Adenike Adekanmbi in Roskilde Cathedral

Old Members’ Trust Graduate Conference and Academic Travel Fund report – Adenike Adekanmbi (2024, Law and Finance)

Thanks to the generosity of the Old Members’ Trust Graduate Conference and Academic Travel Fund, I was able to visit Denmark and Germany between 21 and 26 May 2025. This was my first time in the European Union, and it proved to be a deeply enriching experience that combined cultural exploration, personal growth, and meaningful connections.

Kronborg Castle

In Denmark, I immersed myself in the country’s remarkable history and heritage. I visited several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and cultural landmarks that brought centuries of history to life. Highlights included Kronborg Castle in Elsinore, famously known as the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet; Frederiksborg Castle, the largest renaissance castle in Scandinavia and home to the Museum of National History; and Roskilde Cathedral, where Danish monarchs are buried. I also explored the Viking Ship Museum, which preserves Denmark’s maritime and Viking-era heritage — it felt surreal to stand where Vikings once lived, having only encountered their stories through television series.

Roskilde Cathedral

Beyond these sites, I took time to experience the vibrant city of Copenhagen. I enjoyed a canal cruise that offered a unique perspective on the city’s famous architecture, and I spent time at the Nyhavn canal stretch, which was especially beautiful at night. Another memorable stop was the Rundetårn (Round Tower), a 17th-century observatory that provided stunning views across the city. It was both exciting and thought-provoking to explore a place so different from home, and to reflect on the contrasts and similarities.

Cologne at night

In Germany, I had the chance to reconnect with my best friend, whom I hadn’t seen in nearly three years; this reunion felt like being with family. I visited Bonn and Cologne, enjoying the opportunity to compare these German cities with Copenhagen. Experiencing the different rhythms, cultures, and atmospheres of these places helped me appreciate the diversity within Europe and deepened my cross-cultural understanding. Although the trip was not linked to formal academic activity, it was invaluable for my well-being. It offered much-needed rest, mental rejuvenation, and cultural enrichment at a busy time in my studies. Perhaps most significantly, it sparked a new personal goal: to visit more UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I know that whenever I explore one in the future, I will remember fondly that this hobby began thanks to the opportunity afforded me through Univ’s generous support!

Published: 5 September 2025

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