Middlefart, Denmark (July 29, 2025)
I’m sorry, what is the name of this town called again? How do you pronounce it? As in, exactly like it sounds? Okay Bill, get your 5-year old brain out of the gutter. How old are you right now? You can’t hear the word Fart inside the name that dates back to 1231. Is there any coincidence that my wife sent me this picture this morning?
Cousin Tara (left) Holly (center) and my wife Elana (right) age about 4 or 5?
This was the first image that popped into my head when I heard the name of this town. So I had to Google it to get my mind out of the gutter. Originally, the town name was, "Mæthælfar" in 1231, and it means "middle way" or "middle passage", referring to the town's location at the narrowest part of the Little Belt. While the exact founding date is unknown, Middelfart's history is tied to its strategic location and its role in ferry transport and fishing.
For me, it was a great opportunity to see another part of Denmark, take some picture and eat some of the famous food — specifically a local hot dog that you can only get in this area as well as one of the best ice-cream cones around (including a dip in chocolate bonnet with fluff on top — yes please!) It also looks great in my beard, don’t you agree?
Mmmm. Fluff. It gets in your beard and stays there for HOURS as an after treat!
By the way, if you’ve been following my Irish tan, my color is about as brown as the fence color behind me. When I was a kid and spent so much time outside, I instantly became a toe-head blond and had such a tan that I didn’t need to wear sun screen. Now I apply 50 or 75 sunblock EVERY DAY, usually wear a big floppy hat, stay in the shade when possible, and yet I look about the same.
Check out that church built in 1667. Apparently it’s common to have ships hanging like chandeliers inside the churches (see pictures #17 & 18). Apparently, Danish churches often feature model ships hanging from the ceiling as a tradition rooted in the country's strong maritime history and culture.
These ships, known as votive ships, serve as symbols of faith, remembrance, and a connection to the sea. They represent gratitude for safe voyages, commemorate those lost at sea, and symbolize the church's role as a refuge from life's storms. Now that’s different and I’m glad I witnessed it first hand.
Also, check out picture #16 right before it. This is a Whale Shark that was caught right off the coast of Middlefart (I know, it’s funny every time I hear it too) and so the jaw bone hangs from the church to this day.
As we left the town, we saw something off in the distance that caught my eye …
These apartments are called The Wave and are architecturally interesting
Apparently, this distinctive building was selected as winner of the prestigious Civic Trust Award. As part of the description of this award (and according to Michael Webb), “The Wave demonstrates how Danish architects are responding to global trends without sacrificing the practicality or well-crafted detailing that have long been a signature of the Danes.” So, in essence, it’s distinctly Danish and as such I wanted to share it as it certainly caught my attention on our drive.
This is a bridge built exclusively for the use of animals — decreasing deaths
Another thing that caught my eye on our drive was a bridge built specifically to support animal crossings safely over the highway. As you can see in the picture above, the bridge supported the growth the natural plants, shrubs and small trees that are native to the area encouraging animals to cross here rather than risking their lives (and causing accidents) running across the road. This may exist elsewhere in the world, but this is the first one I noticed, asked about, and received an answer that satisfied my curiosity.
Food rating being rolled out in Denmark — would love this if kept independent
The last thing I’d like to include here is a note on the food in Denmark. Let me start with something clever I wish they did globally — independent food ratings. I know it’s nowhere near “perfect” but having an independent organization (i.e. not controlled by BIG FOOD conglomerates) rate the nutritional value on packaged foods has the potential to be a game changer.
While I don’t believe people would automatically migrate all their eating habits to “A” foods only, I do think some would be surprised to discover their favorite “go to” foods rate below a “C” score. Occasionally, that’s fine, but is it any wonder we have an obesity crisis in the United States when so much of our go to diet is fast, cheap and convenient (which I’m guessing by and large would receive a “D” or “F” rating on the Nutri-Score above).
Seeing this prominently displayed on our food would likely have us begin to notice our bad habits and begin to take small actions to change our behavior. I full admit behavior shifts are difficult, but the first step to any progress is awareness of the problem and a desire to make a positive change. I think having this Nutri-Score on all packaged foods would help to that end.
And yet, I couldn’t leave Denmark without having their famous chocolate bun
All that being said, we are always at choice. And before I left Denmark, I decided I wanted to try more of the famous Danish food especially in the “bun, roll and bread” department.
Yum. Airport food in Denmark may not be an “A” Nutri-Score, but it ROCKS on flavor and satisfaction
Turns out, one of the more famous bakeries in Denmark was right under my nose in New York. In Denmark, it’s called Lagkagehuset, but that’s NOT what the same bakery is called in New York. There it’s know as Ole & Steen, which is the same company under a different name (i.e. the parent name instead). I think I just discovered Elena’s new favorite bakery. I can’t wait to take here there.
