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The Danish Love of Gardens, Green Spaces, and Simple Outdoor Life
Nature in Danish Culture
In Denmark, nature is woven into everyday life. Whether you live in the heart of Copenhagen or a small town in Jutland, you're never far from a green space. Nature is something Danes actively seek out — not just for recreation, but for relaxation, social time, and even identity.
There’s a strong cultural value in being outside, no matter the weather — especially during spring and summer, when days are long and bright. The idea of friluftsliv (open-air life) encourages people to go outdoors, walk in the forest (skov), or sit by a lake (sø) with friends or a good book.
Even the smallest bit of nature — a potted plant, a flower box, or herbs on a windowsill — can bring a little hygge into daily life.
Why Gardens and Green Spaces Matter
Many Danes grow something — even if it’s just parsley (persille) or mint (mynte) on the balcony. Having access to nature, even in miniature form, gives people a sense of calm, balance, and seasonality.
A Uniquely Danish Tradition: Kolonihaver
One of the most iconic — and beloved — ways Danes connect with nature is through kolonihaver, or allotment gardens. These are small garden plots, often with a little wooden cottage (et kolonihavehus), where families spend weekends growing vegetables, relaxing, or having summer dinners outdoors.
But where did this tradition come from?
A Bit of History:
The kolonihave movement began in the late 19th century, during the industrial revolution, when many workers moved to cities and no longer had access to nature. Social reformers wanted to give working-class families a healthy escape from crowded city life — a place to grow food, get fresh air, and enjoy time with their children.
Today, there are more than 60,000 kolonihaver across Denmark! Some are just for gardening, while others are used for summer stays — almost like tiny countryside homes inside the city.
International students often don’t know about this tradition, but it's a beautiful example of how deeply nature is valued in Danish culture — not as a luxury, but as a basic part of life.
Seasonal Traditions and Nature
Spring and summer are especially magical in Denmark — longer days, flowers blooming, and festivals that celebrate the outdoors. Midsummer (Sankt Hans aften) is one of the most nature-loving traditions, with bonfires, singing, and celebrations by the water.
Danes often spend time:
- Picking berries or mushrooms
- Swimming in lakes or the sea
- Picnicking in parks
- Going for long walks or bike rides in the forest (skov)
Useful Vocabulary: Nature Words in Danish
Dansk - English
en have - a garden
en plante - a plant
en blomst - a flower
et træ - a tree
en sø - a lake
en strand - a beach
skoven - the forest
et frø - a seed
at gro - to grow
at vande - to water (plants)
grøntsager - vegetables
urter - herbs
en kolonihave - an allotment garden
et kolonihavehus - a small summer cottage in a garden plot
So How Can You Bring Nature Into Your Danish Life?
Whether you're in Denmark or learning from abroad, here are some simple ways to explore this part of Danish culture while building your vocabulary:
1. Describe a Green Space in Danish
I min have har jeg en blomst og en lille plante. Jeg vander dem hver dag.
2. Label Your House Plants
If you have a plant or herb, label it in Danish! Example: Basilikum, mynthe, dild.
3. Nature Journal
Write a few lines about the weather, what you see outside, or a walk in your local park.
4. Compare with Your Country
Do you have something similar to kolonihaver in your country? Where do people go to feel close to nature?
Recommended Read (Easy Danish Summer Reading!)
"Alle går rundt og forelsker sig" by Annette Herzog (A1–A2 level)
This short book set in springtime Copenhagen features everyday vocabulary, young people, gardens, and budding romance. A perfect companion to the season!
I hope that you have enjoyed this article!
Alison, OLS Community Manager - Danish
The Danish Love of Gardens, Green Spaces, and Simple Outdoor Life
Nature in Danish Culture
In Denmark, nature is woven into everyday life. Whether you live in the heart of Copenhagen or a small town in Jutland, you're never far from a green space. Nature is something Danes actively seek out — not just for recreation, but for relaxation, social time, and even identity.
There’s a strong cultural value in being outside, no matter the weather — especially during spring and summer, when days are long and bright. The idea of friluftsliv (open-air life) encourages people to go outdoors, walk in the forest (skov), or sit by a lake (sø) with friends or a good book.
Even the smallest bit of nature — a potted plant, a flower box, or herbs on a windowsill — can bring a little hygge into daily life.
Why Gardens and Green Spaces Matter
Many Danes grow something — even if it’s just parsley (persille) or mint (mynte) on the balcony. Having access to nature, even in miniature form, gives people a sense of calm, balance, and seasonality.
A Uniquely Danish Tradition: Kolonihaver
One of the most iconic — and beloved — ways Danes connect with nature is through kolonihaver, or allotment gardens. These are small garden plots, often with a little wooden cottage (et kolonihavehus), where families spend weekends growing vegetables, relaxing, or having summer dinners outdoors.
But where did this tradition come from?
A Bit of History:
The kolonihave movement began in the late 19th century, during the industrial revolution, when many workers moved to cities and no longer had access to nature. Social reformers wanted to give working-class families a healthy escape from crowded city life — a place to grow food, get fresh air, and enjoy time with their children.
Today, there are more than 60,000 kolonihaver across Denmark! Some are just for gardening, while others are used for summer stays — almost like tiny countryside homes inside the city.
International students often don’t know about this tradition, but it's a beautiful example of how deeply nature is valued in Danish culture — not as a luxury, but as a basic part of life.
Seasonal Traditions and Nature
Spring and summer are especially magical in Denmark — longer days, flowers blooming, and festivals that celebrate the outdoors. Midsummer (Sankt Hans aften) is one of the most nature-loving traditions, with bonfires, singing, and celebrations by the water.
Danes often spend time:
- Picking berries or mushrooms
- Swimming in lakes or the sea
- Picnicking in parks
- Going for long walks or bike rides in the forest (skov)
Useful Vocabulary: Nature Words in Danish
Dansk - English
en have - a garden
en plante - a plant
en blomst - a flower
et træ - a tree
en sø - a lake
en strand - a beach
skoven - the forest
et frø - a seed
at gro - to grow
at vande - to water (plants)
grøntsager - vegetables
urter - herbs
en kolonihave - an allotment garden
et kolonihavehus - a small summer cottage in a garden plot
So How Can You Bring Nature Into Your Danish Life?
Whether you're in Denmark or learning from abroad, here are some simple ways to explore this part of Danish culture while building your vocabulary:
1. Describe a Green Space in Danish
I min have har jeg en blomst og en lille plante. Jeg vander dem hver dag.
2. Label Your House Plants
If you have a plant or herb, label it in Danish! Example: Basilikum, mynthe, dild.
3. Nature Journal
Write a few lines about the weather, what you see outside, or a walk in your local park.
4. Compare with Your Country
Do you have something similar to kolonihaver in your country? Where do people go to feel close to nature?
Recommended Read (Easy Danish Summer Reading!)
"Alle går rundt og forelsker sig" by Annette Herzog (A1–A2 level)
This short book set in springtime Copenhagen features everyday vocabulary, young people, gardens, and budding romance. A perfect companion to the season!
I hope that you have enjoyed this article!
Alison, OLS Community Manager - Danish