Nørrebro & Østerbro are Copenhagen's top neighbourhoods for professionals. Explore housing trends, lifestyle, and what makes each district unique.

Nørrebro & Østerbro: Top Neighbourhoods for Professionals

Copenhagen's Nørrebro and Østerbro districts have emerged as two of the most sought-after neighbourhoods for young professionals relocating to the Danish capital. With significant housing development underway and strong migration patterns among 20-39 year-olds, these areas offer distinct advantages for professionals seeking quality urban living in Copenhagen.


Why Are Professionals Choosing Nørrebro and Østerbro?


What makes these neighbourhoods attractive to young professionals?


Nørrebro and Østerbro consistently rank among Copenhagen's top destinations for professional in-migration, particularly among 20-39 year-olds who represent the majority of relocations within the city. These districts combine excellent urban infrastructure with diverse housing options, creating environments where professionals can establish themselves quickly. The neighbourhoods benefit from Copenhagen's broader appeal factors—education opportunities, vibrant city life, and cultural offerings—while maintaining distinct local identities that resonate with different professional lifestyles.


How does housing availability compare between these districts?


Both districts feature substantial planned development, though with different scales. Østerbro has 1,957 planned units with 262 currently under construction, while Nørrebro has 1,952 planned units with 359 under construction. This active development pipeline addresses the growing demand from professionals seeking move-in-ready accommodation. The construction activity reflects Copenhagen's broader housing expansion, with approximately 31,300 planned units across the city, of which 5,200 are currently under construction—a direct response to the expected population growth of 113,000 people by 2060.


What are the typical housing characteristics in these areas?


Both neighbourhoods offer a mix of owner-occupied apartments and rental properties, with Nørrebro experiencing particularly strong price appreciation—owner-occupied apartment prices have increased significantly since 2010, reflecting high demand and historically low supply. The districts provide the small and medium-sized housing units that Copenhagen's future demographic composition requires, as the city expects more single people and couples without children. This housing stock aligns perfectly with professional needs for flexible, well-located accommodation.


How do the neighbourhoods differ in character and lifestyle?


While both districts attract professionals, they offer distinct urban experiences. Nørrebro has developed a reputation for cultural diversity and dynamic street life, while Østerbro traditionally appeals to professionals seeking a more established residential atmosphere. Both neighbourhoods benefit from Copenhagen's compact urban structure, providing easy access to the Inner City while maintaining neighbourhood-specific amenities and community character that professionals value when establishing themselves in a new city.


What is the migration pattern among young professionals in these areas?


Migration data reveals that Nørrebro receives a substantial share of Copenhagen's young in-migration, with the district's housing stock attracting professionals relocating both from other parts of Denmark and internationally. The in-migration largely reflects each district's share of Copenhagen's total housing stock, though certain areas show disproportionately high in-migration relative to available homes—indicating strong preference among professionals for specific neighbourhood characteristics beyond mere availability.


How accessible are these neighbourhoods for international professionals?


Both districts serve as primary landing zones for international professionals, benefiting from Copenhagen's position as a major European education and employment hub. The neighbourhoods' integration into Copenhagen's broader urban fabric means professionals can access city-wide amenities while establishing local roots. This accessibility is particularly important given that every third Copenhagener moves annually, creating a dynamic residential environment where newcomers can integrate quickly into established professional communities.


Housing Market and Investment Considerations


What are the current price trends in these neighbourhoods?


Owner-occupied apartment prices in both districts have experienced substantial appreciation, with Nørrebro showing particularly strong growth since 2010. Prices in these neighbourhoods now exceed national averages, reflecting Copenhagen's broader housing market dynamics where demand consistently outpaces supply. The historically low supply of owner-occupied homes—now lower in absolute terms than in Aarhus Municipality—has driven price increases across Copenhagen, with Nørrebro and Østerbro participating fully in this appreciation trend.


Is rental housing readily available for professionals?


The rental market in both districts serves the significant population of professionals seeking flexible housing solutions. With approximately every third Copenhagener moving annually, rental properties provide the flexibility that many professionals require, particularly those in the 20-39 age bracket who dominate migration patterns. The ongoing construction activity in both neighbourhoods will add rental inventory, though demand remains strong given Copenhagen's continued population growth and the city's appeal to young professionals.


What should professionals know about housing competition?


Competition for quality housing in both Nørrebro and Østerbro remains intense, driven by Copenhagen's historically low housing supply and continued in-migration of professionals. The city's housing market operates under conditions where demand significantly exceeds supply, particularly for the small and medium-sized units that professionals typically seek. This competitive environment means professionals should act decisively when suitable accommodation becomes available, particularly in well-connected areas within these districts.


Practical Considerations for Relocating Professionals


How do these neighbourhoods support professional lifestyles?


Both districts offer the urban density and mixed-use development that supports professional lifestyles—proximity to workplaces, cultural amenities, and social infrastructure. The neighbourhoods benefit from Copenhagen's compact urban structure, where professionals can establish work-life balance without lengthy commutes. The ongoing development activity ensures that neighbourhood infrastructure continues evolving to meet professional needs, from co-working spaces to dining and entertainment options that facilitate both professional networking and personal life.


What are the transportation connections like?


Nørrebro and Østerbro both provide excellent connectivity to Copenhagen's broader transportation network, essential for professionals working across different parts of the city or traveling regularly for business. The districts' integration into Copenhagen's urban fabric means professionals can access the Inner City quickly while enjoying neighbourhood-specific amenities. This connectivity extends to regional and international transportation, supporting the mobile professional lifestyle that characterizes Copenhagen's workforce.


How do these areas compare for different professional demographics?


While both neighbourhoods attract the 20-39 age group that dominates professional migration, they serve slightly different segments within this demographic. Professionals should consider their specific lifestyle preferences, budget constraints, and long-term plans when choosing between districts. The ongoing development in both areas means that housing options continue diversifying, potentially offering more choices for professionals at different career stages and with varying accommodation requirements.


Future Development and Long-Term Outlook


What major developments are planned for these neighbourhoods?


Both districts participate in Copenhagen's substantial development pipeline, with Østerbro's 1,957 planned units and Nørrebro's 1,952 planned units representing significant additions to neighbourhood housing stock. This development responds to Copenhagen's projected population growth of 113,000 people by 2060, which requires approximately 77,000 new homes. The planned construction will reshape neighbourhood dynamics while maintaining the urban character that attracts professionals to these areas.


How will demographic changes affect these neighbourhoods?


Copenhagen's demographic evolution, toward more single people and couples without children, aligns well with the housing types prevalent in Nørrebro and Østerbro. The city's expected increase of 21,000 residents over 65 by 2035 will create some housing turnover as older residents relocate, potentially opening opportunities for professionals. However, the analysis shows that elderly residents generally live in larger apartments and rarely move, suggesting that demographic shifts will create gradual rather than dramatic changes in housing availability.


What makes these neighbourhoods sustainable choices for professionals?


Both districts offer long-term viability for professionals planning extended stays in Copenhagen. The ongoing development activity ensures neighbourhood evolution and infrastructure improvement, while the established urban fabric provides stability and community continuity. For professionals considering Copenhagen as a long-term base, these neighbourhoods offer the combination of current livability and future development potential that supports both immediate housing needs and longer-term lifestyle goals.


Ready to experience professional living in Copenhagen's most dynamic neighbourhoods? 


LifeX offers fully furnished, move-in-ready apartments across Copenhagen, including prime locations in Nørrebro and Østerbro. Our all-inclusive housing solution eliminates the complexity of traditional rentals, providing professionals with flexible terms, high-end Nordic design, and community-focused living spaces. Explore available apartments and secure your Copenhagen home today.

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Chen-Wen has lived in 6 cities across 4 countries. Now she's in Copenhagen with LifeX — and calls it home. Meet the people in our community.

LifeX Copenhagen: Home for a UN Professional from Taiwan

Member Spotlight: Meet Chen-Wen A Social Communications Professional!

Chen-Wen is from Taiwan and has been living in Copenhagen for just over a year! She has lived in six cities across four countries over the last ten years - we feel very lucky to have her as part of our community in Copenhagen! Her natural curiosity and international background undoubtedly play a key part in her role working for the United Nations. 🌎  When she's not working you can find her hanging out with her housemates and staying active outdoors in nature! 

What are your favourite things about living in Copenhagen?

The nature, both forest and sea, are almost at your doorstep!

Do you have a favourite memory with your housemates at LifeX to share?

I love my housemates 🙂 Every movie night, Euro Cup match night, Rick and Morty night, Yo Burger night, party night and some cooking time together warms my heart and energises me. 😁

What will we catch you doing on the weekend?

Cycling, hiking, working out or hanging out with friends! I always like to know more about communications technology & sustainability and I'm keen to learn some new sports!

What’s your occupation? What do you enjoy the most about it?

I worked for the United Nations as a communications professional. I'm always being reminded that this world has so so much to improve and we are really the lucky ones.

Cycling, hiking, working out or hanging out with friends!

Do you miss anything about your home country?

I’ve been living in six cities (Taipei, Beijing, Hong Kong, London, Bangkok and now Copenhagen) in the past decade so I am quite used to the change - but I always miss my family members, friends and food. 🙂

Anything else about you that I didn’t ask that you’d like to share?

Check out the available homes and sign up for a chat with our team who will help you find the best place for you!

Do you also want to find a home in Copenhagen?

After moving into a LifeX coliving apartment in Copenhagen, Gabriel started sharing his passions with the community and creates many memorable moments

How LifeX member Gabriel moved to Copenhagen and became part of the community

Member Spotlight: Meet Gabriel, an Electrical Engineer Studying Space Technology!

Gabriel is from Valencia, Spain and has been living in Copenhagen for two and a half years! He is an Electrical Engineer and is doing a masters in Space Technology. Outside of work, he is an incredible home chef who hosts dinner parties and cooks for his flatmates often. He makes an unforgettable paella! 🥘 Gabriel also into film and audiovisual production and is gearing up to create another documentary soon. He is an active part of the LifeX community and we’re so happy to have him living with us!

I’ve lived in Copenhagen for two and a half years. I’ve lived in my LifeX apartment for two years, actually with the same group of people the whole time. 


What are your favourite things about living in Copenhagen?

I really enjoy the international community as well as the diversity of cuisines and dining experiences. It’s nice to live in a city that appreciates different foods from different cultures, you can see in the variety of restaurants. My flatmates and I cook a lot so there are certain foods I wouldn’t ‘bother’ going to a restaurant for, like Spanish food or pasta. I also like that when there is a sunny day in Copenhagen people really embrace it, in Spain we’re so used to the sunny weather that we can take it for granted a bit.


In the last year, because of Corona, I’ve been going to lots of small gatherings at home. Having friends over and going to friends places. Since things have opened up, I’ve been enjoying going to restaurants and bars. On sunny days I love going to Reffen and La Banchina.


We’ve heard that you’re an amazing cook, do you eat together often as a household? 



At my apartment, we eat every meal together. I cook all the meals - we don’t really organize it, it’s just common knowledge that if you come home around 19:00 or 20:00 there is dinner on the table and a place for you. We divide the tasks a bit so my flatmates clean up after. We share everything in the kitchen, I’m glad that we have this arrangement. I’ve chatted with some other LifeX members and staff and I think we’re the only house that eats every meal together.

I’m an Electrical Engineer and I’m doing a masters in Space Technology - it sounds cooler than it is. My favourite thing about it is that I get to work hands-on with technology and solve real problems. My professors are active professionals involved in real projects that we help with. For example, they worked with the camera which is on the current Mars rover, so I’ve had the chance to hold a version of that camera.

Are you working on a new skill or learning anything new at the moment?

I’m on vacation and trying to not do too much at the moment! I will be taking some professional cooking courses soon so I can take my cooking to the next level. I might join a culinary school as well in the coming months. I’m also into film and audiovisual production, I have a company in Spain and work creating documentaries. I’m looking forward to making my next documentary. Since I’m so passionate about cooking, I might want to do it about Valencian cuisine. 


Video games, in many cases I need to stop myself from buying a gaming computer because I will spend too much time on it. Also YouTube, especially videos about cooking and about what’s going on in the world - it’s an easy rabbit hole to fall down for me!


I miss the dining culture and how simple it is to arrange to meet up with some friends for a few beers. In Denmark, the drinking culture can be a bit intense at times and meeting up with friends can require a lot of planning. In Valencia, I love going out for casual lunches where you stay there talking, eating, and drinking for hours and hours. 

 
Anything else about you that I didn’t ask that you’d like to share?

One of the nicest things that has happened at LifeX is meeting many new people and developing a community centred around sharing meals, like paella and other cuisines. 

Check availabilities now and sign up to become a LifeX member

Do you also want to join a coliving community in Copenhagen?

Learn more about LifeX

Jonathan left Los Angeles for Copenhagen after one holiday changed everything. Now he's a LifeX member running his own fashion brand.

What Made an LA Fashion Designer Move to Copenhagen?

Member Spotlight: Meet Fashion Designer Jonathan Jaworski

Jonathan moved from Los Angeles to Copenhagen in 2018 after falling in love with the city on a holiday. He’s been living here ever since and finds the city inspiring for his work as a Fashion Designer. He recently launched his own brand! Jonathan is an amazing member of the LifeX community and never fails to put a smile on the faces of those around him!

I moved to Copenhagen in October 2018 and we have been living at LifeX since the beginning. We fell in love with Denmark when travelling all over the world, so we decided to move here after we finished travelling.

What's your favourite restaurant in Copenhagen?

I have two, the first being Simple Raw, which is a raw- vegan restaurant in the city centre that specializes in Vegan cuisine in its natural state. Next would be Zula which is an Ethiopian restaurant in Norrebro, and other than my own it's the best in Copenhagen.

What's your favourite holiday or celebration?

Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah. As a Jew, We have two new years’ Rosh Hashanah and the traditional NYE. Rosh Hashanah usually takes place in September (Which is also my birthday month). This month gives me a chance to do things differently than before. It’s a nice fresh start for repentance, acknowledgment, and we have lots of amazing food. This year was a bit different because we couldn’t eat or sing at the synagogue, but it was still great. 

I have a few specific ones. I hate fabrics with bad texture and cheap fabrics. I can’t stand non-colour-coordinated drawers, I like when things are folded and colour coordinated, with similar pieces of clothing together. I used to be a visual merchandiser so for me, everything I buy should fit together and have the same aesthetic.

All LifeX coliving apartments in Copenhagen offer flexible contracts with only 3 months of minimum stay and an open-ended tenancy so you have full flexibility on how long you want to stay.

Do you also want to test-live in Copenhagen or settle down?

Is there anything you miss about your home country?

Everything! Hiking, restaurants, creative people, going to the grocery store and meeting singers and actors by chance and networking. Of course, my family and the amazing food.

Do you have any remote working tips to share?

Stay focused, try not to let the outside world affect how you make money. We still have to hustle and pay bills, focus on money, paying rent, and buying clothes.

Are you learning anything new at the moment?

I’m working on improving my Polish and Hebrew.

Explanation of the Danish concept of 'Hygge'

Chances are you have probably heard of the term ‘hygge’ as it’s become increasingly popular as a phrase and lifestyle. Hygge is a Danish word and concept used to describe things or feelings of coziness, happiness, and well-being. It’s both an adjective and a noun and is used very liberally by Danes. Being mindful of hygge moments and pursuing them is quintessentially Danish. Everyone can incorporate this aspect of Danish culture into their life and will be sure to benefit from it. 

If you’ve never heard of hygge before don’t fret. You have certainly experienced it, but you just didn’t have the right word for it yet. If you’ve ever enjoyed sitting in a cafe with a friend on a rainy day, or reading a book by the fire, then congratulations, you might just be a hygge expert already. Hygge enriches everyday life and, if you don’t live close to the equator, hygge will help you get through the long winter months (maybe even enjoy them 😉).

How Do You Define Hygge?

Hygge can be described in many ways, but one of the best open-ended definitions of hygge is ‘being consciously cozy,’ as stated by Meik Wiking. Meik is an expert on hygge and the author of, The Little Book of Hygge; he just might be one of the reasons that you’ve heard of Hygge before as his book brought it into an international spotlight.

The dictionary definition states that “Hygge is a quality of coziness that makes a person feel content and comfortable. It's also often used as an adjective meaning cozy or comfortable." Though it’s been officially added to English dictionaries, it can be tricky to pronounce - our best advice is to pronounce it like this: “hoo-gah”. It’s tricky to say, but luckily it’s easy to practise in your everyday life; it’s much more important that you understand the meaning! 

Where Does Hygge Come From?

The word hygge first appeared in writing in the 18th century - and actually has Norwegian origins 🤫! Its original meaning was to describe a safe haven, a place where one is protected from the outside world and the elements. While the definition has evolved and broadened over time, the concept of hygge as we know it today still revolves around feeling safe and secure. 

Why is Hygge So Important?

There are many benefits of focusing on and incorporating more hygge in your life. As a Danish co-living company, hygge is at the forefront of our concept and ingrained in everything from how we style our apartments, to what drives our community. Hygge is important because it helps people have a stronger connection with others and themselves. Additionally, when you prioritize hygge, you’re prioritizing enjoyment and making time for yourself.

As mentioned, hygge is a very open concept that can be applied to all kinds of activities and things but at its core, it revolves around feeling cozy and secure. Thus a large part of hygge is who you are with; with close friends and family being the most hygge company. As our community (and company) has plenty of international people, we know that one of the hardest parts of relocating to a new city is growing your inner circle to hygge with! Even more difficult than the paperwork depending on where you’re living 😉. That is why a primary focus of our co-living concept is the community and ensuring members spark those connections from day one. Of course, there are many solo hygge activities too - so you can hygge whenever you want!

Another key element of hygge is the atmosphere around you. Spaces that are warm, tidy, and cozy are only ever a few candles away from being super hygge. You can always change a few things to make your space more hygge at home, or you can find a hygge cafe or restaurant to spend time in. When our Design team sets up apartments, they make sure that the spaces are ready for hygge moments. When you’re in a hygge space you will notice an instant mood boost and shift into a more relaxed state of mind. Since we have been spending more time at home in 2020 - having a hygge atmosphere at home is even more important!

LifeX offers multiple coliving apartments in Denmark, Norway and Germany where you get the chance to live with like-minded people and experience the real hygge together

You would also like to join a coliving community to enjoy hygge?

Hygge Whenever You Can, As Much As You Can

The best things in life are free, and feeling hygge and doing hygge things are included in this! While hygge season certainly peaks in the winter - you can hygge all year long. A little emphasis on hygge in your daily lifestyle will go a long way. The essentials come down to spending time with great people in your life and making time for yourself. So you don’t need to buy anything or make any major life changes to live a hygge lifestyle, just be mindful of life’s enjoyable moments whenever you can.

There are many traditional Danish celebrations and customs, but also global traditions are celebrated with a Danish twist.

Typical traditions and customs in Denmark

Danish Culture: People, Traditions, and Customs

Denmark is home to many curious and amazing traditions. To help newcomers understand Danish culture and traditions better, we have chatted with three Danish people living in LifeX apartments. Morten Vistisen, who is a Developer living in Copenhagen. Jonas Sondergaard, who is a Business Developer living in Copenhagen. And Tina Randrup, who is a Co-founder living in Copenhagen. They shared lots of great traditions, insights, and advice. Keep reading, if you want to learn more about Danish culture or if you’re trying to envision your life in Denmark.


Distinctly Danish - Celebrations

There are many Danish celebrations that are exclusive to Denmark. Here are the favourites as mentioned by our interviewees.

Cinnamon and pepper on 25th and 30th birthdays

Danes need to keep an eye out for their friends on 25th and 30th birthdays if they’re not married. In parts of Denmark, it’s customary that if someone is not married yet on their 25th birthday that their friends will find them and cover them in cinnamon. If they’re still single on their 30th birthday, they can expect the same but with pepper this time. Jonas said, “people take it really seriously in Jutland [Western part of Denmark], it’s even common for friends to travel a few hours to find you on your birthday”. With the average age of marriage in Denmark being around 37 years old, maybe it’s a good idea to invest in spice stocks 🤔

Sankt Hans

Sankt Hans is an old tradition in Denmark, where Danes celebrate the longest day of summer. It’s essentially the Danish version of Midsummer but with different festivities. The roots of Sankt Hans date back to the Middle Ages (1600’s) when it was a ceremony to banish witches. Nowadays, it’s celebrated all over Denmark with bonfires, songs, drinks, and lots of merriment. Cities often host large bonfires and many have private parties with bonfires. Morten, whose girlfriend is from Chile, said “she was pretty shocked by Sankt Hans as it was one of the first Danish traditions she participated in. She was surprised by the event and also the amount of drinking.” If you’re celebrating Sankt Hans in Denmark, don’t be surprised to see a handmade straw witch being burned.


Fastelavn

Fastelavn can be categorized as a crossover between Halloween and Carnival. Hosted in mid-February, it’s traditionally rooted as a kick-off for Lent, though its association has faded a lot over the years. Nowadays, people dress up in costumes and hit a barrel full of Candy (like a pinata); Fastelavn is mostly for kids but it’s becoming popular for adults to celebrate it too. A long time ago, the tradition was to put a black cat in the barrel - which of course is no longer practised but may be represented in the decorations. If you’re not participating in Fastelavn, you will be sure to see tons of kids in costumes all over the place. At the very least, you have to eat a Fastelavn bun 🤗

Julefrokost (Christmas Lunch)

Julefrokost is a Christmas season celebration that takes place anytime between November and February. The Danes do Christmas like no other, but more on that later. Julefrokost has become something of its own over the years and thus deserves its own mention outside of Christmas. People in Denmark usually participate in multiple Julefrokosts which are celebrated with colleagues, friends, family, sport groups etc. So if you’re a social butterfly, the Julefrokosts can really pile up. At Julefrokosts people sit down and have a proper feast, punctuated by schnapps and songs throughout the event. It has all the ingredients for a great party and needless to say, it almost always turns into one! Pro tip, don’t schedule an 8am meeting the morning after 😉

Distinctly Danish - Customs  

Along with the celebrations, there are also some distinct customs and social norms in Denmark, though they are not exclusive to Denmark, they are quite noticeable nonetheless.

Flat hierarchical structures at work. Danish workplaces have some of the flattest work structures in the world. This is very reflective of the Danish culture and their value on equality (have you read about Janteloven?). What this means is that discussions and feedback are generally encouraged and can be shared between people regardless of role/title. This creates a good social environment at work, which can make it a good place to find new friends, “I’m really good friends with my boss, which outside of Denmark might be surprising to some people” said Morten. There is a lot of autonomy and responsibility given to individuals and there isn’t an expectation that all ideas come from the top down - so don’t sit around and wait to be asked or told what to do!

Drinking habits, it’s no secret that Danes enjoy a good beer, and most of their celebrations involve drinking 🍻 They drink (and smoke) the most out of all the Scandinavian countries. Tina noticed a difference when she lived in Berlin, “I was surprised when I moved and realized that Friday Bars were a Danish thing.” It’s quite common at most workplaces to have Friday Bars at the office with your colleagues. It’s a great time to socialize, so you should join even if you don’t imbibe.

Accessible education, university is free in Denmark! In addition to that, Danes actually receive a grant called SU when studying (EU citizens pay attention, because you too can access this). This is a great government initiative that has been around for a long time. The amount of money granted through SU depends on an individual’s circumstances, but in general, Danes over the age of 18, who have moved out of their parents home and are studying, receive around €800 per month. Jonas noted that when he lived in the Netherlands on Erasmus, there was no celebratory feeling among students on the first of the month (when SU is normally delivered), which made him reflect and feel grateful for the SU program. Most Danes move out of their parents’ homes around the age of 19 and SU helps this support this early independence. 

A Danish Spin On International Traditions

Danes celebrate a lot of globally recognized occasions. Of course, they have their own twist on how they celebrate it. Here are the favourites of the Danes we interviewed.

Easter is a special time in Denmark! There are three public holidays surrounding Easter so Danes have a nice long weekend to visit family, or use a few vacation days and take a long holiday. Jonas mentioned that this is one of his favourite holidays, and that “Danes usually spend it with family and have a really big feast with schnapps, we even have a special easter beer with a chick on the label.” You’ve got to try the seasonal easter beer if you’re in Denmark around easter.

Birthdays are well recognized in Denmark. A classic birthday begins early in the morning, normally Danes are woken up with a cake in bed surrounded by family/friends singing to them. The biggest ‘milestone’ birthday is when you turn 18 (legal age for voting, becoming an adult, and getting a driver's license) many Danes ring it in by having a big party. Anytime there is a birthday, expect to see lots of Danish flags around, they are as much a birthday decoration as balloons and streamers. Pro tip: if you’re working in Denmark, the expectation is that you will bring a cake into work on your birthday - this can feel a bit strange for foreigners but just go for it, it’s totally normal! 🎂

Christmas is a big deal in Denmark, you will notice tons of decorations and lights all over Danish cities. On Christmas day Danes dance around the christmas tree singing songs with their family before opening some gifts. “It’s really something special in Denmark, one of my favorite traditional things is our special porridge with almonds [Risalamande] which I love and always make even when I’m abroad” Tina shared. Regardless of what holidays you celebrate, you will be sure to enjoy the Danish hygge in full swing. So have a glass of gløgg, take in the lights and the winter season will be a breeze. 

New Years Eve is a much anticipated celebration in Denmark. There is quite a lot of build up and plans are made pretty far in advance; so if you wait until the last minute to plan something, don’t be surprised if people are booked up! Danes usually celebrate NYE with friends and start by making a big dinner together. It’s pretty common for people to get dressed up, even if just going to a house party. You will be sure to hear lots of fireworks - which are only legal to use for a small window of time in Denmark (Dec 27th - Jan 1st) because they are that important to the celebration! As the clock counts down to midnight make sure to get up on a chair, Danes start the new year by literally jumping into it!

Graduation from high school is certainly the main graduation milestone, it’s definitely a noticeable event in Denmark. When Danes graduate high school - you will be sure to know. The tradition is that every graduating class gets on a big open truck and drives all over their city visiting the home of each student in the class; expect lots of music, honking, and dancing. These celebrations happen in late June to early July, be sure to honk or ring your bell as they drive by! You can always notice a new high school grad as they will be wearing a sailors hat to mark this milestone.

Join the LifeX coliving community and find your new home in Denmark

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Misconceptions About Denmark 

Though Denmark makes headlines for happiness and high quality of life, you can also expect to read about some of the downsides or harder things about life in Denmark. This was especially interesting to hear about from the Danes we spoke to.

Approachability - When asked if there were any misconceptions about Denmark that they wanted to address, the main thing each of them stressed was about how Danes aren’t as unapproachable as reported. Almost every article for expats about life in Denmark addresses this, Danes are notorious for seeming cold or reserved. If you come from a very open culture, this can be especially challenging. The Danes we chatted with all understood the sentiment, however they wanted to clarify that it’s not the intended impression most Danes are trying to give. “Even when two Danes meet it still takes a long time to get to know each other, this is not only for internationals. Taking the first step will go a long way so just ask someone for a beer or coffee” said Jonas. Morten mentioned that if he could ‘borrow’ one thing from another culture (and apply it to Denmark) it would be “the openness, energy, and laid back approach to meeting new people and making new friends, like you find in South American cultures.” It seems that breaking the ice and taking the first step can go a long way, if a Dane you’re trying to befriend seems reserved don’t assume that they don’t want to get to know you!

Working culture Tina mentioned that she has seen some negative international headlines about Danes ‘not working hard’ or ‘relying on the welfare system’. “People from other cultures don’t always understand that we focus on being very productive and not on putting in longer hours” said Tina. On first glance, people from different working cultures might associate an empty office at 5pm with a ‘lazy workforce’ whilst in Denmark it represents a productive workforce. Danes are extremely hard working and efficient, they have a great social safety net but it’s certainly not abused.

Immigration and integration Denmark has also received criticism when it comes to immigration. Jonas mentioned that he hopes that the criticisms of the Danish government don’t affect how foreigners view Danish values on an individual level. Stating that “on an individual level Danes are open to new cultures and happy that people from all over the world want to live in Denmark”. Small countries like Denmark have continuously changing policies when it comes to immigration, so it’s important to look at the big picture and know that the Danes you walk the streets with want you there.

Expensive and chilly. This isn’t wrong, Denmark does have a high cost of living, but of course this depends a lot on location and you can also have some peace of mind knowing that salaries match the market. The high taxes are part of what provides such a high quality of life in Denmark - you can have a good feeling of knowing those around you are taken care of. When it comes to weather, the best thing you can do is dress for the season (layers are key) and hygge it up when the sunlight hours are short! Tina’s advice on this matter is, “it’s not as dark as people think and hey, it’s not as expensive as Norway!” 

Learn more about Life in Denmark

Knowing the principles of Danish society helps when moving to Denmark from abroad. The main principles are trust, equality, work-life balance, sustainability, hygge, and design.

All you need to know about the Danish way of life and moving to Denmark

Danes, Denmark, and the Danish Way of Life

Denmark is a small country in the Nordics with an international reputation for a high quality of life and for being one of the happiest places in the world. It’s a country with much to be discovered, their culture is rich in traditions and has plenty of charming customs. There is no shortage of quirky and fun things to discover about Danish culture. Make no mistake in assuming that all the Nordic countries are alike, while their values are similar, their cultures, traditions, and climates are each very distinct. 

We start by introducing you to the fundamental aspects of Danish culture, things that you would probably notice quickly if you moved to Denmark. In our next article, we will cover some of the interesting cultural traditions and tips that could take some time to discover, especially if you don’t know many Danes yet! To find this intel, we have gone straight to the source and interviewed three Danes who live in our co-living apartments in Copenhagen. Of course, this is only the tip of the iceberg, with a history as rich as Denmark’s, there are countless things to discover about this amazing country!

Trust 🤝: There is a very high level of trust inherently in the social fabric of Denmark. To put a complex thing very simply, Danes rely on one another and assume that others are well-intentioned, even if they’re strangers. There is also a great deal of trust in government, healthcare, and other public services. Their longstanding comprehensive social safety net has nurtured a strong sense of trust between people. A clear example of this is the number of prams you see outside cafes downtown - it’s very common (and totally fine) in Denmark to let your baby sleep outside in their pram while you enjoy a coffee break with friends. In fact, the only thing you really need to keep an eye out for is your bike, those seem to be the only things not protected by the trustworthy society!  



Equality ⚖️: Danes are all about being a collective unit. There is a social construct called ‘Janteloven’ (Law of Jante) which states that everyone is on an equal playing field regardless of their background. Janteloven is ingrained in Danish society, making it very faux pas to act ‘above’ another group or person. This means you will not hear many Danes boasting about achievements or money, you will also not find many showcasing a flashy lifestyle. In addition to social equality, Denmark ranks very highly on the World Economic Forum’s gender equality index. They are also one of the highest-ranking countries in the world when it comes to gender balance in executive-level roles in both the public and private sectors. Same-sex couples are treated equally by the law and society, and Denmark is considered one of the most LGBTQ friendly countries in the world.



Work-life balance🧑‍💻: Danes work efficiently and prioritise productivity at the workplace. There isn’t a social pressure to put in long hours unnecessarily, in fact, if you’re always working late without reason you might be viewed as disorganised. You will find that most workplaces finish the day between 4 or 5 and employees don’t linger for the sake of ‘looking’ like a hard worker. Generally, work isn’t the central focus of life, people have a ‘work to live’ (vs. ‘live to work’) mentality. Family life is supported in the workplace, it’s normal for people to work flexible hours so they don’t have to miss out on family or work obligations. Childcare is also government-subsidised and accessible. Everyone working full time in Denmark is given at least 5 weeks of paid holiday and most importantly, encouraged to take it. 



Sustainability♻️: Denmark is a world leader when it comes to sustainability.  It’s a small and highly educated country so it makes sense for many reasons that they focus on renewable resources. People also have a lot of respect for nature and value the environment in general. You can see it at all levels, from individuals diligently recycling to the government setting ambitious sustainability. targets. From the popularity of sustainable transportation (biking everywhere) to driving innovation in renewable energy - Danes are really on top of it when it comes to living sustainably.



Hygge 🕯: This list wouldn’t be completed without it. You really can’t talk about Danish culture without talking about Hygge. Hygge is described as being ‘consciously cozy’ by Meik Wiking (author of The Little Book of Hygge). It means creating and enjoying warm cozy atmospheres with the people you care about (don’t forget the snacks and candles 😉). Though this is practiced all year round, it is especially important in the winter months - you will see plenty of cafes and restaurants with candles, blankets, and other cozy things. You should definitely incorporate hygge into your life (and home) whether you live in Denmark or not!



Design🪑: ‘Danish Design’ is globally recognized and synonymous with quality and minimalism. If you hadn’t heard about it already, it might be one of the first things you notice if you visit or move to Denmark. Danish design has a huge emphasis on form and function, which translates into high-quality and minimalistic designs, which serve their intended purpose and look beautiful. You will find beautiful and thoughtful design everywhere, offices, metros, and public spaces - there is no corner overlooked.

The Danish Fundamentals

Now You Know a Bit More About the Danes 🇩🇰

You’ve got the fundamentals of Denmark and the Danish way of life. As we said, there is much more to be discovered and we hope that this has started your appetite for all things Denmark! We spoke with several of our Danish members about Danish culture and heard about their traditions and special celebrations. This insider’s scoop should help to paint a picture of life in Denmark.

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Sonia moved from India to Copenhagen for work and never left. Five years, a pole fitness obsession, and the best housemates. Meet her at LifeX.

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Member Spotlight: Meet Sonia, An Adventurous Business Coordinator Living In Copenhagen

Sonia comes from the beautiful state of Himachal, in the northern part of India. It's also known as 'Land of Snow' with majestic mountains and lush green forests. So adjusting to the weather in Copenhagen probably wasn't so difficult for her, but we guess she might be missing the mountains. Sonia has lived in Copenhagen for five years now and before that was living in the UK and Germany. She lives a very international lifestyle and brings a great global perspective to the community. We're so happy to have her as a part of our LifeX community in Copenhagen!

I have been living in Copenhagen for almost 5 years now. Currently, I am working as a Business Coordinator for Denmark's largest postal company. I moved here primarily for work, after working in Germany and the UK for a few years. Honestly, Copenhagen was never really on my bucket list but I didn't realize when I fell in love with this beautiful city.

What’s your favourite thing about living in Copenhagen?

I love Copenhagen for a lot of reasons, the vibrant and international crowd, work-life balance, bikes, hygge and whatnot, but the reason I love it most of all is the architecture. I am a sucker for colourful buildings, and the architectural charm here is magical. Above all, there’s a feeling of peace in this country, a feeling of happiness and of overall well-being.

 Are you learning anything new at the moment?

Last year, I started learning Roller skating, which was quite fun, and I plan to continue practising it this summer, until I break a leg (figuratively and not literally!). I love learning new exciting things, and the best one I have had so far is Pole fitness. In some way, it has changed my life for good. I am learning to do a handstand too, Life is nice upside-down. I am also gradually learning Danish (don’t ask me why!) :D

I love exploring new places and things, so you will always find me planning weekend trips, and if not, then at least doing some sort of activity outdoors. I also like to dedicate one of the free days for self-care and a little bit of Netflix :) And I also have my days when I am as lazy as a sloth.

Where would you spend all your time if you could?

If I could, I would go to Switzerland and never come back. Switzerland exudes peace, especially the Swiss villages, Alps and the lakes. As soon as the travel restrictions are lifted, I would fly away..

Setting Boundaries. It is quite important that we draw a line between work and personal life. It is hard, especially, when you work from home. I also think that the biggest intrusion in our personal life is the after office hours email, call or messages. To avoid this, I have a 'no work cell phone rule' outside my work area.

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What’s your favourite thing about co-living?

I was quite skeptical about the co-living concept. But quite honestly, I am glad that living with LifeX has changed my thoughts on co-living. You get to socialize with new people, learn new cultures, indulge yourself in community events. All of this without getting your personal time and space invaded. And, I am not bragging when I say 'I have the best housemates'. Sometimes, we are crazy and fun together, and other times, laziest souls ever- Perfect combination for me! I am glad that I chose LifeX. [See Sonia and her housemates pictured below posing for a fun holiday photo 😍]

Definitely miss the convenience and warmth of my home, the Indian snacks, home-cooked food, and all the fun festivals. India is full of adventures in everyday life.

It definitely has to be 'Too much Instagram and Tik Tok'. I just can't get enough of it. :D

I actually have quite a few, but what tops the list is - Unhygienic people, Pessimists and Braggers.

Anything else I didn’t ask that you’d like to share?

My new found love is Photography. I love clicking and being clicked. Check out my Instagram, there are just a few, but I hope you like them.