In this episode of the Van Life Diaries: Europe 1985, we move on to Scandinavia. Starting off in Denmark, we looked for Lego, noticed the size of the Little Mermaid, and enjoyed spending time in Copenhagen. From Denmark it was a short ferry ride to Sweden, and while my Dad and I muse that we don't h…In this episode of the Van Life Diaries: Europe 1985, we move on to Scandinavia. Starting off in Denmark, we looked for Lego, noticed the size of the Little Mermaid, and enjoyed spending time in Copenhagen. From Denmark it was a short ferry ride to Sweden, and while my Dad and I muse that we don't have many strong memories from our time there, my Mum's diary does the heavy lifting contributing details about our time in some seaside islands, followed by Stockholm, and an intriguing visit to a timber mill area. Finally, we chat about how much we loved Norway, including time in Oslo, the fjords and playing badminton in Bergen.
This is the fifth part of a monthly, six-episode series celebrating the fact that exactly 40 years ago this year, my family and I spent six months in a striped motorhome travelling around Europe. I was nine years old and yes, this trip had an enormous impact on my life - I'm sure you wouldn't be listening to this podcast today if Van Life 1985 hadn't taken place! Throughout the series, I'll include chats recorded with my Dad this year, extracts from my late Mum's travel diary from 1985, and of course my own memories and thoughts.
A big thanks to Context Travel for sponsoring this series, and an even bigger thanks to my Dad for agreeing to be part of it.
Links:
• Context Travel - https://bit.ly/contexttravel - use the code THOUGHTFULTRAVEL to get 15% off any online booking. Context Travel operate walking tours in cities around the world, and have interesting and qualified subject-matter experts leading your walk
• Listen to Part 1 of Van Life Diaries: Episode 348 - https://notaballerina.com/348
• Listen to Part 2 of Van Life Diaries: Episode 351 - https://notaballerina.com/351
• Listen to Part 3 of Van Life Diaries: Episode 355 - https://notaballerina.com/355
• Listen to Part 4 of Van Life Diaries: Episode 359 - https://notaballerina.com/359
• Join our Facebook group for Thoughtful Travellers - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thoughtfultravellers
• Join our LinkedIn group for Thoughtful Travellers - https://notaballerina.com/linkedin
• Sign up for the Thoughtful Travellers newsletter at Substack - https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com
• Show notes: https://notaballerina.com/364 Support the show: https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com/
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What if the best way to explore Copenhagen isn’t in the guidebooks, but in a cemetery, on a bike hunt for trolls, or over a plate of smørrebrød with locals?
Rikke Bisgaard-Svensen is the co-founder of Copenhagen Free Walking Tours and a self-described travel addict whose life has revolved around t…What if the best way to explore Copenhagen isn’t in the guidebooks, but in a cemetery, on a bike hunt for trolls, or over a plate of smørrebrød with locals?
Rikke Bisgaard-Svensen is the co-founder of Copenhagen Free Walking Tours and a self-described travel addict whose life has revolved around two things: taking off to faraway lands and sharing her love for her hometown. What started as a side hustle born out of winter-season job loss turned into a 13-year journey building one of the most beloved free walking tour companies in Denmark.
In this episode, we’re exploring the evolving spirit of Copenhagen and sharing 10 Copenhagen hidden gems for travelers who want to see the city like a local, plus the surprising backstory behind Rikke’s tour company and how she fell into entrepreneurship.
If you want to experience Copenhagen beyond the usual sights, Rikke brings the kind of insight only a longtime local can offer. You'll hear about troll hunts in the suburbs, the deeper meaning behind a now-vanished statue, and what it’s really like to build a business in a country where modesty is a cultural expectation. Along the way, we talk about the unique Danish relationship with happiness (hygge), and hanging out in cemeteries (yes, really).
What’s your favorite hidden gem in your hometown that you wish more people knew about? I'd love to hear what it is, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
Tune In To Learn:
How Couchsurfing led to launching a tour company
Why she never imagined becoming an entrepreneur (and what changed)
How “janteloven” impacts ambition and leadership
How Copenhagen has transformed over the past decade
Where to find Copenhagen’s hidden troll sculptures (and why they matter)
The oldest amusement park in the world, and it's very unusual location
How locals use cemeteries as parks (and what that says about death)
An alternative to the famous Little Mermaid statue
Where to get the best smørrebrød, cinnamon snails, and pastries in town
Advice to anyone wanting to run a travel business
And so much more
Resources:
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Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
Forgotten Giants
Donkey Republic bike-renting app
I Am Queen Mary
Københavner Cafeen
Hart Bageri
Want More?
New Zealand: Top 10 Hidden Gems, Campervan Lifestyle (Tips and Tricks), and Doing Life Differently With Lisa Jansen
Top 5 Hidden Gem Film Locations For Travelers w/ Rebecca Almost Ginger
Hidden Norway: 7 Off The Beaten Path Gems You’ll Love, Popular Norwegian Concepts Worth Stealing, Trekking In Bhutan, & Living At The Crossroads of Magic & Science w/ Torunn Tronsvang from Up Norway
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In the Nørrebro neighborhood of Copenhagen, there's a small building with a garden and wooden seats. It's the Menneskebiblioteket or Human Library, where the "readers" and "books" are actually people having deeply personal and intimate conversations about topics that might normally be considered off…In the Nørrebro neighborhood of Copenhagen, there's a small building with a garden and wooden seats. It's the Menneskebiblioteket or Human Library, where the "readers" and "books" are actually people having deeply personal and intimate conversations about topics that might normally be considered off-limits or taboo in polite society. It's staffed by volunteers whose life stories and experiences mean they face some sort of stigma, whether it be due to their ethnicity, religion, orientation, occupation, disability, or social status. On this episode of Far From Home, I pay a visit to the Human Library where I speak to a librarian and several "books" as well as the library's founder, Ronni Abergel.
Since its humble beginning in Denmark several decades ago, the Human Library concept has now spread to more than 80 countries on 6 continents! You can visit the library's Facebook page to find out about upcoming library events near you.
(This episode includes the following music: Shapeshifters, Go to Sleep, Moodswing, Mont Blanc, Ice Pack, The Gall, Scaffoldings, Downtown, and Well and Good by Podington Bear from the Free Music Archives - CC by N.C. 3.0 and 1960s 2 House from Mobygratis)
On Far From Home, award-winning public radio journalist Scott Gurian reports fascinating stories from faraway places like Iran, Chernobyl, and Mongolia. For more info, visit farfromhomepodcast.orgmore
Expert tour guides share advice for exploring the ancient ruins and seaside villages along Turkey's Aegean coast, the Renaissance wonders of Florence, the sun-drenched Tuscan countryside, and charming Danish towns and islands easily reached on day trips from Copenhagen.
In this episode, I'm joined by an incredible group of travellers with ties to Denmark. They've ventured to some of the world's most remote corners, pushed boundaries, and have fascinating stories to share.
Meet Mette Ehlers Mikkelsen, one country away from visiting every UN nation, who is willing t…In this episode, I'm joined by an incredible group of travellers with ties to Denmark. They've ventured to some of the world's most remote corners, pushed boundaries, and have fascinating stories to share.
Meet Mette Ehlers Mikkelsen, one country away from visiting every UN nation, who is willing to quit her job to reach her final destination. Thor Pedersen, the man behind Once Upon a Saga, became the first person to visit every country without flying. Cathrine Krogh is an independent and fearless traveller who has visited 164 countries, often solo. Peter Fenger, a well-traveled adventurer who moves so fast I can barely keep up. And Per Besson, my co-host for this episode, a language genius who reached all 193 UN nations while learning local phrases along the way.
We talk about their travel philosophies, what drives them to explore, and the challenges they've faced on the road. Get ready for some extraordinary travel stories!
Tune in now for this Viking-style travel adventure!
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In this special bonus episode, host David Brodie explores Copenhagen’s unique offerings. Join him as he:
• Experiences one of the world’s most unusual spas, CopenHot, blending industrial charm with Nordic wellness.
• Delves into the social dining movement at Kanalhuset, where communal meals meet Da…In this special bonus episode, host David Brodie explores Copenhagen’s unique offerings. Join him as he:
• Experiences one of the world’s most unusual spas, CopenHot, blending industrial charm with Nordic wellness.
• Delves into the social dining movement at Kanalhuset, where communal meals meet Danish coziness.
• Uncovers the cultural roots of these experiences, from winter bathing to Denmark’s folk high schools.
Whether you're planning your first visit or rediscovering Copenhagen, this episode provides a fresh perspective on the city’s evolving culture.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
• CopenHot Spa Experience:
• David takes us to CopenHot, located in the historic Reffen dockyard.
• Explore how the spa combines hot tubs, wood-heated saunas, and “hot tub boats” in an urban-industrial setting.
• Learn about its sustainability ethos and unique views of landmarks like CopenHill
👉 Book your CopenHot experience here: CopenHot Official Site
• Social Dining at Kanalhuset:
• David chats with locals at Kanalhuset, a hub for communal dining in Copenhagen.
• Hear how this dining style fosters connections and its ties to Danish traditions like folk high schools.
• Perfect for travelers seeking an authentic social experience over delicious meals.
👉 Reserve your table at Kanalhuset: Kanalhuset Official Site
• Cultural Insights:
• Dive into Danish traditions like winter bathing and communal living.
• Learn about the historical roots of social dining and its modern revival.
Featured Locations & Activities:
• CopenHot Spa: A dockyard-turned-wellness retreat offering private hot tubs, shared saunas, and even floating “hot tub boats.”
• Kanalhuset: A cozy restaurant and social hub in Copenhagen, ideal for communal dining and cultural immersion.
Special Thanks:
• Tourism Copenhagen: Thank you for your assistance in making this trip possible. Learn more about Copenhagen and plan your visit: Tourism Copenhagen.
• Music Credit: Grace Forrester’s acoustic rendition of “Leaving on a Jet Plane”
Leave Us a Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Your feedback helps us inspire more travelers around the world.
Subscribe for More:
This season wraps up with this bonus episode, but the 2025 season is just around the corner! Look forward to new adventures, top hotel picks, and much more inspiring travel content.
Links:
• Book CopenHot
• Reserve at Kanalhuset
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You can find all of our travel podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com.
Credits:
Hosted by Tim Johnson and David Brodie. Produced by Voyascape Media.
Copyright - Voyascape Media
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This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:
Find out what makes the small Danish island of Ærø a perfectly charming and cozy getaway, which region Italophile Fred Plotkin considers Italy's greatest source of culinary and cultural achievements, and why Sicily is such a favorite with visitors, whether from elsewhere in Italy or abroad.
In the course of reporting my documentary about Freetown Christiania -- Copenhagen's famous anarchist commune -- for the 99% Invisible podcast, I took two trips to Denmark and recorded many hours of interviews that unfortunately ended up on the cutting room floor. In this bonus episode of Far From H…In the course of reporting my documentary about Freetown Christiania -- Copenhagen's famous anarchist commune -- for the 99% Invisible podcast, I took two trips to Denmark and recorded many hours of interviews that unfortunately ended up on the cutting room floor. In this bonus episode of Far From Home, I present some of the highlights as well as some additional context and backstories of the people I interviewed. [N.B.: This episode contains some explicit language.]
If you enjoy this podcast, please post about it on social media and tag @farfromhomepodcast (on Instagram or Facebook), and also consider texting or emailing a friend!
On Far From Home, award-winning public radio journalist Scott Gurian documents fascinating stories from far-flung places like Iran, Chernobyl, and Mongolia. For more info, visit farfromhomepodcast.orgmore
In 1971, a group of squatters took over an abandoned military base just across the harbor from downtown Copenhagen, Denmark. They created a politically autonomous anarchist zone -- in other words, a commune -- with its own flag, marching band, and consensus-driven governance process, and they decide…In 1971, a group of squatters took over an abandoned military base just across the harbor from downtown Copenhagen, Denmark. They created a politically autonomous anarchist zone -- in other words, a commune -- with its own flag, marching band, and consensus-driven governance process, and they decided to call their community Christiania. The thousand or so residents were free to do pretty much whatever they wanted as long as it didn't infringe upon the rights of other people. There were just a few rules: no private ownership of land or housing, no weapons or violence, and no vehicles. But as the years went on, Christiania faced a number of challenges, and now -- more than half a century later -- it's at a turning point where some people question how much longer it will be able to survive.
This first episode of Far From Home's 4th season was produced in collaboration with 99% Invisible. Thanks to my editor Joe Rosenberg and the rest of the 99pi team for their assistance. Be sure to listen to my companion bonus episode that I'm releasing simultaneously with this episode, containing more content about Christiania that I didn't have room to include in this documentary! Also, in case you missed it, check out the last story I produced for them a few years ago about the peace walls separating Protestant Unionists and Catholic Nationalists in Northern Ireland.
On Far From Home, award-winning public radio journalist Scott Gurian documents fascinating stories from far-flung places like Iran, Chernobyl, and Mongolia. For more info, visit farfromhomepodcast.orgmore
This week we’re off to Denmark, home of some of the happiest people on earth, progressive politics and cutting-edge design. Returning guest and travel writer Allan Mutuku-Kortbæk takes us on a whirlwind tour of this beautiful country and inspires us to embrace the Danish lifestyle.
We learn that cu…This week we’re off to Denmark, home of some of the happiest people on earth, progressive politics and cutting-edge design. Returning guest and travel writer Allan Mutuku-Kortbæk takes us on a whirlwind tour of this beautiful country and inspires us to embrace the Danish lifestyle.
We learn that culture vultures are spoilt for choice between artistic Aarhus and uber-cool Copenhagen, while the rugged coastline of Jutland is the best place for those in search of sandy beaches and top tier surf spots.
Tune in for Danish fish and chips, the magic of wild swimming and a haunted house that takes Halloween to the next level…
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Kristin welcomes nomadic entrepreneur, globetrotter, and radio host, Palle Bo, back to the show for the first time in 5 years. Also known as The Radio Vagabond, Palle has traveled to at least 118 countries since leaving his career, home, and old life behind in Denmark. In this open and candid conver…Kristin welcomes nomadic entrepreneur, globetrotter, and radio host, Palle Bo, back to the show for the first time in 5 years. Also known as The Radio Vagabond, Palle has traveled to at least 118 countries since leaving his career, home, and old life behind in Denmark. In this open and candid conversation, he shares his travel tips, insights, and challenges with you, as well as how he has so much energy for perpetual travel!
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Listen to Palle's previous interview about Becoming a Digital Nomad in your 50s.
Connect with Palle:
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See the show notes pages on BadassDigitalNomads.com or TravelingwithKristin.com/podcast for time stamps, transcripts, and more resources from this episode.more
