In this episode we’re heading to one of the world’s happiest countries for a much-needed dose of hygge. Actually, we’ll take a bucketload.

You can’t get up close to the Vikings or stroke the lego brick houses right now...

But you can smash through our pick of a film, book, podcast, TV show, and song inspired by Denmark. Better than pastries.

Copenhagen

Picked a film called Copenhagen for our Danish Binge List…

Listen, it’s been a long lockdown for everyone.

Jokes, this debut from director Mark Raso is perfect viewing. It sets itself up as a typical coming of age story about a guy tracking down his grandfather in Denmark. He meets a pretty waitress and asks her to be his translator and guide...

Think you know what happens next? You don’t. There are twists and turns and it’s problematic, uncomfortable, happy-sad viewing.

Sounds about right.

The Endless Summer

The Endless Summer tells the story of a Danish woman’s relationship with a Portuguese artist. It deals with topics like sexuality and gender, issues that are close to author Madame Nielsen’s heart.

This is an actual rabbit hole of a book, her ex-hubs holds them at gunpoint, we meet her daughter’s lovers and a boy who “is perhaps a girl, but does not yet know it” narrates the whole thing. Hectic.

Denmark 101

“I’m having some real commitment issues right now.”

We hear you.

Denmark 101 with Alex Berger is recorded in bitesize five minute episodes. Ideal for fitting in around daily arguments with the douchebags in your life.

There are cultural observations about the Danes and info on everything from shoe etiquette to doggy bags and boobs on the beach (a yes, always.) It’s totally out of season but the Christmas Lunch episode will make you want to drown in schnapps and caramelised potatoes.

The Bridge

At a certain point in lockdown life, only Nordic noir will do.

This genre is a love-in between beaut Nordic countries and grizzly crime.

The Bridge is a Swedish-Danish drama where a dead body is found on Øresund bridge (which looks like an actual highway to heaven.) Cue the Danish and Swedish police swarming in to solve the mystery. Best bit? We get to see both country’s dreamy landscapes.

Sun In Our Eyes by MØ

Karen Marie Aagaard Ørsted Andersen is a Danish singer, songwriter and record producer. Thankfully she settled for just MØ.

This collab with Diplo has Peter Pan and the lost boy vibes. Listen on repeat after your fifth quaratini for all the hazy day feels.

This one’s a keeper - hit the Lucky button then save this trip for a happier time 💚