Summertime, Summertime

Aaaah the long bright summer nights are upon us, the fresh local berries and vegetables have hit the supermarket shelves, the blackbirds are singing at 3am, the tan lines on your arms have returned, and you can almost taste the cold drinks and the grilled sausages in the air. Summer in Denmark is here, and we love it!

Summer in Denmark is short but sweet, and because of that, Danes appreciate and embrace every ray of sunshine (unless you’re a farmer or a garden enthusiast, then you’re praying for rain these days). June has been exceptionally dry this year, as summer normally involves unpredictable and unreliable weather with sunshine one day and rain the next.

As July approaches, many Danes are getting ready to take their annual holiday leave. Many businesses slow down, and some industries are closing for the summer. Weeks 28, 29 and 30 are referred to as the ‘industri ferie’ (industry holiday), which got its name from a time where most industries would close their production a few weeks during summer so that staff could spend time off with their family.

These days, many industries can’t close their production down completely. However, depending on the line of work, many industries still operate with skeleton staff, staff replacements or at a slower pace during the month of July.

Many public services (such as International Citizen Service and SIRI) also work with less staff, so longer wait times should be expected. Our services at International Staff Office are also closed for 2 weeks in July, so please make sure you check our website to see how our closing hours may affect you.

During the industry holiday schools are closed, and daycare centres offer limited services. Hence many people take annual leave during this time, even though it’s usually more expensive to holiday during this peak period. Many Danes will migrate to their summer cabins, or spend their holidays travelling, unwinding, or enjoying the summer events or festivities that the city has to offer.

If you’re new to Denmark or if you have been busy with work over the last few months, July offers the perfect opportunity to get out and about and see a bit of Denmark. Have a look at Visitdenmark.com and get inspired to go sightseeing, bikepacking, hiking or exploring some of the local history and culture.

If you live in Aarhus, you may notice it’s buzzing a little louder in the month of July. The buzzing is not solely from the happy bees hanging out at Denmark’s biggest flower festival at Tivoli Friheden, but from the cafes, restaurants and shops, which come alive this time of the year with tourists, music, entertainment and extended opening hours. All over Denmark there will be summer-related activities, festivals, and events happening.

Aarhus is no exception and by visiting visitaarhus.dk, you can get an overview of some of the events on in the city. You can for example enjoy Aarhus Jazz Festival from the 8-15^th July, and listen to jazz at many different venues in the city. Many of these events are free, and there’s even jazz concerts for kids.  

If you want to experience Danish summer as it was lived in 1864, then head to Den Gamle By, which takes you on a journey back in time. Or if your interest in Danish history goes well beyond the last 200 years then you should make a stop at Moesgaard museum between the 27-30^th July, when the museum hosts Viking Days. Here you can explore the authentic life, crafts, food, legends, and music of the Viking Age.

Are you planning to spend the month of July in Denmark, there is plenty to see and do. Even if you prefer to spend the sunny days (weather optimism at its best), relaxing at the beach or at home with a bowl of Koldskål and kammerjunkere (a cold summer dessert made of buttermilk topped with crisp cookies – the epitome of summer for many Danes), then we hope you will enjoy the summer.

We look forward to seeing you around next semester.