A Danish Summer Tale: Swati’s Family's Fairytale Trip with Thrillophilia
There’s something magical about stepping into a new country — the thrill of the unknown, the promise of adventure, and the beauty of exploring together as a family.
Our journey to Denmark was nothing short of enchanting, with its cobbled streets, glistening canals, and a vibe that felt straight out of a fairy tale. With every turn, Denmark unravelled its charm, and that Scandinavian summer became a chapter etched in our hearts forever.
When in Copenhagen, Smile Like a Dane
The first thing that struck me about Copenhagen was how serene everything felt — almost too perfect. The air felt comforting, the streets were clean, and there was a calm energy that made us feel instantly at home. The kids, however, had no time for my musings; they were busy racing each other to spot the brightest house along Nyhavn.
The highlight of our first few days had to be the Classic Canal Tour. The six of us squeezed onto a boat, the kids excitedly leaning over the sides (heart-stopping for me) while my husband tried to act like he understood the guide’s humour.
Our guide brought the city to life with tales of kings, merchants, and even the occasional Viking. Who knew Copenhagen’s history could sound like a mix of fairy tales and pirate stories? At one point, the boat passed under a bridge so low we had to duck, prompting squeals of laughter from the kids and dramatic gestures from the adults.
Every corner of Copenhagen felt like a snapshot waiting to be framed. The Little Mermaid statue got mixed reviews from our family. “She’s so tiny,” the kids said in unison, their faces scrunched up in disappointment. But when we told them she was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s tale, they decided she was “kind of cool.”
And while the sights were stunning, it was the small moments — the kids waving enthusiastically to strangers, the smell of freshly baked pastries wafting through the air — that truly made it memorable.
Bridges, Borders, and the Best Surprises
There was a sense of excitement in the air as we left Denmark behind and entered Sweden, our hearts ready for the unexpected. The day we crossed the Øresund Bridge into Sweden felt like stepping into another chapter of our story. The bridge itself was mesmerising, a perfect metaphor for connecting worlds.
The kids sang “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” until their throats were sore (and our ears), while my sister made us pose for at least five “candid” pictures (none of which turned out candid).
Lund welcomed us with its old-world charm. The cathedral was majestic, and the kids were wide-eyed at the sight of its astronomical clock. Walking its cobblestone streets felt like stepping back in time, with historic buildings and ivy-clad walls whispering stories of centuries past.
My husband went into full tour guide mode (while our tour guide felt a bit irritated), explaining the clock’s mechanism in painstaking detail while the rest of us secretly Googled “best bakeries in Lund.” Meanwhile, Malmö offered a contrasting energy — vibrant, quirky, and full of life.
The real surprise of the day was stumbling upon a local food truck festival. It was as if the universe had conspired to give us a true taste of Sweden. The cinnamon buns were as big as my head, and the kids devoured Swedish meatballs like they’d never been fed before.
At one point, a live band started playing, and before we knew it, the kids were dancing in the middle of the crowd. “Best day ever!” they announced, and honestly, I couldn’t argue.
Of Lazy Days and Pastry Wars
Leisure days are underrated, but they were the glue that held our trip together.
Without the pressure of an itinerary, we could simply wander and let the city surprise us. Copenhagen’s streets were a treasure trove of hidden gems. One café, in particular, stole our hearts.
Nestled on a quiet street, its cosy interiors and aroma of freshly brewed coffee made it irresistible. Over buttery croissants and rich chocolate cakes, we chatted with a local who recommended exploring the city on bikes.
While we didn’t get the chance this time, the idea is firmly on the list for our next visit. Its pastries were so divine that a full-blown family debate erupted over which was better: the buttery croissants or the gooey cinnamon rolls.
It was on one of these relaxed days that we found ourselves at Tivoli Gardens. The decision to visit was entirely spur-of-the-moment, prompted by a giant poster the kids saw. As soon as we entered, it was like stepping into a fairytale. Fairy lights twinkled above us, vintage rides beckoned, and the air was filled with laughter and the scent of caramel popcorn.
The kids couldn’t get enough of the merry-go-round, and my husband, much to his dismay, was forced to ride the Ferris wheel. “This is higher than I expected,” he muttered, gripping the seat like his life depended on it. Meanwhile, I took the opportunity to enjoy a quiet moment with a steaming cup of coffee, watching the kids’ faces light up with joy.
All Good Things Must End
The final morning arrived too soon. This trip had been a whirlwind of laughter, exploration, and a fair amount of chaos, but isn’t that what family vacations are all about?
The ride to the airport was quieter than usual, and each of us was lost in thought. We began reminiscing about our favourite moments, from the ducking-under-the-bridge incident to the cinnamon bun feast.
A special shoutout to Thrillophilia’s planning, which made it all possible. From smooth ticket bookings to accommodating last-minute changes, the process was a breeze. It’s rare to find such reliability, and it added so much ease to our adventure.
Denmark, You’ve Stolen Our Hearts.
Read more: Thrillophilia Denmark Reviews