From Aberdeen to Thisted: Starting a new chapter in Denmark

Never had I thought my Scotland adventure would end so soon after finishing my Master’s studies, but there was a job opportunity in Denmark that I simply couldn’t turn down… In mid-February, I went back to full-time excavating, but not on Lolland this time around. Instead, I moved to the northwest of Jutland, to a small town called Thisted.

Although part of me wanted to stay in Scotland and explore what life could be there, a bigger part of me missed my home country and especially being close to my family. But leaving Aberdeen wasn’t easy. I’ll admit that I didn’t love city life as such, but there is truly something special about the university and all the friends I made there. Leaving them behind was the toughest. It was also hard having to uproot everything once again. But at least this time, I wasn’t alone in doing so. Minnie, of course, joined me on the long overland journey to Denmark (with me lugging around two suitcases and four bags…), and now lives with me in Thisted! My little baby is already well-travelled!

Even though I’ve left life in Aberdeen behind, my story with the city has not ended. I still feel a deep connection to Scotland and the city, and I do think I’ll be travelling back quite a bit. The first time will hopefully be this autumn to attend my graduation ceremony!

Working on my dissertation for months on end and then uprooting my life immediately afterwards exhausted me in a way I haven’t experienced before. I usually have a lot of energy throughout the day, but these past months, I’ve not been able to get hardly anything done after work. I guess my body – and brain! – really needed some rest. I’m finally now in a headspace where I can write again. I’ve missed blogging! And now it’s finally time to introduce y’all to our new hometown!

Thisted is a cozy small town near Thy National Park in the northwest of Jutland, home to around 13.000 people. It’s a vibrant city full of life, with a walking street brimming with small shops and cafés, a nice harbour area with views to the island of Mors, lots of parks for Minnie to run free in, and overall has a very laid-back atmosphere. I’m working for the local museum, and I’m really enjoying my job. I’d missed excavating and spending my days outside in all kinds of weather!

Minnie and I are staying in a spacious cellar apartment, belonging to a local who takes care of Minnie during the day. She also has a dog and a cat, and Minnie loves all three of them, so it really is the perfect situation for us. I wouldn’t want Minnie to be alone for all the hours I’m gone for work, so I am really happy that I found someone so caring and kind to look after her. And I can tell that Minnie loves it, as she always gets excited in the morning and runs up the stairs to greet them!

I’ve lived in Thisted for 2,5 months now, and life here has been great. I’m enjoying a slower paced lifestyle, with close access to friends and family, and lots of beautiful new places to explore nearby!

Speaking of places to explore, Thy National Park is full of them! I had only scratched the surface of this part of Denmark before moving to Thisted, but I am excited to explore it in depth now. It’s arguably one of the prettiest parts of the country with vast forests, hilly countryside, rugged coastlines with high sand dunes, and traditional fishing villages.

We’ve already spent a few weekends hiking and exploring some of the villages, but there is so much more I want to see! I can’t wait to bring you all on the journey with us!

Now that we’ve settled in Thisted, I’m excited to see what life here has to offer. I’m looking forward to long summer nights, autumn colours and cozy Christmas moments. And all of it with Minnie by my side!