out of the Schengen area, however, you should book a refundable ticket in case your visa will be denied.

Means of subsistence

You have to show how you will be paying for yourself during your stay, if you have a credit card, you must submit the last billing, if you have a traveller’s cheque, you must show this, if your host will be paying during your entire stay, hey must submit the needed documents to the Danish embassy.

TIP: To make your application stronger, make sure that you have your own money under your name.

Invitation ID online​

If you have a host, your host must submit an application to the Danish embassy as well. After submitting, your host will receive an invitation ID, you will need this to write it on your application form.

Bio-metric Record

The embassy or the third party company will take your bio-metric record during your appointment.

Appointment

You must check on your embassy if you need to make an appointment, if you are going through a third party company like VFS, check as soon as you can their earliest appointment to avoid any hassle.

STEPS ON PROCESSING YOUR VISA APPLICATION

1. Your host application

Ask your host to fill out this online invitation to visa application form. The bank statement of your host will be asked to be uploaded.

>Skip Step 1 if you don’t have a host

2. Fill out the application form online here

You will be needing the invitation ID from your host. Make sure you have one ready. >>You only need an invitation ID if you have a host.

3. Pay the application fee

Remember that you need to use a credit card or a Visa/MasterCard Debit Card. Check the fee table HERE.

3. Get an appointment 

Call the Danish Embassy you are applying to and find out where to book an appointment. In Hanoi, I had to go through VFS Global. Your bio-metric will be recorded and your documents will be received. If you go through VFS Global, you need to pay a processing fee.

4. You will be contacted to claim your passport and the decision letter

However, the decision cannot be discussed over the phone or through an email. You must pick up your passport in person by yourself. If a representative is going to pick up your documents on your behalf, make sure to write an authorisation letter and attach a copy of your ID.

I received a call from VFS Global exactly a week after I sent my application, normally, it will take at least 15 days to process a Schengen tourist visa application. However, it is proven that the decision time depends on every embassy.

RELATED POST: How to use your valid Schengen Tourist Visa after 90 day-rule

KEYNOTES WHEN APPLYING FOR SCHENGEN TOURIST VISA

• Your Schengen visa application should be submitted NOT more than three months before the start of the intended trip. FX: Flight date is June 10, the application should be sent after March 10 (NOT BEFORE).
• Submit your application as soon as possible, non-working holidays could mess up your plan
• The visa processing fee cannot be refunded if the visa is declined/refused

I hope my own experience has been useful to you, if you have any questions, let me know on the comment section.

I am a Medieval Period nutter, my close friends and family knew about it. There is an unexplainable charm that its history, fashion, culture, and people displays and it attracts me in a way.

I lived in Denmark for two years, the fact that Denmark is one of the oldest monarchies in the world, I have a great chance to actually visit a castle and be in a place where I only read in the books before. But, I’m not sure why I never visited any castle during my stay. Even during the time I was checking out the Copenhagen – yes, they have castles there too but I was too unorganised and didn’t do my research!

Well, as they say, dreams do come true. I came back to Denmark for the summer holiday. This time, I get to see a castle!

Egeskov Slot is located in Fyn Region. It is the island that locals cannot hold their tongue about when I announced that I am to visit Fyn. This island is between Sjælland and Jylland. The Egeskov Slot is only half an hour drive to the south of the city, Odense.

HISTORY AND OWNERS

Egeskov Slot was originally a large manor in circa 1405. In 1554, Frands Brockenhuss with his wife Anne Tinhus built the now, Egeskov Slot. The castle has only been opened to visitors in 1960s, whilst in 1989, Count Claus Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille opened the castle to the public.

From being erected as a manor up to today, there have been 31 owners of the Egeskov Slot. The current owner, who also lived there are the Count and Countess Michael and Caroline Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille and their children.

WHAT TO SEE

Apart from the stunning castle, which the public can also access inside, there is a huge indoor display of vintage cars, motorbikes, buses, and aircraft to adore.

There is a “legeskov” or playground around where children can freely enjoy some fun activities such as Tree Top Walking, riding a segway, and more. A huge park is also available to the public to relax when the sun is shining.

In summer, Egeskov Slot offers great activities and events to its guests. There are also days that Egeskov Slot is open until midnight.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO

The best time to go is during the summer (June, July, August) where you can expect great sunny weather. Though Egeskov Slot is open from late April to late October.

HOW TO GET HERE

From Odense City Centre: 

• Train and Bus – Take the train to Svendborg Station and get off at Ringe Station. From here, take the bus 920 (Faaborg) and get off at Egeskov Gade. You have to walk 800 metres from here.
• Drive – try this route

Prices and other information, click HERE. Visit their WEBSITE.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT EGESKOV SLOT

I loved the whole package it was a surreal feeling to actually walk through a very old place. Everything was bizarre in a great way, the classic castle with the display of beautiful vintage rooms, hunting trophies, and the collection of the wooden toys.

The blue sky matched the perfect castle which stands by the water pond. Its long unwinding garden makes me want ti just collapse there and fall asleep whilst adoring the silhouette angle of the castle. I walked around, I was surrounded by tall green trees. It was quiet and peaceful. At the end of the garden, I could see the castle perfectly, the view the past owners used to have, how magical is that?

I was really surprised that Egeskov is not only offering the castle itself, but the effort on putting up a whole area for vintage cars and old transportation is also amazing.

The fact that the visitors could lie down by the backyard and enjoy the sun whilst the kids could play around is a cosy set up. It gave the feeling that I forgot I was in a castle, it felt natural. The playground is a great idea as well, it lets the kids have fun whilst the parents could just relax and enjoy the moment.

I have to say that it is indeed a living castle. It was a great trip and definitely worth a visit. Are you looking for more castle to visit? Check out, Kronborg Castle!

Get Connected With @egeskovslot

Follow their Facebook and Instagram. Visit their Website for more information

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