No, I wasn't in Sweden!
27 September 2025
What a wonderful Saturday! Sometimes it's the spontaneous moments and unexpected discoveries that make a day truly special. That's exactly what happened yesterday in Skagen – my second home, where I work as a tour guide, but this time I got to explore it privately with dear friends.
Together with my friend and colleague Danni, her husband, and my husband, I experienced a typical Danish jazz brunch for the first time. The venue was the former school building Kappelborg in Skagen, which today houses a vibrant cultural center with a music school, library, cinema, and event hall.
At precisely 12:30 we entered the hall and were greeted by a sight that delighted all the senses: a gorgeous cold buffet awaited us with delicious Danish specialties. Two different types of herring with matching dips and sauces, fresh bread and crispy crackers, fine cheese with sweet grapes, and – the absolute highlight – the famous Danish fish patties. A feast for the palate!
At 2:00 PM, the "Sisters of Jazz" took the stage – a Swedish women's band that captivated us from the very first note. What a discovery! They played not only the beloved jazz standards that warm the heart, but also surprised us with completely new songs. It's fascinating how different the musical culture is between Denmark, Sweden, and Germany – you're constantly learning here!
The atmosphere was simply magical: good food, wonderful music, and the relaxed, convivial mood that Denmark is so famous for.
When the event ended at 4:00 PM and we stepped into the bright sunlight, the mood was far too good to head home. We had to get soft ice cream – and that turned into a wonderful, spontaneous city stroll!
We wandered from the harbor to the Swedish Seamen's Church, admired the former hospital, and took a detour to Drachmann's House. Every step tells a story, every corner holds new discoveries.
But the real highlight was still waiting for us! Just before reaching the car, Danni and I spontaneously decided to visit the Assistens Cemetery – a place we'd never explored during all our tours. What a wonderful decision!
Like treasure hunters, we wandered through this well-maintained park and discovered the graves of all those people we talk about so often in our work as tour guides. The family graves of the Brøndum and Ancher families, the resting places of other artists and architects, along with the moving sailors' graves with so many familiar names.
The cemetery itself is a little paradise – a beautifully landscaped park with old and new sections, majestic trees, and a peace that immediately grounds you. Right in the middle of the city and yet like a hidden retreat.
The beauty of such discovery tours is: there's always more to find! Some names and graves remained undiscovered yesterday – which means we absolutely have to come back. How exciting is that?!
Tired and overjoyed, we finally arrived home.
What began as a simple jazz brunch developed into a perfect day full of music, culture, friendship, and unexpected discoveries.
Sometimes you don't need to travel far – the most beautiful adventures often wait right at your doorstep.
Skagen, you wonderful city, you surprise me again and again! Even after all these months as a tour guide, there's still so much to discover.
That only makes my love for this special place grow even bigger.
