Locals describe Aarhus as laid-back,liberal and liveable.

I visited the ‘happiest city in the world’ – here’s what I learnt

“I’m here to find out if Aarhus is the happiest city in the world,” I told the immigration officer. “It is,” she responded,deadpan,before stamping my passport.

  • byGreg Dickinson
Sweden,Norway and Denmark consistently top world happiness index lists.

Ten things we’ll never understand about Scandinavia

Denmark,Norway and Sweden get universal praise for their way of life,but some things about Scandinavia strike outsiders as peculiar.

  • byBrian Johnston
The cruise ship Viking Star docked at port in Copenhagen.

Port guide:Copenhagen,Denmark

As you approach,your ship dodges wind farms and an island fortress. It isn’t the most scenic approach,but silvery Scandinavian seas add ethereal beauty.

  • byBrian Johnston
In Copenhagen,tourist passes are good value.

How to do the most expensive part of Europe on the cheap

Scandinavia is notoriously expensive,but savvy travellers can cut the cost of visiting Denmark,Sweden and Norway.

  • byBrian Johnston
The old resort town of Sopot in Poland.

Forget the Med:Europe’s new,surprising,summer holiday hotspot

It’s easy to forget there are beaches in Europe beyond those fringing the Mediterranean Sea. But a change in weather patterns is driving a shift in attitudes.

  • bySarah Marshall
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The Sydney Opera House’s 50th is being celebrated on the other side of the world.

Stunning exhibition hints at what Sydney’s most famous building might have been

A new exhibition traces Sydney Opera House’s evolution from architect Jorn Utzon’s earliest,fledgling ideas to its famously complex construction.

  • byMatt Wade
Hygge at its cosiest.

The travel lesson we should learn from Denmark

The cosy Danish concept of hygge might make your travels more mindful and less expensive.

  • byBrian Johnston
Strawberries and a fresh pastry from Bageriet Benji.

Where can you find the world’s best Danish pastries? Start with the capital

In Copenhagen,the pastry scene is buzzy,and there’s a distinct charm that I can’t quite put my finger on. But an ex-Noma chef has a good theory.

  • byTatyana Leonov
Inside Bagsvaerd Church.

Opera House architect’s Danish church is not what you’d expect

I’m not sure if we would have driven to Bagsvaerd Church had we not been familiar with Jorn Utzon’s work,but I was curious.

  • byTatyana Leonov
Smorrebrod:This Nordic nosh is basically anything delicious piled on top of a slice of bread.

What is smorrebrod? The origins of the Danish open sandwich

As long as the sandwich is topless and tasty,you have yourself a smorrebrod.

  • byBen Groundwater