The Copenhagen Post - July 13-19

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13-19 July 2012

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NEWS

As the nationwide electronic travel card moves closer to full roll out, the number of complaints is rising

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NEWS

All split up over uranium Greenland can’t open its treasure trove of minerals without violating is ban on uranium mining. What’s an emerging mining industry to do?

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SPORT

Born to be ... loaded Does letting kids drink teach them to be adults or set them on a path to destruction?

The first Dane to take home Wimbledon hardware hopes to be making a return trip to London for the Olympics

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An autumn garden Summer’s barely arrived, but good gardeners known that now is the time to start turning their thoughts to autumn

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Danes saying ‘nej tak’ to unskilled jobs RAY WEAVER If the want ad calls for an unskilled worker, it is a safe bet that the position will not wind up being filled by a Dane

LIFESTYLE

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E

VEN AS UNEMPLOYMENT has soared in recent years, a growing number of unskilled jobs are being filled by people from places like Romania, Poland and Thailand.

Employers say that the jobs go to the foreigners because Danes simply do not want them and that the nation’s social benefits are so high that it does not pay for Danish workers to take low-paying, unskilled positions.

In one of the most extreme cases, Ruth’s Hotel in the resort town of Skagen has employed 16 eastern Europeans as housekeepers or dishwashers over the past two weeks. Of the nearly 30 people who applied for the jobs, none were

Danish. Peter Christian Jensen, hotel manager, said that it is time to face facts.

“Danes do not want or need lowpaying jobs anymore,” he told JyllandsPosten newspaper.

The latest numbers reveal that foreigners fill fully 80 percent of all jobs in the hotel, restaurant and catering industries and 30 percent in the cleaning business. Half of the jobs at plant nurseries in Denmark are filled by workers coming from outside the country.

After dipping to a historic low of less than 2 percent in 2008, unemployment gradually increased before stabilising at its current level of 6.2 percent.

Ole Pass, of the association of social welfare managers, said tougher regulations might be a way to get some of those unemployed Danes to take low-wage vacancies.

“It is a bit of a paradox that we are importing workers when we have high unemployment,” Pass told Jyllands-

Posten. “Danes do not feel financially pressured because they get so much help from the government. Perhaps we need tougher sanctions.”

Nina Smith, of Aarhus University, warned that reluctance to do unskilled labour can undermine the welfare state.

The economy minister, Margrethe Vestager (Radikale), said Danes who are out of work must be willing to take unskilled jobs while they are looking for something better to come along.

“All job seekers must make themselves available,” she said. “There is nothing wrong with doing this kind of work.”

Some fear that foreigners filling unskilled jobs are vulnerable to abuse, something recent stories about the systematic exploitation of Romanians working for cleaning companies only served to underscore.

An investigation by trade union magazine Fagbladet 3F revealed that a subcontractor to Forenede Service, the na-

tion’s second-largest cleaning company, was systematically exploiting Romanian cleaners it had brought to Denmark. The Romanians worked long hours with no pay and many lived in squalid conditions in a basement flat owned by the subcontractor. Many of the workers reported being paid less than they were promised and some said they were not paid at all.

Workers reported being threatened with physical violence, and some of them had their ID papers stolen.

Foreign workers often become targets of abuse and suspicion in the workplace. Lasse Espersen, a masonry contractor, said many of his bricklayers were beginning to refuse to work on sites where there are Albanians and Poles working in the other construction trades.

“The quality of their work is not up to Danish standards and the men say that too many tools and supplies disappear when foreigners are on the sites,” said Espersen.

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Week in review

The Copenhagen Post cphpost.dk

13 - 19 July 2012 Scanpix/Liselotte Sabroe

Summer postponed

THE WEEK’S MOST READ STORIES AT CPHPOST.DK Born to be wild and … loaded Bruce transcends time and place in historic Roskilde performance Danes say no thanks to low wage jobs Denmark officially mine free today Passengers unconvinced about new electronic travel ticket

FROM OUR ARCHIVES TEN YEARS AGO. Train troubles: DSB spends 5 billion kroner on new IC-4 trains that are too long for Central Station’s loading platforms.

FIVE YEARS AGO. Wedding bells ring throughout the country, as nearly a fifth of all weddings planned in Denmark this year are to be held on the magic date of 07-07-07.

ONE YEAR AGO. Immigration Ministry criticised for using information illegally acquired by police to affect decisions to grant asylum.

Those on holiday hoping to enjoy a bit of fun should maybe start looking someplace other than Denmark. Meteorological office DMI is calling for the dreary weather to continue for the next 30 days.

hand over a list of student names along with the CV of the head of the Centre for Military Studies.

Dean Troels Østergaard Sørensen said that allowing Kivimäki to continue to work was ‘inconsistent’ with him being sentenced to prison. Kivimäki was suspended from his post at the University of Copenhagen in January 2011.

Denmark’s only English-language newspaper Since 1998, The Copenhagen Post has been Denmark’s leading source for news in English. As the voice of the international community, we provide coverage for the thousands of foreigners making their home in Denmark.

Additionally, our English language medium helps to bring Denmark’s top stories to a global audience.

In addition to publishing the only regularly printed English-language newspaper in the country, we provide up-to-date news on our website and deliver news to national and international organisations. The Copenhagen Post is also a leading provider of non-news services to the private and public sectors, offering writing, translation, editing, production and delivery services.

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Lost quota

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) has rejected Greenland’s request to increase its whale hunting quota, and instead eliminated it entirely. Citing increased aboriginal demand for whale meat, Denmark, negotiating on Greenland’s behalf had asked for its quota to be increased by 10 to 221 whales

President and Publisher Ejvind Sandal Chief Executive Jesper Nymark Editor-in-Chief Kevin McGwin Managing Editor Ben Hamilton News Editor Justin Cremer Journalists Peter Stanners, Ray Weaver & Christian Wenande

annually during the 2013-2018 period. Studies showed, however that more whale meat is being sold to tourists than is being consumed by Greenlanders.

The commission also noted that Greenland’s population grew by just under ten percent in the past 24 years, while its quota grew 89 percent over the period.

Editorial offices: Slagtehusgade 4 – 6 DK 1715 Copenhagen V Telephone: 3336 3300 Fax: 3393 1313 www.cphpost.dk News Desk news@cphpost.dk 3336 4243 The CPH Post welcomes outside articles and letters to the editor.

Letters and comments can be left on our website or at: comments@cphpost.dk

scanpix/Brian Bergmann

The University of Copenhagen has fired Timo Kivimäki after he was sentenced to five months in prison for espionage.

The Finnish-born professor was found guilty of handing over documents to Russian diplomats during meetings with them between 2002 and 2010. He was also found guilty of attempting to

colourbox

scanpix/Erik Refner

Guilty spy

CORRECTION: Christian Poll is not a spokesman for CONCITO, as we reported on page 5 last week in our story about incineration.

Death by tiger

Police in Copenhagen have ruled out any failure on the part of Copenhagen Zoo in the death of the 20-year-old man who was found lifeless in the park’s tiger facility by employees on Wednesday. The man apparently jumped over the zoo’s exterior fence during the night and then made his way into an

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outdoor space that housed three Amur tigers, each weighing up to 300 kilograms Police investigating the incident said the zoo’s after-hours security had been adequate and that none of the canine patrols had seen anything unusual. Zoo director Steffen Stræder said the tigers will not be put down.

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News

The Copenhagen Post cphpost.dk

13 - 19 July 2012

scanpix/Casper Christoffersen

Lydia Deichmann Critics say many won’t use Rejsekort due to concerns over prices and fines

T

he new electronic travel ticket, the Rejsekort, can now be used nationally, but it comes with a new tariff system that could mean even higher prices for some passengers, and a system that critics claim leads to undeserved fines.

Niklas Marschall, the sales and marketing director of DSB, conceded to the Ritzau news bureau that it is not easy to say who will benefit from the new electronic ticketing system.

“Some customers will consider it is a better idea to keep the tickets they already have, rather than switch to the Rejsekort – if they just look at the prices,” he said.

“I can understand, though, if some customers find it difficult to make the choice.”

In March, a report in metroXpress demonstrated how regular commuters (who travel to and from work at least 18 times a month) would be between 200-800 kroner worse off a month if they switched from their travel card to

Commuters say they’re checking in, but they can’t check out

the Rejsekort.

The Consumer Council believes that the idea to establish a nationwide electronic travel card is a good one, but admits that there are problems.

“It does not seem as if the Rejsekort system had been thought through before it became a reality,” the Consumer Council’s senior adviser, Lise Bjorg Ped-

ersen, told Politiken.

On consumer rating website trustpilot.dk, many passengers have already criticised the Rejsekort for being too expensive and hard to understand. “Stay far, far away from the Rejsekort,” wrote one commenter, while another called it a “completely incompetent system”.

Additionally, many do not trust the

system, which requires customers to check in when boarding and check out when leaving. Already, passengers are claiming the system does not work.

One passenger, Morten Lund, who regularly commutes between Copenhagen and Aalborg, received a fine of 750 kroner on the Metro because the inspector claimed he had not checked in with his Rejsekort. Lund was adamant that he had, but could not prove it.

“I think it is very irresponsible that consumer safety is not given higher priority with the Rejsekort,” he told Politiken. “With a ticket or a clip-card I can prove that I paid for my trip, but I have no chance of doing that with my Rejsekort.”

Metro spokesperson Jette Clausen rejected suggestions the system did not work.

“We have every confidence that the system works as it should,” he told the newspaper. “If you do not trust the system or our inspectors, you must buy a clip-card or a ticket so you can get a written record.”

The Rejsekort system has been beset by a raft of technical issues that have delayed its introduction by years and nearly doubled its cost, which in March stood at a projected 1.4 billion kroner.

at the festival, though Heide would not confirm whether drug consumption at the music festival was on the rise.

“We don’t have any grounds to say there were more drugs at the festival this year but we have written up more citations,” Heide said.

In the camping area,The Copenhagen Post met a 22-year-old man, who did not want to be named, that had just been caught smoking a joint.

“These two plainclothes policemen just walked into my camp, took the joint out of my hand and asked me what I was smoking. I didn’t have a chance.”

The man was given a 2,000 kroner fine for possession of cannabis, a punishment that he found too severe.

“How is giving me a fine going to stop me smoking hash at Roskilde? They ought to just legalise it.”

Among the other misdemeanours at the festival included a number of people that were caught either entering the festival illegally without a valid wristband or with fake wristbands.

One 42-year-old man was caught

Peter Stanners Police say the increase in cases of drug possession may not reflect a rise in drug use at the festival

T

he death of a 20-year-old man from an ecstasy overdose on the first day of this year’s Roskilde Festival led police to step up their efforts against drugs at the annual eight-day event.

As a result, there was a noticeable increase in the number of drug cases registered at the festival, up to 468 by Sunday afternoon (the final day of the festival) compared with 292 at the same time the year before.

“The weather plays a large factor,” deputy assistant commissioner Per Heide, of Rigspolitiet, told JyllandsPosten newspaper. “People have been sitting in the sun outside their tents in the camping area taking drugs in the open so they are quite easy to catch.”

A total of almost two kilograms of cannabis was among the haul of drugs

scanpix/ Malte Kristiansen

More drug busts at Roskilde Festival after death

A euphoric experience, but for some the high proved costly

three times without a wristband and accumulated three 3,500 kroner fines for illegal entry to the festival. On the third occasion the man, a Moroccan national, was kept in police custody in order to determine the reason for his stay in the country.

The Copenhagen Post came across a number of cases of individuals passing on their armbands, particularly plastic armbands that gave access to the media area of the festival. Unlike previous years,

these armbands were easy to remove and put back together with either tape, glue or, in one case, staples.

Reports of thefts at the festival were down on the year before, with 302 reports between June 29 and July 5, against 375 reports during the same period the year before.

Roskilde Festival announced on Monday that it expected to make a profit of between 8 and 12 million kroner.

scanpix/BRITTA PEDERSEN

Passengers unconvinced about new electronic travel ticket

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A Madonna or a demon?

Singer declares war on pop stars Linn Lemhag

Faderhuset member releases songs attacking Madonna and Lady Gaga’s moral standards

D

on’t let the mother monster steal your heart,” sings Danish evangelical minister Kristina Djarling in her musical debut, ‘Puppet for the World’s Elite’, which premiered on YouTube last month. If the mother monster references and Gaga’s flashing profile weren’t enough to tip you off, her message is right there in the title: ‘A protest against Lady Gaga’.

“The song is a warning against following the trend of living so hard that you die before your time,” Djarling writes on her Facebook page, explaining that she’s concerned for the youth of today and their exposure to such artists as Lady Gaga and Madonna, to whom she has dedicated her own video protest, ‘Babylon is Fallen’, which was released last Sunday – the same day that Madonna performed at Parken.

Djarling is a leading member of Faderhuset, an evangelical non-denominational church group, which according to Djarling, seeks to “fight the moral decay of modern society”.

“Lady Gaga is the worst role model for young people today,” Djarling said on YouTube.

“She is a puppet for the world’s elite who wants to control every part of people’s lives and she is breaking every existing boundary. People would normally be put in a mental hospital for the kind of behaviour she exhibits in the name of ‘art’.”

Online this week Hacker prank or travel perk?

A 55-year-old drug addict succumbed to anthrax poisoning at Rigshospitalets on Sunday. Police and medical personel suspect the man, who was admitted to the hospital last Thursday, was exposed to the deadly bacteria after using an infected batch of brown heroin.

Posters hung by the Gadejuristerne, an aid group helping hard-core drug addicts, appeared throughout Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district warning that the tainted drugs may still be on the street.

Gadejuristerne spokesperson Nanna W Gotfredsen told Jyllands-Posten newspaper that she was ‘shocked’ that the police and other authorities had not warned addicts about the possibility of infected heroin on the streets of Copenhagen.

After being an active supporter of mine clearing activites abroad for years, Denmark can finally call itself mine-free. The country’s last mine field, on Skallingen peninsula, west of Esbjerg, was cleared in late June, and last week, the transport minister, Henrik Dam Kristensen, detonated the last remaining mine, putting the country into compliance with the Ottawa convention, which is dedicated to the destruction of mines. Starting in 2006, coastal management authority Kystdirektoratet has been scouring the old Second World War minefield. During the six-year search minesweepers found about 8,000 complete or partial mines.

The Skallingen peninsula is open once

Information screens at Aarhus Central Station that were supposed to display arrivals and departures suddenly showed something a little racier last week: pornography. According to Henrik Johnson, the managing director of Mermaid, the company that supplies content to the screens at Aarhus Central Station, the company had been the victim of a hacker attack. Mermaid does know that the hacker gained access through a programme from a third-party supplier. The programme was uninstalled after the incident. The picture of the saucy information screen soon surfaced on Facebook and quickly went viral.

Gotfredsen said the heroin may have been infected due to unsanitary conditions where it is processed. “In Afghanistan, opium is often grown and processed right next to the goats and other livestock. It is possible that it was contaminated there, “she said. “Production is so primitive that one often finds e. coli bacteria and other filth in the heroin.”

scanpix/ CLAUS FISKER

Denmark mine-free after last Second World War mine field cleared

scanpix/ Bax Lindhardt

Alarm after drug addict dies from injecting anthrax-tainted heroin

again to the estimated 180,000 guests that visit the area annually. Denmark was supposed to be declared mine-free in 2009, but the deadline was extended after a German tourist found a mine on the beach in Skallingen in an area that had been declared mine-free.

Read more stories at cphpost.dk

4 COVER STORY Youth drinking, it’s always someone else’s problem THE COPENHAGEN POST CPHPOST.DK

As kids nationwide mix end of school celebrations with alcohol, a new study finds that one in 12 Danish teens have serious substance abuse problems

T

HE YOUNG man is 15, maybe 16. Just a few hours earlier he was freshfaced and smiling while shaking the hand of his school headmaster and collecting his certificate for graduating from primary school. Now, he’s lying prone across a wooden picnic bench, drunk and puking his guts out on the ground below him. And he’s laughing. And his friends are cheering him on.

“Well, at least he was nice enough not to vomit on the table,” said one of the adults assigned to chaperone the boy and the 19 or so of his classmates gathered to celebrate finishing folkeskolen.

Chaperoning, in this instance, consists mostly of cleaning up the mess and making sure the kids don’t hurt themselves or each other. She and the two other parents that volunteered to help just broke up a group that were shooting roman candles at each other.

Suggestions to the kids that they may be drinking too much too fast are met with something between mild derision and outright scorn.

“Look, I have been drinking since I was 13,” said Frank*, a strikingly handsome young teenager. “My mom is picking me up and she knows I am going to be wasted.”

The scene is one that is repeated numerous times around the country at this time of year,

as young people finishing school celebrate with parties that include binge drinking. But the time-honoured tradition has met with headwind after a recent report showed that one in 12 young Danes between the ages of 15 and 24 have an alcohol or drug problem so severe that they should be receiving treatment.

Drug and alcohol researchers at Aarhus University asked more than 4,500 young people from four municipalities about their consumption of drugs and alcohol. Their responses, converted into nationwide figures, suggest that somewhere between 25,000 and 30,000 young people have a ‘serious drug problem’ – one that requires treatment – while 32,000 of those in the same age group are ‘extreme’ abusers.

“These are incredibly high numbers,” Professor Mads Uffe Pedersen, a co-author of the report, told Politiken newspaper.

“Young people in Denmark start drinking and taking drugs very early, and a large percentage of them have serious problems.”

That some young people have trouble managing their alcohol is evident at the graduation party. Any real sense of fun or companionship seems to be beside the point. The challenge seems to be who can drink the most in the shortest amount of time. Backpacks, that until the day before were heavy with school books, are now stuffed with clinking bottles of beer, bottles of cheap wine, and alcopop of every make and flavour.

And although hard liquor is supposed to be off limits, more than a few bottles of gin, vodka and rum are on open display.

“My parents gave me a Red Bull and vodka fountain at my confirmation,” said 15 year-old Casper, one of the class’s football stars. “They think it is better that I drink and they know about it

COLOURBOX

RAY WEAVER

13 - 19 July 2012

Look man no hands! – And no self-control either

than that I sneak off, get drunk and get hurt somewhere.”

Problematic drug use, according to the study, starts when people use drugs at least four times a month. Using drugs eight or more times a month constitutes a habit requiring treatment.

For alcohol, the numbers were 21 drinks per week for women and 28 for men. Alcohol abuse requiring treatment was 28 drinks per week for women and 35 for men.

“The survey clearly shows the consequences of substance abuse,” said Pedersen. “It effects the young people’s education, work and social lives.”

Pedersen also said that for those with a predisposition to substance abuse, the risks increase when the drinking and

drug use start early.

Political leaders from across the spectrum rushed to decry the figures in the report.

Speaking with Politiken newspaper, Jonas Dahl, health spokesperson for Socialistisk Folkeparti, called the numbers ‘catastrophic’, while Venstre’s Sophie Løhde described them as “deeply disturbing” and reflected a shift in values among teens.

She said both national and local programs should be put in place to address the problem.

Sophie Hæstorp Andersen (Socialdemokraterne) said that publishing the study was only a first step.

“It does no good to point fingers and say what is dangerous or illegal,” Andersen told Politiken. “We need to encourage young people to seek out SCANPIX/ ANDERS DEBEL

For most young people, like these gymnasium grads, alcohol goes hand in hand with education. Younger kids see them as role models

help and advice without the fear that there will be consequences.”

Many of the parents of the children at the party attended a meeting at the start of the school year where the alcohol policy for the class was discussed. What were the limits? One drink per party? Two? No limits? Up to the student’s parents?

One foreign-born father pointed out that young people in this age group were not allowed to drink at all where he was from, and that alcohol for teens would be forbidden at his house. He was shouted down by parents that reminded him that he now lived in Denmark and that he was being unrealistic.

Later that same night, his son was on the sidewalk, shirtless in the nine degree weather, passed out.

Kevin Freeman is a Texan who lives in Denmark and shares custody of his two sons with his Danish ex-wife. A musician who says he’s no teetotaller, Freeman thinks drinking among young people in Denmark is an issue that needs to be addressed.

“The problem is not only that kids here start early, they are also at binge-levels of consumption from the beginning” said Freeman. “As an expat parent, you want your kids to fit in, but at the same time you have to look out for their well-being.”

Freeman’s boys are 13 and 10 and he has already started having talks with his oldest son about the dangers and risks involved with drinking at an early age.

Many believe that the unhealthy relationship with alcohol displayed by young people is a symptom of a growing national addiction to booze. A Megafon/ Politiken/TV 2 poll revealed that 40 percent of those asked believe that all Danes drink excessively, regardless of age. However, only one out of five would support government intervention in the form of higher taxes on alcohol

or warning labels like those seen on cigarette packets.

Anette Søgaard Nielsen, head of Alkoholbehandlingen, an alcohol abuse research centre in Odense, told Politiken that those numbers reveal just how reluctant people are to admit the prevalence of alcohol in the country’s culture.

“We all believe our own drinking habits are under control and it’s only other people that have a problem,” said Nielsen.

Last year the World Health Organisation (WHO) published disturbing figures showing that Denmark’s alcohol consumption has been among the highest in Europe for the past 30 years.

Those numbers include the nearly 600,000 Danes who may not be alcoholics, but are still “problem drinkers” according to Sundhedsstyrelsen, the national board of health.

Kit Broholm, an adviser to Sundhedsstyrelsen, believes that people too often feel pressured to drink even when they do not want to.

“Alcohol is expected to be part of every social occasion, and people are made to feel like they are killing the party if they say no,” she told Politiken.

“It should be more accepted for someone to simply say that they do not want to drink.”

Meanwhile, back at the graduation party, Elisabeth, a red-eyed, thin blonde girl who said she will be 16 in July, took a sip from her alcopop, and admitted that she had also ‘smoked a little hash’ as part of the celebrations.

“This is the last time we will all be together, so we deserve to party. Besides, a lot of us are going on to gymnasium where they party like this every weekend.” *The names of all the young people mentioned in this story have been changed.

news NEWS

The Copenhagen Post cphpost.dk

13 - 19 July 2012

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Greenland set to ease uranium mining policy Investors are standing by to invest in mining in Greenland, but the country’s zero-tolerance uranium policy is standing in the way

C

ountries around the world are standing by with baskets of cash to pour into Greenland’s mining industry. In the wake of Chinese president Hu Jintao’s recent trip to Denmark, China has 13 billion kroner burning a hole in its pocket to invest in an iron mine near the capital city, Nuuk.

A South Korean group reportedly wants to pump 15 billion kroner into the Kvanefield rare earth mine in southern Greenland, making it the single biggest investment in the country’s history.

But any decision to start mining comes with a dilemma: extracting them will only be possible with uranium as a byproduct, and Greenland’s government has a zero-tolerance policy for any mining that involves uranium or kicks up radioactive dust.

In 2010, Greenland’s government allowed mining companies to explore the prospects for potential uranium mining.

The first company granted permission to include radioactive elements in its exploration phase was Greenland Minerals and Energy (GME), an Australia-based company that said that due to the high content of uranium, it could not complete any mining feasibility studies without violating the zero-tolerance policy.

Greenland continues to uphold its ban on mining radioactive elements, but the pressure is mounting to change this to allow for uranium by-products if other minerals are the primary targets.

“I hope we can soon change the zero-tolerance policy and produce the uranium that we have rather than being an openair Arctic museum,” Doris Jakobsen, an MP for opposition party Siumut told Information newspaper. Jakobsen stressed that Greenland’s uranium would not be used to make weapons.

With Greenland sitting on some of the world’s largest uranium reserves and the available world supply already falling short of demand, uranium could be a huge cash generator for Greenland’s struggling economy.

But the decision to mine uranium as a by-product has a host of domestic and international considerations.

Greenland’s leading political party, the left-leaning IA, con-

tinued to state its resistance to mining uranium while recognising that the ban may soon be repealed.

“If one is totally realistic and considers the parliamentary situation, it might be difficult to continue to maintain a zero-tolerance policy,” Sara Olsvig, one of Greenland’s representatives in the Danish parliament, told Information. “But the fact that we may soon abolish the ban means that we should also build the institutional knowledge that is necessary.”

If Greenland does decide to become a major exporter of uranium, the decision will have geopolitical implications far beyond the borders of both Greenland and Denmark.

While Greenland’s threeyear young Self-Rule government has domain over the country’s natural resources, courts and corporate law, Denmark still has responsibility for its foreign affairs and defence.

Cindy Vestergaard, from the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS), said the debate over uranium will be a test of Greenland’s self-rule.

“Both Greenland and Denmark have so far had a waitand-see approach to exporting uranium. Greenland is responsible for its own uranium exports but does not have the expertise

Tanbreez

Ray Weaver

These hills are alive with the sound of ... a geiger counter clicking

and resources for export control if the country becomes one of world’s top 10 suppliers,” Vestergaard told Information.

In a report for DIIS, Vestergaard said that crucial questions remain as to whether future Greenlandic uranium exports will be used in peaceful applications, or inadvertently wind up as part of a nuclear weapons programme. She said that uranium is hard to track once it is available on the open market and called on elected officials in Nuuk and Copenhagen to think

Christian Wenande Accreditation for opposition press organisations will no longer have to go through their country’s embassy

scanpix/Torkil Adsersen

Foreign minister promises new press procedure after China visit mix up

Baghdad will no longer accept forcibly repatriated asylum seekers from Denmark and other European countries

A

An apologetic Søvndal will now make sure opposition journalists can cover state visits

that NTDTV was referred to the Chinese embassy in its attempts to secure accreditation, and I have requested that the accreditation procedure to be changed to avoid similar incidents in the future,” Søvndal wrote in a letter to parliament.

NTDTV, according to Søvndal, was actually granted accreditation by the Foreign Ministry’s International Press Centre (IPC), but another error meant that it never received word.

“By a mistake, the accreditation cards were not delivered to NTDTV. This was unfortunate, but I have been informed that the IPC has already established a new and clearer protocol,” Søvndal wrote. “It entails that all accredited journalists will be directly notified whether their request for accredi-

tation has been granted, and all cards will be directly delivered by the IPC.” Another consequence of the Chinese visit was that accreditation for press outlets that are critical of their government will not have to go through their embassy, something that will prevent officials from attempting to quiet opposition voices.

The NTD accreditation incident was not the only irregularity that accompanied the visit of the Chinese delegation. A Danish journalist was arrested and jailed for several hours for attempting to hang a poster that was critical of the regime in China, while a peaceful demonstration at Højbro Plads square was screened off by the police to prevent the Chinese delgation from seeing it.

newspaper.

Vestergaard called the world uranium market “one of the most opaque and unregulated in the world”.

“Nuclear states can do whatever they want, and that must always be in the mind of those who export uranium,” she told Information.

“If you ask the Australians if any of the uranium they have sent to the US in the last 30 years has been used in weapons they reply, ‘We are as sure as we can be that it has not’.”

Iraq refugees can’t be forced home Christian Wenande

A

series of press mishaps that occurred during the recent visit of Chinese president Hu Jintao will result in changes to the way foreign media are approved to cover such visits in the future, the Foreign Ministry announced last week.

The changes come after Chineselanguage TV station, NTDTV, which is based in New York, was refused permission to participate in the press conferences involving members of the Chinese delegation.

Prior to Hu’s heavily covered visit, NTDTV, which is critical of the Chinese government, was informed by the Foreign Ministry that it had to apply for accreditation through the Chinese embassy, even though it was not based in China.

The accreditation application was denied on the grounds that NTDTV was founded by the outlawed Falun Gong religious movement.

Apologising for the situation, the foreign minister, Villy Søvndal, said his ministry, which issues press accreditation for state visits, is working on a new procedure to avoid similar errors in the future.

“I don’t think it was appropriate

hard before lifting the ban.

“These discussions must aim at maximising the degree of regulation: the worst-case scenario should not be that Greenland’s uranium be diverted or misused for weapons purposes,” she wrote.

Per Stig Møller, a former foreign minister and Greenlandic spokesman for the Konservative party, agreed with Vestergaard: “We would probably not think it’s a good idea to give nuclear material to Iran for example,” he told Berlingske

new policy in Iraq has forced Denmark to stop its practice of repatriating Iraqi refugees against their will.

Thousands of Iraqis fled their country to Europe after the US-led invasion in 2003. Since 2009, the number of Iraqi asylum seekers in Danish refugee centres has fallen drastically because many of them have been repatriated.

But the government in Iraq is refusing to let European countries force back thousands of Iraqis against their will after their requests for asylum have been denied. Baghdad has even threatened to fine airlines that participate in the return efforts.

Iraq’s embassy in Copenhagen has also begun refusing to grant travel permits to Iraqis that don’t want to return home, much to the consternation of the Danish immigration authorities.

Since the autumn of 2011, no Iraqis have been forcibly repatriated, according to police immigration unit NUC, and with the new Iraqi stance it has become virtually impossible to send asylum seekers back unless they go voluntarily.

“I feel that we have, or rather have had, a good relationship with the Iraqi authorities. But in my eyes the agree-

ment with Iraq still stands,” Claus Birkelyng, the NUC vice-chief, told Politiken newspaper. “There have been no changes to the agreement, but it clearly makes it more difficult for us to return them when they don’t want to take them back.”

Over the past year, a number of legal disputes over forcible repatriations has led the United Kingdom to stop its practice of sending Iraqis home.

And this is good news, according to the London-based International Federation of Iraqi Refugees (IFIR), an organisation campaigning against forcible repatriations to Iraq.

“This is a great victory for Iraqi refugees, who are the victims of war and oppression. Denmark and Norway have been sending refugees back by force recently. They will now have to stop,” IFIR spokesperson, Dashty Jamal told The Guardian.

“I understand some people have already been turned back at the border since the weekend”.

The deportation issue follows in the wake of the high-profile case involving asylum seekers from a number of countries, slated for deportation, taking refuge in a church in Copenhagen while staging a hunger strike to draw attention to their situation.

The incident prompted asylum seekers throughout Denmark to protest.

In a message to parliament, Morten Bødskov (Socialdemokraterne) indicated that immigration officials are currently working with Iraq to find a solution.

6

SPORT

THE COPENHAGEN POST CPHPOST.DK

13 - 19 July 2012

SCANPIX/TOBY MELVILLE

SCANPIX/BOGDAN CRISTEL

First we take Wimbledon, then London

While Chris Anker Sørensen struggled, the sky seems to be the limit for Bjarne Riis and Danish cycling

Sørensen anchored despite setbacks

O

N SATURDAY, Frederik Løchte Nielsen became the first Dane to win a grand slam tournament in 55 years when he lifted the Wimbledon doubles trophy, a victory that could send him back to London later this month as a member of the Danish Olympic team.

Nielsen accomplished one of the greatest Danish tennis triumphs in history by winning men’s doubles at arguably the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. Not since Kurt Nielsen, Nielsen’s grandfather, hoisted the US Open mixed doubles trophy in 1957 has any Dane won a grand slam tournament.

Despite being an un-seeded, wildcard entry and therefore massive underdogs, Nielsen and partner Jonathan Marray defied

Horia Tecau 4-6, 6-4, 7-6, 6-7, 6-3 in the final. But that wasn’t the only lift for Nielsen.

Aside from the glory and the 1.2 million kroner cheque that the Wimbledon winners will collect, Nielsen received some more good news following his win.

Despite being told last month that he would not be participating in the London 2012 Olympics this summer, Nielsen’s mesmerising Wimbledon journey has propelled him to the brink of becoming an Olympian after all.

The top Danish men’s player is now the first wildcard backup for the men’s singles in London and a cancelation from one of the eight wildcard holders would qualify him. And it also means that he could team up with Caroline Wozniacki in the mixed doubles. According to the International Tennis Federation, his new doubles ranking may even be enough to qualify him directly.

Denmark may just have a new Olympic hope, but time is running out. The London Olympics begin on July 27.

I

N A TOUR DE FRANCE weekend marred by crashes and injuries, Chris Anker Sørensen’s determined efforts to secure the polka-dotted mountain jersey were thwarted by an aggressive Bradley Wiggins and Team Sky. It all started so well in last Saturday’s seventh stage as Sørensen led a breakaway and captured four mountain points from the first two category 3 mountain sprints. But then the peloton, led by a tenacious Bradley Wiggins and his Team Sky, set a blistering pace and caught the breakaway pack before they could reach the category 1 summit finish which netted 20 points for the winner, Team Sky’s Chris Froome.

The following day’s stage didn’t get any better for the Danish mountain hope, who was looking to earn points on the brutal route that included

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Danes abolished, saving some 525,000 mobile and of students. Moreover, stuwith business laptops (VK) govern- the number vious Venstre-Konservative no longer pay administrative phones 3,000 kroner per year. major points: dents will JENNIFER BULEY Master’s students look forment. Here are a few of the Not everyone, however, can the state’s fees, and prospective course tuitions Families: VK limited and junk (bør- will have prerequisite 17.5 billion ward to a cash infusion. Smokers SRSF’s first budget will spend monthly child support handouts fam- paid. The government will also fund higher on their per food lovers will be taxed abolish necheck) to 35,000 kroner kroner on infrastructure and more state-supported internship vices, while international corporations now been abolished, 1,500 has restrictions limit and plans at Th taxes SRSF ily. previous higher tax bills. families will get positions. creation: will also see and meaning that many Infrastructure and job by closing a number of AN YOU HAVE your cake ts. The government will be in- to raise revenue wisdom larger child benefi Some 17.5 billion kroner going back nearly 20 years eat it too? Conventional fertility treatments and infrastructure tax loopholes corporations budg- will also pay for vested over two years in that allowed international says no, but with their first as a new rail line between power, voluntary sterilisations. to escape paying corporate Folkeparti projects, such et plan since the shift of a project to in Denmark Welfare: VK and Dansk on page 15).

Copenhagen and Ringsted, rne-Radikaleerosion taxes (see more specialised welfare prothe new Socialdemokrate coalition (DF) introduced widen the Holbæk motorway, the spending increases in the ts (SRSF) told, All benefi cash Folkeparti the west Socialistisk grammes that reduced efforts along Jutland’s as big as the minister Those programmes protection renovations to public hous- new budget are not appear to be giving it a shot. the new for new immigrants. coast, and economy and interior, Margrethe Many of the elements of eliminated and going Helle Thorning- of the to be re- have now been would like. She noted that state ing. Prime minister ‘kickstart’ Vestager (R), budget – which is expected all residents in need of the deficit for 2012, Schmidt has said that these ursday – will forward leased in its entirety on Th will receive the same welfare projects will create 20,000 new jobs VK under-reported to spend more. But a time when support making it imprudent increase state spending at The Danish ConstrucEU’s finanincreased. But benefits. research: from 2012-2013.

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Denmark’s new Wimbledon doubles champion needs just a single cancellation to be guaranteed a spot in the Olympics

tennis lore by defeating the 2, 5, 8 and 9 seeds on their way to the title, including the Bryan brothers, the previous winners and dominating force of doubles tennis over the past decade.

To put it in perspective, Nielsen’s highest career ranking in singles is 190, and he had only qualified to the first round of one grand slam tournament before this year’s Wimbledon. Marray’s best singles ranking is even worse at 215. Going from that to winning Wimbledon is simply incomprehensible, according to Nielsen, who is also a massive Liverpool F.C. fan.

“This means I can walk around calling myself a Wimbledon champion, No one can take that away from me. I always believed we could win and when that smash went over the net I thought about 2005,” Nielsen told Ekstrabladet newspaper, referring to Liverpool’s unimaginable come-back win in the 2005 Champions League final.

And the euphoria was evident as Nielsen’s partner, Jonathan Marray, lifted him up in celebration after the un-seeded pair beat Robert Lindstedt and

TEL AVIV

CHRISTIAN WENANDE

Although Chris Anker Sørensen’s efforts to win mountain points were dashed in the Tour de France’s first week, he’s still optimistic he can end the race as king of the mountains

JERUSALEM

The Wimbledon triumph could lift Nielsen to Olympic heights, with a bit of luck

Riis used Tuesday’s rest day to look into strengthening his squad for next year’s season.

Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank is said to be in talks with legendary time-trial specialist Fabian Cancellara, a former Riis rider who defected to the newly formed Team Leopard Trek in 2011. Two other former members of Riis teams, Danes Matti Breschel and Jakob Fuglsang, who has been in the dog house for criticising his Radio ShackNissan Team for leaving him out of the Tour, may also be headed to Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank next season.

And this is certainly good news for Riis’s team, because while the Tour riders pedal away in France, Fuglsang justified his criticism by winning the Tour of Austria over the weekend, and gaining valuable ranking points for the next team he represents.

Fuglsang also won the Tour of Luxembourg in June.

In other news, Tour de France officials are speculating whether it is feasible to hold stages in Denmark. Denmark hosted two early stages of the Giro d’Italia this year. The event was well attended, and that could lead to a Danish Tour de France stage down the road.

However, chances are bleak that it will be a mountain stage.

one category 4, one category 3, four category 2 and one category 1 incline. But despite winning another four points, Sørensen didn’t have the legs that day and was once again reeled in by the relentless Team Sky. “It was a seriously brutal stage and we never really worked together as a team. There were lots of strong riders that were racing individually in the breakaway and that cost us in the end,” Sørensen said. “I went for the win but when we were caught, I still managed to hang on for a respectable placing. But the goal is unchanged and I’m going for a stage victory.”

The disappointing weekend saw Sørensen fall 13 points behind in the competition for the mountain jersey. If he is to win the jersey this year, he will need to find his legs in time for the upcoming series of mountain stages in the Alps and the Pyrenees.

Despite the setbacks, Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank have performed well above expectations in the Tour so far. The team began on a high note with Michael Mørkøv’s multiple breakaways during the Tour’s first week and with new sponsor money coming in, the future looks bright for team owner Bjarne Riis.

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THE COPENHAGEN POST CPHPOST.DK

13 - 19 July 2012

WWW.NATIONALBANKEN.DK

COLOURBOX

Banks paying to deposit money in central bank

English skills are important for keeping the economy growing, but they shouldn’t overshadow other tongues

Dip in Danes studying second foreign language ELISE BEACOM Fewer Danes are fluent in two or more foreign languages, says study Banks will now pay a premium for the security Nationalbanken offers

PETER STANNERS

Last week’s move to negative interest rates on deposits in Nationalbanken is designed to reduce the attractiveness of the krone against the euro

B

anks will now have to pay to have their money in the central bank, Nationalbanken, after interest rates last week dropped into the negative for the first time ever.

Interest on deposits in the Nationalbank now lies at -0,2 percent while lending rates were cut to 0.2 percent.

The move was made last Thursday and comes after interest rates on government bonds dipped into negative territory in June – investors end up paying to purchase the bonds rather than being paid for lending the

government money, as is usually the case.

The krone has been under increasingly intense pressure from investors that started to purchase the currency which is seen as a safe haven compared to the euro.

As a result the krone risked strengthening too much against the euro, which placed pressure on the tight peg that Nationalbanken tries to keep with the common currency.

Speaking to finanical daily Børsen, Sydbank’s chief economist Jacob Graven said that the decision to reduce the interest rates was made to defend the Danish economy.

“Nationalbanken is reducing the interest in order to make it a little less attractive to investors to invest in the Danish krone compared to the euro,” Graven said.

With banks now facing the extra cost associated with lending to Nationalbanken, concern has been voiced that consumers may

end up shouldering the burden.

Karsten Ahlquist, Danske Bank group managing director, told Politiken that no decision had yet been made on whether to pass on the cost, but added that, “of course it costs us money when it starts costing us to have money in Nationalbanken.”

Christian Hilligsøe Heinig, chief economist at RealKredit Danmark, a mortgage lender, also told Politiken that most people were unlikely to notice any change.

“The reduction in the interest rate and negative bond interest demonstrate the continuing bad economic climate and nervousness of investors rather than anything that will have a noticeable effect on the Danish economy or households,” he said.

The move last Thursday immediately followed announcements by the ECB, the People’s Bank of China and the Bank of England that they would ease their monetary policies.

BUSINESS NEWS AND BRIEFS Euro on demand

Air China, now online

THE KRONE will soon have company in some ATMs. Sydbank said it is making euro bank notes available in their cash machines throughout the country. Sydbank said that if customers needed euros previously, they had to come into a branch office during business hours.

The bank’s goal is to serve some of those customers by allowing them to use ATMs. A spokesman said customers want more and

more banking services to be available around the clock and on demand. Henrik Følbæk Nielsen, managing director of Sydbank, said the bank is just keeping up with its customers. “We want to be a modern enterprise that uses the tools that are available,” Nielsen told Frederiksborg Amts Avis newspaper. The bank has been trying out the new machines at three of its branches for the past few months.

AIR CHINA recently opened its Danish internet site, www.airchina.dk, which keeps customers up to speed on real-time flight statuses, flight schedules and contact numbers of the carrier’s representative offices worldwide. Air China is China’s only national flag carrier and a Star Alliance member.

With Beijing as its hub, Air China flies to 1,160 destinations in 181 countries and recently added a Copenhagen to Beijing route.

D

ANES ARE considered to be some of the best nonnative English speakers in the world, but fewer are choosing to study two or more foreign languages, a study has found.

The number of Danes who have mastered at least two foreign languages has dropped by eight percent since 2005, according to the recent European Commission report.

While 58 percent of Danes speak more than two foreign languages fluently – a comparatively high figure against the European average of 25 percent – business experts say the decline

is of concern.

Jannik Schack Linnemann, the head of research policy at chamber of commerce Dansk Erhverv, told Berlingske newspaper that Denmark derives more than half its GDP from exports – a sector that is responsible for employing 700,000 people. “We need to become better equipped when it comes to the languages used in exporting industries,” he said.

In response to the European Commission’s report findings, the education minister, Morten Østergaard (R), told Berlingske his ministry will focus more on how to promote language courses at school and university. “It is extremely worrying. This is the opposite of what we need in a globalised world.”

The Education Ministry last week received an updated report

regarding a national foreign language education strategy. One of the recommendations is that school students take English starting at age 6 and a second foreign language at age 9.

Alan Brejnholt, University student, is one of the shrinking number of Danes studying a second foreign language. He is taking intensive German classes in order to get into a Copenhagen Business School master’s programme that requires students to be fluent in at least two foreign languages.

“While English is really important, one reason I study a second foreign language is to do with the link between culture and language,” Brejnholt said. “I think it also shows prospective employers willpower, determination and an interest in different cultures.”

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THE COPENHAGEN POST SPOUSE EMPLOYMENT PAGE SPOUSE: Debjani Nandy Biswas FROM: India SEEKING WORK IN: Would like to join in kindergarten, School teacher in English, official work in English.

QUALIFICATION: B.A., M.A in English literature and language (American, European and Indian).

EXPERIENCE: Temporary school teacher in Bongaon, India and involved in social work (handicapped society).

LOOKING FOR: A possibility in getting practical experiences in kindergarten or any international school, official work (administration) in English, voluntary work also.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Bengali, little Danish (currently learning).

IT EXPERIENCE: Diploma in basic computer applications.

CONTACT: debjaninb@gmail.com, Tel: +45 50219942.

SPOUSE: Shilpa Lingaiah FROM: India SEEKING WORK IN: Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense and nearby areas of the mentioned cities.

QUALIFICATION: PG Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (JSS University, India); Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (RGUHS, India). Danish agency for international education has assessed the above qualification and corresponds to Danish Master’s degree in Health Sciences.

LOOKING FOR: Research related to health science, jobs in pharmaceutical industry or new challenging career opportunities.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: English(fluent written and spoken), Enrolled for Danish language classes, Indian languages(Kannada and Hindi).

IT EXPERIENCE: MS Office.

CONTACT: drshilpalingaiah@gmail.com Tel: +4552742859

Please note that only the candidates selected for interview will be contacted. We aim for interviews to take place in the week commencing 30th July 2012.

PARTNERS:

SPOUSE: Sadra Tabassi FROM: Iran SEEKING WORK IN: Copenhagen QUALIFICATION: Master of Business Administration (MBA) LOOKING FOR: Any full time job related to my qualification field LANGUAGE SKILLS: Languages Fluent in English; Native in Farsi (Persian) and elementary level of Arabic.

IT EXPERIENCE: Basic knowledge about computer (Windows), Office 2010 (Word, Excel, Power Point),Statistical software (SPSS) CONTACT: sadra.tabassi@gmail.com, Tel:+4550337753 SPOUSE: DR TESSA KATE ANDERSON FROM: UK SEEKING WORK IN: University, education, research, social science, geography, GIS, spatial analysis, urban geography.

EXPERIENCE: PhD from UCL (UK) in GIS and road safety, Assistant Professor at University of Canterbury, New Zealand for 3 years, Assistant Professor in GIS at University of Queensland for 1 year, Research Fellow at University of Hong Kong for 3 years. I have experience in project management and working in both the private and public sector. I have taught up to Masters level and have design courses and taught extensively.

LOOKING FOR: Research, teaching, consultancy positions.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: English, French (small amount), Chinese (beginner), I am enrolled at Danish language school IT EXPERIENCE: ArcGIS, MapInfo, GeoDa, Global Mapper, GWR, Python, Image J, SPSS, Excel, Work, PowerPoint, Access, Dreamweaver, Adobe, SAS, open source GIS programmes.

CONTACT: tessaanderson@gmail.com

SPOUSE: Teja Priyanka FROM: India SEEKING WORK IN: Copenhagen QUALIFICATION: MBA in Finance and marketing , bachelor in Biotechnology.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Telugu(mother tounge), Hindi, English, Danish(biggnier).

IT EXPERIENCE: Familier with Microsoft office(word, excel,powerpoint,access, ), photoshop.

CONTACT: teja.priyanka.n@gmail.com

Denmark’s only English-language newspaper

THE COPENHAGEN POST SPOUSE EMPLOYMENT PAGE WHY: The Copenhagen Post wishes to help spouses looking for jobs in Denmark. We have on our own initiative started a weekly spouse job page in The Copenhagen Post, with the aim to show that there are already within Denmark many highly educated international candidates looking for jobs.

If you are a spouse to an international employee in Denmark looking for new career opportunities, you are welcome to send a profile to The Copenhagen Post at aviaja@cphpost.dk and we will post your profile on the spouse job page when possible. Remember to get it removed in case of new job.

10 LIFESTYLE: SUMMER GARDENING THE COPENHAGEN POST CPHPOST.DK

A plan for all seasons

BY TOBY MUSGRAVE

C

LIMATICALLY-CORRECT but depressingly early I think, September is the first month of autumn. But there is nothing depressing about the garden in this, the mellowest of the season. Summer is the time to keep up with the weeding, to ensure all your plants are well watered (especially those in containers), to enjoy the harvest from the kitchen garden or those pots you planted with tomatoes, strawberries and herbs, and to take some time to simply relax in your garden and enjoy the fruits of your labours. The latter is particularly important as the autumn brings with it a flurry of activity – both in terms of activities directly associated with the season and those involved with forward planning.

down the soil into a perfect texture ready for spring planting.

Looking after them indoors Once the evenings begin drawing in and frosts approach – it

Toby Musgrave is one of Britain’s most celebrated gardeners – both as an author, historian and design consultant – but yet he has lived in Denmark this past decade, so who better to turn to, to find out everything you need to know about preparing for and enjoying the different seasons. Find out more at www.tobymusgrave.com.

September, and if you have one, begin the autumn schedule of lawn care in October. Raise the mower cut to 3-5 cm, dig out any perennial weeds such as dandelions, give the lawn a last feed, and get on with the scarifying (using a springbok rake to remove dead material amongst the grass) and aerating (plunge a fork into the lawn all over and lifting gently to improve drainage.) Also rake up all the fallen leaves to prevent the grass b e -

ALLAN MUTUKUKORTBÆK

Manure couture If my plea has convinced you, or whether you simply want a new flower bed, it is time to plan ahead and to prepare the soil. This can be done anytime until the frosts and requires a bit of elbow grease.

Clear the area of grass and weeds (don’t use weedkillers if you plan to grow edibles), and using a spade, turn over the soil while adding a good amount of manure – about half a barrowload per square metre. The best I have found is a product called ‘fin C-muld’ produced

by Lynge Naturgoedning of Farum (www.lyngenaturgoedning.dk). Once you have dug in the manure, leave the soil surface of the rough (big lumps) over the winter and let the frost break

always happens earlier than I think it will – bring in all the indoor plants that have been having a holiday outside, but give them a feed of liquid fertiliser first. And if you haven’t put them outside this summer, do so next year after the last frosts – they will really enjoy the change. If you have semitender plants in borders, for example like dahlias, dig them up after the first frost, wash and dry them and store in a dark, frostfree place before planting again next year after the last frost.

over the lawn.

neath yellowing, and brush worm casts

Permission for ignition

Once the perennials have died back, cut them back, but one word of caution Halmtorvet 19 • The Bosch building • DK-1700 Copenhagen V Tlf: +45 31 20 00in • hej@biomio.dk when• www.biomio.dk you are clearing your garden this If you want a new one, lay a 33lawn

Naturopathic Nutritionist & Reflexologist

Natural health and detox specialist guiding and motivating you to create optimal, lasting health. tel: 50 19 76 06 www.carolinecain.dk

Bulbs: not just for Christmas.

One job that is an autumn speciality is planting the bulbs (blomsterløg) that will provide a great show next spring.

For example tulips (tulipaner), crocus (krokus), hyacinth (hyacint), daffodils (påskelilge), crown imperial fritillary (kejserkrone), winter aconite (erantis) and Siberian squill (Russisk skilla.) By the way, snowdrops (vintergæk) are planted in the summer when the leaves are still green.

Bulbs in the garden – How to:

A lawn fit for tennis

Caroline Cain

autumn. If you are English, you may be familiar with that lovely autumnal smell of the garden bonfire. Here, you had better check with your council whether you are allowed to burn garden rubbish. Otherwise recycle it at the genbrugsstation.

Bulbs really are very obliging plants – they are inexpensive to buy, straightforward to plant and once in the ground are happy doing their own thing, requiring virtually no maintenance. You can give bulbs their own bed and make a striking display using big masses of a single type of bulb in different colours, for example pink, blue, white and yellow hyacinths; or red and yellow tulips, by mixing together different types of bulb. You can slot a mix of different species into existing beds and borders, so that as they finish doing their thing, the perennials and shrubs will take over, thus creating a long season of interest.

The plot thickens If you have a plot in which you grow fruits and vegetables, autumn is the time for fruits and berries, so pick early apples (the Danish cultivar ‘Ingrid Marie’ is a winner if you are thinking of planting an apple tree), autumn raspberries and cobnuts, and feast! And if you don’t have a kitchen garden may I encourage you to plan and plant one next year. There is simply nothing more satisfying than planting, growing and eating your own.

On top of the satisfaction factor, they taste so much better freshly harvested than something that has spent time in a truck travelling from Spain or wherever. And more than that, by growing your own you can control exactly what you eat – garden organically to avoid pesticide residues, grow heritage varieties for taste and no GM. You know it makes sense!

13 - 19 July 2012

Halmtorvet 19 • The Bosch building • DK-1700 Copenhagen V 19 • The Bosch building • DK-1700 Copenhagen V Tlf: +45 33 31 20Halmtorvet 00 • hej@biomio.dk • www.biomio.dk Tlf: +45 33 31 20 00 • hej@biomio.dk • www.biomio.dk

The depth at which bulbs should be planted is three times their height, so for a tulip, which is maybe 2.5 cm tall, plant at 7.5 cm deep. And the spacing between individual bulbs should be two to three times their width apart For small numbers of bulbs, dig individual holes using a trowel or special bulb planting tool that takes out a core of soil, put the bulb in with the growing point uppermost, and replace the soil.

For large numbers of bulbs dig out a trench to the appropriate depth, position the bulbs, and cover the whole area If you have a balcony you can plant bulbs in a pot and keep them outside.

But do protect them from the hardest frosts as plants in pots are more vulnerable than those in the soil. Most garden centres have a good range of bulbs for sale and a couple of websites you may wish to check are www. blomsterverden.dk, www.hollandskeblomster.dk, www.blomsterliv.dk and www.plantetorvet.dk.

Garden Health Next week

Food Sport

RELOCATION GUIDE

SPRING 2012

BioMio is Denmark´s largest 100% organic restaurant.

Flavoured with love, passion & purpose

For four weeks at a time, four times a year, our aim is to give you all the seasonal lifestyle advice you need to thrive in the areas of gardening, health, food and sport. When should you plant your petunias, when does the birch pollen season normally start, which week do the homegrown strawberries take over the supermarket, and which outdoor sports can you play in the snow? All the answers are here in ‘A plan for all seasons’.

• What is a CPR number & that little yellow card?

• Want to say “hej” to Danish?

• Want to find the perfect neigbourhood?

Download from our website www.cphpost.dk

a world of architecture & design

exhibitions CAFe booKs/shoP Visit us at the harbour front in central copenhagen

Strandgade 27 B 1401 Copenhagen www.dac.dk

Regional | Central Jutland

Summer in Denmark: 13-19 July 2012

Stay Depending on your preference, a variety of needs can be catered to – from one of Denmark’s 550 camping sites to luxury hotels, historic houses, hostels and even a farm holiday, where you can be immersed in Denmark’s countryside culture. In Aarhus, City Hotel Oasia is a friendly, bright, minimalist and charming hotel.

Our pick!

Stay a night or two in a cosy inn, many of which have retained their 18th-century rusticity. They can often be found in the open countryside, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Search for accommodation to find something that suits your location at visitdenmark.dk.

Eat

Do In Billund, visit Legoland, where detailed miniature cities and famous landmarks made from the small plastic bricks are sure to fascinate. In Vejle, take a trip to Ecolarium, a centre that aims to raise awareness about environmental issues and the potential of alternative energy. Grejsdalen valley northwest of Vejle is Denmark’s largest gorge. The area is unique, and the scenery striking with forest-covered slopes. Silkeborg offers a variety of activities, such as canoeing and hiking. Try to see the impressive view from Himmelbjerget (the Sky Mountain) near Ry. For those interested in history, the 2,400-year-old remains of the perfectly preserved Tollund Man provide a fascinating glimpse of the past, as do the other Iron Age findings at Silkeborg Museum, the city’s oldest building.

Aarhus restaurant Nordens Folkekokken presents a locally sourced, seasonal menu of Danish food. Aarhus also has a variety of restaurants that offer flavours from around the world – Gallorant Kif-Kif offers a fusion of Mediterranean and

Our pick!

Experience Silkeborg Hjejlen, the world’s oldest coal-burning paddle steamer. With tranquil lakes, magnificent highland areas and many inns (kroer)

Tunisian dishes at reasonable prices. If it is pizza or pasta you crave, Italia is considered the best quality and value for the money. For something livelier at night, Jacob’s barBQ offers a messy yet tasty menu as well as a piano bar and nightclub.

For a reasonably priced Eastern European lunch buffet, try Det Grønne Hjørne.

that deliver Danish hospitality with local flavours to keep you satisfied, it’s the perfect alternative to bustling towns.

Our pick!

Scenic Malling og Schmidt’s Nordic cuisine is pricy, but it’s frequently named as one of the best restaurants in Aarhus.

It aims to reflect the flavours of Denmark, giving guests ‘an intimate culinary view of Jutland’ (mallingschmidt.dk).

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Summer in Denmark: 13-19 July 2012

Regional | Central Jutland

History and culture in the Danish heartland From the vibrancy of Denmark’s second-largest city to some of the nation’s oldest historical artefacts, central Jutland is at the crossroads of Denmark’s past and present

By Stephanie Harvey

I

n central Jutland’s northeastern corner, you’ll find Ebeltoft, a scenic town with crooked streets, local handicraft shops, half-timbered buildings and home to the 1860 Jylland, the oldest man-of-war sailing ship in Denmark. Wandering the cobblestone streets is like going back in time. Due to two centuries of economic stagnation, it remained virtually untouched. But in the 1960s, it suddenly became a tourist attraction: this town is the largest gateway to the Mols Bjerge national park, famous for its varied coastline and moraine hills formed by glaciers 14,000 years ago.

From here, you can reach Denmark’s major seaport and second-largest city, Aarhus. A vibrant hub with 40,000 students, it has many winding, colourful streets, and the canal side brims with cafés and bars. ARoS, a contemporary art museum, is visible throughout the town due to its famous rainbow panorama that crowns the city. There are a variety of bookshop cafés that offer quality coffee and cake in cosy surroundings, such as Løves Bog- og Vincafé.

Aarhus is the ideal mix of countryside and city. The park called ‘Dyrehaven’ has free-roaming and friendly deer; to the south of Aarhus lies Risskov forest, where the far-reaching sandy beach is easily accessible for a quick dip or a picnic if the weather is good. There is also ‘Den permanente’ – a historical outdoor sea bath with saunas and a sheltered beach.

Vikings settled here 1,200 years ago, and the treasures of Moesgard Museum explore this history in addition to housing the mummified Graubelle Man of 80 BC. The Silkeborg Lake District is nearby, which contains Mossø, Denmark’s largest lake, and the Labyrinthia theme park is perfect for a challenging day in the world of mazes.

Many historical sites are tucked away in unassuming villages.

Built in 1100, Veng Abbey is Denmark’s oldest monastery, and close by is Skanderborg Castle, a traditional hunting retreat for Danish kings from the 12th to 16th centuries. To the south lies the quietly important and UNESCO-protected village of Jelling, once the royal seat for King Gorm the Old, a 10th-century Viking who conquered Jutland, Funen and Zealand to establish Denmark. There are two runic stones here: the smaller and older of them has an inscription in memory of Gorm’s wife, and it is considered to be the first recorded use of the name ‘Denmark’. As in many Danish towns during summer months, history is brought to life during an immersive Viking festival in July. For thrills of a wilder kind, there is Givskud Zoo, where you can drive through the largest pride of lions in Scandinavia.

Central Jutland Central Jutland is home to enchanting towns, lakes and dense forests. Whether it’s the old fortress city of Fredericia in the south or Viborg, Denmark’s second-oldest provincial town, to the north, central Jutland is a varied and historic area. The west is characterised by isolated coastlines and heathertopped moors; Ringkobing Fjord is an ideal spot to watch for seals and porpoises. Western Denmark’s countryside is an abundant landscape of small hills and farms that are steeped in Viking history, while busier cities such as Aarhus and Silkeborg offer a cosmopolitan break. Regardless of whether they live in town or country, the local residents appreciate their landscape and culture. Central Jutland easily contrasts its accessible and rich countryside with cobbled and brightly painted towns that are full of museums, cafés and areas of architectural interest. Local attractions like Legoland, aquariums, elaborate mazes and scores of summer festivals means there’s always plenty to do in central Jutland.

Further north is Ringkobing Fjord, where a narrow piece of sandy land just 35 kilometres long separates the Fjord from the North Sea; it’s the perfect place for watersports, and the historic town is an idyllic vacation spot.

Central Jutland

NEXT WEEK: SOUTHERN JUTLAND

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Island Hopping | Samsø

u to a nearby farmhouse that is preserved as it looked in the 19th century.

On the eastern side of the island, not far from Tranebjerg, is Ballen. This lively fishing village has a beach and a number of seafood restaurants, including a smokehouse where you can sample traditional smoked seafood. We stopped to have lunch at the excellent Skipperly Restaurant, which serves up fresh dishes and herrings galore in a cosy ‘olde-worlde’ building that pays homage to the ships of yesteryear. Nearby, you can buy locally made ice cream and perhaps sample some of the area’s wine. Yes, that’s right – Samsø might be known for its new potatoes and strawberries, but wine production is perhaps one of the more surprising growth industries here, and you can visit some of the vineyards to see for yourself.

If you want to sample more of the island’s produce, it’s a simple matter of just travelling around the back roads and stopping by local farms. Many of them have honesty boxes at the gate, and you can load up with honey, jam, strawberries, potatoes, onions and plenty more. Shops – who needs them?

For us, it was but a flying visit. We hopped on the 16:45 ferry and were back in Copenhagen in the evening. So, while it is a perfectly practical day trip, staying on the island a little longer would be the ideal choice, and Samsø has plenty of accommodation options to choose from.

With everything from swish boutique hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, campsites and holiday cottages, you’ll never be stuck for somewhere to stay.

Neither is there any shortage of things to see and do on Samsø. During your visit, you can get lost in a giant forested maze, play golf, pet animals on a farm, go sailing or diving, ride around in a horse-drawn carriage or roll down a hill in a giant plastic ball. And it goes without saying that the island has numerous art galleries and craft shops, selling ceramics, paintings and handmade cosmetics. Samsø might be small, but it definitely offers plenty to keep you entertained while you’re there.

Summer in Denmark: 13-19 July 2012

Do Being a popular destination, Samsø has something for everyone. Real ale lovers should head down to the Samsø Brewery for a tipple (samsoe-bryghus.dk), or if you haven’t yet reached drinking age, perhaps a roll down a hill in a giant plastic ball is more appropriate (samsodownhill.dk).

Nothing beats travelling around Samsø at a leaisurely pace with the Our pick!

wind in your face. You can rent both regular and battery-assisted bikes at the ferry terminal and Ballen (samsocykeludlejning.dk).

Stay

Eat Samsø has many restaurants catering to a variety of tastes. All of them go in for fresh local produce with many also serving fresh seafood, such as herrings, langoustine and crab. If you want an expensive treat, head down to the Ballen Badehotel, which serves up excellent fare (ballenbadehotel. dk). At the other end of the scale – but no less of an experience – head across the harbour to Røgeriet, where various smoked delicacies are served up (rogeriet.dk).

Camping with your own tent or caravan is a popular – and cheap – way to enjoy Samsø. There are three campsites found on the island: Sælvig Bugtens Camping (saelvigbugtens-camping.dk), Strandskov Camping (strandskovscamping.dk) and Kiltgaard Camping (klitgaardcamping.dk).

If you fancy a bit of luxury, check out the Our pick!

Ilse Made hotel, which also has an excellent restaurant (ilsemade.dk).

Skipperly Restaurant, Ballen. Charming atmosphere with Our pick!

fantastic seafood dishes and an ambience that harks back to the age of salty sea dogs (skipperly.dk).

uGetting there Ferries run several times daily from Kalundborg in Zealand to Kolby Kås, and Hou in Jutland to Sælvig. Maximum crossing time is 2 hours. For more details, check out faergen.com.

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Summer in Denmark: 13-19 July 2012

Island Hopping | Samsø

There and back again – in just a day The island of Samsø has gained international renown for being carbon-negative. What few might realise is that it’s also perfect for a day trip

By Jason Heppenstall

H

AVE YOU ever wondered what a Samsinger is?

Could it be someone who spends Friday evenings in Sam’s Bar on Strøget, belting out karaoke numbers? Or perhaps some kind of skylark-like bird that sings its song high above the duney beaches of Jutland? No, in fact a Samsinger is someone who comes from a small Danish island found 15 kilometres off the Jutland coast – a place that is renowned the world over for something special.

I’ll get into what makes the place famous in due course, but for now all you need to know is that, in any beauty contest between Danish islands, Samsø would probably be favoured to win. When you try to imagine this small island in your mind’s eye, picture a gently undulating landscape dotted with villages of thatched cottages, orchards humming with bees and fields of strawberries. Like every other Danish isle, it’s a peaceful place best explored at a leisurely pace, preferably on foot or by bicycle.

I must admit that I had heard so many good things about Samsø that I felt somewhat ashamed that I had never visited until now. And with Denmark’s compact size, there is simply no excuse for not visiting some of its most beautiful areas. So one Saturday morning, I simply jumped in the car and drove out west towards the coast of Zealand. From Copenhagen, it’s an easy hour and a quarter to Kalundborg in time to catch the 8:45 ferry. Getting on board couldn’t be simpler. If you haven’t already pre-booked, you can just drive up to the barrier and pay as you board.

The journey takes a couple of hours, and there are two restaurants on board, as well as a kids’ games room and a TV area. The views along the way are fine, and the route sails past Vesborg Lighthouse on the southern coast before you arrive at the port of Kolby Kås. Immediately when you

disembark, you are confronted with the sight of dozens of purple bicycles. It’s simple to hire one, and then you’re off around the island in an ecological manner.

Samsø Situated right in the middle of the sea between Zealand and Jutland, Samsø is a beautiful small island famed for the qual-

Which brings me to why Samsø is famous. In 1997, Samsingers decided that they wanted to create the first environmentally sustainable inhabited island in the world, becoming totally self-sufficient in energy. A good deal of hard work later, they have achieved that goal, and the island is now carbon-negative – this means they actually export more energy than they use. Among the sandal-footed tourists on the ferry, you might also see visiting delegations from places as far afield as Japan or Brazil, arriving on factfinding missions to learn how this small island managed to travel so far down the road to sustainability.

Samsø might be tranquil these days, but it was exactly the opposite in Norse mythology. Some of the old sagas identify Samsø as the place where the god Odin learned Norse sorcery, and it was also the site of a legendary battle where the Swedish warrior Hjalmar fought the 12 sons of a beserker called Angrim. But things seem to have quieted down quite a bit since then, and sitting on the quay watching the fishing boats come in at Ballen, the liveliest thing you’re likely to see are a few kitesurfers taking advantage of the breeze.

In terms of geography, Samsø is long and thin, with the northern section joined to the southern by only a slender spit of land. Nowhere on the island are you more than 3.5 kilometres from the sea. The main town is Tranebjerg, which has the most shops as well as banks and a few restaurants. It’s here that you can find the informative Okømuseum (Eco-museum), which will give you an overview of Samsø through the ages as well as entry 

ity of its produce as well as its eco-conscious residents. You can easily get there from both Zealand and Jutland aboard ferries that depart several times each day. One of the best ways to explore the island is on a bicycle – you can either bring your own or rent one when you arrive at the ferry terminal. The island is also famous for its many dining and accommodation options; it is a perennial favourite with Danish holidaymakers. You can try fresh seafood and wash it down with a glass (or two) of the local wine or beer. What’s more, there is plenty to do, with golfing and sailing being particularly popular activities. Samsø offers something for everyone, and it’s within easy striking distance from most places in Denmark.

Samsø

NEXT WEEK: FANØ

6

•

Events

Summer in Denmark: 13-19 July 2012

Your click to Copenhagen-area museums & experiences

For Families

COPENHAGEN JAZZ FESTIVAL AT CHARLOTTENBORG Once again this year, the Charlottenborg art gallery will host a series of Copenhagen Jazz Festival concerts. Experience music performed outdoors at one of the city’s largest and most beautiful spaces for contemporary art.

June 11 and 12. More information available at jazz.dk.

Kunsthallen Charlottenborg Nyhavn 2, Copenhagen K kunsthalcharlottenborg.dk

WATER – A WORLD OF ADVENTURE A bone-dry ride through the wet element, this exhibition allows you to fight with the power of the sea. See if you can manage to save someone who has fallen overboard from a ship. The 850 sq m exhibition features over 50 thrilling activities and fascinating experiments with water.

Experimentarium Tuborg Havnevej 7, Hellerup experimentarium.dk

GUIDED TOURS AT THE DANISH JEWISH MUSEUM

VISIT A VICTORIAN HOME The Victorian Home is located just a few steps from the

LEJRE – LAND OF LEGENDS Over 10,000 years of Danish history is retold at Sagnlandet Lejre in a uniquely interactive show that involves the entire family. Experience how families lived – or even try to live as a family – in the Stone Age, the Iron Age, the Viking era and the 1800s. Or watch craftsmen labour in period workshops, and Danish breeds of farm animals roam their pastures. For those more into nature than history, Lejre also offers a rolling landscape of forests, ponds and meadows.

Sagnlandet Lejre Slangealleen 2, Lejre sagnlandet.dk

BALANCE AND METABOLISM What do you think about your body? Using objects and images from the unique collections at the Medical Museion, the new Balance and Metabolism exhibit showcases two different understandings of the body in the history of medicine. The exhibition focuses on the therapies that arise from these different theories of the body – from emetics and bloodletting bowls to insulin injectors and hormone treatments – and the conception of the body that resulted in their development.

Medical Museion Bredgade 62, Copenhagen K museion.ku.dk

Exhibitions •

Get the inside story behind Daniel Libeskind’s design for the museum housing 400 years of Jewish history in Denmark. The tour offers highlights from the museum’s permanent collection, titled ‘Space and Spaciousness’. Tours available Fri Jul 6, Sun Jul 8 and Wed Jul 18 at 14:00.

Danish Jewish Museum Proviantspassagen 6, Copenhagen K jewmus.dk

•

National Museum. The flat, which was once home to the merchant Rudolph Christensen, appears precisely as it did between 1890 and 1914. The authentic interiors are well-preserved. Please sign up at the Information Desk.

The guided tour takes place on Sat Jul 14 at 14:00.

The National Museum Ny Vestergade 10, Copenhagen K natmus.dk

German world images 1890-1930 Rare works from the National Gallery’s permanent collection tell the story of one of the most turbulent periods in the history of German art. Through the works of Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee and Emil Nolde, the exhibit depicts the German modernists’ quest to identify the national identity.

The National Gallery Sølvgade 48-50 Copenhagen K smk.dk

My name is Jørgen Leth Impassioned, intellectual, a lover of cycling and an artist fascinated by life’s richness and the body’s beauty, Jørgen Leth has long been a favourite among the cultural elite. Now in his seventies, he has attained cult status among a younger generation. His artistic focus ranges from the close at hand to the worldly, and from the mythic to the basic tenets of daily life. Experience it all at Kunstforeningen Gl. Strand.

Kunstforeningen Gl. Strand Gammel Strand 48 Copenhagen K glstrand.dk Zarah Voigt // Jean Voigt Elegant Sophienholm opens its doors for a spectacular exhibition of the works of jewellery maker Zarah Voight and her father Jean

Voigt. Discover their strange and beautiful universe of silver, black and violet.

Sophienholm Nybrovej 401 Kgs. Lyngby sophienholm.dk

Pilgrim Esrum Abby presents two emotionally moving photo exhibits that focus on pilgrimages. These special journeys trace their roots to ancient times, and are used by many religions as a either a trek from one point on the map to another, or as a spiritual voyage that explores the soul through inner reflection and an examination of

conscience.

Esrum Kloster & Møllegaard Klostergade 11 Græsted esrum.dk Flaming textiles from Uzbekistan Experience a world of colour and pattern as the David Collection presents it newly arranged collection of Uzbekistani ikat fabrics, which are normally not on display.

Ikat fabrics are created using a particularly complicated weaving method that is employed in only in a few parts of the world. In Uzbekistan, where it has been practiced for centuries, the method has been nicknamed ‘flaming yarn’.

David Collection Kronprinsessegade 30 Copenhgen K davidssamling.dk

The

Circus Museum ON LOAN

op uly h J ks in r o ay 0 W s nd 2.3 u rc y Su 1-1 i C er 1 Ev

www cirkusmuseum.dk .

Hovedporten 6 ● Hvidovre ● Sun-Thursday 11-15

Masterpieces from Skagens Museum

4 May - 3 September 2012 SCULPTURE • ARCHITECTUR • PAINTINGS BERTEL THORVALDSENS PLADS 2, COPENHAGEN K OPEN TUESDAY-SUNDAY 10-17 WWW.THORVALDSENSMUSEUM.DK

www.hirschsprung.dk

Open daily 11 AM - 5 PM Closed Mondays

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Summer in Denmark: 13-19 July 2012

Your click to Copenhagen-area museums & experiences

Europe in Copenhagen ...

My museum where I experience art

Photo: Simon Bøcker Mørch

Marina Torp, 37, artist

“ Feeling cooped up in Copenhagen? If you’ve got a touch of wanderlust but can’t get out of the city, why not make a grand tour of Europe in your hometown? There are plenty of places where you can experience the best of some of Europe’s great metropolises. This summer, we’ll take you to Berlin, Amsterdam, Rome and Paris – without ever leaving the Copenhagen area. Next destination: Amsterdam.

By Julie W. Tovgaard

W

HETHER it’s canal tours, quaint bridges, artists who cut off their ears or coffee shops, there’s something for everyone in Amsterdam. Throw on your clogs and follow the trail to find traces of Amsterdam in Copenhagen. Danes have always been keen on the Netherlands. As far back as 1521, Dutch farmers, at the invite of King Christian II, settled on the island of Amager.

Life in the Dutch village and its foreign customs attracted artists such as Julius Exner, Friedlænder and Jens Juel. Their paintings, as well as the traditional clothing worn by the

settlers, is on display at Amager Museum.

In the Netherlands, they say Amsterdam has two types of tourists: those who visit the van Gogh Museum first, and those who visit the red-light district first. But many are also attracted to the city’s coffee shops. Unlike Amsterdam, though, Copenhagen’s cafés don’t sell hash, but at the National Museum, you can see a hash booth that once served customers in the Christiania commune.

For those whose tastes lean more towards art and nature, Nivaagaard presents a collection of landscapes by Dutch baroque artists Jan van Goyen, Salomon Ruysdael, Aert van der Neer and Jacob van Ruisdael. Nivaagaard also houses a number of portraits, including one by Rembrandt. And what’s more Dutch than a windmill? At the Gilleleje Musuem, the impressive Ramløse Mølle is still operated by a miller and his apprentice.

The best way to cure your hangover after a night of partying is to head over to Malmö, grab a big brunch somewhere and then go look at art in Malmö Konsthall. That’s such a great way to see art, and Malmö Konstall is an incredible place. When you’re like that, you’ve got no urgent need to look critically at art – you can just experience it as it is. I’m not such a big fan of minimalism, but when I’m tired and I’m still a little woozy, it’s just what the doctor ordered. It’s also an experience to be able travel to another country to go to a gallery. And besides, Malmö’s a nice place.

“I’m a big fan of Statens Museum for Kunst and the things they do to bring art out of people. The last time I attended one of their alternative events, they had a punk band giving a concert. I think it’s great that they try to attract a broader range of people into the national gallery by showing that the term ‘art’ can be applied to a lot of things, including a musical performance, a poetry reading or whatever other crazy idea you can come up with. Art thrives when it’s in our midst. There’s nothing that says that visiting a museum should be something special.

“One place I’d really like to visit is the Cisterns – the Museum of Modern Glass Art – located at Søndermarken park in Frederiksberg. The museum itself is in one of the city’s old water reservoirs, and I’m told it’s quite magical. I could imagine that it would be a unique place to show art, since it’s underground and there’s no natural light. Normally, location doesn’t mean much to me – inspiration can strike anywhere – but it’s important that we make room for art, and that we open up ourselves to it. That’s why I prefer to go to museums just after they open or just before they close.”

By: Fie Krøyer Dahl

Back in Copenhagen, head to Nyhavn and hop on a canal-tour boat. The trip passes houseboats, elegant bridges and throngs of bikes, all accompanied by the scent of Dutch waffles. Entering the canals of Chrstianshavn, the sight is truly Dutch.

Founded in 1618 by Christian IV, the area was intended as housing for Dutch immigrants. It was built in the Dutch style in 1618 by Johan Semp. Those interested in modern architecture can stop along the canal tour at the Danish Architecture Centre, which shows the latest international trends in architecture.

End the day in the gardens of Kongens Have, in the shadow of Rosenborg Castle. When the flowers are in bloom during the spring, the tulips conjure up memories of Dutch fields. And last on the list of Dutch treats in Copenhagen is a stop at Café Amsterdam, at Cort Adelers Gade 2, behind the Royal Theatre.

There, the Heineken is always cold.

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Summer in Denmark: 13-19 July 2012

Neighbourhood safari | Østerbro

More than just a quiet façade

By Elise Beacom

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DISTRICT more suitable for feeding the ducks than satisfying your urge to party, Østerbro sits pretty on the edge of the city centre. With a long-established reputation as Copenhagen’s upper-class neighbourhood, Østerbro is more commonly associated with being liveable rather than hip or cool. And being a typically wealthy area, a chance encounter with a Danish celebrity is not uncommon. But look past the uniform apartment buildings, wide boulevards and quiet residential streets, and you’ll see that this area has more to offer than simple everyday conveniences. Fælledparken, the large central park, is a happening hub for sporting events and festivals alike. Situated close by is Parken, a sports stadium that doubles as a stage for some of the biggest musical acts to visit Copenhagen. Indeed, parks and lakes decorate much of Østerbro, from the green slopes of Kastellet to the vast expanse of city lakes that form the chosen route for hundreds of joggers every day. With good cafés and restaurants, health-food shops and organic-produce signs plastered everywhere, it’s clear that many people who live in this area like to take care of themselves. They relish life in their tranquil neighbourhood and are perfectly happy to seek action further afield. After all, the noisier surrounding districts, like Nørrebro and the city centre, are just a short bike ride away.

Hellerup

Østerbro Nørrebro Frederiksberg Vesterbro

DO In an area sometimes dubbed ‘the Latté District’, it’s surprising how much there is to do for free in Østerbro. Its lush green parks offer plenty of opportunities for barbecues and picnics. Kastellet is a particularly picturesque option set against a backdrop of green embankments and windmills. The slopes of the star-shaped citadel are dotted with cannons, and served a more practical purpose back in the 1600s when they protected Denmark against invading forces. A stroll down to the adjacent waterfront reveals Copenhagen Harbour and one of the city’s biggest (or smallest) tourist attractions – Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid. At Fiskerihavnen, located at the tip of Nordhavn, amateur anglers can take out small fishing boats, and there’s a kiosk for restocking fishing (and beer) supplies. For active land-dwellers, running around the city lakes or through Fælledparken is pleasant, while spectators might prefer seeing a concert or football match at the adjoining Parken.

OUR PICK!

Kastellet. A star-shaped wonderland perfect for a picnic lunch (near Østerport Station)

EAT When the sun is shining, Dag H Café and Restaurant is in the perfect position. Its guests can enjoy alfresco dining, while warming their necks and watching bicycles whizz by at the busy Lille Triangel intersection. Italian trattoria-style restaurant Hos Fischer on Victor Borges Plads, also allows patrons to spill out onto the prome- nade. The square, Bopa Plads, shows off a big playground and a number of quaint eateries like Pixie – a good place for brunch. Another popular, but hidden, brunch joint is Canteen on Nordre Frihavnsgade.

From the outside, it looks exactly as its name suggests but inside, it’s far more charming than a cafeteria. Kafferiet, near Kastellet, is a cosy coffee bar – its counter is decorated with a selection of colourful candy for sale. For something more substantial, burgerlovers rave about Halifax at Trianglen, and if you really want to splurge, try Geranium – it was named the world’s 49th best restaurant this year.

OUR PICK!

SHOP Though located away from Copenhagen’s main shopping hub, there are plenty of small boutiques and interesting shops to be found in Østerbro. For cutting-edge Danish design and fashion, Normann Copenhagen on Østerbrogade is a must visit – the shop changes its gorgeous window display almost daily. For women’s clothing, Berg, also on Østerbrogade, has amazing threads and shoes bursting with colour, and a short walk further north will bring you to OZ – to keep the men happy. With so many great jogging routes in the neighborhood, a host of running stores – like Marathon Sport, located at the top of the lakes – cater to active types. Nordre Frihavnsgade is also sparsely dotted with interesting stores. For pre-loved designer clothes, Greibe og Kumari is the place, a delightful wine shop, Vinobossen, is packed with boutique brews, fancy tea and liquorice, and the staff at Odin Fisk will dish up plenty of charisma with their fresh catch.

OUR PICK!

Christianshavn

AFTER DARK In a quiet neighbourhood like Østerbro, the selection of watering holes is limited to a range of intimate bars ideal for kicking off a night out. Summer is the time to sip cocktails, and there is a delicious range on offer at Kitjin on Århusgade. There are comfortable couches inside, and an old kitchen at the back doubles as a novel smoking room. The bar also has generous happyhour deals, with two-for-one cocktails every evening until 21:00.

Pixie transforms into a bar in the evenings, with outdoor seating and a courtyard for balmy nights. Fru Heiberg, on Rosenvængets Allé behind Trianglen, is a French- and Danish-inspired restaurant that’s open late from Thursday to Saturday – its cosy surroundings are ideal for a glass of wine. For some Mediterranean flavour on the same street, try Panzon Vinbar for wine or tapas – or both.

OUR PICK!

Kitjn. You’ll love the delicious mojitos served in glass jars (Århusgade 14)

Normann Copenhagen. This flagship store showcases Danish design at its best (Østerbrogade 70)

NEXT WEEK: VESTERBRO

Canteen. Book a table by the window so you can watch the world go by during brunch (Nordre Frihavnsgade 52)

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13-19 July 2012

SUMMER IN DENMARK

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