The smell of rye bread and greens, the chorus of birds in the crisp cold morning air, and long bike rides to a duck pond – this is what home feels like to me. I grew up in Odense (ˈoðˀn̩sə/ow·duhn·suh), a small town on the island of Funen that barely shows up on the world map. Last October, I visited my beloved hometown for the first time after my move to Korea. I reconciled with my childhood, old friends, and key memories. Here’s how my adventurous week in Denmark turned out.
Odense
On my first day, I met my closest friend of 11 years. I actually failed to recognize her at first, but she immediately spotted me thanks to my distinctive all-black look. Even though she and I hadn’t seen each other face to face for two and a half years, we soon picked it up right where we left off. Our conversation flowed naturally as if I never left.
After a short walk around The King’s Garden, we decided to go to Kræz, a cafe near the entrance of the downtown area that serves excellent sandwiches and salads. I used to eat there regularly when I lived in Odense. I highly recommend it to anyone who might pay a visit, as the dark but cozy ambiance and friendly staff appeal to local young adults. I got one of their specialties: the salmon sandwich. It tasted as amazing as I remember, with rich flavors of sautéed vegetables mixed with the freshness of the fish.
Aarhus
When my father and I drove to Aarhus, the second largest city in Denmark, we decided to visit a famous museum there: ARoS. The building’s tall and minimalistic architecture caught my eye right away, and I thoroughly enjoyed the contemporary pieces displayed there. A giant statue titled “Boy” by Ron Mueck, known to be the museum’s highlight, and the surrealism section that portrayed feminism inspired me the most.
A piece called “Fantastic fødsel” (Fantastic birth) by Jørgen Boberg portrayed a woman in a powerful stance looking into the far distance. That easily made my top 10 list of favorite exhibitions worldwide.
Copenhagen
My parents and I wandered around the capital city amazed at the newly established shops. Nostalgia hit me again as I walked amongst people who communicated in the language I only spoke with my father in Korea.
We visited a famous high-end restaurant, Aamanns 1921, where they served a famous delicacy called “smørrebrød.” It consists of rye bread, an assortment of healthy greens, and pieces of fish or meat. The rustic and earthy flavor of the rye bread always matches whatever topping you decide to go with. The impeccable flavor at Aamanns 1921 put this common dish Danish kids bring in their lunchboxes to shame.
After my nostalgic and perhaps even surreal trip, I prepared a list of places I recommend for those who may visit Denmark in the future:
The Planetarium: Located in Copenhagen, the planetarium showcases a documentary about the creation of planets and intricate details of different galaxies and stars. This center of entertainment attracts people of all ages, and the mesmerizing graphics hold their attention throughout the entire duration of their stay.
National Museum of Denmark: From the Viking and Bronze to the Romantic age, the National Museum of Denmark shows off the nation’s rich culture and history. Their interactive exhibitions often fascinate children.
Tivoli Amusement Park: Tivoli provides an abundance of attractions that range from quiet to wild. If you dislike loud roller coasters, you can visit its aquarium and picture-perfect flower garden. My school used to host trips to this place every year and we never got bored of it.
Conclusion
Though my childhood in Odense had its ups and downs, I can proudly say that I grew up in the same city that the author of “Little Mermaid,” Hans Christian Andersen, did. Odense boasts its grand sceneries of nature, tourist attractions, and scrumptious hotspots. My favorite part of the trip, however, remains as my reunion with my best friend.
From the objective point of view of a traveler, I would rate Denmark 7.5/10 as a vacation destination. Danes usually treat you with respect and kindness and you will be greeted with multitudes of healthy and delicious meals. But all these positives demand a high price, and you may face safety issues in the heart of Coppenhaegen.
The Danish word “hygge” means coziness and warmth of home. And that is precisely what I felt on the grasslands of Funen. If the chance presents itself, you should also pay a visit to the beauty and comfort of my hometown.
